Letters of Interpretation | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

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

Date	Title	Standard Number
09/08/1976	Flammable and Combustible Liquids.	1910.106
09/02/1976	An employer is responsible for providing personal protective equipment.	1910.132
08/30/1976	Guarding of cotton ginning equipment standards.	1928.57
08/20/1976	Wire rope were used as a bull wire	1926.251
08/20/1976	Exits for Unattended Buildings.
08/16/1976	Quick drenching or flushing facilities in battery charging areas.	1910.151
08/13/1976	Use of audible alarms in lieu of physical barriers.	1926.550(a)(9)
08/11/1976	The OSH Act of 1970 assigns the responsibility for compliance with safety and health standards to the employer.	1910.132, 1910.135
08/10/1976	Clarification of what constitutes lashing or stability for portable scaffolds.	1910.28, 1910.66
08/09/1976	1910.36(b)(8) does not automatically require at least two means of egress.	1910.36(b)(8)
08/04/1976	Clarification of OSHA standards for toilet facilities.	1910.141
08/02/1976	Certain provisions of 1910.184, Slings.	1910.184
08/02/1976	Guarding of machinery used in the processing of seed corn.	1928.57, 1910 - Table of Contents
07/19/1976	Cut-and-cover operation regulations of Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring.	1926.800
07/15/1976	OSHA is neither geared nor authorized to evaluate or approve designs and specifications or equipment.	1928 - Table of Contents
07/12/1976	Clarification of 1910.184.	1910.184
07/08/1976	Agricultural farm equipment standards.	1928.57
07/07/1976	OSHA may not approve, endorse, or recommend any product or process.	1910.107
07/07/1976	Interpretation of riding the load or hook.	1926.550
07/07/1976	Trenching Requirements related to banks.	1926.652(a)