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
Small town grain elevators. 1910.272
String lights for temporary lighting. 1926.401(j)(2)
Regulations for back-up alarms. 1926.601(b)(4)
Single stroke mechanism as used on full revolution mechanical power presses. 1910.217
An interpretation of 1910.184, which defines "sling". 1910.184
The positioning of the safety line on billboards. 1910.23
Slip on tool hooks cannot be used because of a danger of electrical shock. 1926.951(b)(2)
A tie-off system is acceptable where a standard guardrails are not feasible 1910.23(c)(1)
Cable Type Jib Stops. 1926.550
Pressurization of 55 gallon drums for use with urethane foam dispensing equipment.
Requirements for employee notification of exposure monitoring results under the lead standard. 1910.1025
Personnel Hoist and Boatswain's Chairs. 1925.451(l)(4)(5), 1926.552(c)
Barricade in accessible areas of the rear of the rotating structure of the crane secured to the under carriage. 1926.550(a)(9)
Seat belt usage requirement. 1926.602
Employees must be paid for travel time for medical examination under the inorganic arsenic standard. 1910.1018(n)(1)(ii)
The access to tanks or pressure vessels. 1910.106
Medical examination requirements of the inorganic arsenic standard.; Respirator fit testing requirements of the inorganic arsenic standard. 1910.1018(n)(1)(ii), 1910.1018(n)(2)(ii)(A)
OSHA's requirements for scissor lifts. 1910.67
Interpretation on testing requirements for grouted tunnel rock bolts 1926.800(h)(2)(iii)
Evaluation of hair pen point of operation guards 1910.217(c)(1)(i)