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

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Date Title Standard Number
Interpretation of 1928.110(a) defining "Field Worker". 1928.110
SAE J2194 standard for Agricultural Tractor Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS). 1928.51(b)(1)
Concrete and Masonry Construction Safety Standards; 1926.706 1926.706(a)(4)
Applicability of the HCS to an employer using portland cement. 1910.1200
Letter to Paul W. Davis from Thomas Shepich concerning requirements of the HCS regarding manufacturer provision of MSDSs with first shipments of hazardous chemicals. 1910.1200
Response to request for OSHA endorsement of a distributor's program for downstream transmittal of MSDSs. 1910.1200(g)
Interpretation concerning dry type 5-15 kv transformers and definitions of the terms "acceptable" and "special equipment". 1910.399
Required annual inspections of bakery ovens. 1910.263
"Rated Load Test" for cranes as specified at 1910.179(k)(2). 1910.179(k)(2)
MSHA testing and approval of bearing temperature equipment manufactured by Topf Enterprises. 1910.307
Applicability of the HCS to diesel exhaust emissions and diesel fuel 1910.1200
Information from the Solicitor of Labor concerning the Federal Employees Liability Reform and Tort Compensation Act of 1988.
Seat belts for occupants of side facing seats for off-highway vehicles. 1926.601
Request for permanent variance from section 1926.102(a)(2) denied. 1926.102(a)(2)
MSDS distribution responsibilities for chemical manufacturers and importers, distributors and retail distributors. 1910.1200(g)(6)
Hazard determination criteria for corrosive liquids. 1910.1200(d)
Booms in which lowering is controlled by a brake is prohibited without aid from other devices which slow the lowering speeds. 1926.550
Favorable Decision in Fluor Constructors, Inc. v. OSHRC, No. 87- 4029 that a six-foot lanyard is not a lifeline. 1926.451(g)(3)
Applicability of the Hazard Communication Standard to stevedores in the containerized shipping industry. 1910.1200
The use of fall protection devices during service activities by CATV personnel. 1910.268