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.

Date	Title	Standard Number
01/18/2012	PEL for cotton dust when exposure is from cotton fibers used in the manufacture of absorbent glass tubes.	1910.1043, 1910.1000
01/12/2012	Clarification of OSHA's position on FR Clothing for welders.	1910.252, 1910.252(b)(3), 1910.132
01/09/2012	Dental office employers with one or more employees must comply with the OSH Act.	1975.4, 1910.1200, 1910.1030, 1910.132
01/09/2012	Requirements of a third-party evaluator of rigger and signal person qualifications.	1926.1401, 1926.1428, 1926.1428(a)
01/03/2012	Clarification on when a trestle ladder would be considered a stepladder.	1926.1053, 1926.1053(b)(13), 1926.1060
12/27/2011	Fit testing requirements for respirators used for CBRN protection.	1910.134, 1910.134(f)(7), 1910.134(f)(8)
12/20/2011	Clarification on the applicability of the Hazard Communication standard DEF tank operations.	1910.1200, 1910.1000
12/19/2011	Removal of Contaminated Needles Prior to Disposal.	1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A)
12/13/2011	Clarification on whether an employer with multiple facilities needs a separate written ECP for each facility.	1910.1030, 1960 - Table of Contents
12/08/2011	Obtaining source individual's consent to release test results.	1910.1030
12/05/2011	Electrical Grounding of Overhead Cranes and Hoists.	1910.179, 1910.304
11/22/2011	Clarification of sampling and testing protocols for determining employee exposure to airborne contaminants.	1910.1048, 1910.1048(c)(2), 1910.1200
11/22/2011	Numerous questions on filtering facepiece/dusk mask respirators.	1910.134, 1910.134(b), 1910.134(c)(2), 1910.134(h)
11/21/2011	Retrieval Lines Tied to Rescuers Entering a Confined Space	1910.146
11/17/2011	Requirement to list carcinogens on labels under GHS.	1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)(11), 1910.1200(g)(5)
11/10/2011	Numerous questions on the removal of asbestos containing gaskets	1926.1101
11/08/2011	Use of IOM sampler for inhalable dust.	1910.1000
10/26/2011	Fit testing for CBRN respirators.	1910.134, 1910.134(f)(7)
10/26/2011	Clarification on the intermingling of flammable and combustible liquids in a storage cabinet.	1910.106, 1910.106(d)(3)(i)
10/18/2011	Clarification of Hazcom provision intended to preempt conflicting state regulatory actions, but not tort claims.	1910.1200, 1910.1200(a)(2)

Letters of Interpretation

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