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
Application of construction standard to demolition operations involving material less than 1% asbestos. 1926.1101, 1926.1101(g)(1)(ii), 1926.1101(g)(1)(iii)
Field-cured concrete sample cylinders must be subjected to similar conditions as the footings/walls; acceptable use of the Windsor Probe/Pin testing method. 1926.752(a), 1926.752(a)(1)
Permissibility of transporting blasting caps with other explosives in the same vehicle where an IME 22-1993 container is used. 1926.902(d)
Use of hydro-vacuum excavation equipment and other acceptable means to locate underground utility installions. 1926.651, 1926.651(b)(2), 1926.651(b)(3)
Testing of hoist limit switches. 1910.179, 1910.179(k)(1)(ii), 1910.179(n)(4)
OSHA-recognized chemicals as carcinogens or potential carcinogens for Hazard Communication purposes 1910.1200, 1910.1200(d)(4)(iii), 1910.1200(d)(5)(ii)
Enhanced Enforcement Program (EEP) IMIS Coding
Interim Implementation of OSHA's Enhanced Enforcement Program (EEP) 1903 - Table of Contents
Compliance of using warning lines and/or control access zones for fall protection on roofs with a slope greater than 4:12. 1926.500, 1926.501, 1926.502, 1926.503, 1926.760, 1926.502(f), 1926.502(g), 1926.502(b)(10), 1926.501(b)(2), 1926.501(b)(11), 1926.502(b)(2)(i), 1926.502(k), 1926.502(k)(7), 1926.501(b)(9), 1926.501(b)(12), 1926.501(b)(13), 1926.760(c)(3), 1926.750(b)(1), 1926.751
Minimum number of employees required for performing electric power work conducted from bucket trucks. 1910.269, 1910.269(l)(1)(i), 1910.269(l)(1)(ii), 1910.269(b)(1)(i)
Enforcement of Subpart M "Fall Protection" 1926.501(b)
Applicable asbestos standard for replacing a rubber encapsulated asbestos gasket. 1910.1001, 1926.1101
OSHA's outreach effort to educate employers on the Needlestick safety and Prevention Act requirements. 1910.1030
Clarification of Overhead and Gantry Cranes definition of "complete inspection" and "periodic inspection" requirements. 1910.179, 1910.179(j)(1), 1910.179(j)(3)
Wearing of open-toed shoes in an office environment. 1910.132, 1910.132(d), 1910.136, 1910.136(a)
Current OSHA initiatives to improve quality of chemical hazard information provided to workers. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(g)
Installation and use of electrical equipment must be consistent with NRTL intructions for that equipment. 1910.303(b)(2), 1910.399
Requirements for perimeter columns and perimeter safety cables in the Steel Erection standard. 1926.756(e)(1), 1926.756(e), 1926.760(a)(2)
Use of portable vacuum cleaners for cleaning up aluminum and wood dust. 1910.399, 1910.307, 1910.307(b)(2)
Maximum permissible guard openings for blade guards on cooling fans 1910.212, 1910.212(a)(5), 1910.217