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.

NOTICE:

How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Development of slip-resistance testing methods on structural steel. 1926.754(c)(3)
Backcut requirements for Humboldt cutting. 1910.266(h)(2)(vii)
Standards applicable to aerial lifts; acceptable uses of body belts as restraint systems and positioning devices. 1926.453(a), 1926.453(b)(2), 1926.500(b), 1926.502(d), 1926.502(e), 1926.453(b)(2)(i), 1926.453(b)(2)(ii), 1926.453(b)(2)(iii), 1926.453(b)(2)(iv), 1926.453(b)(2)(v), 1926.453(b)(2)(vi), 1926.453(b)(2)(vii), 1926.453(b)(2)(viii), 1926.453(b)(2)(ix), 1926.453(b)(2)(x), 1926.453(b)(2)(xi), 1926.453(b)(2)(xii)
Requirements applicable to the design, inspection, and testing of imported scaffolding. 1926.452(o), 1926.452(p), 1926.452(q), 1926.451(f)(3), 1926.450(a), 1926.450, 1926.451, 1926.452, 1926.453, 1926.454
OSHA's gravity-based penalty policy and consultation service. 1903.15(b), 1908.1
Fall protection requirements for workers engaged in "roof blocking." 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.501(b)(13), 1926.501(b), 1926.501, 1926.501(b)(10)
Use of aerial lifts to transport workers to elevated workstations; scissor lifts are not covered by the aerial lift provisions. 1926.453(b)(2), 1926.453(b)(2)(iii), 1926.453(b)(2)(v), 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.452(w), 1926.451, 1926.502(d), 1926.453
Application of 1926.800 to lone employees working underground in a tunnel or shaft connected to a tunnel. 1926.800, 1926.800(c), 1926.800(f)(5), 1926.800(a), 1926.800(g)(2), 1910.134, 1926.103, 1926.800(e), 1926.800(f)(1)
Application of CPL 2-1.29, Interim Inspection Procedures during Communication Tower Construction Activities. 1926.550(g)(2), 1926.753(a)(4), 1926.750, 1926.550(g)
Requirements of Interim Fall Protection Compliance Guidelines for Residential Construction for guardrails and fall protection during roofing work. 1926.501(b)(13), 1926.500, 1926.450, 1926.451(b)(3), 1926.451(g), 1926.451(b)(3)(i), 1926.451(b)(3)(ii)
Review of electrical schematic diagrams; OSHA does not approve equipment designs. 1910.399(a), 1910.304(f)(3)(i)
Two-inch clearance must be maintained for overhead bridge cranes. 1910.179(b)(6)(i)
Required components of a LOTO inspection. 1910.147(c)(6), 1910.147(c)(7)
A sink-on-a-drum style parts cleaner is a dip tank. 1910.123(a), 1910.123(b)
Coverage of the BBP standard for Good Samaritan acts and personal medical conditions. 1910.1030(a)
Storage of flammable liquids and corrosives in the same cabinet. 1910.106, 1910.1200(g)
Hepatitis B vaccine and titer requirements for firefighters, police, and EMTs. 1910.1030(f)(1)
Feasible ventilation controls for large containments of abrasive blasting operations 1926.62
Use of multi-station electric pump nebulizer and the squeeze bulb Bitrex for QLFT. 1910.134(f), 1910.134 App A
Fall protection requirements and available alternative procedures for completed/inhabited residential wireless phone system antenna installation. 1926.502, 1926.502(k)