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

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Date Title Standard Number
Clarification of the Electric Power Generation, Transmission, And Distribution Standard, 29 CFR 1910.269. 1910.269, 1910.269(a)(1)(i)(A), 1910 Subpart S
Regulation on OSHA's Occupational Exposure to Asbestos. 1910.1001, 1926.1101
The proper recording of injuries occuring to employees participating in voluntary plant emergency response team training. 1904 - Table of Contents
(OSHA) revised asbestos standard. 1910.1001
The impact on the roofing industry of the OSHA's newly revised fall protection standard. 1926.501(b)(10), 1926.501(b)(11)
Packing materials which were used for packaging explosives must be burned. 1910.109, 1926.900
An error in the 1910.1000 Z-Tables. 1910.1000
Requirements for spill containment mats under retail displays of lawn and garden chemicals within stores. 1910.120, 1910.1200
Face protection for phlebotomists, exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens. 1910.1030
Response to IDLH or Potential IDLH atmospheres. 1910.134(g), 1910.120, 1910.156
The use of the load engaging means in an elevated position for use as a work table for the prevention and control of ergonomic hazards. 1910.178
OSHA regulation requiring foot protection for employees exposed to falling object hazards. 1926.95
Whether or not fall protection is to be used when reinforcing steel is being installed and application of OSHA's job-made ladder requirements to rebar cages. 1926.501(b)(5), 1926.1053, 1926.1053(b)(22), 1926.603(a)(8)
OSHA's current permissible exposure limit (PEL) for occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium in general industry. 1910.1000
Safety Procedures for Work Performed in House Foundation Excavations.
The initial and interval testing of personal protective equipment (rubber insulating gloves and blankets). 1910.137, 1910.268
Section that requires the employer to insure that apparel worn by employees not increase the injury should they be exposed to flame. 1910.269
Rules requiring safety check valves on compressed air equipment. 1910.169(b)(3)
OSHA guidance on Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training. 1910.120
OSHA tuberculosis (TB) enforcement. 1910.134