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
Atmospheric Testing required for confined space entry. 1910.146(d)(5)(ii), 1910.146(d)(5)(iii)
Bonding and grounding of plastic containers during transfer of Class I flammable liquids. 1910.106(e)(6)(ii), 1910.106(d)(2)(iii)
A confined space atmosphere above a PEL is not always a "hazardous atmosphere". 1910.146(b)
Applicability of Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to HCV. 1910.1030
Operators of overhead and gantry cranes must not carry loads over people. 1910.179(n)(3)(vi)
OSHA regulations for protection from microbes. 1910.1030(e), 1910.139
Occupational noise exposure standard affords protection to landscape service industry employees 1910.95
Complying with the "two-in, two-out" policy for interior structural firefighting. 1910.134(g)(4)
Emergency response training necessary for hospital physicians/nurses that may treat contaminated patients. 1910.120(q)(6), 1910.120(q)(8)
OSHA recordkeeping regulations are not subject to preemption under Section 4(b)(1) of the OSH Act. 1904 - Table of Contents
Reinforcing steel (rebar) assemblies: questions regarding fall protection and training. 1926.501(b)(5), 1926.502(d)(15), 1926.502(e)(2), 1926.503, 1926.701(b)
Medical evaluation not required for the use of escape only respirators. 1910.134(e)
Clarification of apparent discrepancy in height requirements for stair and hand railings. 1910.23(e)(2), 1926.1052
OSHA does not have jurisdiction over aircraft crews. 1975.1
Medical evaluations must be performed prior to fit testing. 1910.134(e)
OSHA coverage does not extend to unpaid students. 1975.3
OSHA's consultation program;assistance for smaller employers. 1908.5(b)
Using X-ray fluorescence for analysis of lead in paint and applicability of other agencies lead levels. 1926.62, 1926.62(d), 1926.62(d)(2), 1926.62(d)(2)(i)(A)
OSHA enforcement policy on vertical food mixers. 1910.263, 1910.212(a)(1), 1910.212(a)(3)(ii), 1910.147, 1910.147(a)(2)(ii)(A), 1910.147(a)(2)(ii)(B), 1910.147(a)(2)(iii)(A), 1910.305(g)
U.S. Postal Service's equivalent to the OSHA 101 form.