Standard Interpretations - Publication Date | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Standard Interpretations

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.

December

12/30/1996 - Information related to Bloodborne Pathogens. - [1910.1030]
12/17/1996 - Enforcement policy for stall loads of scaffold hoists. - [1926.451]
12/16/1996 - Interpretation on medical surveillance requirements under OSHA's Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. - [1910.120; 1926.65 ]
12/12/1996 - Minimum width of roof bracket scaffolds. - [1926.451(b)(2)(i)]
12/11/1996 - Clarification regarding the policy for the use of seat belts on powered industrial trucks in general industry
12/11/1996 - Interpretation of the First Aid standard. - [1910.151; 1910.151(b)]
12/10/1996 - Recording of atmospheric test results. - [1910.146]
12/04/1996 - Infeasibility of 6 foot free fall limit. - [1926.502]
12/02/1996 - Requirement to obtain a healthcare professional's written opinion in the "pre-exposure vaccination setting." - [1910.1030]

November

11/19/1996 - Response regarding the application of the OSHA Process Safety Management Standard to utility LPG distribution facilities. - [1910.119]
11/14/1996 - Compressed gas cylinders - [1910.103]
11/08/1996 - Application and enforcement of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard in a barber shop. - [1910.1030]
11/08/1996 - Holding brake requirements on overhead cranes. - [1910.179]
11/07/1996 - Definition of a Hazardous Substance. - [1910.120]
11/05/1996 - Discrepancy between the Joint Commission and OSHA posting requirements for isolation rooms. - [1910.145]
11/05/1996 - The NACOSH report regarding hazard communication. - [1910.1200]
11/01/1996 - Response: Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (BBP) and Alaska CASPA - Code Interpretation. - [1910.1030]

October

10/31/1996 - Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals and process hazard analyses. - [1910.111; 1910.119; 1928.21]
10/29/1996 - Clarification of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard as it relates to syringes and needles contaminated with both a bloodborne pathogen and radioactive nuclear medicine. - [1910.1030]
10/29/1996 - Consultants performing lockout/tagout periodic inspections. - [1910.147]
10/28/1996 - OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requirements for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). - [1910.1200]
10/25/1996 - Telecommunication companies compliance with standard dealing with toilet facilities. - [1910.141]
10/24/1996 - Use of potable water. - [1910.141]
10/23/1996 - Guidelines for Workplace Violence Prevention Programs for Night Retail Establishments.
10/21/1996 - Clarification of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. - [1910.1200]
10/18/1996 - Enforcement of Fall Protection on Moving Stock - [1910 Subpart D; 1910.132(d)]
10/09/1996 - Enforcement of the Use of Seat Belts on Powered Industrial Trucks in General Industry. - [1910.178]
10/03/1996 - Inquiry on beards, respirator use, and fit testing of repirators. - [1910.134]
10/02/1996 - Food Inspectors lockout/tagout procedures. - [1910.147]

September

09/26/1996 - Interpretation of the overhead and gantry cranes standard. - [1910.179]
09/24/1996 - 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)]
09/16/1996 - Clarification on the documentation of inspections and tests required under the mechanical integrity provisions. - [1910; 1910.119]
09/11/1996 - 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]
09/10/1996 - Presence of push labels on emergency stop button notifications. - [1910.144]
09/05/1996 - Questions concerning OSHA's Asbestos Standard. - [1910.1001; 1926.1101]
09/04/1996 - 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]
09/04/1996 - Asbestos Standard for Construction. - [1910.1001; 1926.1101]
09/04/1996 - Belt mounted filtration unit used with any NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator. - [1910.134]
09/04/1996 - Machine anchoring requirements as it may apply to the dental polishing lathes. - [1910.212]
09/04/1996 - Solvent Distillation Units. - [1910.106]
09/03/1996 - Particulate Respirators Certified under 42 CFR Part 84. - [1910.134]
09/03/1996 - PEL for inorganic mercury is a time weighted average, not a ceiling - [1910.1000 TABLE Z-2]

