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
04/17/1997	Applicability of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard for employees who work as companion-sitters in private homes.	1910.1030
04/16/1997	Fall protection in a situation regarding floor/roofing openings.	1926.501, 1926.502
04/15/1997	Suitable protective equipment.	1926.952, 1926.955
04/11/1997	Powered industrial truck modifications and approval.	1910.178(a)(4)
04/08/1997	Requirements for electrical wiring in supply and disposal function warehouses containing hazardous materials.	1910.38, 1910.106(d), 1910.106(e)(7), 1910.106(e)(7)(i)
04/08/1997	The airflow rate required for a spray painting area.	1910.94(c), 1910.107, 1910.38, 1910.39
04/04/1997	The government's handling of workers' reports of exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace.	1910.1200
04/03/1997	Appropriate protective clothing for aircraft firefighting.	1910.120, 1910.156
04/02/1997	OSHA standard for rung spacing on fixed industrial ladders and PPE in powered industrial vehicle battery changing.	1910.27, 1910.132(d), 1910.133
04/01/1997	Employee safety and the laundering of contaminated clothing.	1910.1025
04/01/1997	Disinfectants claiming efficacy against the Hepatitis B virus.	1910.1030
03/31/1997	Additional Enforcement Policy Change for Respiratory Protection Required for Abrasive Blasting.	1910.134, 1926.62
03/27/1997	Barrier device for attachment to mobile equipment.	1926.550
03/26/1997	The requirements for disposal of contaminated waste once the needle has been destroyed.	1910.1030
03/26/1997	The use of telephones in training to meet the requirements of the Bloodborne Pathogens standard.	1910.1030
03/21/1997	Longitudinal bracing across the inner and outer rows of posts on tube and coupler scaffolds.	1926.452
03/21/1997	Fall protection in lieu of personal fall arrest systems and the need for a rescue skiff.	1926.106, 1926.502
03/21/1997	OSHA's requirement for the width of planks used on pump jack.	1926.451
03/18/1997	OSHA Lead Standards, both General Industry and Construction.	1926.62, 1910.1025
03/12/1997	OSHA's policy for scheduling occupational fatality investigations.	1903 - Table of Contents

Letters of Interpretation

Filters