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 Standard Number
Step Sizes and Angles of Fixed Industrial Stairs 1 1910.24
Clarifying the Recordability Criteria of Several Examples Addressing the Issues of Determining Work-relatedness and Covered Employees 5 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.31, 1904.4, 1904.46, 1904.5
Clarification on the use of double connections at beams not framing into columns. 3 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. 2 1910.244(b), 1926.302(b)(10)
MSDS Distributors 1 1910.1200
Enforcement of Steel Erection Subpart R. 2 1926.754, 1926.754(b)(3)
Storage of compressed gas cylinders used in construction work. 2 1926.350, 1926.350(a)(9)
Whether the Respiratory Protection standard requires personal air monitoring to identify and evaluate the respiratory hazards in the workplace. 2 1910.134, 1910.134(d)(1)(iii)
Guarding machines on moveable benches and pedestals 1 1910.212
Controlling Confined Space Hazards in Deep Tanks for Parts Cleaning 2 1910.146, 1910.147
Guarding of Ladderway Floor Openings 1 1910.23
NRTL requirements for shielding gas regulators. 6 1910 Subpart S, 1910.303(a), 1910.399, 1910 Subpart Q, 1910.251, 1910.253
Numerous questions related to OSHA's notice to terminate the rulemaking to amend the explosives standard. 2 1910.119, 1910.109
Numerous questions related to training requirements under 1910.269. 1 1910.269
Clarification on the use of safety monitors as a method of fall protection on a low-slope roof. 6 1926.501, 1926.501(b)(10), 1926.502, 1926.502(h), 1926.453, 1926.453(b)(2)(v)
Mandatory elements of a HAZWOPER baseline physical examination. 4 1910.120, 1910.120(q)(9)(i), 1910.120(f)(3)(ii), 1910.120(f)(4)(i)
Application of Lockout/Tagout to Employees Performing Maintenance Tasks on Cord and Plug Equipment 1 1910.147
Identifying the work zone when a crane works near a power line 3 1926.1408, 1926.1408(a)(1), 1926.1408(a)(2)
PSM and large batch-mixing tanks 1 1910.119
Applicability of HAZWOPER to the clearing and rerailing of train cars after derailment situations. 6 1910.120, 1910.120(a)(2)(iv), 1910.120(q), 1910.120(q)(4), 1910.120(q)(6), 1910.120(q)(11)