August

08/30/1996 - The NOWPAK Solvent Dispensing System. - [1910.106]
08/28/1996 - Appropriateness of the usage of video presentations in meeting the OSHA bloodborne training requirements. - [1910.1030]
08/28/1996 - The SPS "Needle-Eater" and accessory sharps transfer container. - [1910.1030]
08/26/1996 - Clarification of Asbestos standard. - [1926.1101]
08/26/1996 - DOT Approved Gas Cans. - [1926.152]
08/23/1996 - Interpretation of the electic power generation, transmission and distribution (electric power generation) standard. - [1910.269]
08/20/1996 - Railroad workers and their exposure to crystalline silica. - [1910.1000]
08/19/1996 - Chest X-ray and sputum cytology requirements. - [1910.1018; 1910.1029]
08/16/1996 - Distinction between premises wiring installations and electric transmission or distribution installations. - [1910.269; 1910 Subpart S]
08/16/1996 - Process Safety Management of highly hazardous chemicals standard. - [1910.106; 1910.119]
08/15/1996 - Interpretative guidance and equipment approved for hazardous locations relative to the Permit-Required Confined Spaces standard. - [1910.146]
08/09/1996 - OSHA's requirement for certification for building roof anchor points & the "Certificate of Regulation Compliance Building" form. - [1910.28; 1910.66]
08/06/1996 - Electrical Workers - [1910.269]
08/06/1996 - Medical surveillance requirement in the Vinyl Chloride Standard 1910.1017. - [1910.1017]
08/01/1996 - Clarification of employers' use of floor fans. - [1910.212]

July

07/30/1996 - Use of insulated hand tools - [1910.335(a)(2)(i)]
07/23/1996 - Enforcement of the fall protection standard and fall protection options. - [1926.501; 1926.502]
07/18/1996 - Incipient stage fire brigades. - [1910.134; 1910.156]
07/15/1996 - Application of OSHA's health standards - [1910.1025; 1926.62]
07/15/1996 - Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). - [1910.1200]
07/12/1996 - Interpretation of the telecommunication standard and the electrical protective equipment standard. - [1910.137; 1910.268]

June

06/28/1996 - Clarification of Asbestos Standard for construction. - [1926.1101]
06/28/1996 - Disinfectant products "D-125" and "Public Places" - [1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(A)]
06/25/1996 - Masonry wall bracing requirements. - [1926.706]
06/24/1996 - Distribution of Material Safety Data Sheets. - [1910.1200(g)(6)]
06/17/1996 - OSHA accepts employers' use of the ANSI/IES-RP-7-1991 incorporated by reference or adopted into OSHA standards. - [1910.261; 1926.56]
06/17/1996 - Requirements for Reporting Health Hazard Information on a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) - [1910.1200]
06/11/1996 - Fire protection during the fueling of mobile equipment. - [1926.152]
06/11/1996 - Regulations for Voluntary Rescue and Ambulance Squads. - [1975.3]
06/04/1996 - Interpretation of the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution standard - [1910.269]

May

05/29/1996 - Request for variance from digester building exit requirements. - [1910.261(g)(9); 1905.11(b)(4)]
05/28/1996 - Approval for cut and puncture resistant gloves. - [1910.1030]
05/28/1996 - Consumer Products that Contain Hazardous Chemicals. - [1910.1020; 1910.1200]
05/24/1996 - OSHA's position on PROTRAC, a company's computerized fire and safety bar code management system. - [1910.157]
05/22/1996 - Glove bag use. - [1910.1001; 1926.1101; 1915.1001]
05/20/1996 - Letter requesting interpretation of the OSHA electrical standards as they apply to employees using insulated hand tools - [1910.269; 1910.333; 1910.335]
05/15/1996 - Electrical generators in hospitals and the control of hazardous energy. - [1910.147]
05/15/1996 - Pressure testing using compressed air. - [1926.350(c)(2); 1926.350(c)(3)]
05/15/1996 - Variance exposure level for silver metal. - [1910.134; 1910.1000]
05/15/1996 - Worker protection for employees incinerating hazardous waste on cement plant property. - [1910.119; 1910.120; 1910.1200]
05/14/1996 - Interpretation for questions related to compliance with NFPA 33 (1995 edition). - [1910.107]
05/08/1996 - Bloodborne Pathogens Standard at the Institutions. - [1910.1030]
05/07/1996 - OSHA Guidelines for Medical Practices. - [1910.1030]
05/03/1996 - The work practices of truck drivers at loading docks. - [1910.178]

