Letters of Interpretation | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

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
05/27/2004	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)
05/27/2004	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)
05/25/2004	Training and designation of first aid providers in general industry and construction.	1910.151(b), 1910.1030(c)(2), 1926.50(c)
05/24/2004	Application of OSHA standards to escape and protection of employees from threats associated with terrorist actions.	1910.120(q), 1910.38
05/17/2004	Construction of homes with masonry walls is not considered "residential construction" in applying STD 03-00-001.	1926.501(b)(13), 1926.502(k)
05/13/2004	Maximum allowable distance between supports for temporary electrical wiring.	1926.402(a), 1926.403(b)(1), 1926.405(a)(2)
05/11/2004	Evaluation of the use of aluminum forms as an exit route from trench excavations	1926.651, 1926.651(c)(2)
05/11/2004	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)
05/11/2004	Enforcement of the engineering and work practice control provisions of the lead standard, 1910.1025(e)(1).	1910.1025, 1910.1025(e)(1)
05/11/2004	Electrical equipment approved by a NRTL is acceptable to OSHA.	1910.7, 1910.303(a), 1910.303(b), 1910.399
05/05/2004	Requirements for providing eyewashes/showers near spray finishing operations.	1910.151(c), 1910.107
05/03/2004	The upper rails and end caps of self-supporting ladders are not required to be slip-resistant.	1926.1053, 1926.1053(b)(7)
04/27/2004	Rescue of a suspended worker following a fall event.	1910.268, 1910.269, 1910.269(b)(1)(ii)
04/27/2004	Retention of exposure and audiometric testing records by successor employers.	1910.95, 1910.95(m)(5), 1910.95(m)(3)
04/21/2004	Evaluation of the Jax Scaffold System.	1926.451, 1926.451(g)(4)(vii), 1926.451(a)
04/21/2004	Composition, span, and deflection of underslung bridge scaffold platform systems.	1926.451, 1926.451(f)(16), 1926.450
04/20/2004	Alternative fall protection for leading edge work during precast concrete erection.	1926.501(b), 1926.501(b)(12), 1926.502(k)
04/20/2004	Clarification from OSHA regarding the use of the NeedleguardTM in a hospital environment.	1910.1030, 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv), 1910.1030(c)(1)(v), 1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)
04/14/2004	No person is allowed to stand or pass under the elevated portion of any powered industrial truck.	1910.178, 1910.178(m)(2)
04/07/2004	Printing Industry: Lock Out/Tag Out and the essential elements of the inch-safe-service technique	1910.147, 1910.147(f)(1), 1910.147(a)(2)(ii), 1910.147(a)(3)(ii)