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.

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
OSHA has no specific regulations regarding minors 1975.3
LOTO of hydraulic systems; postal workers' exposure to hazardous material spills. 1910.147, 1910 Subpart S, 1910.120(q), 1910.1030, 1910.1200
Disclosure of OSHA 200 log; SIC 87 exempt from 200 log maintenance. 1904.8, 1904.16, 1904.17, 1904.21
Application of hatch covers to the Bilco Type "S" Roof Scuttle. 1910.27(c)(7)
Clarification of OSHA's CPL 2-1.30 regarding tractor trailer chocking. 1910.178(k)(1), 1910.178(m)(7)
Stair rail height must be between 30-34 inches. 1910.24(h), 1910.23(e)(2)
OSHA will not currently pursue a national MSDS repository. 1910.1200(g)
Training for travel lift (mobile gantry crane) operators. 1910.178(l), 1910.179(a)(35), 1910.179(b)(8)
Clarification of HIV and HBV research and clinical laboratories. 1910.1030(b), 1910.1030(e)
Questions regarding the cleaning of asbestos-containing floor tile. 1910.1001(k)(7), 1926.1101(l)(3)
PSM coverage of oil and gas production and separation facilities. 1910.119(a), 1926.64(a)
Use of "generic" LOTO procedures in conjunction with "work authorization permits". 1910.147(c)(1), 1910.147(d)(3), 1903.14(f)
Powered industrial truck requirements regarding "split-forking" and "bulldozing." 1910.178(o)(1), 1910.178(l)(3)(i)(M)
Recordability of injury/illness resulting solely from a physical defect. 1904.2
Location of employee's records who are not associated with fixed establishments. 1904.14
Bloodborne Pathogens: Handwashing facilities must be readily accessible. 1910.1030(d)(2)(iii), 1910.1030(d)(2)(v), 1910.1030(d)(2)(vi)
HAZCOM: Clarification of "article" and "hazardous substance". 1910.1200(c), 1910.1200(d)(4)
Employers must ensure that post-exposure follow-up procedures are provided. 1910.1030(f)(3), 1910.1030(f)(5)
Clarification of when injuries and illnesses are work-related and recordable. 1904.2
Host employers may require site-specific forklift training of visiting workers 1910.178(l)