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
The OSHA policy on the use of disinfectants that are registered with the EPA as being effective against HBV and HIV. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)
A reevaluation of recording injuries and illnesses associated with voluntary flu shot programs on the OSHA Log and Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. 1904 - Table of Contents
Guidance on the proper recording of needlestick injuries on the OSHA 200 Log. 1904 - Table of Contents
The evaluation of chiropratic treatments as medical treatment for OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping purposes. 1904 - Table of Contents
Clarification on the documentation of inspections and tests required under the mechanical integrity provisions. 1910 - Table of Contents, 1910.119
Voluntary safety and health audits under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1910.1020, 1910.95, 1910.119, 1910.120, 1910.132, 1910.134, 1910.137, 1910.146, 1910.147, 1910.272, 1910.1025, 1926.20
Presence of push labels on emergency stop button notifications. 1910.144
The proper recording of cases involving work related stress for OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping purposes. 1904 - Table of Contents
Corrugated storage and plastic returnable packaging storage. 1910 - Table of Contents, 1910.38, 1910.176
Questions concerning OSHA's Asbestos Standard. 1910.1001, 1926.1101
An installation which has permanent davit arms and davit bases, but does not have a powered platform; a rental stage is brought in for maintenance. 1910.28, 1910.66
Entry into a confined space when the lower flammable limit is greater than ten percent. 1910.134, 1910.146
Machine anchoring requirements as it may apply to the dental polishing lathes. 1910.212
Belt mounted filtration unit used with any NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator. 1910.134
Asbestos Standard for Construction. 1910.1001, 1926.1101
Solvent Distillation Units. 1910.106
Particulate Respirators Certified under 42 CFR Part 84. 1910.134
PEL for inorganic mercury is a time weighted average, not a ceiling 1910.1000 TABLE Z-2
The NOWPAK Solvent Dispensing System. 1910.106
Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for Crystalline Silica.