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
Stair Angle and Tread Depth Requirements 1910.25, 1910.25(c)(1), 1910.25(c)(2), 1910.25(c)(3), 1910.25(c)(5)
Stairway Width 1910.25(c)(4), 1910.28(b)(11)(ii), 1910.35
Safety of Compressed Gas Cylinders on Portable Carts 1910.101 - Index, 1910.101(b), 1910.102(a), 1910.253(b)(3)(ii), 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(D), 1910.253(b)(5)(iii)(A), 1910.253(b)(5)(iii)(B), 1926.350(a)(7), 1926.350(a)(9), 1926.350(b)(3), 1926.350(j)
Definition of Confined Space, as it may apply to large product heating and aging furnaces 1910.146, 1910.25(c)(3)
Lifting compressed-gas cylinders 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(A)
NRTL requirements for shielding gas regulators. 1910 Subpart S, 1910.303(a), 1910.399, 1910 Subpart Q, 1910.251, 1910.253
Clarification of OSHA's position on FR Clothing for welders. 1910.252, 1910.252(b)(3), 1910.132
Use of the BoaGripTM sling to move compressed-gas cylinders in general industry. 1910.101, 1910.101(b), 1910.253, 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(A)
Use of the "Regulator Umbrella" for "in use" or "connected for use" conditions for portable compressed gas cylinders. 1910.253, 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(B), 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(D), 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(I), 1926.350, 1926.350(a)(10)
Storage of oxygen and acetylene cylinders for construction vs. general industry. 1910.253, 1910.253(b)(2), 1910.253(b)(3), 1910.253(b)(4), 1926.350, 1926.350(a)(10)
General industry and construction standards regarding "in use" or "ready to use" and "storage" of compressed gas and oxygen cylinders for welding; §1910.253(b)(2)-1910.253(b)(4) and §1926.350(a)(10). 1910.253, 1910.253(b)(2), 1910.253(b)(3), 1910.253(b)(4), 1926.350, 1926.350(a)(10)
The use of rail extensions on ladders used in a general industry setting. 1910.25, 1910.26
Rail extensions for a portable ladder;step-through ladder device. 1926.1053(b)(1), 1910.25(d)(2)
OSHA's General Industry standard requires damaged welding leads to be replaced and not to be repaired. 1910.254(d)(9)(iii), 1926.351(b)(2), 1926.351(b)(4)
Correct placement of air sampling cassettes on employees performing welding operations. 1910.252(c)
Citation policy regarding automatic sprinkler systems. 1910.252(a)(2)(vi)(B)
Load ratings for portable ladders. 1910.25, 1910.26
Training and competency for oxygen-fuel gas welding equipment use 1910.253(a)(4), 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(C)
Welder electrical safety training 1910.252, 1910.254, 1910.255
Introduction of electrical welding equipment into a non-permit confined space. 1910.146, 1910.252, 1910.252(a)(4)(i), 1910.252(b)(4)(i), 1910.252(b)(4)(vii), 1910.252(c)(4), 1910.252(c)(9), 1910.252(c)(10), 1910 Subpart Q