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.

Date	Title	Standard Number
01/05/1998	Interpretation/variance with the energy isolation device requirements.	1910.147
01/02/1998	Definition of "work relationship" for occupational injuries and illness recordkeeping.	1904 - Table of Contents
12/31/1997	Stay-of-enforcement of lead standard for brass and bronze ingot manufacturing.	1910.1025(e)(1)
12/30/1997	Manufacturer and employer responsibilities when providing MSDSs electronically.	1910.1200, 1926.59
12/22/1997	Permit-Required Confined Spaces Standard.	1910.146
12/18/1997	Electrical Conductor Identification.	1910 Subpart S, 1910.269, 1910.303, 1910.304, 1910.399
12/18/1997	Fall protection covered by the Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution standard.	1910.269
12/18/1997	General Industry Standard as it applies to the electric utility industry.	1910.23, 1910.269
12/12/1997	Electrical hazardous area classification drawings in the workplace.	1910.119, 1910.307
12/12/1997	The storage of flammable liquids in plastic containers.	1910.106
12/08/1997	Requirements for machine and machinery guarding in the workplace.	1910.219
12/04/1997	Fall protection and access for scaffold erecting and dismantling.	1926.451(g)(2), 1926.451(e)(9)
12/03/1997	Recordability of Rossiter Workout treatment;heat or cold therapy recordability.	1904 - Table of Contents
11/25/1997	Scaffolds: removal of bracing; maximum loads; damaged planking; and foundations.	1926.451(c)(2)(iii), 1926.450(b), 1926.451(a)(1), 1926.451(f)(4), 1926.451(c)(2)
11/19/1997	Carcinogen status of titanium dioxide relative to OSHA Standards	1910.1200
11/19/1997	Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).	1910.1200
11/13/1997	Electronic monitoring system for complying with the confined space standard.	1910.146
11/13/1997	Alternatives to latex or vinyl may be used for protective gloves to comply with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard.	1910.1030
10/31/1997	Application of HAZWOPER.	1910.120
10/31/1997	Clarification of the requirements of the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard	1910.120

Letters of Interpretation

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