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
OSHA's position on providing a drug-free workplace.
Two-in/two-out procedure in firefighting/IDLH environments. 1910.134(g)(4), 1975.3(d)
OSHA's penalty determination policy and consultation service. 1908 - Table of Contents
Annual inspection of bakery ovens by qualified persons. 1910.263(l)(9)(ii)
Definition of residential construction; use of slide guards. 1926.501(b)(13)
A chest freezer is not considered a PRCS. 1910.146(c)(1)
Eating and drinking in a pharamacy. 1910.141(g)
Class III asbestos work: training, medical surveillance, PPE, and surfacing materials. 1926.1101
Waler (platform) covered by Subpart L; minimum scaffold platform width. 1926.451(b)(2), 1926.451(e), 1926.451(g)
Fall protection during electrical maintenance and construction work on aerial lifts. 1926.451(f), 1926.453, 1926.556, 1926.502(d), 1910.67(c), 1910.269(g)
Response to fires in permit-required confined spaces (PRCS). 1910.146, 1910.156(c)(4)
Using sunscreen to shield worker exposure to sun's radiation. 1910.132, 1910.132(a)
Warehouse facility considered separate establishment requiring separate OSHA 200 Log. 1904.2(a)
Separate or shared OSHA logs, use of splints, recordability of heart attack.
The HCS does not apply to food items in a retail establishment 1910.1200, 1926.59
OSHA doesn't regulate latex gloves for food preparation 1910.138, 1910.1030
Prevention of back injuries and use of back belts. 1903.11(c)
Interpretation of 29 CFR 1910.141(c)(1)(i): Toilet Facilities 1910.141(c)(1)(i)
Maintenance of OSHA recordkeeping forms using computer systems. 1904.4
Brake design requirements for baking equipment. 1910.263