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
Use of plastic containers and drums for flammable liquids storage. 1910.106(d)
D'AX wheels are to be guarded as cutting saws 1926.300(b)
Training and PPE for employees performing tests on equipment. 1910.333(a)(1), 1910.335(a)(2)(i), 1910.331(a), 1910.334(c)(1)
Stress cone work: worker protection and job briefings 1910.269, 1910.269(c), 1910.269(g), 1910.269(l), 1910.269(l)(2)(i), 1910.269(m), 1910.269(m)(3)(ix), 1910.269(m)(3)(viii), 1910.269(n)
Load ratings for portable ladders. 1910.25, 1910.26
Demonstrating equivalency for powered platform tie-in guides. 1910.66(e)(2)(i), 1910.66(e)(2)(iii)
Moving mobile (Baker) scaffolds; locking casters and wheels. 1926.452(w), 1926.452(w)(2), 1926.452(w)(3), 1926.452(w)(6)(iv)
Fall protection anchorage points: guardrail systems and cranes 1926.502(d)(23), 1926.502(d)(15), 1926.502(a)(2)
Fall protection for exposure to unfilled swimming pools. 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.501(b)(13), 1926.501(b)(15), 1926.502(k)
Handwashing and toilet facility requirements for agricultural operations. 1928.110(b), 1928.110(c)(2)
Shock absorbing lanyards are not mandatory. 1926.502(d)
Hearing conservation: referrals, financial responsibility, and documentation. 1910.95
Requirements for use of ladder hoisting wheels. 1926 Subpart M, 1926.552, 1926.1053
Using Universal Precautions with Bloodborne Pathogens. 1910.1030(d)(1), 1910.1030(d)(3)
PSM Standard exemption for "normally unoccupied remote facilites" (water treatment plant). 1910.119(a)(2)(iii), 1926.64(a)(2)(iii)
Numerous clarifications regarding underground construction;variances; joint ventures. 1926.800, 1926.1431(k)(11)(i), 1926.16
Hoisting workers on crane load lines (boatswains' chair). 1926.550(g), 1926.550(g)(2), 1926.550(g)(6)(viii), 1926.452(o), 1926.451(g)(1)(i)
Seatbelts for forklifts; fall protection for scissor lifts. 1910.178
Posting of the notices and the OSHA Poster for mobile work crews. 1903.2
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard applicability to radiopharmaceutical use. 1910.1030(a), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(4), 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)