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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How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

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Date Title Standard Number
OSHA requires fall protection for elevator work when a fall hazard is present. 1910.23
Log skidder operators must be trained in accordance with 1910.266(i)(3)(ii) 1910.266(i)(3)(ii), 1910.178(l), 1910.5(c)(1)
Appendix A requirements and techniques for fit testing respirators. 1910.134(f), 1910.134 App A
Rough Terrain Forklift training course; OSHA doesn't approve products/services. 1926.602(d), 1910.178(l)
1910.134(i) does not apply to portable breathing air compressors. 1910.134(i)
Requirements for demolition operations involving material containing <1% asbestos. 1926.1101(b), 1926.1101(f), 1926.1101(g), 1926.1101(k), 1926.1101(n)
Abrasive blasting monitoring requirements and sampling procedures. 1910.94(a)(2), 1926.57(f)(2), 1926.62(d), 1910.1018(e), 1910.1027(d)
OSHA's position on deviations from the manufacturer's guidelines on scaffolds. 1926.450(b)
Administering a post-exposure hepatitis B vaccine booster is considered medical treatment. 1904.12(d), 1904.2
Notification compliance for employees exposed above inorganic arsenic PEL. 1910.1018(d)(1), 1910.1018(d)(2), 1910.1018(g)(2)
Correct method for calculating whole body dose for ionizing radiation. 1910.1096
Appropriate safety practices for the removal of electrical meters. 1910.269(l)(2), 1910.269(l)(3), 1910.137
Exclusive use of videotape training for construction workers. 1926.21(b), 1926.602(d), 1926 Subpart L
Fall protection methods when assembling and installing roofs. 1926.501
Protection of impalement hazards: rebar and other hazards. 1926.701(b), 1926.25(a)
OSHA's rationale for the noise exposure PEL. 1910.95, 1910.95(i)(1), 1910.95(i)(2)(i)
Clarification of OSHA's risk assessment and approach for setting the asbestos PEL. 1910.1001(c), 1926.1101(c)
Topical skin adhesive used to close wounds is considered medical treatment. 1904.2
Bloodborne pathogens: OSHA acceptance of DOT "Infectious Substances" label. 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)
Separate establishments require separate OSHA logs; No recent recordkeeping revisions. 1904.2