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 Standard Number
Clarification on whether a Registered Nurse can act as a licensed health care professional for purposes of conducting a respiratory protection medical evaluation 1 1910.134(e)(2)(i)
Occupational Noise Exposure - The use of hearing aids as hearing protection devices. 1 1910.95(j)(1)
Impalement protection from protruding reinforcing steel and 250-pound drop test. 1 1926.701(b)
Spacing of the posts in between modular guardrail system sections. 2 1926.502(b)(3), 1910.23(e)(3)
Determining work-relatedness for pre-existing condition. 2 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.5
The use of hard hats while working on roofs in hot weather 3 1910.132(d), 1910.135, 1926.100
Extended and Unusual Work Shifts 0
Acceptability of Using Web Based Electrical Training 1 1910.332(c)
Permit-Required Confined Space Entry Requirements For IDLH and Non-IDLH Spaces 4 1910.146(b), 1910.146(k)(1)(i), 1910.134, 1910.134(g)(3)
Fall protection requirements while working from an elevated location above four feet. 4 1910.269(g)(2)(iii), 1910.269(g)(2)(iv), 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(C)(2), 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(C)(3)
Policy Background on the Temporary Worker Initiative Posted 8 1910 - Table of Contents, 1915 - Table of Contents, 1917 - Table of Contents, 1918 - Table of Contents, 1919 - Table of Contents, 1926 - Table of Contents, 1928 - Table of Contents, 1960 - Table of Contents
Permanent Places of Employment 1 1910.22
Clarification on whether a worker is allowed to stand on the top step of equipment, similar in design to a step stool 2 1926.1050(b), 1926.1053(b)(13)
Fixed ladder surface finish requirements 6 1910.27(b)(1)(i), 1910.27(b)(1)(iii), 1910.27(b)(1)(iv), 1910.27(b)(1)(v), 1910.27(b)(7), 1910.27(b)(7)(i)
Clarification regarding shop installed continuous bent plate in steel erection 1 1926.754(c)(1)
Clarification regarding hazard access zones in steel erection 2 1926.760(d)(1), 1926.502(f)(2)
Interpretation of 1910.1200 - Clarification on effective date of SDSs replacing MSDSs 1 1910.1200
Lifting compressed-gas cylinders 1 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(A)
Fall protection requirements applicable during the construction of retaining walls 2 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.502(d)
Asbestos training for removing asphaltic coatings from utility pipes 2 1926.1101, 1926.1101(g)(11)