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
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)
Clarification of 29 CFR 1910.109 as it applies to two kinds of explosive devices used in steel mills. 1910.109
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
Interpretation on refusal to work rights. 1977 - Table of Contents
Requirements contained in OSHA Instructions STD 1-3.3. 1910.66
Interpretation on requirements for insulating rubber gloves in telecommunications work. 1910.268(n)(1)(i)
Reasonable judgment is needed in evaluating the proximity of required sanitary facilities. 1910.141(c)
Clarification of the applicable standards for a body belt and lanyard used by an employee working from the bucket of aerial boom trucks. 1926.959
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)