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
Enforcement Policy for Citing General Duty Clause instead of 29 CFR 1910.68 for Grandfathered Manlifts 1910.68
Clarification on the use of a tagout device when an energy isolating device is capable of being locked out. 1910.147
Clarification of OSHA training requirements for basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 1910.151, 1910.146, 1910.266, 1910.269, 1910.410, 1926.950
Hooking and Unhooking Loads with a Helicopter During Work on Electric Transmission Systems 1910.183, 1910.269, 1926.551, 1926 Subpart V
Requirements for watertight longitudinal bulkheads on crane barges. 1926.1437, 1926.1437(n)(7)(ii), 1926.1437(m)(5)
Definition of multi-employer worksite
Hazard communication of ammonia gas from new fuel additive in diesel trucks 1910.1200
Applicability of the Bloodborne Pathogens standard during transection of the umbilical cord. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(c)(2), 1910.1030(c)(1)(v), 1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(F)
Protecting Trainers of Killer Whales
HAZWOPER standard's requirements for medical surveillance and training 1910.120
Steel-toed Safety Shoes for Diabetics 1910.132, 1910.136
Acceptability of using a ramp to unload parts from a semi-trailer. 1926.501, 1926.501(b)(6)
Temporary Enforcement Policy for Proximity Alarm and Insulating Link Use with Cranes and Derricks in Construction. 1926.1401, 1926.1407, 1926.1408, 1926.1409, 1926.1410
Clarification on whether a forklift equipped with a designated forklift boom would be considered a crane. 1926.1400, 1926.1400(a)(1)
Schools that fulfill the training requirements for fire brigade members 1910.156
Proof testing of lifting beams used to lift wind turbine components. 1926.251, 1926.251(a)(4)
Clarifying the Recordability Criteria of Several Examples Addressing the Issues of Determining Work-relatedness and Covered Employees 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.31, 1904.4, 1904.46, 1904.5
Step Sizes and Angles of Fixed Industrial Stairs 1910.24
Clarification on the use of double connections at beams not framing into columns. 1926.756, 1926.756(a)(1), 1926.756(c)
Whether an abrasive blast cleaning nozzle can use a mechanical device to keep the valve in the open position. 1910.244(b), 1926.302(b)(10)