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
General flange requirements. 1910.215
The need for an employer to comply with standards other than those which are enforced by OSHA. 1910.179
Handling of overloaded inbound containers. 1918.85
Use of laminated veneer lumber in lieu of scaffold grade planks on scaffold systems 1926 Subpart L App A
OSHA variances and citation policy. 1905.5
Elevator Hazards During Construction 1926 - Table of Contents
Recordkeeping requirements for injury cases treated with butterfly adhesive dressings. 1904 - Table of Contents
Pencil entries and/or correction fluid on OSHA 200 Log are acceptable. 1904 - Table of Contents
Material handling devices which are used in longshoring operations are required to be certificated under 1919. 1918.12, 1918.13, 1918.14
Longshore and Harborworkers Act and OSHA recordkeeping requirements. 1904 - Table of Contents
Use of crane or derrick suspended personnel platforms 1926.550(g)
Cardiovascular Stress and the use of Crane or Derrick Suspended Personnel Platforms 1926.550
Electrical standards as it applies to desktop computers. 1910.303, 1910.399
Planking requirements for scaffolds used in construction 1926.451(a)(10)
Timber shoring for trenches 1926 - Table of Contents
Permanent Variance to the tie-in requirements for personnel/material hoists. 1926.552
Training requirements where "low magnitude of risk of exposure to hazardous substances" exists. 1910.120
Response to oil spills, training, and other issues of HAZWOPER. 1910.120
Inspection of Crane Hooks. 1910.179
Training for employees at CERCLA and RCRA sites. 1910.120