Letters of Interpretation | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

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
12/31/1980	Securing fixed scaffolding.	1926.451
12/18/1980	The application of presence sensing devices to general purpose power press brakes.	1910.217
12/15/1980	Oil Rig Inspection.	1910.212, 1910.212(a)(1), 1910.212(a)(2), 1910.212(a)(3)(ii)
12/15/1980	Halon 1211 fire extinguishers permitted for use on class A hazards.	1910.157(d)(1)
12/08/1980	Applicability of 1910.1020 to workers' compensation records.	1910.1020(b)
12/08/1980	Interpretation of 1910.309.	1910.309
12/02/1980	Requirements for manhole steps.	1910.27
12/01/1980	Former employees may have access to exposure and medical records.	1910.1020(e)(2)
11/19/1980	Definition of the term: "hospitalization" to send to, put in, or admit to a hospital.	1926.52
11/19/1980	Whether an electro-mechanical single stroke device fulfills the requirements for a single stroke mechanism under 1910.217.	1910.217
11/06/1980	Unique, Drilling Rig-Doghouses, Oil and Gas Drilling Industries.	1910 - Table of Contents
10/22/1980	Valve protection for compressed gas cylinders	1910.252
10/03/1980	Employers not requiring employees pouring iron to wear protective clothing may be cited for a serious violation.	1910.132
10/02/1980	Use of fork extensions on forklifts.	1910.178(a)(4)
09/23/1980	Power press brake used as a mechanical power press (punch press).	1910.212, 1910.217
09/23/1980	Cut and cover construction.	1926.800
09/22/1980	Scaffolding as it relates to toeboards, guardrails and planking.	1926.451(a)(4), 1926.451(a)(5)
09/15/1980	Applicability of 29 CFR 1910.268 to pipeline transmission companies and gas utilities.	1910.268
09/12/1980	Falling object protective structure standards.	1926.604
09/12/1980	OSHA's classification of assembled auto air bag inflation modules.	1910.109