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
Trainer accessibility during training. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(N)
When to use quantitative and qualitative fit testing. 1910.134(f), 1910.134 App A
Citation policy regarding automatic sprinkler systems. 1910.252(a)(2)(vi)(B)
Correct placement of air sampling cassettes on abrasive blasters. 1910.94(a)(2)
Respiratory protection: editing the medical questionnaire; medical questionnaire not always required. 1910.134(e)(2), 1910.134 App C
The grimace step in respiratory protection fit-testing procedures. 1910.134(f), 1910.134 App A
Clarification of a PLHCP under the Respiratory protection standard. 1910.134(e)
Definition of "in storage" and clarification of the requirements for intermittent use of gas cylinders. 1926.350(a)(10)
Acceptability of western style hard hats. 1926.100, 1926.95
Proper installation of presence sensing devices for mechanical power presses. 1910.217(c)(3)(iii)
Clarification of respirator costs, annual training, and "effective" seal checks. 1910.134(c)(4), 1910.134(f)(2), 1910.134(g)(1)(iii), 1910.134(k)
Misprint in 1998 Edition of CFR: Methylene Chloride Standard. 1910.1052(g)
OSHA access to personally identifiable medical records (HIV test results). 1910.1020(e), 1913.10
Clarification of the respiratory protection medical evaluation. 1910.134(e)(2)
Application of 1910.269 to aerial lift devices. 1910.269(p)(4)
Using slide locks in lieu of die blocks on mechanical power presses. 1910.217(d)(9)(iv)
Using electrical tape to repair minor damage to the outer jacket of an extension cord. 1926.403(a), 1926.403(e), 1926.405(g)(2)(iii), 1926.416(e)(1)
Respiratory protecton standard two-in/two-out policy. 1910.134(g)(4)
Use of ethylene oxide alarm systems with sensors 1910.1047(h)(2)
Grounding precautions for arc welding from suspended scaffolds. 1926.451(f)(17)