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
The construction fall protection standard specifies fall arrest system requirements, but no footwear requirements. 1926.501(b)(11), 1926.500(b), 1926.96
Requirements for manufacturers, who are no longer in business or have discontinued a product line, to provide MSDSs and product information. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(g)(1)
The use of extension cord while working from scissor lift; requirement to secure or barricade a ladder. 1926.451, 1926.452(w), 1926.1053(b)(8)
Steel erection columns must be anchored by 4 rods and meet 300-lb strength criteria. 1926.755(a)(1), 1926.755(a)(2), 1926.752(b)
Equipment reverse signal alarms must be audible above surrounding noise level. 1926.601(b)(4), 1926.601(b)(4)(i), 1926.601(b)(4)(ii), 1926.602(a)(9)(ii)
Fixed ladders must be retrofitted to meet 1910.27 design requirements; maximum horizontal spacing requirements for extensions. 1910.27, 1910.27(d)(1)(i), 1910.27(d)(1)(ii), 1910.27(d)(v)
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard application to bifurcated needles; acceptability and appropriateness of safety bifurcated needles. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv)(B), 1910.1030(c)(1)(v), 1910.1030(d)(2)(i)
Training and designation of first aid providers in general industry and construction. 1910.151(b), 1910.1030(c)(2), 1926.50(c)
Application of OSHA standards to escape and protection of employees from threats associated with terrorist actions. 1910.120(q), 1910.38
Construction of homes with masonry walls is not considered "residential construction" in applying STD 03-00-001. 1926.501(b)(13), 1926.502(k)
Maximum allowable distance between supports for temporary electrical wiring. 1926.402(a), 1926.403(b)(1), 1926.405(a)(2)
Requirements for use of high-visibility warning garments by construction workers in highway work zones. 1926.200, 1926.201, 1926.201(a), 1926.200(g)(2), 1926.651(d)
Electrical equipment approved by a NRTL is acceptable to OSHA. 1910.7, 1910.303(a), 1910.303(b), 1910.399
Enforcement of the engineering and work practice control provisions of the lead standard, 1910.1025(e)(1). 1910.1025, 1910.1025(e)(1)
Evaluation of the use of aluminum forms as an exit route from trench excavations 1926.651, 1926.651(c)(2)
Requirements for providing eyewashes/showers near spray finishing operations. 1910.151(c), 1910.107
The upper rails and end caps of self-supporting ladders are not required to be slip-resistant. 1926.1053, 1926.1053(b)(7)
Rescue of a suspended worker following a fall event. 1910.268, 1910.269, 1910.269(b)(1)(ii)
Retention of exposure and audiometric testing records by successor employers. 1910.95, 1910.95(m)(5), 1910.95(m)(3)
Composition, span, and deflection of underslung bridge scaffold platform systems. 1926.451, 1926.451(f)(16), 1926.450