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
Hazard evaluation requirements under the Hazard Communication standard. 1910.1200
MSDS and labeling requirements for copper or aluminum wire or metal products. 1910.1200
Batam crawler C-350 and C-35 machines used only as a tamper. 1926.550
Monitoring inspections for long-term abatements.
Definitions of "massive release", "equipment failure", and "emergency" under the vinyl chloride standard. 1910.1017
Classifying self-elevating lift boats and enforcement responsibility. 1975.1
Classification of foundry products such as castings in relation to the HCS. 1910.1200
Alarm requirements for breathing air compressors;Respirators for paint materials containing TDI or MDI;Full facepiece respirators are required when eye irritation is experienced. 1910.134(i), 1910.134(d)
Ground Fault Protection as related to extension cords between the permanent wiring and the powered tool. 1926.403
Clarification of Competent and Qualified Person, as it Relates to Subpart P. 1926.32, 1926.650, 1926.651
Definition of closed system and release reporting requirements for methyl chloromethyl ether. 1910.1006, 1910.1008
Double Insulated vs. Electrically Grounded Sewing Machines for Schooling Use. 1910.304
Participation of Federal employee representatives in OSHA proceedings at which there are discussions of hazard abatement. 1960.30
MSDS should be distributed for welding wire containing hazardous chemicals. 1910.1200(g)
Required floor guarding for pouring concrete on metal decking. 1926.500, 1926.750
Applicability of 1910.106 to Chemical Plants. 1910.106
Response to request for variance from 1910.178(n)(4). 1910.178(n)(4)
Use of silica as an abrasive blaster. 1910.1000 TABLE Z-3
Medical protection removal requirements of the lead standard. 1910.1025(k)
1910.177 does not apply to truck tires designated "LT". 1910.177