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.

NOTICE:

How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Access requirements for cantilevered work platforms; use of unstable objects is prohibited. 1926.451(e)(1), 1926.451(c)(2)(iii), 1926.450(b)
Minimum approach distances to insulated power lines by construction workers working close to, but not on, the lines. 1926.451(f)(6), 1926.955
Acceptability of climbing over or through guardrails on scaffolds used in construction. 1926.450, 1926.451, 1926.452, 1926.453, 1926.454
OSHA compliance of Terra Flex stair system (models L-400 and A-500). 1926.1052, 1926.1053, 1926.1050, 1926.502(h), 1926.502(j), 1926.1051(a)
Requirements applicable to the design, inspection, and testing of imported scaffolding. 1926.452(o), 1926.452(p), 1926.452(q), 1926.451(f)(3), 1926.450(a), 1926.450, 1926.451, 1926.452, 1926.453, 1926.454
Use of aerial lifts to transport workers to elevated workstations; scissor lifts are not covered by the aerial lift provisions. 1926.453(b)(2), 1926.453(b)(2)(iii), 1926.453(b)(2)(v), 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.452(w), 1926.451, 1926.502(d), 1926.453
Application of CPL 2-1.29, Interim Inspection Procedures during Communication Tower Construction Activities. 1926.550(g)(2), 1926.753(a)(4), 1926.750, 1926.550(g)
Requirements of Interim Fall Protection Compliance Guidelines for Residential Construction for guardrails and fall protection during roofing work. 1926.501(b)(13), 1926.500, 1926.450, 1926.451(b)(3), 1926.451(g), 1926.451(b)(3)(i), 1926.451(b)(3)(ii)
Significance of ANSI standards with respect to OSHA requirements, specifically A92.6-1999. 1926.453, 1910.1, 1910.6
Requirements for scaffold grade lumber; qualifications of qualified/competent persons for grading scaffold lumber. 1926.451(b), 1926.452(e), 1926.452(p)(4), 1926.450(b), 1926 Subpart L App A
Application of 1926.451(b)(3)(ii) to "Drivit" (synthetic stucco) systems. 1926.451(b)(3)(ii)
Hoists for suspension scaffolds must be tested by a qualified testing laboratory. 1926.451, 1926.449
Pump jack scaffolds must be braced at their bottom. 1926.452(j)(2), 1926.450(b)
Employees engaged in formwork over 6 feet high must have fall protection. 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.501(b)(2), 1926.501(b)(5), 1926.451(g)
Clarification of OSHA policy regarding the use of scaffold stairs for access to a multi-story structure. 1926.451, 1926.1051
Fall protection for various lift-devices; restraint, positioning, fall arrest and rescue requirements; maintenance vs. construction examples. 1926.451(g)(1)(vii), 1926.451(g)(4), 1926.453(b)(2)(v), 1926.500, 1926.502(d), 1926.502(d)(20)
Anchoring 2-point suspension scaffolds;criteria for testing anchorages. 1910.66, 1910.28(g)(11), 1926.451(d)(18)
Tie, guy, and bracing requirements for scaffold systems. 1926.451(a)(1), 1926.451(a)(6), 1926.451(c)(1)(ii), 1926.451(c)(1)(iii), 1926.451(c)(3)
Foundation requirements for scaffolds; competent person qualifications for assessing foundations. 1926.451(c)(1)(iii), 1926.451(c)(2), 1926.451(c)(2)(i), 1926.451(f)(3), 1926.451(f)(7), 1926.450
Scissor lifts are not aerial lifts, are considered scaffolds. 1926.451, 1926.453