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
Minimum exposure for inclusion in the hearing conservation program (HCP); removal criteria. 1910.95, 1910.95(c)(1), 1910.95(m)
Minimum toe clearance for workers using manhole rungs during construction work. 1926.27(c)(4), 1926.1053(a)(13)
Application of the hazard communication standard to latex paints containing less than 6% crystalline silica. 1910.1200
Use of laser guarding systems with hydraulic press brakes 1910.212, 1910.212(a)(1), 1910.212(a)(3)
Current studies on the use of engineering controls to decrease asbestos exposures to mechanics performing brake and clutch repair. 1910.1001, 1910.1001(j)(4), 1910.1001(f)(3)
Clarification of "authorized" and "affected" employees and proper energy control procedures. 1910.147(b), 1910.147(c)(4), 1910.147(c)(7)(i), 1910.147(d), 1910.147(d)(4)(i), 1910.147(f)(3)(ii), 1910.147(f)(3)
Requirements for load-testing and marking of special custom-design rigging accessories; applicability of ASME standards. 1926.251, 1926.251(a)(4), 1926.32, 1926.32(q)
Fall protection requirements for work docks/bridges used during bridge construction. 1915.2, 1910.12(a), 1917.1(a), 1926.450(b), 1926.451(g)(1), 1926.106
Fit testing requirements for employees who wear respirators to protect against M. Tuberculosis, SARS, Smallpox, and Monkeypox. 1910.134, 1910.134(f)
Material safety data sheet requirements for experimental chemical mixtures that are shipped off-site. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(b)(3)(iv), 1910.1200(g)
Requirements for providing seatbelts for drivers whose size precludes their using seatbelts. 1926.601, 1926.601(b)(9), 1926.95(a), 1910.132(a), 1926.601(a)
Compliance of an aerial lift fall protection device connected with a releasable tether and a non-releasable tether. 1926.453, 1926.453(b)(2)(iii), 1926.453(b)(2)(v), 1905.11, 1926.502(d)
Concern of potential adverse affects from latex by consumers and health care patients with Hevea Natural Rubber Latex Allergy 1975.3, 1910.132, 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(3)(iii)
Requirements for storage and handling of gasoline on a construction site. 1926.152(a), 1926.152(a)(1), 1926.152(e), 1926.152(e)(2), 1926.152(f), 1926.152(g), 1926.155(a), 1926.155(l)
OSHA does not have requirements for normal color vision.
Clarification as to whether operators of mobile cranes with operator cabs are subject to seat belt requirements. 1926.28(a), 1926.601, 1926.601(a), 1926.601(b)(9)
Gas cylinder carts with patented engineered steel fire barriers compliance with 1926.350(a)(10). 1926.350, 1926.350(a)(10)
Compliance of shop-installed steel angle or bent plates running along the length of the top flange of a perimeter beam. 1926.754, 1926.754(c)(1)(i)
Appendix A to CPL 02-00-051, Enforcement Exemptions and Limitations under the Appropriations Act
Use of portable ladders on tank builder's scaffolds during scaffold dismantling process in construction. 1926.450, 1926.451, 1926.451(e), 1926.451(e)(2), 1926.451(e)(9), 1926.451(e)(9)(i), 1926.451(e)(9)(ii), 1926.451(f), 1926.451(f)(15), 1926.451(f)(15)(iii), 1926.451(g), 1926.451(g)(2)