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.

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Earthmoving equipment is not covered by 1910.178; skid- steer equipment may be covered. 1910.178(a), 1910.178(l), 1926.602(d)
Employee hand placement on and around suspended crane loads. 1926.1425
Trench shields must be installed to prevent lateral movement in a collapse. 1926.652(g)(1)(ii)
PRCS entry: the term "body" includes all extremities. 1910.146(b)
Using "stick-on" labels to meet the requirements of 1910.1200. 1910.1200(f)
Web-based HAZWOPER refresher training: hands-on training and trainer accessibility. 1910.120(e)(8), 1926.65(e)(8)
Excavations may be shored with wooden shoring. 1926.652(a)(1), 1926.652(c)
The PEL for cadmium at dry color formulator operations. 1910.1027(c), 1910.1000 TABLE Z-2
GFCI and coverplate requirements in construction;use of fall arrest systems and scaffolding. 1926.404(b)(1)(ii), 1926.404(b)(1)(iii), 1926.502(d)(15), 1926.502(d)(17), 1926.451(a)
Group tagging requirements reqarding 1910.269(d). 1910.269(d)
1910.1020 requirements regarding employee drug testing results. 1910.1020(b), 1910.1020(c), 1910.1020(d), 1910.1020(e)
Powered industrial truck training: different types of trucks/workplace conditions. 1910.178(l)
Employers should record all back cases as injuries. 1904 - Table of Contents
Lockout/tagout issues: "unexpected energization" and minor servicing operations. 1910.147, 1910 Subpart O
Respirators for voluntary use and cleaning respirators during fit testing. 1910.134(c)(2), 1910.134(d)(1)(ii), 1910.134(f)(6), 1910.134(h)(1)
Powered industrial truck training content, certification, and record maintenance. 1910.178(l), 1926.602(c), 1926.602(d)
Forklifts in construction: elevating personnel and operator training. 1926.451(c)(2)(iv), 1926.602(c)(1)(vi), 1926.602(d), 1910.178(l)
Fall protection, lifejacket, and lifesaving requirements when working over or near water. 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.105, 1926.106, 1926.106(a), 1926.106(c), 1926.106(d), 1926 Subpart M
Neither a waist nor chest strap is a required part of body harness. 1926.500(b), 1926.502(d)(16), 1910.66 App C
1910.178 does not apply to agricultural operations. 1910.178, 1928.1, 1928.21(a)