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
Clarification of 29 CFR 1910.104. 1910.104
Grounding and barricading requirements for lifting equipment used near energized lines. 1926.955(a)(6)(ii), 1926.952(c)
Distinction between construction employers and employers with fixed establishments.
Applicability of the inorganic arsenic standard to operations involving chromated copper arsenate (CCA) wood preservative. 1910.1018
Tie off of iron workers while performing connector operations is not always required. 1926.28, 1926.105, 1926.750
The use of fiberglass tanks for storage of crude oil. 1910.106
Brazed joints in an oxygen piping installation. 1910.104
Working between grounds when working on bare conductors. 1926.954, 1926.955
Temporary bracing of brick walls during construction. 1926.700(a)
Safety life belt attached to a lifeline. 1926.451(i)(8)
OSHA concurrence on the use of 3/4" square bars for rungs on fixed ladders. 1910.27, 1910.27(a)(1), 1910.27(b)(1)(i)
The use of steel mesh gloves by meat cutters at both packing plant and retail levels. 1910.132
Physical qualification requirements for crane operators. 1926.550
Requesting a permanent variance from section 1910.309(a). 1910.309
The British Standard material valves compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. 1910.106
Twist lock receptacles and attachment plugs. 1926 - Table of Contents
Interpretation of the term "bulk plant" as it is used in 1910.106. 1910.106
Clarification of standard 29 CFR 1910.106(b)(4)(iv)(e). 1910.106
Duplex Rewinder Bar Guards. 1910.261
The investigation of worker job safety complaints performed by OSHA. 1903.11(a)