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
Requirement to guard shaft couplings. 1910.219(i)(2)
OSHA construction standards do not apply to highway transportation of explosives. 1926.902(d)
Overhead guards not required for trucks operating in low overhead locations. 1910.178(e)(1)
A swinging gate is required only at ladderway floor openings and platforms. 1910.23(a)(2), 1910.27(d)
Spray finishing operations as it relates to fire protection systems. 1910.107
Requirements of Section 1910.124(j) 1910.124(j)
OSHA standard 1910.107(c)(6) on location of electrical motors in a spray operation. 1910.107(c)(6)
General requirements of ladders 1926.451(e)(2), 1926.1053(b)(1)
Counterweight requirements apply to cranes but not to trucks or carriers. 1918.74(a)(6)
Application of the standards to clicking machines, used in the footwear manufacturing industry. 1910.217
Interpretation for doorways not complying with exit route requirements. 1910.36, 1910.36(g)(1)
Clarification of crane fire extinguisher requirements. 1926.550(a)(14)(i), 1910.180(i)(5)(i)
Cut and cover tunneling operations. 1926.800
Standards applying to aerosol container charging plants. 1910.110(d)(13)(i), 1910.110(d)(13)(iii)
Whether buttons on the two-handed controls of your molding presses requires a surrounding guard. 1910.217(b)
Handrail and railing specifications for general industry. 1910.23(e)
Employee protection for work over energized lines. 1926.550(a)(15)(i)
Requirement to pin or lock digester valves 1910.261(g)(12)(iv)
Recordkeeping and reporting requirements for illnesses and injuries occurring aboard fishing vessels. 1903 - Table of Contents, 1904 - Table of Contents
Protective clothing required to prevent skin contact with polyvinyl chloride residue on vessel walls. 1910.1017(h)(1)(ii)