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
Requirements for labeling portable fire extinguishers. 1910.1200
OSHA's regulations for chemicals used in the workplace, and in particular, glutaraldehyde. 1910.1000, 1910.1200
Electrical standards and the application to electrically-powered medical devices. 1910 Subpart S
Coverage of Stored Flammables Under the Process Safety Management Standard. 1910.119(a)(1)(ii)(B), 1926.64(a)(1)(ii)(B), 1910.106
Introduction of electrical welding equipment into a non-permit confined space. 1910.146, 1910.252, 1910.252(a)(4)(i), 1910.252(b)(4)(i), 1910.252(b)(4)(vii), 1910.252(c)(4), 1910.252(c)(9), 1910.252(c)(10), 1910 Subpart Q
Federal agency injury/illness recordkeeping requirements for retired employees. 1960.67
Requirements for dual purpose mechanical equipment (digger derrick and aerial lift). 1910.67, 1926.453
The use of particulate filters and respirators. 1910.134(d)(3)(iv)(B)
OSHA's Nursing Home Health and Safety.
The Process Safety Management Standard. 1910.119, 1926.64
Interpretation on the requirements of the hazard communication standard with regard to fiberglass products. 1910.1200
Sheetrock and joint compound. 1910.1001, 1915 - Table of Contents, 1926.1101
Classification of asbestos work for employees performing asbestos inspections and obtaining bulk samples. 1926.1101
How the Exposure to Asbestos standard regulates activities that involve "thin-layered" asbestos-containing paint. 1926.1101
Emergency response training requirements for hospital staff. 1910.120
Concern over the quality of care given to patients by dentists. 1975.1
Request for Compliance Assistance on High Profile Case. 1910.147, 1910.169, 1910.218
Lack of public awareness of the limitations of eyewashes; review of new product, The Eye Irrigator(TM). 1910.133, 1910.151(c)
Applicability of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard for employees who work as companion-sitters in private homes. 1910.1030
OSHA's asbestos standard regulates working with materials containing less than 1 percent asbestos. 1926.1101(b), 1926.1101(f), 1926.1101(g)