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
Numerous injury and illness recordkeeping questions. 1904 - Table of Contents
PPE must be provided for serious sun exposure hazards. 1910.132(a)
Use of height adjustable beds help reduce back injuries during patient care.
Electric power tools: grounding, NRTL approval, and suitable circuit connection. 1926.404(b)(2), 1926.403(a), 1926.404(f)(7)(iv)
Clarification of single and multiple crews for purposes of deenergizing lines. 1910.269(m)(3)(viii)
Clarification of requirements for 1000 gallon diesel storage tank. 1926.152, 1926.155(h)
Requirements for scaffold toprails and midrails;moving mobile scaffolds; outrigger frames. 1926.451(g), 1926.451(h), 1926.452(w)
An attendant may participate in non-entry confined space rescue under certain conditions. 1910.146(k), 1910.146(i)
Clarification of residential construction's use of slide guards and other fall protection 1926.501(b)(13), 1926.502(k)
Meaning of January 1, 2000 "placed in service" date for scaffolds. 1926.451(g)(4)(ii)
Recordkeeping: clarifications of second visits for recordability. 1904.2, 1904.12(e)
Recordkeeping: count of lost workdays when worker not scheduled to work or is terminated. 1904.2, 1904.12
Recordkeeping: lost workdays that occur prior to diagnosis must be recorded. 1904.2, 1904.12
Clarification of requirements for daily disposal of combustible wastes. 1910.106(e)(9)(iii)
OSHA regulation of liquified paving asphalt; not covered by 1910.106. 1910.106
Evaluation of a single-person, manually propelled, mobile work platform. 1926.452(w), 1926.450, 1926.451, 1926.454
Scaffolds placed in service after January 1,2000 must meet new rail height requirements. 1926.451(g)(4)(ii)
Fall protection non-conforming guardrail criteria for application of a de minimis policy. 1926.500, 1926.501(b)(2)(ii), 1926.501(b)(4)(i), 1926.501(b)(4)(ii), 1926.501(b)(4)(iii), 1926.501(b)(10), 1926.502(b), 1926.501(b)(2), 1926.502(f)(2)
Pre-operation forklift examinations are not required to be written. 1910.178(q)(7)
Clarification of fixed stairs strength; minimum of 1,000 lbs. 1910.24(c)