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
Determining whether certain spaces routinely would be considered confined spaces by applying the (PRCS) standard's definition. 1910.146
Bloodborne Pathogens and the issue of latex allergy and latex hypersensitivity 1910.1030
OSHA's Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. 1910.120
Interpretation of 1910.146 regarding permits and multiple sewer entries along a common line. 1910.146
When permits are required for entry into a permit required confined space. 1910.146
Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Final Rule. 1910.269
Recordkeeping issues raised in the Spokane County Health District. 1904 - Table of Contents
Guidance for reporting work related fatalities and catastrophes which occur during over-the-road operations. 1904 - Table of Contents
Several OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping issues. 1904 - Table of Contents
Comments on Stamco Industries Inc., permanent variance application. 1910.217
Clarification on whether the ozone process described is covered by the PSM Standard. 1910.119
Clarification on the use of flexible cords and cables as temporary wiring for research projects. 1910.305
General concerns in the Construction Industry. 1926 - Table of Contents
Compliance Policy Concerning 29 CFR 1910.146. 1910.146
Clarification on OSHA's policy regarding Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health since NIOSH has lowered several IDLH levels. 1910.134(d), 1910.134(d)(2)
Clarification of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard with regards to the carcinogenicity of wood dust 1910.1200
Clarification of the OSHA reference to welding rods in a March 21, Memorandum to Regional Administrators. 1910.1200
Interpretation of a lifting device and its ability to act as a rescue retrieval system as it applies to OSHA's permit required confined space entry standard. 1910.146
MSDSs for chemicals purchased prior to 1985. 1910.1200
8-hour total weight average (TWA) permissible exposure limit (PEL). 1910.1000, 1910.1001, 1910.1017, 1910.1018, 1910.1025, 1910.1027, 1910.1028, 1910.1029, 1910.1043, 1910.1044, 1910.1045, 1910.1047, 1910.1048, 1910.1050, 1910.1051, 1910.1052