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
Railroad tankcars off-loading points at an industrial facility. 1910.27, 1975.1
Application and enforcement of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard in a barber shop. 1910.1030
Holding brake requirements on overhead cranes. 1910.179
Definition of a Hazardous Substance. 1910.120
Permit-Required Confined Spaces and Lockout/Tagout. 1910.146, 1910.147
Discrepancy between the Joint Commission and OSHA posting requirements for isolation rooms. 1910.145
The NACOSH report regarding hazard communication. 1910.1200
Response: Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (BBP) and Alaska CASPA - Code Interpretation. 1910.1030
The OSHA injury and illness recording requirements pertaining to cases of Barotitis Media. 1904 - Table of Contents
The proper recording of cases involving restricted work activity. 1904 - Table of Contents
Maintenance activities performed in oil and gas production operations. 1910.147
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals and process hazard analyses. 1910.111, 1910.119, 1928.21
Enforcement of the Control of Hazardous Energy (LOTO). 1910.147
Minimum number of dive team members required for air dives. 1910.424(c)
Clarification of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard as it relates to syringes and needles contaminated with both a bloodborne pathogen and radioactive nuclear medicine. 1910.1030
Consultants performing lockout/tagout periodic inspections. 1910.147
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requirements for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). 1910.1200
Telecommunication companies compliance with standard dealing with toilet facilities. 1910.141
Use of potable water. 1910.141
Appropriation's rider Update.