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

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Date Title Standard Number
Clarification of 29 CFR 1926.855(b) and (f) 1926.855(b), 1926.855(f)
Clarification on initial examinations required under the cotton dust standard. 1910.1043(h)(2)
Lifelines must be a minimum of 3/4 inch manila or equivalent, with a minimum breaking strength of 5,400 pounds. 1926.104
1910.123-1910.126, As Applied to Dip Tanks Containing Varnish for Electric Motor Coating. 1910.123, 1910.124, 1910.125, 1910.126
1910.218(e)(1)(i) applies to pneumatic drop hammers used in hot forging operations. 1910.218(e)(1)(i)
Trenching requirements as it relates to banks and shoring. 1926.653, 1926.651
Request for temporary variance to housekeeping requirements for vacuuming under the lead standard; Criteria for portable vacuum machines for vacuuming clothing. 1910.1025(h)(2)(ii), 1910.1025(i)(4)(iv)
Sectionalized rail systems. 1910.23
Pneumatically operated staplers. 1910.212, 1910.243, 1926.302
Lean-to Scaffolds. 1926.451(a), 1926.451(a)(20)
Training program requirements in the lead standard. 1910.1025
The design of trolley bumpers for electric overhead traveling cranes. 1910.179
Proper Citing of Rubber-Tired Skid-Steer Machines Not Equipped with Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS)
Citing of rubber-tired skid-steer machines not equipped with rollover protective structures.
Use of air on the pushover ram to clean standpipes is an acceptable practice; Filtered air is required for operating cabs; Request for variance on requirements for filtered air for standby wharf pulpi 1910.1029(f)(2)(i)(g), 1910.1029(f)(4)(i), 1910.1029(f)(4)(ii)
Evaluation of Evalok automatic fall protection devices. 1926.104
ROPS on the Job TB 1200 L excavator. 1926.602
General duty provisions are used in inspection only where there are no specific standards applicable to the particular hazard involved. 1910.5(f)
Clarification of 29 CFR 1910.107 in regard to when sampling for the LEL would be required. 1910.107
Personnel protection required for employees working on a Multistage two-point suspension scaffold. 1926.451