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
Time period for notifying employees of a standard threshold shift (STS). 1910.95(g)(8)(i)
Evaluation of Bilsom "VISION" welding helmet in meeting OSHA standards. 1910.252(b)(2), 1910.252(b)(2)(ii)(I)
Application of the Hazard Communication standard to waste oils. 1910.1200
The noise standard applies to environments with undue atmospheric pressure. 1910.95
Iodine exposure during pre-operative scrubbing. 1910.1000 TABLE Z-1
A fingerprint powder called Sirchie Silk Black contains polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNA's). 1910.1000 TABLE Z-1
Tufting of undyed and unwashed cotton is not covered in the scope of the revised cotton standard of December 13, 1985 1910.1043
Interpretation concerning persistent standard threshold shift (STS) . 1910.95(g)(9)(i)
Summary of OSHA testimony before various Congressional committees, May 1986.
Indication of Carcinogenicity on Material Safety Data Sheets 1910.1200
Safeguarding of power press brakes and a definition of "Safe Distance". 1910.212
Request for a variance from decompression tables as delineated in 29 CFR 1926.803. 1926.803
Application of the HCS to non-manufacturing scrap dealers who collect waste metal for resale. 1910.1200
The CAM/PCAM Model C instrument is considered equal to the vertical elutriator cotton dust sampler. 1910.1043(d)(1)(iv)
Applicable regulations to the Nupro 316-DC-RD cylinder valve 1910.101
The acceptability of manhole entries through concentric cone or eccentric cone concrete pipe transition sections to underground workplaces. 1910 - Table of Contents, 1910.23(a)(6), 1910.23(c)(1), 1910.27, 1910.132(a), 1910.268
Iodine exposure during pre-operative scrubbing.
Inquiry concerning regulations that apply to smoking in dormitories. 1975.3, 1910.1000 TABLE Z-1
Criteria for severe solvent refinement under the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Applicability of the Hazard Communication standard to pesticides. 1910.1200(f)(5)(i), 1910.1200(f)(5)(ii), 1910.1200(f)(6)