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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Date Title Standard Number
Reasonable judgment is needed in evaluating the proximity of required sanitary facilities. 1910.141(c)
Use of an emergency jog reverse control during mill rescue operations. 1910.216(e)
OSHA requirement for guarding power take-off (PTO) shafts on agricultural equipment. 1928.57
OSHA's Fire Protection Standard. 1910.38
Acceptance of closed-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus. 1910.156
Biopacks are acceptable for fire brigade use; Biopacks are acceptable as SCBA's and may be used in IDLH atmospheres. 1910.156(f), 1910.134(c)
Employer's responsibility when an employee refuses blood lead testing. 1910.1025(j)
The safeguarding of piece parts being worked on an outside diameter (O.D.) surface grinder. 1910.212
NEMA's "Mr. Ouch" labeling system cannot be used in place of signs required by OSHA. 1910.145, 1926.200
Evaluation of new aluminum ladder jack. 1910.28(q)(3), 1926.452(k)(3)
Audiometer calibration requirements of the March 8, 1983 Hearing Conservation Amendment. 1910.95(h)(5)
Guarding of flywheels on power presses. 1910.219(b)(1)
Clarification that a safety device to automatically cut off the flow of compressed air applies only to pneumatic power tools 1926.302(b)(7)
Guardrail and toeboard requirements for antenna platforms. 1910.23(c)(1)
Precautions when barricading of drill and pile rigs is not possible 1926.550(a)(9)
Hazardous exposures to pesticides may be cited under the general duty clause. 1910.1000
Natural or mined asphalts do not fall within the scope of the Coal Tar Pitch Volatiles Standard 1910.1002
OSHA recordkeeping requirements for Consolidated Rail Corporation. 1904 - Table of Contents
Comparison to baseline audiograms and retest audiograms 1910.95
Use of crane-handled personnel cages. 1926.550