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
The use of cable hook assemblies, pole grip assemblies, or adjustable levelers on fiberglass extension ladders used in construction. 1926.1053(b)(1), 1926.1053(b)(3), 1926.1053(b)(6), 1926.1053(b)(7), 1926.1053(b)(9), 1926.1053(b)(10), 1926 Subpart X
Fall protection requirements for employees on construction equipment. 1926.500(b)(2), 1926.501(b)(1)
Whether electric hand tools disassembled and deemed irreparable by a tool repair service are required to be returned disassembled. 1926.20(b)(3), 1926.302, 1926.302(a)(1), 1926.403, 1926.403(a), 1926.449
Payment for body belts, positioning straps, and pole and tree climbers. 1910.132(h)(2), 1910.132(h)(3), 1910.132(h)(4), 1910.132(h)(5), 1910.132(h)(6), 1910.268(g), 1910.269(g), 1910.269(g)(2), 1910.269(g)(2)(v), 1926.951(b)
Payment for body belts, positioning straps, and pole and tree climbers. 1910.132(h)(2), 1910.132(h)(3), 1910.132(h)(4), 1910.132(h)(5), 1910.132(h)(6), 1910.268(g), 1910.269(g), 1910.269(g)(2), 1910.269(g)(2)(v), 1926.951(b)
Compliance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(a), 1910.1030(b), 1910.1030(c)(1), 1910.1030(c)(2), 1910.1030(d)(1), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A)(1), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(A)(3), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv)(C)
Alleged deficiencies on an MSDS for one of Icynene's insulation products. 1910.1200(g), 1910.1200(g)(2)
Determining recordkeeping for work-relatedness of accident occurring during off-site event. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.5(b)(1)
Determining work-relatedness for recordkeeping of injury resulting from horseplay. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.4, 1904.5
Clarification on acceptability of National Environmental Trainers, Inc. (NET) interactive 40-hour training program. 1910.120
Permissibility of using electronic signature to satisfy the Annual Summary certification for OSHA Form 300-A. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.32
Alleged deficiencies contained on a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for a spray-on insulation product (the Icynene Insulation System). 1910.1200, 1910.1200(g)(1), 1910.1200(g)(2)
Whether a manufacturer-stipulated minimum anchor point elevation of 18 feet precludes the use of a shock absorbing lanyard in an aerial lift. 1926.453(a)(1)(v), 1926.453(b)(2)(v), 1926.500(a)(3)(i), 1926.500(b), 1926.502(d), 1926.502(d)(15), 1926.502(d)(16)(iii)
Training requirements for fire investigators. 1910.120, 1910.120(q)(6)
Requirements for personal protective equipment when removing asbestos-containing gaskets under OSHA's Asbestos standard for construction 1926.1101
Whether catch platforms (used to catch an employee in the event of a fall from a working surface above) must comply with OSHA's scaffold standard, Subpart L. 1926.450(b), 1926.451(a)(1), 1926 Subpart L
Requirements for labeling products that contain a nitrate or nitrite. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(6)(ix), 1910.1200(f)(1)(i)
Requirements of the HCS and the employer's ability to rely on a manufacturer's hazard determination. 1910.132(d)(1), 1910.1200(g)(5), 1910.1200(h)
Whether employers have the option to establish new baseline audiograms when business ownership changes, but medical records are maintained for 30 years. 1910.95(g)(5), 1910.95(g)(9)(i), 1910.95(g)(9)(ii), 1910.95(m)(5)
OSHA's position on the use of Novartis' Fluvirin device. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(b), 1910.1030(c)(1)(v), 1910.1030(d)(2)(i)