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
Requirements of the HCS and the employer's ability to rely on a manufacturer's hazard determination. 1910.132(d)(1), 1910.1200(g)(5), 1910.1200(h)
Requirements for labeling products that contain a nitrate or nitrite. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(6)(ix), 1910.1200(f)(1)(i)
Whether employers have the option to establish new baseline audiograms when business ownership changes, but medical records are maintained for 30 years. 1910.95(g)(5), 1910.95(g)(9)(i), 1910.95(g)(9)(ii), 1910.95(m)(5)
OSHA's position on the use of Novartis' Fluvirin device. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(b), 1910.1030(c)(1)(v), 1910.1030(d)(2)(i)
OSHA's position on the use of fingers or a two-handed procedure with a hemostat to remove scalpel blades. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A), 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(B)
Re-qualification requirements for mobile crane operators engaged in construction work. 1926.20(b)(4), 1926.21(b)(2), 1926.550(b)(2)
Clarification of CPL 02-02-073 as it pertains to emergency response training for firefighters. 1910.120(q)(6)(i), 1910.120(q)(6)(ii), 1910.120(q)(6)(iii)
Contractor responsibilities for health and safety when removing asbestos-containing materials from private dwellings. 1926.1101
Extent of OSHA's jurisdiction over worksites involving geological and underground storage facilities for gas and hazardous liquids. 1910.119, 1910.119(a)(2)(ii), 1910.119(b)
Determining scaffold support capability. 1910.28, 1910.28(a)(2), 1910.28(a)(4)
Grain handlers and engulfment hazards; procedures for unguarded sweep augers. 1910.23(a)(5), 1910.272, 1910.272(e)(2), 1910.272(g)(1)(ii), 1910.272(g)(2)
Clarification of OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.159(c)(10), Sprinkler spacing. 1910.159(c)(10)
Riggs – PSM Coverage of Biodiesel Facilities 1910.119(a)(1)(ii)(B)
Clarification of the provision banning smoking in the OSHA asbestos standards. 1910.1001, 1910.1001(i)(4), 1915.1001(j)(4), 1926.1101, 1926.1101(j)(4)
OSHA's position on the use of Q104 needle removal device. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(2)(viii)(A), 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(B)
Whether written programs may be kept solely in an electronic format. 1910.146(c)(4), 1910.1030(c)(1)(i), 1910.1030(c)(1)(iii), 1910.1200(e)(1), 1910.1200(e)(4)
OSHA's position on employer performing additional air monitoring that exceeds OSHA requirements. 1910.1000
Whether OSHA has jurisdiction to regulate the safety of professional baseball players and spectators.
Requirement for an employer to conduct an exposure assessment for tasks involving lead-containing paint 1926.62, 1926.62(d)(2), 1926.62(d)(2)(i)(A), 1926.62(d)(3)(iii), 1910.62(d)(3)(iv), 1926.62(d)(3)(iv)(A), 1926.62(d)(3)(iv)(B), 1926.62(n)(4)
Employee concern about overexposure to formaldehyde at FEMA trailer manufacturing sites. 1910.1048