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 Standard Number
Numerous questions related to operational aids required by various standards for cranes and derricks in construction. 5 1926.1416, 1926.1416(e)(5)(i), 1926.1416(e)(5)(ii), 1926.1427, 1926.1427(a)
Certification and qualification requirements for mechanics, inspectors, and testers under the Cranes and Derricks in Construction standards. 5 1926.1400, 1926.1404, 1926.1412, 1926.1427, 1926.1429
Labeling in Laboratory 1 1910.1450
Employer Safety Incentive and Disincentive Policies and Practices 1 1904.35
Powered Industrial Truck Load Backrest Extensions 1 1910.178
PSM for pharmaceutical plant 2 1910.119, 1910.119(a)(1)(ii)
Additional duties of two standby personnel for structural firefighting 1 1910.134
Starting Small Business 0
Reiteration of OSHA policy on unguarded sweep augers. 2 1910.272, 1910.272(g)(1)(ii)
Application of the multi-employer policy to particular construction standards. 6 1926.20, 1926.20(b)(1), 1926.20(b)(2), 1926.21, 1926.21(b)(2), 1926.200
Recordkeeping regulation contained in 29 CFR Part 1904 - Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses 4 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.5(b), 1910.141(a), 1910.141(a)
PEL for cotton dust when exposure is from cotton fibers used in the manufacture of absorbent glass tubes. 2 1910.1043, 1910.1000
Clarification of OSHA's position on FR Clothing for welders. 3 1910.252, 1910.252(b)(3), 1910.132
Dental office employers with one or more employees must comply with the OSH Act. 4 1975.4, 1910.1200, 1910.1030, 1910.132
Requirements of a third-party evaluator of rigger and signal person qualifications. 3 1926.1401, 1926.1428, 1926.1428(a)
Clarification on when a trestle ladder would be considered a stepladder. 3 1926.1053, 1926.1053(b)(13), 1926.1060
Fit testing requirements for respirators used for CBRN protection. 3 1910.134, 1910.134(f)(7), 1910.134(f)(8)
Clarification on the applicability of the Hazard Communication standard DEF tank operations. 2 1910.1200, 1910.1000
Removal of Contaminated Needles Prior to Disposal. 2 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A)
Clarification on whether an employer with multiple facilities needs a separate written ECP for each facility. 2 1910.1030, 1960 - Table of Contents