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 Standard Number
Practical accommodation for hazard communication labels on small shipped chemical containers 1 1910.1200(f)(1)
Fall protection for workers having to walk/work along bridge decks when the edges are finished with a 32 in. high barrier wall. 3 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.502(b), 1926.502(f)
Clarification of safe working load when hoisting overhead loads above people 1 1926.554
Work platforms as Attachments 1 1910.178
Guidance Regarding Body Armor 1 1910.132
Determine Whether the Employer is Required to Record a Work-related Injury Sustained by an Employee which was Treated by a Reduction Procedure Performed on Her Dislocated Ring Finger 2 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)
Requirements for Guardrail systems 3 1910.23(e)(3), 1910.23(e)(3)(v), 1910.29(b)(5)
General requirements for all machines 1 1910.212
Application of BBP standard to the precision machining industry 1 1910.1030(c)(2)
OSHA procedures for safe weight limits when manually lifting 0
NIST labeling of Small Packages. 1 1910.1200
Interim Policy for 29 CFR 1915.71(j)(1) Regarding Scaffold Top Rail Heights in Shipyard Employment 1 1915.71(j)(1)
Electronic distribution of safety data sheets (SDSs) under the revised Hazard Communication standard 1 1910.1200(g)(6)(ii)
Grain Handling Facility Sweep Auger Enforcement Policy 1 1910.272(g)(1)(ii)
Standards and enforcement policy for construction concrete pumping operations using 'concrete boom pump trucks. ' 2 1926.700(a), 1926.702(e)(1)
Regulations governing sloping and benching systems for excavations. 1 1926.652(b)(4)
Protecting the Safety and Health of Temporary Workers 0
Hazard Communication Standard labeling and SDS for laboratory nuclear standards 1 1910.1200
Powered Industrial Truck Servicer Labeling Responsibilities for a Customer's Unsafe Powered Industrial Trucks 2 1910.178(p)(1), 1910.178(q)(1)
Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gas 2 1910.110(f)(4)(i), 1910.110(f)(5)