April

04/30/1996 - Information on temporary workers, particularly those in the electronic assembly industry. - [1926.20; 1926.21; 1910.1200; 1926.59 ]
04/25/1996 - Permanent Variance Requirements for Self-Feed Circular Ripsaws. - [1910.213]
04/24/1996 - OSHA's Permit-required Confined Spaces Standard. - [1910.146]
04/23/1996 - The "gas caddy" and OSHA's Flammable and Combustible Liquids Standard. - [1910.106]
04/22/1996 - Tuberculosis: respiratory protection and complaint inspection. - [1910.134]
04/19/1996 - Training requirements under the HAZWOPER standard. - [1910.120]
04/18/1996 - Hazards of Smoke Generated from Surgical Procedures - [1910.1030]
04/18/1996 - The Use of the Bullard "Free Air" Pump. - [1910.134]
04/17/1996 - Standards applicable to a barge-mounted stiffleg derrick engaged in the repair and maintenance of a dam site. - [1926.550; 1926.605]
04/16/1996 - Job requiring respiratory protection. - [1910.134; 1910.1025]
04/16/1996 - OSHA's Interim Final Rule of Lead in Construction. - [1926.62]
04/15/1996 - Doctors required to wear gloves while fitting patients with contact lenses. - [1910.1030]
04/15/1996 - The potential for the transmission of HIV from contact with urine specimens. - [1910.1030]
04/14/1996 - Flash point of cleaning solvents for spray finishing equipment - [1910.107(g)(5)]
04/12/1996 - Confined spaces: use of rescue-type SCBAs; maintenance vs. construction - [1910.146(c); 1910.146(d); 1910.12(b); 1926.21(b)(6)]
04/02/1996 - Motor wiring connects. - [1910.303(g)(2)]
04/02/1996 - Revised Grain Handling Standard: Guidance to Compliance Officers. - [1910.272]
04/02/1996 - Training requirements of the competent person for class II roofing work. - [1926.1101]
04/02/1996 - Voluntary/reserve/apprentice firefighters who are not paid. - [1975.3]

March

03/29/1996 - Machine Guarding Standard. - [1910.212; 1910.217]
03/26/1996 - An interpretation for the Bakery Equipment Standard, 29 CFR 1910.263. - [1910.263]
03/26/1996 - Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution standard. - [1910.269]
03/26/1996 - Relationship between owners and loggers - [1975.3]
03/26/1996 - Requirements of the Occupational Noise Exposure Standard with regards to hearing protectors. - [1910.95]
03/26/1996 - Whether the OSHA HAZWOPER standard applies to the remediation of unexploded conventional ordnance at military sites. - [1910.120; 1926.65 ]
03/19/1996 - In multi-story buildings "employee notice" requirement of asbestos standard. - [1926.1101]
03/18/1996 - OSHA first aid standard. - [1910.151; 1910.151(b)]
03/18/1996 - The relationship between OSHA standards and the usage of particulate respirators. - [1910.1001(g)(3); 1926.1101(h)(3)(iv); 1910.134(d)]
03/15/1996 - Fire prevention and protection requirements applicable to underground construction. - [1926.800]
03/15/1996 - Spray Finishing. - [1910.107]
03/12/1996 - Grounding requirements with respect to a battery charger used with rechargeable power tools. - [1910.304; 1910.307; 1910.399]
03/07/1996 - Use of seat belts on powered industrial trucks. - [1910.178]
03/05/1996 - Determination on whether the "Line Journeyman Changing out Trasformer" activities are within the intent of the OSHA standards. - [1910.269]
03/05/1996 - Low urinary creatinine levels. - [1910.1027]
03/04/1996 - Fit testing and fit factors for the N-95 respirators for protection against TB exposure. - [1910.134]
03/04/1996 - OSHA Asbestos Standard. - [1910.1001]
03/04/1996 - The biological monitoring requirements under the Final Rule for Lead. - [1926.62; 1910.1025]

