Letters of Interpretation | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

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.

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How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

Date	Title	Standard Number
10/10/1997	OSHA's Nursing Home Initiative.
10/03/1997	Use of latex surgical exam gloves for protection from glutaraldehyde.	1910.138
09/25/1997	Safe Medical Systems' SNR sharps collection system.	1910.1030
09/23/1997	The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and the Enforcement Procedures for TB.	1910.1030
09/18/1997	Responsibility of each person involved in Class I glovebag removal operations.	1926.1101
09/09/1997	Clarification of the Electrical Standard as it applies to flexible power cords on appliances.	1910.303(a), 1910.305(a)(2)(i), 1910.305(g), 1910.305(g)(1)(iii)(A), 1910.334(a)(2), 1910 Subpart S
09/09/1997	Testing electrical resistance of grain elevator conveyor belts.	1910.272
09/08/1997	Injuries and illnesses occurring on the employer's premises are presumed to be work related.	1904 - Table of Contents
09/03/1997	Construction Asbestos Standard.	1910.1001, 1915 - Table of Contents, 1926.1101
09/02/1997	Recordability of adverse reactions to prescribed medication.	1904 - Table of Contents
09/02/1997	Preexisting conditions usually do not affect recordability.	1904 - Table of Contents
09/02/1997	Multiple applications of a cold compress may be recordable.	1904 - Table of Contents
09/02/1997	Recordability when prescription written for non-prescription medication.	1904 - Table of Contents
09/02/1997	Clarifications of medical treatment and new medical cases for recordkeeping.	1904 - Table of Contents
08/31/1997	Annual training required by the occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogen standard.	1910.1030
08/28/1997	Fire fighter personal protective clothing issues.	1910.120, 1910.156
08/28/1997	The effect of workers' compensation claims on temporary medical removal protection benefits.	1910.1025
08/27/1997	Employment of individuals with disabilities.
08/23/1997	OSHA's efforts with the poultry industry.
08/21/1997	OSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.53, Guidelines for First Aid Training Programs.	1910.151(b), 1926.50(c), 1910.266(i)(7), 1910.269(b), 1910.268(c)(3), 1910.142(k)(2), 1926.950(e), 1910.146(k)(2)(iii), 1926.605(d)(1), 1910.410(a)(3), 1915.12(e)(1)(iv)