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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Date Title Standard Number
Allowable tolerance for the height of guardrails 1926.451(a)(5)
Apparent inconsistency between the scaffolding requirements in the general industry standard and the construction standard. 1910.28
Tie-in guides standard. 1910.66
Powered Platform Installations for Building Maintenance 1910.66
Techam LVL Scaffold Plank 1926.451
Use of protective helmets in construction 1926.100(a), 1926.451(h)(1)
Ladders used with scaffolds 1926 Subpart X
Guarding of protruding steel rods. 1926.7, 1926.500
Use of link chains as lanyards and contractor's responsibility to supply safety nets for worker protection 1926.104
Separate line for a full body harness 1910.27
The type and quantity of rescue equipment that is required and whether a provision for outside rescue teams can be used in conjunction with an in-house rescue plan. 1910.272
Grading Designations for Southern Pine Scaffold Planks 1910.28(a)(9), 1926.451(a)(10)
The rung spacing between horizontal members of the end frames of metal scaffolds used as ladders rungs for access or egress. 1910.28, 1910.29
Use of horizontal members of the end frames of metal scaffolds as safe access. 1910.28, 1910.29
Application for permanent variance from 1926.451(a)(4) and 1926.451(b)(11) 1926.451(a)(4), 1926.451(b)(4), 1905.11(b)(4)
Two different design requirements for handrail and scaffolding. 1926.451(a)(1), 1926.451(g)(4)(vii)
The "Sky Genie" device. 1926.451
Standards for a "cable grab" device that will not allow the free end of the wire rope to exit the hoist. 1926.451
STD 3-10.3 is a guideline, for 29 CFR 1915.71(j)(2). 1915.71
Inability to rig service platforms at the roof level. 1910.66