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.

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Employers must ensure that post-exposure follow-up procedures are provided. 1910.1030(f)(3), 1910.1030(f)(5)
Clarification of when injuries and illnesses are work-related and recordable. 1904.2
Host employers may require site-specific forklift training of visiting workers 1910.178(l)
Minimum approach distances when using insulating gloves and sleeves. 1910.269(l)(2)
Fork inspection requirements for powered industrial trucks. 1910.178(a)(2), 1910.178(l), 1910.178(q)(7)
Forklifts: free rigging requires manufacturer approval. 1910.178(a)(4)
Employee hand placement on and around suspended crane loads. 1926.1425
Earthmoving equipment is not covered by 1910.178; skid- steer equipment may be covered. 1910.178(a), 1910.178(l), 1926.602(d)
Employees (daycare workers) required to provide first aid are covered by 1910.1030 1910.1030
Web-based HAZWOPER refresher training: hands-on training and trainer accessibility. 1910.120(e)(8), 1926.65(e)(8)
Using "stick-on" labels to meet the requirements of 1910.1200. 1910.1200(f)
Trench shields must be installed to prevent lateral movement in a collapse. 1926.652(g)(1)(ii)
PRCS entry: the term "body" includes all extremities. 1910.146(b)
The PEL for cadmium at dry color formulator operations. 1910.1027(c), 1910.1000 TABLE Z-2
Excavations may be shored with wooden shoring. 1926.652(a)(1), 1926.652(c)
1910.1020 requirements regarding employee drug testing results. 1910.1020(b), 1910.1020(c), 1910.1020(d), 1910.1020(e)
Group tagging requirements reqarding 1910.269(d). 1910.269(d)
GFCI and coverplate requirements in construction;use of fall arrest systems and scaffolding. 1926.404(b)(1)(ii), 1926.404(b)(1)(iii), 1926.502(d)(15), 1926.502(d)(17), 1926.451(a)
Employers should record all back cases as injuries. 1904 - Table of Contents
Powered industrial truck training: different types of trucks/workplace conditions. 1910.178(l)