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
Guarding machines on moveable benches and pedestals 1910.212
Guarding of Ladderway Floor Openings 1910.23
Numerous questions related to OSHA's notice to terminate the rulemaking to amend the explosives standard. 1910.119, 1910.109
Numerous questions related to training requirements under 1910.269. 1910.269
NRTL requirements for shielding gas regulators. 1910 Subpart S, 1910.303(a), 1910.399, 1910 Subpart Q, 1910.251, 1910.253
Clarification on the use of safety monitors as a method of fall protection on a low-slope roof. 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. 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 1910.147
Identifying the work zone when a crane works near a power line 1926.1408, 1926.1408(a)(1), 1926.1408(a)(2)
PSM and large batch-mixing tanks 1910.119
Applicability of HAZWOPER to the clearing and rerailing of train cars after derailment situations. 1910.120, 1910.120(a)(2)(iv), 1910.120(q), 1910.120(q)(4), 1910.120(q)(6), 1910.120(q)(11)
Certification and qualification requirements for mechanics, inspectors, and testers under the Cranes and Derricks in Construction standards. 1926.1400, 1926.1404, 1926.1412, 1926.1427, 1926.1429
Numerous questions related to operational aids required by various standards for cranes and derricks in construction. 1926.1416, 1926.1416(e)(5)(i), 1926.1416(e)(5)(ii), 1926.1427, 1926.1427(a)
Employer Safety Incentive and Disincentive Policies and Practices 1904.35
Labeling in Laboratory 1910.1450
PSM for pharmaceutical plant 1910.119, 1910.119(a)(1)(ii)
Powered Industrial Truck Load Backrest Extensions 1910.178
Additional duties of two standby personnel for structural firefighting 1910.134
Starting Small Business
Reiteration of OSHA policy on unguarded sweep augers. 1910.272, 1910.272(g)(1)(ii)