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
Railroad workers and their exposure to crystalline silica. 1910.1000
Chest X-ray and sputum cytology requirements. 1910.1018, 1910.1029
Process Safety Management of highly hazardous chemicals standard. 1910.106, 1910.119
Distinction between premises wiring installations and electric transmission or distribution installations. 1910.269, 1910 Subpart S
Interpretative guidance and equipment approved for hazardous locations relative to the Permit-Required Confined Spaces standard. 1910.146
Interpretations concerning several OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping issues. 1904 - Table of Contents
OSHA's requirement for certification for building roof anchor points & the "Certificate of Regulation Compliance Building" form. 1910.28, 1910.66
Medical surveillance requirement in the Vinyl Chloride Standard 1910.1017. 1910.1017
Electrical Workers 1910.269
Clarification of employers' use of floor fans. 1910.212
Harness used for fall protection is not considered "apparel". 1910.269, 1926.959
Use of insulated hand tools 1910.335(a)(2)(i)
The OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping requirements. 1904 - Table of Contents
An interpretation regarding the proper recording of Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) cases on the OSHA Log 200. 1904 - Table of Contents
Enforcement of the fall protection standard and fall protection options. 1926.501, 1926.502
Hoisting of personnel prohibited while other loads are being hoisted. 1926.550(g)(6)(viii)
Compliance for crane hoisted personnel platforms. 1910.179, 1926.550(g)
Requirements for injury cases which result in treatment with prescription medication. 1904 - Table of Contents
Recording of occupational injuries and illnesses occurring to inmate employees in Florida. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1975.5
Incipient stage fire brigades. 1910.134, 1910.156