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
Toeboard requirements on walkways over interior of a water tank. 1910.23
Platforms and ladders on communication towers. 1910.23, 1910.27
Toe clearances on ladders. 1910.23
Nominal vertical height requirement for toe boards. 1910.23
Ladderway floor openings. 1910.23
Permanent handrail on platform inside a chimney or silo 1910.22(b)(4), 1910.23(a)(8)
Whether additional handrails are required on the grated walkways provided on one side of the 13 belt conveyors. 1910.23(e)(1), 1910.23(c)(2)
Bay Nets Safety System. 1910.23(a)(5)
Fall protection for employees exposed to hazardous falls from roofs. 1910.66(e)(3), 1910.23, 1910.145(c)(3)
The acceptability of manhole entries through concentric cone or eccentric cone concrete pipe transition sections to underground workplaces. 1910 - Table of Contents, 1910.23(a)(6), 1910.23(c)(1), 1910.27, 1910.132(a), 1910.268
Safeguarding of floor holes between platforms and equipment. 1910.21(a)(1), 1910.23
Guarding requirements for skylights. 1910.23(a)(1), 1910.23(e)(8)
Clarification of our railing requirements in 29 CFR 1910.23(e). 1910.23
Clarification of 1910.23(a)(9) as it applies to fixed ladders and platforms. 1910.23(a)(9)
Guardrail and toeboard requirements for antenna platforms. 1910.23(c)(1)
Perimeter protection at setback roof levels. 1910.23(e)(3)(v)
Clarification of 1910.23 as it would apply to repair pits. 1910.23
Provisions for mounting lighting on guardrails. 1910.23(e)(5)(iii)
The use of a safety chain in lieu of a gate. 1910.23
Tip-up rigid guardrail system. 1910.23