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
Testing of video display units (VDUs) and the determination of the quality of VDU work environments.
Hazard Communication Standard inspections 1910.1200
Interpretation of the Hazard Communication standard as it applies to mixtures. 1910.1200
Safety requirements applicable to lunch and rest breaks during an employee's workday
At-home transfilling of portable oxygen cylinders by patients. 1910.104
Interpretation of 1910.1043(h)(ii)(c) 1910.1043(h)(3)(ii)(C)
Standard for exposure to tetrahydrofuran; Respirators may be worn only if engineering and administrative controls are not feasible. 1910.1000, 1910.134
Application of the Hazard Communication standard to a nuisance particulate. 1910.1200
Coverage of steel, aluminum, and other metals under the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Maintaining MSDSs on a computer data base. 1910 - Table of Contents, 1910.1020, 1910.1020(d)(1)(ii)(B), 1910.1020(e), 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(g)(8), 1910.1200(g)(9)
Safety and health standards pertaining to the electrical trades. 1926.400
Conformation of labeling requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)(1)
Use of life vests by stevedores to prevent drowning on barges.
Applicability of Section 1910.106 to Chemicals Plants. 1910.106
Preparing a Material Safety Data Sheet under the trade secret provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Response to request for variance from 1910.242(b) 1910.242(b)
OSHA standards for foot protection. 1910.136
Inspection procedures for the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Facial hair in the face sealing area is unacceptable. 1910.134(g)(1)(i), 1910.134(g)(1)(ii), 1910.134(g)(1)(iii)
Interpretation of application of 1910.1020 to Federal agencies. 1910.1020