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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How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Authorized employees may, but are not required to, verify energy isolation in group LO/TO. 1910.147(f)(3)
A lock is considered a lockout device. 1910.147(b)
Evaluation of proposed modifications to the Bureau of Prisons' Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures. 1910.147, 1910.147(e)(3), 1910.333, 1910.333(a)(1), 1910.333(b)(2), 1910.333(b)(2)(v)(C)
"Approval" of flexible corrugated plastic covers and generic circuit breaker panel switch lockouts. 1910.305(b)(2), 1910.147(c)(5), 1910.303(g)(2)(ii)
Energy control procedures must be developed unless eight conditions met. 1910.147(c)(4)(i), 1910.147(b)
Lockout/tagout: preferred means of energy isolation; non cord-and-plug powered equipment. 1910.147(a)(2)(iii)(A), 1910.147(c)(3), 1910.269(m), 1910.333(b)
Removal of lockout devices by persons other than those who applied them. 1910.147(e)(3)
OSHA policies concerning employees working at home. 1904.14, 1910.1200(g), 1910.147, 1910.146, 1910.132
Use of Monitored Power Systems for lockout/tagout. 1910.147(b), 1910.147(c)(1), 1910.147(a)(2)(ii)
Verification procedures for group lockout/tagout. 1910.147(d), 1910.269(d), 1910.333(b)(2)(iv)(B)
OSHA policies concerning employees working at home. 1904.14, 1910.1200(g), 1910.147, 1910.146, 1910.132
LOTO of hydraulic systems; postal workers' exposure to hazardous material spills. 1910.147, 1910 Subpart S, 1910.120(q), 1910.1030, 1910.1200
Use of "generic" LOTO procedures in conjunction with "work authorization permits". 1910.147(c)(1), 1910.147(d)(3), 1903.14(f)
Lockout/tagout issues: "unexpected energization" and minor servicing operations. 1910.147, 1910 Subpart O
OSHA enforcement policy on vertical food mixers. 1910.263, 1910.212(a)(1), 1910.212(a)(3)(ii), 1910.147, 1910.147(a)(2)(ii)(A), 1910.147(a)(2)(ii)(B), 1910.147(a)(2)(iii)(A), 1910.305(g)
Application of 1910.147 to the change out of a grinding wheel. 1910.147(a)(2)(ii), 1910.147(a)(2)(iii)(A)
Workers must be protected from hazards of heated (hot) surfaces. 1910.261(k)(11), 1910.262(c)(9), 1910.23(c)(3), 1910.147, 1910.132(a)
Identity of employee applying lockout and tagout devices. 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(D)
Interpretation/variance with the energy isolation device requirements. 1910.147
Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) standard. 1910.147