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.

1910.38 - What constitutes an emergency response or incidental release of anhydrous ammonia - 10/02/2017
1910.38 - Alarm systems for employee evacuation and/or response. - 12/16/1992
1910.38 - Application of OSHA standards to escape and protection of employees from threats associated with terrorist actions. - 05/24/2004
1910.38 - Application of OSHA's final standard for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. - 07/28/1989
1910.38 - Application of the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response to general industry. - 01/23/1991
1910.38 - Clarification of Fire Protection, Exit Routes, and Hazardous Material Standards. - 01/28/1983
1910.38 - Clarification of whether employee emergency action or fire prevention plans need to be in written form - 02/05/1990
1910.38 - Emergency action plan procedures when employees discover an unknown biohazard. - 04/17/2007
1910.38 - Emergency drainage systems for flammable/combustible liquids in industrial plants. - 10/06/1992
1910.38 - Emergency response in the trucking industry - 04/03/1991
1910.38 - Employee emergency alarm systems. - 01/23/1991
1910.38 - Employee evacuation in the event of imminent Natural Phenomenon. - 06/26/1991
1910.38 - Fire brigades and portable fire extinguishers standards. - 07/03/1990
1910.38 - Fire detection and employee alarm systems. - 08/07/1981
1910.38 - Fire equipment training requirements. - 09/12/1986
1910.38 - Initial and annual refresher HAZWOPER training requirements for employees exposed to health hazards or hazardous substances at TSD facilities. - 03/07/2007
1910.38 - 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
1910.38 - OSHA's Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. - 08/27/1991
1910.38 - Over-the-road vehicle operator required response to a large release. - 10/08/1991
1910.38 - Plans are required for EtO emergency situations and must be written in accordance with 1910.38 and 1910.39. - 01/13/1987
1910.38 - PSM compliance for ammonia refrigeration systems. - 07/12/2006
1910.38 - Requirements for electrical wiring in supply and disposal function warehouses containing hazardous materials. - 04/08/1997
1910.38 - The airflow rate required for a spray painting area. - 04/08/1997
1910.38 - The application of the OSHA HAZWOPER standard to employers of transfer facilities. - 08/11/1995
1910.38 - The hazardous waste operations and emergency response regulation. - 12/30/1992
1910.38 - Training and HAZWOPER. - 12/30/1991
1910.38 - Training provisions of OSHA's HAZWOPER standard. - 01/14/1997
1910.38 - Training requirements of Hazwoper for various functions. - 08/20/1991
1910.38(a) - Requirements for emergency response and planning under the Process Safety Management Standard. - 06/24/2003
1910.38(b) - Clarification of whether employee emergency action or fire prevention plans need to be in written form - 02/05/1990
1910.38(c)(3) - Requirements for emergency response and planning under the Process Safety Management Standard. - 06/24/2003
1910.38(d) - Fire detection and employee alarm systems. - 08/07/1981
1910.38(e) - Clarification of Fire Protection, Exit Routes, and Hazardous Material Standards. - 01/28/1983

OSH Act - Section 5(a)(1)