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
The Recordability of a particular injury case. 1904 - Table of Contents
The use of "pipe cases" manufactured by Therm-Equip, Inc., in lieu of standard glove bags. 1926.1101, 1926.1101(g)(2)(ii), 1926.1101(g)(5)(ii)(B)(4)
Interpretation of the process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals standard. 1910.119
The protection of employees working with automotive brakes. 1910.1001
Company negotiated cited conditions.
Applicability of the PSM standard to storage and transfer of flammable liquids. 1910.119(a)(1)(ii)(B)
Interpretation of the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution standard. 1910.132, 1910.269
OSHA's Standard Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals. 1910.119
Installation and Placement of temporary protective grounds 1910.269
Welding, cutting, and heating near flammables. 1926.352(c)
Letter of compliance regarding "HAZCOM" data sheets. 1926.59
Negative exposure assessment for 1926.1101. 1926.1101
Clarification of the requirements of the Respiratory Protection Standard. 1910.134
The exemption afforded under the benzene standard for oil and gas drilling, production, and servicing operations. 1910.1028
Carburization process and the applicability of Process Safety Management for Highly Hazardous Chemicals. 1910.119
Challenge Testing as a Substitute for Annual Refresher Training. 1910.119, 1910.269
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b), 1910.1200(b)(6)(vii), 1910.1200(b)(6)(ix), 1910.1200(d), 1910.1200(f), 1910.1200(g)
Most cited standards for fiscal year 1995 1910 - Table of Contents, 1926 - Table of Contents
Interpretation of the OSHA construction standards for electrical branch circuits. 1926.405
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, the requirements for MSDS. 1910.1200