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
Requirements for the use of flexible cords and cables. 1910.305(g), 1910.305(g)(1)(i), 1910.305(g)(1)(ii), 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)
Use of flexible cords and cables for wiring in permanent or temporary installations. 1910.305, 1910.305(a)(2)(iii)(G), 1910.305(g)(1)(iii)
Fixed Wiring in Research Facilities and High Voltage Cable Tray Systems at Department of Energy (DOE) Research Laboratories 1910.305(a), 1910.305(a)(2), 1910.305(a)(2)(iii)(B), 1910.305(a)(3), 1910.305(b), 1910.305(g)(1), 1910.305(g)(1)(i), 1910.305(g)(1)(iii), 1910.399
Electrical safety requirements for rechargeable racks for paging transmitters. 1910.305(j)(3), 1910.399
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
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)
Shutdown and restoration of power to equipment for a phase-to-ground condition. 1910.305(j)(4)(iii), 1910.137, 1910.333
OSHA enforcement policy on vertical food mixers. 1910.263, 1910.212(a)(1), 1910.212(a)(3)(ii), 1910.147, 1910.147(a)(2)(ii)(A), 1910.147(a)(2)(ii)(B), 1910.147(a)(2)(iii)(A), 1910.305(g)
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
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)
Clarification on the use of flexible cords and cables as temporary wiring for research projects. 1910.305
Use of power strips. 1910.305
Acceptable job-made extension cords. 1910.303(b)(1)(i), 1910.303(e), 1910.304(a)(2), 1910.305(a)(2), 1910.305(g)(2)(iii), 1926.403(b)(1)(i), 1926.404(a)(2), 1926.405(g)(2), 1926.405(g)(2)(iv), 1926.405(g)(2)(v), 1910 Subpart S, 1926 Subpart K
Contractor shop-made extension cords. 1910.305(a)(2), 1910.403(b)(1), 1910.404(a)(2), 1910 Subpart S, 1926.403(a), 1926.403(a)(2), 1926.403(b)(1)(i), 1926.403(g), 1926.404(a)(2), 1926.405(g)(2)(v), 1926 Subpart K
Interpretation of standards applicable to battery storage installations. 1910.304(f), 1910.305(j)(7)