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
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. 1926.502, 1926.502(i), 1926.502(i)(1), 1926.502(i)(2)
Whether extension cords may be repaired and returned to use. 1926.403, 1926.403(a), 1926.404, 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(C)
Padded slings/wire rope during steel erection. 1926.251, 1926.251(c)(9), 1926.753, 1926.753(c)(2)
Single-point suspension scaffold safety. 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. 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. 1926.451, 1926.451(a)(1), 1926.451(c)
Use of toeboards across scaffold access points. 1926.451, 1926.451(h)(2)
Whether OSHA standards require employees to be tied off while working over water on an aerial lift. 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 1910.132, 1910.132(a), 1910.132(d)
Appropriate disinfectants for decontamination of blood or OPIM. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(A)
Restrictions on drilling within 50 feet of a hole loaded with explosives. 1926.905, 1926.905(h), 1926.905(j), 1926.905(k)
Whether a specific brand of plastic sheeting meets the Asbestos requirements 1926.1101
Whether guardrails are required on a two-point adjustable scaffold while workers who are tied off are painting the undercarriage of a water storage tank. 1926.451, 1926.451(b)(2)(ii), 1926.451(b)(3), 1926.451(g)(1)(ii)
Fall protection requirements for employees working on an elevator car frame. 1926.500(b), 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.502(d), 1926.502(d)(15)
Permissible methods of operating trucks in reverse on construction sites. 1926.601, 1926.601(b)(4), 1926.602(a)(9)(ii)
Fully Planked and Decked Scaffold 1926.451, 1926.451(b)(1)
Whether an employer can use a controlled access zone during curtain wall installation. 1926.500, 1926.500(a)(2)(iii), 1926.502, 1926.502(g), 1926.751, 1926.760, 1926.760(a)(1)
Interpretation of OSHA Fall Protection Exemption (29 CFR 1926.500(a)(1)) during inspection, investigation, and assessment activities. 1926.500, 1926.500(a)(1)
Storing Lunches in a Refrigerator at an Auto Collision Shop 1910.141
Testing requirements for "lifting blinds" or "lifting covers" on pressure vessels. 1926.251, 1926.251(a)(4), 1926.251(a)(5)