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
Determination as to whether ConVault aboveground tanks are required to be diked to comply with the 1910.106(b)(2)(vii) standard on storage of flammable liquids. 1910.106
Committing a de minimis violation when using an insert earphone designated as ER-3A. 1910.95
Grain Handling Facilities Standard. 1910.272
Characteristics of the Quick-Link device for the replacement of tire chain links. 1910.212(a)
Lockout/Tagout with regards to the cleanup and sanitizing of machinery and equipment in the meatpacking industry. 1910.147
The term "wheel chocks" and whether the employment of one chock would satisfy the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 1910.178, 1910.178(k)(1)
Labeling Provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard 1910.1200(f)(6)
Signaling and Barricades to Highway Construction Projects. 1926.201, 1926.202
Employee injury caused by John Deere bulldozers.
Advance First-aid Requirements of 1910.120 1910.120(q)(3)(vi)
1910.120 Application to Petroleum Product Spills or Releases Subject to State Codes 1910.120
OSHA compliance with Axe heads. 1910.266
Fall Protection while climbing and working on a steel lattice structure resembling a communication tower. 1926.501
Manufacturer Supplying Halon 1301 Systems for Fire and Explosion Suppression. 1910.162, 1910.272
Clearance of EEOC Policy Guidance on the Supreme Court Decision in the Johnson Controls, Inc. case.
Wire rope perimeter guarding for open-sided floors. 1926.500(d)(1), 1926.500(f)(1)
Concrete and Masonry Construction standards and masonry walls. 1926.706
Requirements for guarding points of operation and belts on heavy duty sewing machines 1910.212(a)(1), 1910.219
An explanation of the hazard it is designed to control. 1910.107(b)(6)
Protection of flexible cords when hung in tunnel shafts. 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(I), 1926.800(s)(1)