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
Interpretative guidance and equipment approved for hazardous locations relative to the Permit-Required Confined Spaces standard. 1910.146
OSHA's Permit-required Confined Spaces Standard. 1910.146
Confined spaces: use of rescue-type SCBAs; maintenance vs. construction 1910.146(c), 1910.146(d), 1910.12(b), 1926.21(b)(6)
Guidance in determining whether certain spaces would be considered confined spaces. 1910.146
Permit-required confined spaces and control of hazardous energy; vehicle LOTO. 1910.146, 1910.147(a), 1910.147(c)(4)(i), 1910.252
Guidance in determining whether elevator pits meet the definition of confined spaces. 1910.146, 1910.146(b), 1910.146(c)(7), 1910.147
Applying Permit-Required Confined Spaces (PRCS) standard to a workplace that is a multi-family residential commercial building 1910.146
Determining whether certain spaces meet the definition of a "confined space" according to the Permit-Required Confined Spaces standard. 1910.146
Determining whether certain spaces routinely would be considered confined spaces by applying the (PRCS) standard's definition. 1910.146
When permits are required for entry into a permit required confined space. 1910.146
Interpretation of 1910.146 regarding permits and multiple sewer entries along a common line. 1910.146
Compliance Policy Concerning 29 CFR 1910.146. 1910.146
Interpretation of a lifting device and its ability to act as a rescue retrieval system as it applies to OSHA's permit required confined space entry standard. 1910.146
Interpretation of the provision of the Permit Required Confined Spaces Standard 1910.146
Use of explosion proof certified equipment inside of pipes and manholes. 1910.146, 1910.307, 1926.651
Requirements for PRCS attendants; Fall arrest system anchorage point 1910.146(c)(5), 1910.146(c)(7), 1910.146(i), 1926.502(d)(15)
What OSHA safety standards are applicable to underground sewer pipeline inspection camera systems. 1910.146, 1910.307
Relationship between training requirements for those who will perform permit space rescue services in accordance with PRCS and the Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response standard. 1910.146, 1910.120
Explanation from OSHA of the "not designed for continuous human occupancy" component if the definition of the term "confined space". 1910.146(b)
The appropriate atmospheric monitoring equipment to the wine making industry for compliance with OSHA standard 1910.146. 1910.146