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

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Date Title Standard Number
Interim Enforcement Guidance for Handrail and Stair Rail System Requirements under 1910.28(b) and 1910.29(f) 1910.28(b), 1910.28(b)(11)(ii), 1910.29(f), 1910.29(f)(1), 1910.29(f)(1)(ii)(A), 1910.29(f)(1)(ii)(B), 1910.29(f)(1)(iii), 1910.29(f)(1)(iii)(A), 1910.29(f)(1)(iii)(B)
Requirements of Mobile Ladder Stand Platforms Used to Access CNC Machines 1910.23, 1910.23(b), 1910.23(e), 1910.23(e)(1)(i), 1910.23(e)(2)(i), 1910.23(e)(3)(i), 1910.23(e)(3)(ii), 1910.23(e)(3)(iii), 1910.29(b)(3)
Fixed Ladders, Rest Platforms, Personal Fall Protection, Ladder Safety Systems, Ladder Cages and Wells 1910.28, 1910.29
Fall Protection Requirements for Fixed Ladders 1910.23(b)(12), 1910.23(b)(13), 1910.28(b)(9), 1910.29(b), 1910.29(g)(3), 1910.29(g)(4)
Heights of Handrail and Stair Rail Systems 1910.29(f)(1)(i), 1910.29(f)(1)(ii)(B), 1910.29(f)(1)(iii)(A)
Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems) 1910.21(b), 1910.28, 1910.28(b)(9), 1910.28(b)(10)(ii), 1910.29(h), 1910.140(c), 1910.140(d)
Requirements for Guardrail systems 1910.23(e)(3), 1910.23(e)(3)(v), 1910.29(b)(5)
Fall protection and aerial lifts in the Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution industries. 1910.28, 1910.28(a)(12), 1910.28(d)(7), 1910.28(d)(12), 1910.29, 1910.29(a)(3), 1910.67, 1910.269, 1910.269(a)(2)
Regulations for scaffold casters. 1910.29, 1926.452(w)
The rung spacing between horizontal members of the end frames of metal scaffolds used as ladders rungs for access or egress. 1910.28, 1910.29
Use of horizontal members of the end frames of metal scaffolds as safe access. 1910.28, 1910.29
A manually propelled elevating work platform is not regulated by a specific standard, and is therefore regulated by the general duty clause. 1910.29
Use of guardrails and swivel locks on mobile scaffolds. 1910.29(a)(3)