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.

NOTICE:

How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Accidental tipping over of a tower type scaffold. 1926.451
Whether or not a piece of equipment would meet the intent of 1910.242. 1910.242
Clarification of 1910.212 and 1910.242 as applying to hand-type office paper cutters and sharp edged hand tools 1910.212, 1910.242
Specific trenching requirements as it pertains to shoring. 1926.652
Spray Finishing and Mechanical Power Presses. 1910.107, 1910.217
Flammable and Combustible Liquids. 1910.106
An employer is responsible for providing personal protective equipment. 1910.132
Guarding of cotton ginning equipment standards. 1928.57
Exits for Unattended Buildings.
Wire rope were used as a bull wire 1926.251
Quick drenching or flushing facilities in battery charging areas. 1910.151
Use of audible alarms in lieu of physical barriers. 1926.550(a)(9)
The OSH Act of 1970 assigns the responsibility for compliance with safety and health standards to the employer. 1910.132, 1910.135
Clarification of what constitutes lashing or stability for portable scaffolds. 1910.28, 1910.66
1910.36(b)(8) does not automatically require at least two means of egress. 1910.36(b)(8)
Clarification of OSHA standards for toilet facilities. 1910.141
Guarding of machinery used in the processing of seed corn. 1928.57, 1910 - Table of Contents
Certain provisions of 1910.184, Slings. 1910.184
Cut-and-cover operation regulations of Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring. 1926.800
OSHA is neither geared nor authorized to evaluate or approve designs and specifications or equipment. 1928 - Table of Contents