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

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Date Title Standard Number
Fall Protection Standards. 1926.501(b)(5)
Ironworkers involved in steel erection activities must be protected from falls. 1926.501
OSHA's new fall protection standards for construction will prohibit use of safety belts with side dee rings as part of a personal fall arrest system 1926.500, 1926.501, 1926.502, 1926.503
Seat belts for excavators. 1926.602
Review of a new product, "The Safety Boot". 1926.500, 1926.501, 1926.502, 1926.503
OSHA's New Fall Protection Standard for the Construction Industry. 1926.500, 1926.451(g), 1926.451(h)
Requesting OSHA to comment on the Scaffold Industry Association testing procedures to determine fall arrest tie-off locations. 1926 Subpart L
Clarification of the Process Safety Management standard with regard to material and energy balances. 1910.119
Use of explosion proof certified equipment inside of pipes and manholes. 1910.146, 1910.307, 1926.651
Proposed standard for workplace exposure to tuberculosis.
Appropriateness of using Mag-1 Eyewear eyeglass holders with full facepiece respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). 1910.134, 1910.134(g)(1), 1910.134(g)(1)(i), 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A), 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(B)
Comments concerning tying off on aerial lifts. 1926.556
Suggested state regulations for control of radiation. 1910.1096
Certain provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) lockout/tagout standard. 1910.147
Comments on Variance Application Number 2293. 1905.11, 1910.179, 1910.180, 1910.184
Letter requesting that OSHA exempt animal feed ingredients from the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200, the Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200
Three scenarios and questions regarding on-site natural gas in pipe lines used as a fuel and as a feed stock. 1910.119
The term "interconnection" as it would apply to utilities, steam and electric, used in a covered process. 1910.119
Applicability of the Bloodborne Pathogens standard to emergency response employees. 1910.1030
The OSHA enforcement guidelines revert to our original position of acceptance of the product with no other qualifications. 1910.151