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
Applicability of the noise standard to portable ear muff type radios. 1910.95
Clarification of our railing requirements in 29 CFR 1910.23(e). 1910.23
Interpretation on applicable standards for bulk coal handling facility at a marine terminal. 1917 - Table of Contents
Fall restraint systems for employees building scaffolds in a location where the scaffold that is being built provides the only tie-off point. 1926.451
Alternatives to safety glass protected by screening for observation windows, where hard deep-cutting abrasives are used. 1910.94(a)(3)(i)(d)
Clarification of the words "open sides" for two-point suspension scaffolds. 1910.28
Clarification on standards for head protection. 1926.100, 1910.132, 1910.135
OSHA has no specific standards for security guards. 1910.141
Citation guidelines in relation to monitoring programs. 1910.95(d)
Applicable standards for a body belt and lanyard used by a lineman working from the bucket or aerial boom trucks. 1926.959
The use of cranes with work platforms connected (not suspended) from the last section of a crane boom. 1910.67
"Mr. Ouch" Labeling System. 1910.303
Interpretation of standards applicable to battery storage installations. 1910.304(f), 1910.305(j)(7)
Methods of training for microprocessor audiometer technicians. 1910.95(c)
Clarification of the powered, air-purifying respirator provisions of the lead standard. 1910.1025(f)(2)(ii)
Instruction and warning labels for ladders. 1910.27
Acceptable materials for fire fighter protective clothing 1910.156(e)
Clarification of 1910.23(a)(9) as it applies to fixed ladders and platforms. 1910.23(a)(9)
The position of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with regard to intermittent tie-in/stabilization systems for powered platforms used for window cleaning and light building maintenance. 1910.66
Clarification of 29 CFR 1910.109 as it applies to two kinds of explosive devices used in steel mills. 1910.109