February

02/28/1996 - Hazard Communications Standard. - [1910.1200]
02/27/1996 - The situations under which dry cleaning establishments would be covered by the bloodborne pathogens standard - [1910.1030]
02/26/1996 - Clarification of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. - [1910.269]
02/26/1996 - Minimum approach distances - [1910.269; 1910.333]
02/22/1996 - Component evaluation and UL's MOU Third Party Test Data Program. - [1910.7]
02/22/1996 - The requirement for change rooms whenever employees are required to wear personal protective clothing. - [1910.120; 1910.141]
02/21/1996 - Building and/or facility owner notification requirements. - [1910.1001; 1926.1101]
02/16/1996 - The coverage of the Hazard Communications Standard (HCS) to crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas condensate. - [1910.1200]
02/16/1996 - The requirements of a building owner for conducting a survey and the labeling of asbestos materials under the OSHA asbestos standard. - [1910.1001]
02/15/1996 - Classification of saliva in dental procedures under the bloodborne pathogens standard. - [1910.1030]
02/15/1996 - The activation of hoisting or dumping devices on haulage vehicles used in the construction industry. - [1926.601]
02/14/1996 - OSHA's policy regarding the use of scaffolds as fall arrest system anchors. - [1926.502]
02/14/1996 - Standards and regulations applicable in the U.S. for sale, import, handling, and transportation of various chemicals. - [1910.1200]
02/13/1996 - Third party certification for the Astro-Press 1000 control system. - [1910.217]
02/09/1996 - Requesting a clarification of 29 CFR 1910.178 (k)(1). - [1910.178]
02/08/1996 - Guidance in determining whether certain spaces would be considered confined spaces. - [1910.146]
02/07/1996 - Safety electrical work practices; motor disconnects;work clearances. - [1905; 1910.11; 1910.303(g)(1); 1910.305(j)(4); 1910.333(a)(1)]
02/06/1996 - Applicable regulations and design calculation factors which can be used for tanks and vessels. - [1910.106]
02/05/1996 - The OSHA interpretation of respiratory protection requirements with regards to tuberculosis (TB) exposure. - [1910.134; 1910.134(d); 1910.134(f)]
02/01/1996 - Clarification of house foundation/basement excavation;Fall protection requirements. - [1926.652; 1926 Subpart M]
02/01/1996 - Contractors and the criteria for applying the Construction Work Standard. - [1910; 1910.12; 1926]
02/01/1996 - Spacing of connections between safety net panels. - [1926.502]

January

01/30/1996 - A definition of the word 'ingot' as it applies to 1910.1025. - [1910.1025]
01/30/1996 - Installation of fall protection equipment criteria in 1926.502. - [1926.502]
01/29/1996 - Request for Compliance Assistance Regarding the Enforcement of 29 CFR 1910.266 - [1910.266]
01/26/1996 - Manucroche Quick Connector for fall arrest systems. - [1926.502]
01/24/1996 - OSHA Asbestos Standard. - [1910.1001; 1926.1101]
01/24/1996 - The requirements for fall protection around residential basement foundation excavations deeper than six feet. - [1926.501(b)(7)(i)]
01/19/1996 - The assessment of craft technical skills. - [1926.20(b)]
01/18/1996 - Lead in construction. - [1926.62]
01/11/1996 - Labeling of Latex - [1910.1200]
01/11/1996 - Permit-required confined spaces and control of hazardous energy; vehicle LOTO. - [1910.146; 1910.147(a); 1910.147(c)(4)(i); 1910.252]
01/11/1996 - Process safety management at what point a work site change would no longer be considered a modification but a new facility. - [1910.119]