Letters of Interpretation

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Each letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed.

Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information.

These letters of interpretation and the standards they address may not apply to OSHA State Plans. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or additional requirements. Please see OSHA-approved State Plans for more information.

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Bay Nets Safety System. 1910.23(a)(5)
Guarding of machinery in bowling centers. 1910.147, 1910.212
Medical surveillance provisions in the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response standard. 1910.120(f)(2)
The Field Sanitation Standard, as it relates to the number of workers excluded from coverage. 1928 - Table of Contents
Inspecting and maintaining fire extinguishers. 1910.157(e)(1), 1910.157(e)(3)
Head clearance requirements for fixed ladders used on FAA radio communication towers. 1910.27(c)(1), 1910.268(a)(3), 1910.268(h)
The rung spacing between horizontal members of the end frames of metal scaffolds used as ladders rungs for access or egress. 1910.28, 1910.29
OSHA enforcement of the Field Sanitation Standard and the Hazard Communication Standard with respect to pesticides. 1928 - Table of Contents
Regarding labeling requirements order the OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Availability of MSDSs on Construction Sites 1926.59 , 1910.1200(e)(2), 1910.1200(g)(8)
Application of the HCS MSDS requirements to distributors selling hazardous chemicals to consumers and employers. 1910.1200
Formaldehyde standard and private medical school personnel 1910.1048
The OSHA standard covering personnel protective equipment, as it pertains to who should pay for an employee's prescription lens safety glasses. 1910.132, 1910.133
OSHA requires a minimum of 2 and at least 10% blanks be taken for all samples regardless of purpose. 1910.1001 App A, 1926.1101 App A, 1915.1001 App A
Red Baron Negative Air Enclosure System 1926.58(e)(6)
Interim response to the intent of "advance first-aid" mentioned in 1910.120(q)(3)(vi). 1910.120(q)(3)(vi)
Flammable and Combustible liquids. 1910.106
Concerning the new lockout/tagout standard. 1910.147
Respirators required during initial hazardous waste site entry 1910.120(c)(4)(ii), 1910.120(g), 1910.134
The use of flammable and combustible liquids in dip tanks. 1910.106, 1910.123, 1910.124, 1910.125, 1910.126