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

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Meat grinder standards. 1910.212
Provisions to assure that workers are adequately protected from noise exposure. 1910.95(c)
Variable day to day exposures cannot be averaged for compliance with action level 1910.95(c)
Evaluation of Winchester Industries portable lights for use in ship repair work. 1915.12(f), 1915.24(b)(7)
Employee examination of the original x-ray in lieu of providing a copy is permitted. 1910.1020(c)(6), 1910.1020(e)
Alternating tread type stair is approved as safe for use 1910.24(e)
Clarification of a fixed ladder requirement. 1910.27
Clarification of incipient stage fire and interior structural fire fighting. 1910.155
Rung spacing for fixed ladders. 1910.27(b)(1)(ii), 1910.27(b)(1)(iii)
Guarding of rotating barrels, containers, and drums. 1910.212(a)(4)
Letter concerning proposed safety sign revisions. 1910.145
Construction requirements for speciality system designed scaffolding. 1910.28(a)(9)
The lead standard does not address pay for showering. 1910.1025(i)(3)(i)
Clarification of roll-over protective structures (ROPS) for tractors used in agricultural operations. 1928.51
A crane may pick and carry or walk loads in accordance with the crane manufacturer's specifications. 1926.550
Del-Monox air purifiers are unacceptable for testing carbon monoxide concentration for compressor breathing air. 1910.134(i)(7)
Clarification of the applicability of your steel backed cup abrasive wheels as they relate to the guarding requirements of the OSHA regulations. 1910.215
Caterpillar track tractors. 1910.267
Fall Hazards in Steel Erection. 1926.28
Temporary lighting strings used on construction sites. 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(J)