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
Use of air on the pushover ram to clean standpipes is an acceptable practice; Standpipes should be cleaned if 20% of the cross sectional area is clocked. 1910.1029(f)(2)(i)(g), 1910.1029(f)(3)(i)(a)(2)
Respirator air quality standards do not apply where the NRC has jurisdiction 1910.134(i)
Clarification of the terms "should" and "shall" as used in OSHA section 1910.179(k)(2). 1910.179
Appropriate guarding of lathe chucks. 1910.212(a)(1)
Laminated construction of word veneers intended for scaffold planks. 1926.451(a)(10)
Ground Fault Protection. 1926.400
Clarification of OSHA guidance concerning the uniform spacing of steps or rungs in sanitary and storm sewer manholes. 1910.27
Steel Banding as Guardrails. 1926.500
Prohibition of lean-to scaffolds. 1926.451(a), 1926.451(a)(10)
Initial monitoring and labelling for inorganic arsenic is not required when exposure could not be above the action level. 1910.1018, 1910.1018(b)
Hoisting of workmen by load lines of cranes. 1926.550
The inorganic arsenic standard applies to the manufacture of antimony oxide by the fuming process. 1910.1018
Information on fixed ladders and cages. 1910.27
Exit Routes. 1910.36, 1910.36(g)(2), 1910.37, 1910.37(a)(3)
Clarification of 29 CFR 1910.24(b). 1910.24
The blade guard on the Biro All Purpose Cutter. 1910.212
Official interpretation of 29 CFR 1926.450(a)(3). 1926.450(a)(3)
Clarificiation of two General Industry Safety and Health Standards. 1910.212, 1910.213
Transportation of explosives over public or private roads. 1926.904
Defective Doors on Railroad Boxcars Hazard Alert.