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

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Date Title Standard Number
Requirements for emergency medical services 1926.50
Warehouses in which Class 1A and Class 1B liquids are stored. 1910.106(d)(5)(v)
Use of guardrails and swivel locks on mobile scaffolds. 1910.29(a)(3)
Electric blasting machine. 1926.900, 1926.906
Interpretation of the applicability of 1910.263(i)(6)(ii) to transportation racks for the bakery industry. 1910.263(i)(6)(ii)
The use of photo-sensitive (variable tint) lenses in eye protection. 1910.133
The use of photochromic lenses in industrial safety eye-wear. 1910.133
Clarification of first aid training for pharmacists. 1910.151(b)
Clarification on the required strength of press flywheel guards 1910.217(b)(1), 1910.219(b)(1)(i)
How means of egress shall be located and identified. 1910.35, 1910.36, 1910.37
OSHA standards do not cover large laundry nets. 1910.184
Clarification of head room requirements for emergency doors and machine guarding. 1910.36(g)(1), 1910.212, 1910.219
Clarification of the 200 pounds strength requirement for railings. 1910.23(e)(3)(iv), 1910.23(e)(3)(v)
Required garments must be provided for and worn by flagmen. 1926.201(a)(2), 1926.201(a)(4)
Clarification of excavations, trenching, and shoring standards. 1926.652, 1926.651
Supplied air and ventilating air requirements. 1926.800(k)(2)
Requirements for direct drive mechanical power presses. 1910.211(d)(7), 1910.211(b)(7)
Temporary heating devices on construction sites. 1926.153(h)(7)
Carrying lunchboxes in manlifts prohibited. 1910.68(d)(1)
Definition of slow rate of speed for crane bridges and trolleys. 1910.179(e)(2), 1910.179(e)(3)