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
Standard applicable to two point suspension scaffolds and power platforms used in window cleaning and to hazards in refrigeration plants. 1910.28, 1910.66, 1910.22, 1910.38, 1910.95, 1910.101, 1910.111, 1910.151, 1910.212, 1910.39
Standard applicable to paper and plastic shredder machines. 1910.212, 1910.219, 1910.144
Action taken by OSHA toward the safe use of video display terminals.
MSDS requirements for complex mixtures with similar hazards. 1910.1200
Guarding requirements for package tying machines. 1910.212, 1910.219
Gloves are required for employees handling chloropicrin; Arsenic containing pesticides and wood preservatives are not within the scope of the inorganic arsenic standard. 1910.132, 1910.1018
Slope should be measured from the five-foot level to grade. 1926.652(c)
OSHA standards do not include surface contamination criteria or quantifications for skin absorption 1910.1000
Audiograms conducted in accordance with the hearing conservation amendment. 1910.95(g)(7)(ii)
Response to request for new PEL for wood dusts 1910.265
Standards applicable during the erection of structual steel. 1926.750, 1926.105, 1926.28
Interpretation of "effective hearing conservation program". 1910.95(g)(10)(i)
Standards applicable to Bell Industries "Carb-Cutter" powered tool. 1910.132, 1910.133, 1910.219, 1910.242(a), 1910.243(a), 1910.243(c), 1926.28, 1926.102(a), 1926.300, 1926.302(c), 1926.303, 1926.304
Machine safeguarding requirements apply to refuse industry balers, compactors, and garbage trucks. 1910.212
General overview of safe handling of arsenic containing compounds. 1910.1000
Criteria for final medical determinations under medical removal protection benefits of the lead standard. 1910.1025
Method for exposure compliance determination for substances regulated under Subpart Z. 1910 Subpart Z
Clarification of employment options for employees that fall under the medical removal protection benefits of the lead standard. 1910.1025
Procurement procedures for purchase of personal protective equipment by Federal agencies. 1960.8
Scope of standard for servicing multi-piece and single piece rim wheels. 1910.177(a)(2)