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

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Portable electric lighting used in moist and/or other similar hazardous locations. 1926.401
Construction crane certifications. 1926.550
Powered air-purifying helmets are personal protective equipment, not engineering controls. 1910.1025(e)
Safety Footwear at Construction Sites. 1926.28
Fire detection and employee alarm systems. 1910.160, 1910.160(b)(3), 1910.160(b)(13), 1910.161, 1910.161(b)(3), 1910.37, 1910.37(e), 1910.38, 1910.38(d)
Steel bands used as guardrails. 1926.500
Clarification on temporary job related housing provided by an employer. 1910.142
Bulk oxygen system at the Southwest Steel Company at Grafton, West Virginia. 1910.104
Cool-view welding helmets must meet Grade D breathing air requirements; Requirements for standard welding helmets. 1910.134(i)(1)(i), 1910.252(b)(2)(ii)
Proposed Powered Platform installations. 1910.23
Horns on construction equipment. 1926.601, 1926.602
Supervised manual fire alarm systems. 1910.165, 1910.165(a)(1), 1910.165(b), 1910.165(d)
Scaffolds need to be properly braced. 1926.451
Guarding Low-Pitched-Roof Perimeters. 1926.500
Guarding of Alligators Shears. 1910.212
Electrical Standards. 1910.304
Clarification of employee notification requirements of the lead standard. 1910.1025(d)(8)
A proposed exterior building maintenance program. 1910.66
Electronic door opening device used with a security system. 1910.36, 1910.36(d)(2)
Power press brakes. 1910.212