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
Relevance of NFPA 70E industry consensus standard to OSHA requirements; whether OSHA requirements apply to owners. 1926.402(a), 1910.132, 1910.335, 1926.403, 1926.404, 1926.405, 1926.406, 1926.407, 1926.408, 1910.303(f), 1926.403(h), 1910.12
Workplace use of electrical equipment designated as "Household Use Only" and recordkeeping requirements. 1910.303(a), 1910.303(b)(2), 1910.7, 1910.303(b), 1910.304(f)(5)(v)(C)(5)
Electrical conductors and equipment must be approved and used according to its listing/label. 1910.303, 1910.303(a), 1910.303(b)(2)
Acceptability of modifying a standard on/off switch to provide lockout capability to a machine. 1910.147, 1910.147(c)(3), 1910.147(c)(2)(iii), 1910.303(a), 1910.399, 1910.303
Compliance requirements for relocatable power taps or "power strips" 1910.303(b)(2), 1910.303, 1910.304(b)(2), 1910.304, 1910.305(g)(1), 1910.305
Use of ANSI C2-1997 as guidance for protecting employees working near insulated shielded conductors 1910.269(a)(1), 1910.269(u)(4), 1910.269(u)(5), 1910.269(v)(4), 1910.269(v)(5), 1910.303(g)(2), 1910.303(h)(2), 1910.335(a)(2)(ii), 1910.333
Applicable OSHA standards and safety considerations for microwave device use in a laboratory 1910.1450, 1910.1450(e)(3)(vii), 1910.97, 1910.303(b)(2), 1910.399, 1910.106, 1910.1000
Guidance on approval requirments for general circuit breaker panel swich lockouts in General Industry. 1910.305(b)(2), 1910.147(c)(5), 1910.303(g)(2)(ii)
"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)
NRTL certification for electrically-operated sewer inspection equipment. 1910.303(a), 1910.307
Access and working space requirements for electric equipment (600V or less). 1910.303(g)(1)(i)
Clarification of under voltage protection on metal-working equipment and emergency stop devices. 1910.216(b), 1910.303(b)(1)
Electrical Conductor Identification. 1910 Subpart S, 1910.269, 1910.303, 1910.304, 1910.399
Clarification of the Electrical Standard as it applies to flexible power cords on appliances. 1910.303(a), 1910.305(a)(2)(i), 1910.305(g), 1910.305(g)(1)(iii)(A), 1910.334(a)(2), 1910 Subpart S
Motor wiring connects. 1910.303(g)(2)
Safety electrical work practices; motor disconnects;work clearances. 1905 - Table of Contents, 1910.11, 1910.303(g)(1), 1910.305(j)(4), 1910.333(a)(1)
Presence sensing devices (PSDs) for power presses 1910.217(c)(3), 1910.303(a)
Requirements for emergency eyewash stations in retail autoparts stores 1910.132, 1910.133, 1910.151, 1910.303, 1910.307
Standard requirements for eyewash and shower equipment, personnel and other protective equipment and air circulation fans, used in an automotive battery charging area 1910.132, 1910.133, 1910.151, 1910.178, 1910.303, 1910.307
Approval requirements for electrical conductors and equipment. 1910.303