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
No specific standards regulate supermarket laser scanning equipment 1910.97
Standards applicable to buddy breathing devices for fire brigades. 1910.156, 1910.16
Definitions of "substantial noncombustible material" and "facilitate cleaning and washing". 1910.107
A manually propelled elevating work platform is not regulated by a specific standard, and is therefore regulated by the general duty clause. 1910.29
Clarification on OSHA standards for blasting and use of explosives. 1926.905(h), 1926.905(k)
Information on 3,3'-diaminobenzidine
Requirements which must be met before a crane can avoid the requirements for a load indicating device. 1917.46(a)(1), 1918.74(a)(9)(viii)(D)
Facial hair and respirator wearing. 1910.134
Medical Screening requirements for employees previously exposed to beta-Naphthylamine. 1910.1009
Respiratory protection for abrasive blasting with silica. 1910.94(a)(5)(ii)(b)
Interpretation on standards for use of cranes during high wind conditions. 1910.37, 1910.37(b)(4), 1910.27, 1917.45, 1917.45(g)(3)
Applicability of 1910.212(a)(3)(ii) to Portable Pneumatic Powered Fastener Tools 1910.212, 1910.212(a)(3)(ii), 1910.212(a)(3)(iv)(h), 1910.243(a)(2)(ii), 1910.243(b), 1926.302(b)(3)
Information on forklift trucks for handling LOX. 1910.178(c)(2)(iii), 1910.178(c)(2)(iv)
Ventilation requirements for the auto and printing industries. 1910.94, 1910.106, 1910.107, 1910.124, 1910.125(d)(2)
Clarification of medical removal protection benefits in the lead standard. 1910.1025
Standard applicable to control of dust explosions in powdered milk production. 1910.22, 1910.301
Lifting capacity on mechanical material handling equipment may not be changed without the manufacturer's prior written approval. 1910.178(a)(4)
Position on MSDS format for compliance with the Hazard Communication standard. 1910.1200
Requirements for hangers for two-point suspension scaffolds. 1926.451(i)(2)
Clarification of the term "clip" as used in the last sentence of the subject ANSI reference. 1926.700