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 Standard Number
Use of laser guarding devices for hydraulic press brakes 2 1910.212, 1910.212(a)
Fall protection during roofing inspections, investigations, and assessments 3 1926.500(a), 1926.501(b)(10), 1926.502(f)(2)
OSHA has no standards prohibiting pets in the workplace. 0
Prohibition of installation of sheer connectors and pour-stop angles to top flange of steel steel beams prior to decking. 3 1926.754(c), 1926.754(c)(1), 1926.754(c)(1)(i)
Use of personal fall arrest systems at the edge of a well, pit, shaft, or similar excavation. 2 1926.501, 1926.501(b)(7)(ii)
Fall protection is not required where there is no feasible means of providing it while working on vehicles or trailers. 3 1926.500, 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.95(a)
Fall protection and controlled access zones for overhand bricklaying 5 1926.501(b)(9), 1926.502(g), 1926.502(g)(3), 1926.502(g)(2), 1926.501(b)(4)
Use of caution tape or rope to barricade a crane's swing radius; guarding of lug connectors on portable welders 3 1926.550(a)(9), 1926.403(a), 1926.403(i)(2)(i)
Height to base width ratio for mobile scaffolds with/without outriggers. 4 1926.451(c)(1), 1926.452(w)(6), 1926.452(w)(6)(ii), 1926.452(w)(6)(iii)
Requirements for reverse signal alarms for vehicles with obstructed views to the rear. 3 1910.269, 1910.269(p)(1)(ii)(A), 1910.269(p)(1)(ii)(B)
Lock out/Tag out periodic inspection requirements. 8 1910.147, 1910.147(c)(6), 1910.147(c)(6)(i), 1910.147(c)(6)(i)(B), 1910.147(c)(6)(i)(C), 1910.147(c)(6)(i)(D), 1910.147(c)(7)(iii), 1910.147(c)(7)(iv)
Recording criteria for recordkeeping cases involving occupational hearing loss. 3 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.10(b)(4), 1910.95(m)(2)
Requirement and design of fire-resistant barriers for oxygen and fuel-gas cylinders. 2 1926.350, 1926.350(a)(10)
Wire rope clips on suspension scaffolds; safety latches on large crane hooks; order of assembly for hanging scaffolds; and horizontal lifeline design. 14 1926.502(d)(8), 1926.502(b), 1926.251(c), 1926.760(d), 1926.502(d)(14), 1926.451(a), 1926.451(b), 1926.451(f), 1926.251(a)(4), 1926.451(d)(12), 1926.550(g)(4)(iv)(B), 1926.753(d), 1926.550(g), 1926.502(d)(15)
Training for telecommunications employees must be "appropriate" for worksites and job tasks. 4 1910.268, 1910.268(c)(1), 1910.268(c)(2), 1910.268(c)(3)
The predominant use of structural steel would not be considered "residential construction" 2 1926.501(b)(13), 1926.502(k)
Portable ladders not extending 3 feet above upper landing must be secured. 2 1926.1053, 1926.1053(b)(1)
Identification, inspection, and marking of cranes when manufacturer-supplied identifications are unavailable. 10 1926.550, 1926.550(a), 1926.550(a)(5), 1926.550(a)(6), 1926.550(b)(2), 1926.550(c), 1926.550(d), 1926.550(e), 1926.550(f), 1926.32(f)
Permissibility of attaching welding leads to an occupied aerial lift bucket and using an external lifeline to anchor fall arrest equipment. 5 1926.351(c)(6), 1926.453(b)(2)(xi), 1926.453(b)(2)(v), 1926.453(b)(2)(iii), 1926.453(b)(2)(vi)
Hard hats are not required where there is no exposure to head injuries. 2 1926.100, 1926.100(a)