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.

NOTICE:

How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Qualifications required under 1910.269 for entry into manholes/vaults to perform work on energized conductors. 1910.146, 1910.269, 1910.269(a)(2), 1910.269(a)(2)(ii), 1910.269(e)(2), 1910.269(l)(1), 1910.269(l)(2), 1910.269(t)
Use of "objective data" to accurately characterize employee exposures to hexavalent chromium during welding operations 1910.1026(d)(3), 1926.1126(d)(3)
OSHA requirements for warning signs and protection from electric-arc-flash hazards and compliance with NFPA 70E-2004. 1910.5, 1910.5(c)(1), 1910.5(f), 1910.132, 1910.145, 1910.303, 1910.303(e), 1910.333, 1910.333(a)(1), 1910.333(b)(2), 1910.335, 1910.335(b), 1910.335(b)(1), 1910.335(a)(1)(iv), 1910.335(a)(1)(v), 1910.335(a)(2)(i), 1910.335(a)(2)(ii)
Notification of alternative control methods for Class I asbestos work no longer required; notification requirement eliminated. 1926.1101
Updating the OSHA 300 Log to show changes in classification of previously recorded injuries/illnesses. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.33
Clarification of the Hexavalent Chromium Final Rule 1910.1026, 1910.1026(e), 1910.1026(f)(2), 1910.1026(h), 1910.1026(i), 1910.1026(j), 1910.1051(e), 1910.1052(e)
Use of live-line tools and exemption to the requirement for at least two employees to be present during work on an energized part. 1910.137, 1910.269(j), 1910.269(l)(1)(i), 1910.269(l)(1)(ii), 1910.269(l)(2), 1910.269(l)(3), 1910.269(m), 1910.269(m)(1), 1910.269(n)
Fall protection requirements for tankers/trailers and OSHA jurisdiction over facilities regulated by DOE.
Incorporation of NFPA 70E-2000 into OSHA standards. 1910 Subpart S
Federal OSHA has no jurisdiction over State, municipal, or volunteer fire departments.
Use of LOTO device on equipment placed in "out of service" status not related to servicing or maintenance. 1910.147, 1910.147(a)(1)(i), 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)
OSHA standards do not apply to state university employees.
Requirements for embroidery on flame-resistant clothing under 29 CFR 1910.269. 1910.269, 1910.269(l)(6)(iii)
Guarding requirements for skylights and "grandfather" provisions for buildings constructed over twenty years ago. 1910.23, 1910.23(a)(4)
Lockout and tagging of circuits; §1926.417 1926.417, 1926.417(a), 1926.417(b), 1926 Subpart K
Requirements for developing entry procedures for permit-required confined spaces. 1910.146, 1910.146(c)(2), 1910.146(c)(3), 1910.146(c)(8), 1910.146(d)(3)
Guardrail requirements for two point suspension scaffolds. 1926.451, 1926.451(b)(3), 1926.451(g)(1)(ii), 1926.451(g)(1)(vi), 1926.451(g)(4)(i)
Request for OSHA national policy banning guns from the workplace and OSHA enforcement policy regarding workplace violence.
When protective measures must be installed after a hole is created on a construction worksite. 1926.500, 1926.500(b), 1926.501, 1926.501(b)(4)
Use of fixed ladders constructed prior to the effective date of 29 CFR 1926 - Subpart X. 1926.1053, 1926.1053(a)(4)(i), 1926.1053(a)(6)(i), 1926.1053(a)(18), 1926.1053(a)(19), 1926.1060