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.

NOTICE:

How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

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Date Title Standard Number
Process Safety Management (PSM) of Highly Hazardous Chemicals standards, as it may apply to processes containing HHCs. 1910.119
Recording of cumulative trauma disorders.
Reusable Sharp Containers. 1910.1030
Requirements for emergency deluge showers and/or eye/face wash units in the immediate area of ethylene oxide sterilizers used by health care facilities. 1910.151
The official policy regarding the Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. 1910.1030
Clarification on how OSHA would address the use of natural gas or liquid propane gas used in an after-burner to remove volatile organic carbon (VOC) air contaminants. 1910.119
Criteria for personal fall arrest systems. 1926.502(d)(16)(iii), 1926.502(d)(16)(iv), 1926.502(d)(16)(v)
Evaluation of Variance #2272, application for permanent variance and interim order. 1910.261
Hoisting personnel into and out of drilled shafts with a drill rig. 1926.501, 1926.552
Transmittal of Settlement Agreement. 1910.132
Process Safety Management Program required by OSHA. 1910.119
Community response personnel with regards to HAZWOPER. 1910.120
The application of the HCS in the construction industry. 1926.59
Enforcing the provision for toilet facilities on construction and demolition sites. 1926.51
Clarification of the Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution Standard. 1910.269
The harmfulness of photographic chemicals used in the C-41 color processing procedure. 1910.1200
Guidance for properly recording injury and illness cases.
The purpose of Material Safety Data Sheets. 1910.1200
Guidance on whether an inert gas in the non-compressed state represent hazardous chemicals under the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Occupational Noise Exposure Standard when an employee with a history of off-the-job noise exposure. 1910.95