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
Clarification of assigned working hours when recording work-related injuires/illnesses. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.5
Trainer qualifications under the HAZWOPER standard. 1910.120
Clarification of OSHA's position on preemption precluding state court findings with regard to defective NIOSH-certified respirators. 1910.134
Clarification on number of qualified employees required when working with electrical components. 1910.269, 1910.269(l)(1), 1910.269(l)(2)
Use of gloves by masons 1926.95, 1926.95(a)
"Applicability of the PSM standard's mechanical intergrity requirements to refinery structures." 1910.119, 1910.119(d)(3), 1910.119(e), 1910.119(j), 1910.119(l)
Definition of a single use and negative pressure respirator 1910.134
Clarification of the term abnormal condition as used in the Recordkeeping standard 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.4(a), 1904.46
OSHA requirements for mercury response and clean-up personnel in a number of different site-specific scenarios. 1910.120, 1910.1000
Using a stepladder as a non-self-supporting ladder. 1926.1053, 1926.1053(a)(2), 1926.1053(b)(4)
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment Standard 1910.132
OSHA requirement for sharps containers to be closable 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(l)(i)
Exposure to radon when working in trenches or excavations. 1910.1096, 1910.1096(c)(1), 1926.53
Medical exams and blood testing for zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) under OSHA's Lead Standards. 1910.1025, 1910.1025(j)(1)(i)
Consuming food and/or beverages in the same work area where known hazardous chemicals are used. 1910.141, 1910.141(a)(2), 1910.141(g)(2)
Compliance with 1926.1101 when drilling through asbestos-containing floor tile/mastic. 1926.1101, 1926.1101(g), 1926.1101(g)(5), 1926.1101(g)(9)
Whether manual joint manipulation is considered first aid or medical treatment for recordkeeping purposes 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7
Clarification on equivalent test nebulizer for qualitative fit tests. 1910.134
Confidentiality of employee post-exposure evaluations as it pertains to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard; use of portable fans in phlebotomy collection rooms. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(f)(3), 1910.303, 1910.303(b)(2)
OSHA's position on mandatory flu shots for employees.