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
HCS Labeling requirements regarding intra-plant and intercompany shipping 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(f)(6), 1910.1200(f)(7)
Occupational Exposure to Beryllium Standard – Dissolvable Laundry Bags for Personal Protective Clothing 1910.1024(h)(2)(v), 1910.1024(m)(3), 1910.1200, 1910.1024
Clarification on the use of cold therapy. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)
Enforcement Policy - Crane Operator Certification Requirements 1926 Subpart CC, 1926.1427
Enforcement Policy for Respiratory Hazards Not Covered by OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits 1910.1200
Use of Grit- and Water Based Sweeping Compound for Silica 1910.1053(h)(1), 1910.1053(f)(1)
Restriction on using performance option/objective data for repeat monitoring in OSHA’s General Industry Lead and Cadmium standards 1910.1025, 1910.1026, 1910.1027, 1910.1053
Clarification of OSHA's Position on Workplace Safety Incentive Programs and Post-Incident Drug Testing Under 29 C.F.R. §1904.35(b)(1)(iv) 1904.35(b)(1)(iv)
[De Minimis] Violation Notices: Blood Laboratory Proficiency Testing and Approval 1910.1025, 1910.1025(j)(2)(iii), 1926.62, 1926.62(j)(2)(iii)
Hazard Communication Standard – SDS responsible party and hazards not otherwise classified 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)(6), 1910.1200(g)(2)(ii), 1910.1200 App C, 1910.1200 App D
Prescription medications, such as an Epi-Pen considered medical treatment beyond first-aid. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7
The use of braces with rigid stays. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)(F)
A powered industrial truck is not unattended if still in view by the nearby operator 1910.178(m)(5)(ii)
Hearing Conservation Program 1910.95(c)
Clarification on the use of a cold therapy only setting on a therapeutic device is first-aid 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)
CPDA's request to extend the deadline for distributors to label non-pesticide agricultural chemical products in accordance with the HCS 2012 1910.1200(j)(2), 1910.1200(j)(2)(i)
EPA Risk Pesticides Subject to HCS Labeling 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(5)(i), 1910.1200(b)(5)(v), 1910.1200(g)
Who can perform a pulmonary function test (PFT) in compliance with the Respirable Crystalline Silica Standards? 1910.1053(i)(2)(iv), 1926.1153(h)(2)(iv)
Compliance with the access provisions when using a software application containing the records 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.29(b)(6), 1904.35, 1904.40
Hazard Communication Standard – SDS Physical and Chemical Properties 1910.1200