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
Grain elevator explosions can be prevented by the elimination of the present dust producing equipment. 1910.272
The explosions that have been occuring in the grain elevators. 1910.272
Compression spring requirements for mechanical power presses.;Compression spring requirements for mechanical power presses. 1910.217(b)(3)(ii), 1910.217(b)(4)(iii)
Standards for mechanical power presses. 1910.212
Clarifications on temporary labor camp inspections. 1910.142
Grain elevator explosions and fires which occurred on Gulf Coast. 1910.272
Safety aspects of personnel and material hoists. 1926.552, 1926.800
Grain elevator explosions and fires. 1910.272
The grain elevator explosion in New Orleans. 1910.272
Review of the safeguards provided on the Biro Meat Tenderizer and the Chopper (grinder) machines. 1910.212
If work may accidently come into contact with an energized line, do not use a conductive hose. 1926.302, 1926.951, 1926.950
Cut-and-cover operation in the construction of tunnels. 1926.800(k)(10)(i)
Grain elevator explosions. 1910.272
Grain elevator explosions over the past five years. 1910.272
Standards regulating access for tubular steel scaffolding. 1926.451(a)(13), 1926.450
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)
Insulate or guard the employee from the energized part. 1926.950(c)(1)(i)
Elliott Company's plant-wide hard hat program. 1910.135
Requirement for ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection to the Ship Repairing Industry. 1910.309
Roll-Over Protection Structures (ROPS) of the safety and health regulations for construction and agriculture. 1928.52, 1928.53