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

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Exit Signs 1910.37(b)(7), 1910.35, 1910.34, 1910.36, 1910.37, 1910.6 - Index
Termination of the January 2009 Corporate-Wide Settlement Agreement between United Parcel Service (UPS) and OSHA; Enforcement of 20 CFR 1910.37(a)(3) and 29 CFR 1910.36(g)(2) 1910.36(g)(2), 1910.37(a)(3)
Exit route stairways that comply with the codes of the NFPA and the IFC 1910.6, 1910.34 - Index, 1910.35 - Index, 1910.36(g), 1910.37 - Index
There are no specific OSHA standards or requirements applicable to overhead doors. 1910.34, 1910.36, 1910.37, 1910 - Table of Contents, 1926 - Table of Contents, 1910.12
Minimum width of exit routes; redesignation of 1910.1020. 1910.37, 1910.36(g)(2), 1910.36, 1910.36(b), 1910.24(d), 1910.1020
Key to open locked exits. 1910.36
Exit route requirements as it relates to the widths of doorways into electrical equipment enclosures. 1910.36(g)(2)
Locked exit doors are not permitted. 1910.36(b)(4), 1910.37(k)
Exits must not be locked or obstructed. 1910.36(d)
Electronic door opening device used with a security system. 1910.36, 1910.36(d)(2)
Security door lock system presently installed in the Research and Development building. 1910.36, 1910.36(d)(1)
Interpretation when height of exit route corridors are lower than specified. 1910.36, 1910.37, 1910.36(g)(1)
Exit Routes. 1910.36, 1910.36(g)(2), 1910.37, 1910.37(a)(3)
The discharge from exits in the Blackwill Burner Company plant. 1910.36, 1910.36(c)(1), 1910.36(c)(2)
OSHA standards of exit requirements in steam tunnels. 1910.36
1910.36(b)(8) does not automatically require at least two means of egress. 1910.36(b)(8)
Clarification of requirements that exit routes be maintained clear of all obstructions. 1910.36, 1910.37, 1910.37(a)(3), 1910.36(g)(2)
How means of egress shall be located and identified. 1910.35, 1910.36, 1910.37
Clarification of head room requirements for emergency doors and machine guarding. 1910.36(g)(1), 1910.212, 1910.219
Interpretation for doorways not complying with exit route requirements. 1910.36, 1910.36(g)(1)