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	Standard Number
03/21/2016	Determining if the injury or illness would apply to the work-related exception	2	1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.5(b)(2)(vi)
03/15/2016	Expiration date of annual crane inspections and annual inspection requirements.	1	1926.1412(f)(1)
02/25/2016	Safety data sheets for custom blend fertilizers	6	1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(1), 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(f)(5), 1910.1200(g)(1), 1910.1200(g)(4)
02/08/2016	Respirator fit test requirements	3	1910.134(f), 1910.134(f)(2), 1910.134(k)
01/20/2016	Extended enforcement dates for minimum approach distances to electrical power lines	4	1910.269(l)(3)(i), 1910.269(l)(3)(ii), 1926.960(c)(1)(i), 1926.960(c)(1)(ii)
12/16/2015	IIAR Eye Wash and Shower LOI (Smith Letter)	1	1910.151(c)
12/15/2015	HCS Applicability of lithium battery or a lithium battery-powered devices	4	1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(1), 1910.1200(b)(6), 1910.1200(c)
12/14/2015	Determining whether daily stretches are considered medical treatment or fist-aid.	2	1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7
12/14/2015	Hazard Communication classifications	4	1910.1200(b)(1), 1910.1200(d)(1), 1910.1200(d)(2), 1910.1200 App B
12/14/2015	Labeling requirements for absorbent clay products in various packaging configurations	7	1910.1200(d), 1910.1200(f)(1)(i), 1910.1200(f)(1)(ii), 1910.1200(f)(1)(iii), 1910.1200(f)(1)(iv), 1910.1200(f)(1)(v), 1910.1200(f)(1)(vi)
11/23/2015	Requirements for labeling of products shipped for export only to non-U.S. destinations, under the revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2012)	1	1910.1200(f)(1)
11/16/2015	Enforcement discretion for distributors on limited continued use of HCS 1994 labels	1	1910.1200
11/12/2015	Clarification on the recording of injuries involving broken or chipped teeth	2	1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7
11/06/2015	Clarification on the work-related exemption involving personal tasks outside the assigned working hours	2	1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.5
11/02/2015	Can energized electrical outlets and switches be taped when rooms are painted	1	1926.405(j)(1)(i)
10/28/2015	Inspection Guidance for Poultry Slaughtering and Poultry Processing Establishments	10	1904 - Table of Contents, 1910 Subpart E, 1910.95, 1910.119, 1910.132, 1910.141, 1910.147, 1910.212, 1910.1200, 1913.10
10/23/2015	Incontinence and Feminine Hygiene Products	1	1910.1030(b)
10/20/2015	Determination of when a crane was manufactured	3	1926.1400, 1926.1416, 1926.1433
10/20/2015	PSM Retail Exemption Enforcement Delay Notice	1	1910.119(a)(2)(i)
10/19/2015	Determining who is the responsible party to record an injury or illness	2	1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.31