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
Fall protection during electrical maintenance and construction work on aerial lifts. 1926.451(f), 1926.453, 1926.556, 1926.502(d), 1910.67(c), 1910.269(g)
Waler (platform) covered by Subpart L; minimum scaffold platform width. 1926.451(b)(2), 1926.451(e), 1926.451(g)
Response to fires in permit-required confined spaces (PRCS). 1910.146, 1910.156(c)(4)
Using sunscreen to shield worker exposure to sun's radiation. 1910.132, 1910.132(a)
Warehouse facility considered separate establishment requiring separate OSHA 200 Log. 1904.2(a)
Separate or shared OSHA logs, use of splints, recordability of heart attack.
The HCS does not apply to food items in a retail establishment 1910.1200, 1926.59
OSHA doesn't regulate latex gloves for food preparation 1910.138, 1910.1030
Prevention of back injuries and use of back belts. 1903.11(c)
Interpretation of 29 CFR 1910.141(c)(1)(i): Toilet Facilities 1910.141(c)(1)(i)
Maintenance of OSHA recordkeeping forms using computer systems. 1904.4
Scaffolds may serve as fall arrest anchorages. 1926.502(d)(15), 1926.451(a)
Tying or guying of supported scaffolds. 1926.451(c)(1)(i)
Brake design requirements for baking equipment. 1910.263
Fire retardant PPE requirements and PPE hazard assessment. 1910.132, 1910.1029(h)(1), 1910.272 App A
Special emphasis program for silicosis. 1910.1000, 1926.55
Protective equipment for formaldehyde exposure 1910.1048, 1926.1148
Posting of the OSHA notice. 1903.2
OSHA's policy concerning repeat violations and requirements for PRCS sign posting. 1910.146(c)(2)
Shoring frames used to support temporary decks and work platforms. 1926.450(b), 1926 Subpart L