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 on the use of a cold compression device is considered medical treatment. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(5)
Voluntary use of surgical masks 1910.134
OSHA’s Noise Standard as it applies to medical personnel allowed to interpret audiograms 1910.95(g)(3), 1910.95(g)(7), 1910.95(g)(8)
Use of sampling devices that meet the ISO/CEN particle-size-selective criteria for respirable crystalline silica sampling 1910.1053, 1926.1153 - Index, 1910.1053(k)(1), 1926.1153(j)(1)
Hazard Communication Standard – Globally Harmonized System Revision 5 1910.1200
Clarification on the use of a rigid boot as a precautionary measure 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(7)
Enforcement Guidance for General Industry Rope Descent System (RDS) Anchorage Requirements (29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)) 1910.21(b), 1910.27(b)(1), 1910.27(b)(1)(i), 1910.27(b)(1)(ii), 1910.27(b)(1)(iii), 1910.27(b)(2)(iv), 1910.30, 1910 Subpart B, 1910 Subpart D
CPL 02-00-124; Multi-Employer Citation Policy 1926.501
Safety factor requirement in the design of handrails and top rails. 1926.1052(c)(5)
Ear plug personal fit-testing systems that measure real-time noise reduction 1910.95 - Index, 1910.95(i)(4), 1910.95(i)(5), 1910.95(j)(1), 1910.95 App B - Index
Interim Enforcement Guidance for the Respirable Crystalline Silica in Construction Standard, 29 CFR 1926.1153 1910.134, 1910.1053, 1910.1200, 1926.1153, 1926.1153(c), 1926.1153(c)(1), 1926.1153(d), 1926.1153(d)(1), 1926.1153(d)(2), 1926.1153(d)(2)(iii)(B), 1926.1153(d)(2)(iii)(E), 1926.1153(d)(2)(v), 1926.1153(d)(3), 1926.1153(e)(1)(ii)(C), 1926.1153(i)(2)
Occupational noise exposure training requirements for technicians 1910.95(g)(3)
What constitutes an emergency response or incidental release of anhydrous ammonia 1910.38, 1910.119, 1910.120, 1910.120(q), 1910.1200
Launch of Enforcement of the Respirable Crystalline Silica in Construction Standard 1926.1153
Determining if the employees experienced an injury or illness due to an exposure. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(7), 1904.46
Gate Strength of Snaphooks and Carabiners 1910.140(c)(8), 1910.30(a)(2), 1910.21(b), 1910 Subpart D, 1910 Subpart I, 1926.32(f), 1926.32(m), 1926.503(a)(2)
NATE Response FINAL 1910 - Table of Contents, 1910.27(b)(2)(i), 1910.140(c)(13)(i), 1910 Subpart D, 1910 Subpart I, 1910.30, 1910.268, 1926 Subpart M, 1910.268(c), 1926.503, 1926.503(a)(2), 1926.503(c), 1910.30(a), 1910.268(a)(1), 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(A), 1910.140(c)(13)(ii), 1910.140(c)(8), 1910.28(a)(2)(ii)
Asbestos Standard – Class III Work 1926.1101 - Index, 1926.1101(g)(9), 1926.1101(g)(11)
Use of trade secret in lieu of known ingredient percentages on SDSs 1910.1200, 1910.1200(i)
Clarification on the use of ingredient percentage and trade secret on SDSs 1910.1200 - Index, 1910.1200(i)