Letters of Interpretation | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

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

Date	Title	Standard Number
06/19/1995	Concern regarding the Hazard Information Bulletin.	1910.146, 1910.272
06/01/1995	PRCS interpretation concerning a hydropower dam's 22 foot diameter sluice tunnel.	1910.146
12/27/1994	Review of Manual for training personnel engaged in oil spill emergency response.	1910.120, 1910.121, 1910.146, 1910.1200, 1910.1030
12/20/1994	Application of the confined spaces standard to the elevator industry.	1910.146
12/20/1994	Answers to specific questions concerning the permit-required confined spaces standard	1910.146
09/20/1994	Reclassification of silver inspection services' tank containers.	1910.146
09/19/1994	Elevator industry employees working in and around pits and equipment.	1910.146, 1910.146(c)(1), 1910.146(c)(7), 1910.146(c)(8), 1910.146(c)(8)(i), 1910.146(c)(8)(ii), 1910.146(c)(8)(iii), 1910.146(c)(8)(iv), 1910.146(c)(8)(v), 1910.146(c)(9), 1910.146(d), 1910.146(d)(11)
09/16/1994	The relationship between the OSHA standards on Permit-Required Confined Space and Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills	1910.146, 1910.261
09/09/1994	Rescue Equipment Requirements.	1910.146
08/11/1994	Permit-required confined spaces.	1910.146
08/08/1994	Permit space entry	1910.146, 1910.268, 1910.269
07/13/1994	Order of testing for permit spaces.	1910.146
06/01/1994	Applicability of OSHA's PRCS standard to gas industry.	1910.146, 1975.1
05/25/1994	Permit-required confined space standard does not apply where DOT/OPS regulations apply to working conditions.	1910.146
05/09/1994	Permit Required Confined Space Standard as it relates to rescue services.	1910.146
05/05/1994	Alternative procedures for the non-entry rescue provision.	1910.146
03/18/1994	Permit-Required Confined Spaces standard.	1910.146
03/03/1994	Mechanical equipment, such as an unguarded agitator, posing a hazard within a permit space must be locked out or tagged.	1910.146, 1910.147
01/27/1994	OSHA does not cross reference general industry and construction standards.	1910.146, 1926.21
01/13/1994	Confined space entry.	1910.146