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
Methods of training for microprocessor audiometer technicians. 1910.95
Building and selling a fixed ladder with cage, using a hinged rest platform and advertising the product with the notation that it "complies with OSHA requirements." 1910.27
An explanation of the employers responsibilities under the lead standard. 1910.1025
Guards for the moving parts of farm equipment and the feasibility of interlocks. 1928 - Table of Contents
Petroleum asphalt removed from coverage under the Coal Tar Pitch Volatiles Standard 1910.1000
Use of "Light Duty" Pneumatic Tackers (Staplers) Without Pressure Release Levers. 1910.243
No time limit from date of annual audiogram to standard threshold shift determination. 1910.95(g)(1)
An electroacoustic ear can be used for daily testing of an audiometer. 1910.95
Interpretations of the terms "large quantity" and "transfer". 1910.106
The hearing conservation amendment does not cover construction or agriculture. 1926.52
Paint thinner can be stored in approved plastic one-gallon containers. 1910.106(d)(2)
Point of operation guarding on power press brakes. 1910.212
Interpretation of 1910.107 as it applies to glue spraying operations. 1910.107(m)
Positive determination of work-relatedness of standard threshold shift not required. 1910.95(c)
Clarification relative to scaffold heights under 10 feet. 1926.451
Clarification on physical qualifications for crane operators. 1910.179(b)(2)
Interpretation of "employee exposure record". 1918.94(c), 1910.1020(c)(5)(i), 1910.1020(e)
Interpretation on ladder use with scaffolding. 1926.451(a)(13)
Hinged rest platforms cannot be used for fixed ladders. 1910.27(d)(2)
Directive showing protection techniques on oil and gas well drilling rigs.