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
Clarification on rigging for hoisting multiple bundles of construction materials 1926.251, 1926.753(e), 1926.1425(c)
Proof testing of lifting beams used to lift wind turbine components. 1926.251, 1926.251(a)(4)
Padded slings/wire rope during steel erection. 1926.251, 1926.251(c)(9), 1926.753, 1926.753(c)(2)
Testing requirements for "lifting blinds" or "lifting covers" on pressure vessels. 1926.251, 1926.251(a)(4), 1926.251(a)(5)
OSHA requirements applicable to use of the Contex "Magic Arm" below-the-hook lifting device. 1926.20(b), 1926.21(b)(2), 1926.251(a)(1), 1926.753, 1926.1400
Wire rope clips on suspension scaffolds; safety latches on large crane hooks; order of assembly for hanging scaffolds; and horizontal lifeline design. 1926.502(d)(8), 1926.502(b), 1926.251(c), 1926.760(d), 1926.502(d)(14), 1926.451(a), 1926.451(b), 1926.451(f), 1926.251(a)(4), 1926.451(d)(12), 1926.550(g)(4)(iv)(B), 1926.753(d), 1926.550(g), 1926.502(d)(15)
Requirements for load-testing and marking of special custom-design rigging accessories; applicability of ASME standards. 1926.251, 1926.251(a)(4), 1926.32, 1926.32(q)
Marking and proof-testing requirements for special custom-designed lifting accessories. 1926.251, 1926.251(a), 1926.251(a)(4)
Retesting of reassembled lifting accessories if original manufacturing controls are ensured; retesting requirement if repair/replacement of parts due to breakage, damage, or evidence of diminished capacity. 1926.251, 1926.251(a)(4)
Rigging equipment for material handling; custom-designed accessories. 1926.251(a)(4)
Custom-designed lifting accessories must be proof-tested and marked before being deployed for use and after repair or replacement. 1926.251(a)(4)
Alloy steel chain slings must not be loaded beyond working load limit. 1926.251(b)(4), 1926.251(a)(2), 1926.550(a)(19)
Use of synthetic fiber slings. 1926.251
Rigging equipment for material handling. 1926.251
Cage, skip and load connections to hoist ropes. 1926.800, 1926.251
Modified approach to lifting several steal beams at one time. 1926.550, 1926.251
OSHA Requirements Addressing Fall Protection Equipment 1926.251
A knot in a wire rope is a recognized hazard for material handling. 1926.251(c)(3), 1915.112(b)(4), 1917.42(b)(5), 1918.62(b)(6)
Requirements for wire rope fittings (CASTLOK Bend-Master) in construction. 1926.251(c)
Wire rope were used as a bull wire 1926.251