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

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Proper installation of presence sensing devices for mechanical power presses. 1910.217(c)(3)(iii)
Clarification of respirator costs, annual training, and "effective" seal checks. 1910.134(c)(4), 1910.134(f)(2), 1910.134(g)(1)(iii), 1910.134(k)
Clarification of the respiratory protection medical evaluation. 1910.134(e)(2)
OSHA access to personally identifiable medical records (HIV test results). 1910.1020(e), 1913.10
Misprint in 1998 Edition of CFR: Methylene Chloride Standard. 1910.1052(g)
Application of 1910.269 to aerial lift devices. 1910.269(p)(4)
Using slide locks in lieu of die blocks on mechanical power presses. 1910.217(d)(9)(iv)
Using electrical tape to repair minor damage to the outer jacket of an extension cord. 1926.403(a), 1926.403(e), 1926.405(g)(2)(iii), 1926.416(e)(1)
Respiratory protecton standard two-in/two-out policy. 1910.134(g)(4)
Use of ethylene oxide alarm systems with sensors 1910.1047(h)(2)
Requirements for ringbuoys, life jackets, and skiffs when working over or near water. 1926.106
Grounding precautions for arc welding from suspended scaffolds. 1926.451(f)(17)
PSM standard coverage of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. 1910.119, 1926.64
Enforcement policy for abrasive-blasting respiratory protection under the Lead in Construction Interim Final Rule. 1926.62(f), 1910.134
Respiratory protection for anhydrous ammonia storage installations. 1910.111, 1910.134
Employee declination of medical evaluation; religious exemptions for respirator use. 1910.134
Hazard determination; labeling of solid materials. 1910.1200(d), 1910.1200(f)(2)
Building owner requirements in the asbestos standards. 1910.1001, 1926.1101
Amendments to methylene chloride standard 1910.1052
Clarification of fall protection requirements for open holes on a construction site. 1926.500(b), 1926.501(b)(4)(ii)