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.

1910.1047 - 8-hour total weight average (TWA) permissible exposure limit (PEL). - 10/06/1995
1910.1047 - Acceptable respirators for exposure to ethylene oxide; Acceptable respirators for exposure to ethylene oxide. - 11/13/1984
1910.1047 - Clarification of 29 CFR 1910.1047(h)(2) Requirements for Emergency EtO Limit - 04/26/1990
1910.1047 - Clarification on the use of respirators while unloading ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization chambers. - 07/11/1988
1910.1047 - Ethylene oxide tank changing operations. - 03/01/1993
1910.1047 - Hazwoper training in hospitals. - 12/02/1991
1910.1047 - Labeling provisions in the ethylene oxide final rule will not apply where EtO is used as a pesticide. - 11/23/1984
1910.1047 - Means of alerting employees during EtO emergency situations in hospitals;direct voice communication may be used to warn employees during an EtO emergency. - 01/08/1987
1910.1047 - Plans are required for EtO emergency situations and must be written in accordance with 1910.38 and 1910.39. - 01/13/1987
1910.1047 - Procedures for ethylene oxide (EtO) spills and ethylene oxide disposal - 10/28/1985
1910.1047 - Sampling methods for ethylene oxide - 07/31/1986
1910.1047 - The interpretation of the medical examinations and consultations for employees who are hired for areas that have ethylene oxide - 08/07/1995
1910.1047(a)(2) - Labeling and MSDS requirements for product containing trace quantities of ethylene oxide.; Criterion that must be satisfied in order to assert that a product or operation is exempt for the EtO Standar - 04/07/1986
1910.1047(g) - Requirements under the Ethylene Oxide Standards - 03/29/1995
1910.1047(g) - Respiratory Protection Under OSHA's Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Standard - 01/29/1992
1910.1047(h) - Hazwoper training in hospitals. - 12/02/1991
1910.1047(h)(1) - Plans are required for EtO emergency situations and must be written in accordance with 1910.38 and 1910.39. - 01/13/1987
1910.1047(h)(1)(iii) - Plans are required for EtO emergency situations and must be written in accordance with 1910.38 and 1910.39. - 01/13/1987
1910.1047(h)(2) - Means of alerting employees during EtO emergency situations in hospitals;direct voice communication may be used to warn employees during an EtO emergency. - 01/08/1987
1910.1047(h)(2) - Use of ethylene oxide alarm systems with sensors - 12/11/1998
1910.1047(i) - Mandatory annual blood work requirements in OSHA's Respiratory Protection and Ethylene Oxide standards - 06/12/2017
1910.1047(i)(2)(i)(B) - Mandatory annual blood work requirements in OSHA's Respiratory Protection and Ethylene Oxide standards - 06/12/2017
1910.1047(i)(2)(i)(D) - Mandatory annual blood work requirements in OSHA's Respiratory Protection and Ethylene Oxide standards - 06/12/2017
1910.1047(i)(2)(ii)(A) - Mandatory annual blood work requirements in OSHA's Respiratory Protection and Ethylene Oxide standards - 06/12/2017

OSH Act - Section 5(a)(1)