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
Request for Opinions of Federal Enforcement Activities Relating to the Use of Short-Handled Hoes. 1928 - Table of Contents
"Laboratory-based noise reduction" defined. 1910.95
Conformance of the Blue Line PFR/Power Failure Release Option with applicable OSHA standards. 1910.213
Medical surveillance is not required for terminated employees 1910.1029(j)
Employees exposed to crane or derrick. 1917.45
A film can meet training requirements if questions are answered. 1910.95(k)
Guarding requirements for skylights. 1910.23(a)(1), 1910.23(e)(8)
Transfer of nonflammable and noncombustible liquids via air pressure. 1910.106(e)(2)(iv)(d), 1910.106(a)(18)(ii)(b)
March 1, 1984 is the deadline for baseline audiograms 1910.95(c)
Costs of employee training under the noise standard paid by employer. 1910.95(k)
Prelift plans. 1926.550
Data is lacking to determine if the UL-TEMA (7800 Series) complies with ANSI Z87.1-1968. 1910.133(a)(6)
Workers cannot sign a release so they can wear a respirator with a beard. 1910.134(g)(1)(i)
Unapproved Plug and Socket Combination. 1910.303
Use of the "hold" switch on audiometers when background noise levels exceed the criteria in Table D-1. 1910.95 App C, 1910.95 App D
The vision guard eye protection device complies with ANSI Z87.1- 1968 but need to be permanently mar 1910.133(a)(6)
Clarification of 157(f)(16).
Use of an Aluminum Pole Jack Scaffold at a 50 foot shoulder working height. 1910.28, 1926.451
Paragraph (a)(2) applies to respirators provided for emergency use. 1910.134(a)(2)
Interpretation of the term "close hook". 1926.550