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
Clarification of revised Subpart K, Electrical Standard for Construction, 1926.403(a). 1926.403(a)
Cranes used to hoist and suspend employees on a work platform.
Definition, application and use of "Horns". 1926.602
Application of the Hazard Communication Standard to art materials industry. 1910.1200
Definitions of target organ and hazards of chemicals under the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Respiratory protection compliance responsibility for contract workers and visitors. 1910.134
National Paint and Coatings Association's (NPCA) Health Effects Labeling Approach 1910.1200
Interim enforcement procedures for AIDS, Hepatitis B, and other blood-borne infectious diseases. 1910.132, 1910.22(a)(1), 1910.141(a)(4)(ii), 1910.145
Responsibility for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) 1910.1200
Clarification of the requirement for representative monitoring under the asbestos standard for construction. 1926.1101(f)
Requirements of 1910.177, Restraining Devices and Barriers. 1910.177
Presence of chromium in monocomponent photocopier toner is under investigation. 1910.1200
Horns and audible alarms. 1926.602(a)(9)(i)
Definition of "statistically reliable measurements" in 1926.58(f) (4). 1926.58(f)(4)
Applicability of the HCS to manufacturers of steel coils. 1910.1200
Manually controlled top loading operations of tank vehicles. 1910.106(f)(3)(iii)
Fall protection for employees exposed to hazardous falls from roofs. 1910.66(e)(3), 1910.23, 1910.145(c)(3)
Access ladder for scaffolds. 1926.450
Safe working load of ship's gear in union purchase 1918.51(a), 1918.51(b)
Cancer warning labels for formaldehyde and products containing formaldehyde 1910.1200(f)