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
The Willson "type 3" eye protective device complies with ANSI Z87. 1-1968. 1910.133(b)(2)
Clarification of our scaffold standards. 1926.451
Clarification of service braking system requirements for rubber- tire off-highway equipment. 1926.602(a)(4)
Hair where the mask edges meet the skin is not permitted for wearers of 30 minute positive pressure SCBA respirators. 1910.134(g)(1)(i), 1910.134(g)(1)(ii), 1910.134(g)(1)(iii)
Requirements for listing multiple exposure limits on MSDSs under the HCS. 1910.1200
Explanation of HCS labeling requirements to the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers. 1910.1200(f)
Applicability of HCS standard to shipment of truck parts. 1910.1200
Labeling requirements for bulk shipments of metallic scrap under the HCS. 1910.1200(f), 1910.1200(f)(2)
The safe use of portable, compressed-air-actuated, fastener driving tools (staple guns) 1910.212, 1910.212(a)(3)(ii), 1910.242(a)
Professional liability insurance for asbestos abatement consultants. 1910.1001, 1926.1101
Establishing carcinogenicity of sodium and potassium salts of chromate and dichromate. 1910.1200(d)(4)
Sampling methods for ethylene oxide 1910.1047
Centrifugal safety switch for a concrete trowel machine is acceptable. 1926.702(c)
Power Presses of the Powder Metal Industry. 1910.212, 1910.217
OSHA requirements for exit sign lettering. 1910.37, 1910.37(b)(7)
Acceptability of heat shrinkable insulating covers in making splices. 1926.403, 1926.405
Response to letter suggesting that the noise standard of 90 dB(A) is set at too high a level, and should be 85 dB(A) or less. 1910.95
Requirements for fingerprint powders containing carbon black under the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Requirements under the Hazard Communication standard for visibility of labels on shipments of palletized bags. 1910.1200
Application of the HCS to Borax Powered Hand Soap. 1910.1200