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
Longshore and Harborworkers Act and OSHA recordkeeping requirements. 1904 - Table of Contents
Cardiovascular Stress and the use of Crane or Derrick Suspended Personnel Platforms 1926.550
Use of crane or derrick suspended personnel platforms 1926.550(g)
Electrical standards as it applies to desktop computers. 1910.303, 1910.399
Planking requirements for scaffolds used in construction 1926.451(a)(10)
Response to oil spills, training, and other issues of HAZWOPER. 1910.120
Training requirements where "low magnitude of risk of exposure to hazardous substances" exists. 1910.120
Timber shoring for trenches 1926 - Table of Contents
Permanent Variance to the tie-in requirements for personnel/material hoists. 1926.552
Responsibility for recordkeeping when employees provided by leasing company. 1904 - Table of Contents
OSHA does not cover volunteers, but EPA does in Hazardous Waste Operations. 1975.3, 1910.120
OSHA does not certify instructors in HAZWOPER. 1910.120
Training for employees at CERCLA and RCRA sites. 1910.120
Inspection of Crane Hooks. 1910.179
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Information 1926.404(b)(1)
Policy regarding fall protection for steel erection operations 1926.105(a)
Fall Protection during Steel Erection 1926.105
Maintaining Workplace Acetylene Cylinders 1910.253
Acid gas cartridges containing hexavalent chromium. 1910.1200
Required Frequency of Periodic Wire Rope Inspections for Lifting Equipment 1910.184(d), 1905.11