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
Grain Handling Facility Sweep Auger Enforcement Policy 1910.272(g)(1)(ii)
Reiteration of OSHA policy on unguarded sweep augers. 1910.272, 1910.272(g)(1)(ii)
Clarification of the Applicability of 29 CFR 1910.272(g) or (h) During Grain Storage Structure Entry Operations. 1910.272, 1910.272(g), 1910.272(h)
Clarification on when a worker may be inside a grain storage bin while a sweep auger is operating. 1910.272, 1910.272(g)(1)(ii), 1910.272(g)(6)
Grain handlers and engulfment hazards; procedures for unguarded sweep augers. 1910.23(a)(5), 1910.272, 1910.272(e)(2), 1910.272(g)(1)(ii), 1910.272(g)(2)
Questions regarding the Permit-Required Confined Space standard, 1910.146, and the Grain Handling standard, 1910.272. 1910.146, 1910.146(c)(2), 1910.272, 1910.272(e)(1)(i), 1910.272(g), 1910.272(g)(3), 1910.272(g)(5)
Difference between "grain elevators" and "grain handling facilities" 1910.272(j)
Fire retardant PPE requirements and PPE hazard assessment. 1910.132, 1910.1029(h)(1), 1910.272 App A
Testing electrical resistance of grain elevator conveyor belts. 1910.272
Voluntary safety and health audits under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1910.1020, 1910.95, 1910.119, 1910.120, 1910.132, 1910.134, 1910.137, 1910.146, 1910.147, 1910.272, 1910.1025, 1926.20
Revised Grain Handling Standard: Guidance to Compliance Officers. 1910.272
Concern regarding the Hazard Information Bulletin. 1910.146, 1910.272
Industries involved in peanut production. 1910.272
Grain Handling Facilities - Inspection Guidance and Standard. 1910.272
The terminology "making contact with the interior leg casing" in CPL 02-01-004 and grain handling facilities with less than one million bushels permanent storage capacity 1910.272(p)(4)(ii)
Grain handling facilities. 1910.272
Grain Handling Facilities Standard. 1910.272
Manufacturer Supplying Halon 1301 Systems for Fire and Explosion Suppression. 1910.162, 1910.272
Grain elevator inspection activities 1910.272
Location of excessive temperature sensors in the grain industry 1910.272