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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How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

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Date Title Standard Number
Determining work-relatedness for pre-existing condition. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.5
The use of hard hats while working on roofs in hot weather 1910.132(d), 1910.135, 1926.100
Extended and Unusual Work Shifts
Acceptability of Using Web Based Electrical Training 1910.332(c)
Fall protection requirements while working from an elevated location above four feet. 1910.269(g)(2)(iii), 1910.269(g)(2)(iv), 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(C)(2), 1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(C)(3)
Permit-Required Confined Space Entry Requirements For IDLH and Non-IDLH Spaces 1910.146(b), 1910.146(k)(1)(i), 1910.134, 1910.134(g)(3)
Policy Background on the Temporary Worker Initiative Posted 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 1910.22
Clarification on whether a worker is allowed to stand on the top step of equipment, similar in design to a step stool 1926.1050(b), 1926.1053(b)(13)
Fixed ladder surface finish requirements 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 hazard access zones in steel erection 1926.760(d)(1), 1926.502(f)(2)
Clarification regarding shop installed continuous bent plate in steel erection 1926.754(c)(1)
Interpretation of 1910.1200 - Clarification on effective date of SDSs replacing MSDSs 1910.1200
Lifting compressed-gas cylinders 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(A)
Fall protection requirements applicable during the construction of retaining walls 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.502(d)
Asbestos training for removing asphaltic coatings from utility pipes 1926.1101, 1926.1101(g)(11)
CPSC versus HCS 2012 labeling requirements 1910.1200
Boundaries of a PSM-Covered Process that Includes the Storage of Cylinders of HHCs (Anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride) 1910.119
Installing a barrier film over asbestos-containing flooring 1926.1101(k)(9)(vi), 1926.1101, 1910.1001(j)(7)(iv), 1910.1001
Interpretation of what constitutes a salt of 4,4' Methylenedianiline (MDA) 1910.1050(b), 1926.60(b)