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 Standard Number
Clarification on controlled access zones for leading edge work. 7 1926.501, 1926.501(b), 1926.501(b)(2)(i), 1926.502, 1926.502(g), 1926.502(k), 1926.502(k)(7)
Does a truck with a cab containing an intergral falling object protective structure that was manufactured to meet the ISO 3449 standard conform to 29 CFR 1926.601(b)(6)? 2 1926.601, 1926.601(b)(6)
Interpretation of "unattended" in 29 CFR 1926.351(d)(1) with regard to electrode holders. 2 1926.351, 1926.351(d)(1)
Use of portable arc welding machines in inclement weather. 8 1926.351, 1926.351(a), 1926.351(b), 1926.351(c), 1926.351(d), 1926.354, 1926.406, 1926.406(c)
OSHA Training Standards Policy Statements 5 1910.134(k), 1910.147(c), 1910.1030(g), 1910.1200(h), 1926.21
Whether use of an artificial ear ISO 318 coupler complies with the noise standard. 3 1910.95, 1910.95(h)(5), 1910.95(h)(5)(ii)
Clarification on recordkeeping exemption for illness resulting from consuming food in the workplace. 2 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.5
Whether an employer can repair an extension cord under 29 CFR 1926, Subpart K. 3 1926.405, 1926.405(g)(2)(iii), 1926.449
Minimum distance required between guardrails on an industrial truck work platform. 3 1926.451, 1926.451(g)(1)(vii), 1926.451(g)(4)(vi)
Whether OSHA construction standards require a manhole cover to support at least twice a vehicle's applied axle load, regardless of the cover's size. 4 1926.502, 1926.502(i), 1926.502(i)(1), 1926.502(i)(2)
Whether extension cords may be repaired and returned to use. 4 1926.403, 1926.403(a), 1926.404, 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(C)
Padded slings/wire rope during steel erection. 4 1926.251, 1926.251(c)(9), 1926.753, 1926.753(c)(2)
Single-point suspension scaffold safety. 5 1926.451, 1926.451(g)(1), 1926.451(g)(3)(iii), 1926.552, 1926.552(c)(7)
Clarification on whether a visual rotating beacon or strobe light is an acceptable warning signal on a radio operated crane. 2 1910.179, 1910.179(i)
Whether an employer is permitted to double wrap #9 gage steel wire in order to guy, tie or brace a scaffold. 3 1926.451, 1926.451(a)(1), 1926.451(c)
Use of toeboards across scaffold access points. 2 1926.451, 1926.451(h)(2)
Whether OSHA standards require employees to be tied off while working over water on an aerial lift. 3 1926.453, 1926.453(b)(2)(v), 1926.1431(k)(10)(i)
Enforcement Policy for Flame-Resistant Clothing in Oil and Gas Drilling, Well Servicing, and Production-Related Operations 3 1910.132, 1910.132(a), 1910.132(d)
Appropriate disinfectants for decontamination of blood or OPIM. 2 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(A)
Whether a specific brand of plastic sheeting meets the Asbestos requirements 1 1926.1101