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
Composition, span, and deflection of underslung bridge scaffold platform systems. 1926.451, 1926.451(f)(16), 1926.450
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)
Alternative fall protection for leading edge work during precast concrete erection. 1926.501(b), 1926.501(b)(12), 1926.502(k)
No person is allowed to stand or pass under the elevated portion of any powered industrial truck. 1910.178, 1910.178(m)(2)
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)
Blood lead laboratories are not required to report the OSHA levels at which additional employer obligations are triggered under the lead standards. 1910.1025, 1926.62
Minimum distance between supports for temporary electrical wiring. 1926.405
Acceptability of locking switches in the closed (on) position for transformers attached to the main bus duct system. 1910.304(d)(1), 1910.399
Requirement to use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for workers performing construction work over or near water does not specify type or classification. 1926.106, 1926.106(a)
Fixed Wiring in Research Facilities and High Voltage Cable Tray Systems at Department of Energy (DOE) Research Laboratories 1910.305(a), 1910.305(a)(2), 1910.305(a)(2)(iii)(B), 1910.305(a)(3), 1910.305(b), 1910.305(g)(1), 1910.305(g)(1)(i), 1910.305(g)(1)(iii), 1910.399
Written approval requirements for powered industrial truck modifications and additions that affect capacity or safe operation 1910.178, 1910.178(a)(4)
Removal of regulators and use of valve protection caps when hoisting compressed gas cylinders 1926.350, 1926.350(a), 1926.350(a)(6)
OSHA does not have standards limiting maximum weight employees can lift/carry.
Fit testing is not required for employees not exposed to a hazardous atmosphere and not required to wear a respirator. 1910.134, 1910.134(f)
Compliance of type SJTW flexible cords with 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(J) and use on construction sites. 1926.405, 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(J)
Use of laser guarding devices for hydraulic press brakes 1910.212, 1910.212(a)
Fall protection requirements for pump jack scaffold railings. 1926.451(g), 1926.451(g)(1), 1926.451(g)(2), 1926.451(g)(4), 1926.452(j)
Fall protection during roofing inspections, investigations, and assessments 1926.500(a), 1926.501(b)(10), 1926.502(f)(2)
OSHA has no standards prohibiting pets in the workplace.
Prohibition of installation of sheer connectors and pour-stop angles to top flange of steel steel beams prior to decking. 1926.754(c), 1926.754(c)(1), 1926.754(c)(1)(i)