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
Plasma derivatives are covered by the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(b)
Above-ground 500-gallon polyethylene tank is unacceptable for storage of flammable and combustible liquids 1910.106(b)(1)(i), 1910.106(a)(18)(ii)(b)
Determining if a state hospital is an employer under the OSHAct. 1975.5(b), 1975.5(c)
Two employees must be present during work on energized systems >600 volts 1910.269(l)(1)(i), 1910.269(l)(1)(ii)
Compliance with NFPA 30-2000 ventilation requirements is considered a deminimus violation 1910.106(e)(3)(v)(a)
Standard syringes may still be used in certain situations. 1910.1030(d)(2)
Evaluation of safer medical devices and the use of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. 1910.1030
OSHA's construction crane standard does not make a distinction between production and non-production cranes. 1926.550, 1926.550(b)(2)
Clarification of residential construction and fall protection requirements. 1926 - Table of Contents, 1926.500, 1926.501, 1926.502, 1926.503
Acceptability of storing Class II combustible liquids in DOT/NRTL approved polyethylene containers. 1910.106(d)(2)(i)
Acceptability of the Pin-Lok scaffold plank product. 1926.451
Access requirements for cantilevered work platforms; use of unstable objects is prohibited. 1926.451(e)(1), 1926.451(c)(2)(iii), 1926.450(b)
Minimum approach distances to insulated power lines by construction workers working close to, but not on, the lines. 1926.451(f)(6), 1926.955
Request for variance on tripping hazards for shear connectors. 1926.754(c)(1)(i)
Height limitations for using the alternate fall protection provision of STD 3-0.1A. 1926.500
Workers over PEL inside asbestos containments with all feasible controls 1926.1101
Means of reducing needlestick exposure hazards. 1910.1030(d)(2), 1910.1030(b)
Decontamination and labeling requirements for BBP-contaminated equipment and sharps. 1910.1030(d)(2)(xiv), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii), 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(H)
Access to employee exposure and medical records 1910.1020
Use of Electro Sensitive Protection Equipment as point of operation guarding devices. 1910.212(a)(3)(ii)