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
The difference between maintenance and construction;scaffold inspection requirements; and definition of periodic scaffold inspection. 1910.28, 1910.12, 1926.451(f)
Scaffold stairs used for access to floors during construction of multistory buildings. 1926 Subpart X
Grounding precautions for arc welding from suspended scaffolds. 1926.451(f)(17)
Fall protection for the Elaminator 300 Insulation System. 1926 Subpart M, 1926 Subpart R, 1926.105(a)
Aerial lift regulations; fall protection for scissor lifts. 1926.451, 1926.451(g)(1)(vii), 1926.452(w), 1926.453
Use of flexible cords for connection of appliances; scaffold base plates. 1926.404(a)(2), 1926.404(b)(1)(ii), 1926.405(g), 1926.451(c)(2)
Moving mobile (Baker) scaffolds; locking casters and wheels. 1926.452(w), 1926.452(w)(2), 1926.452(w)(3), 1926.452(w)(6)(iv)
Hoisting workers on crane load lines (boatswains' chair). 1926.550(g), 1926.550(g)(2), 1926.550(g)(6)(viii), 1926.452(o), 1926.451(g)(1)(i)
Fall protection during electrical maintenance and construction work on aerial lifts. 1926.451(f), 1926.453, 1926.556, 1926.502(d), 1910.67(c), 1910.269(g)
Waler (platform) covered by Subpart L; minimum scaffold platform width. 1926.451(b)(2), 1926.451(e), 1926.451(g)
Scaffolds may serve as fall arrest anchorages. 1926.502(d)(15), 1926.451(a)
Tying or guying of supported scaffolds. 1926.451(c)(1)(i)
Shoring frames used to support temporary decks and work platforms. 1926.450(b), 1926 Subpart L
Arc welding from suspended scaffolds: feasibility of grounding. 1926.451(f)(17)(iv)
Fall protection and access for scaffold erecting and dismantling. 1926.451(g)(2), 1926.451(e)(9)
Scaffolds: removal of bracing; maximum loads; damaged planking; and foundations. 1926.451(c)(2)(iii), 1926.450(b), 1926.451(a)(1), 1926.451(f)(4), 1926.451(c)(2)
Daily inspection of scaffolds. 1926.451
A letter of determination of the new scaffold mandate. 1926.454
Vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platforms standard. 1910 - Table of Contents
Scaffolds used in the Construction Industry. 1926 - Table of Contents, 1926.451