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
Insulation issues: definition; plastic sheaths;and guarding requirements. 1926.416(a)
CPR/first aid training and "working alone" provisions of 1910.269 1910.151, 1910.151(b), 1910.151(c), 1910.269, 1910.269(b)(1), 1910.269(l)(1)
Glass Capillary Tubes: Joint Safety Advisory About Potential Risks. 1910.1030
Clarification of systems for electronic access to MSDSs 1910.1200(g)
Anchoring of fall arrest system to aerial lifts; fall arrest vs. restraint systems. 1926.451(g), 1926.453(b)(2)(v), 1926.502(d)
Retention of medical records for companies ceasing to do business. 1910.1020(h)
Requirements for recording an instantaneous friction blister.
Employers must evaluate prior training and ensure safe powered industrial truck operations. 1910.178(l)
Undervoltage protection required for woodworking equipment. 1926.304
Acceptable alternative to metal guards in mechanical power-transmission apparatus. 1910.219(m)
Overlapping of scaffold planking. 1926.451(b)(7)
Using a "generic type" certificate of analysis for Grade D breathing air. 1910.134(i)(4)(ii)
Correct placement of air sampling cassettes on employees performing welding operations. 1910.252(c)
The difference between maintenance and construction;scaffold inspection requirements; and definition of periodic scaffold inspection. 1910.28, 1910.12, 1926.451(f)
Guardrail height when used as fall protection for work surfaces with two elevations. 1926.502(b)(1)
Scaffold stairs used for access to floors during construction of multistory buildings. 1926 Subpart X
Using combinations of respiratory protection not approved by NIOSH. 1910.134(d)(1)(ii), 1910.94(a)(5)
OSHA does not have authority over consumer safety. 1975.3
Injury and illness recordkeeping: job rotation or transfer for musculoskeletal disorders. 1904 - Table of Contents
When to use quantitative and qualitative fit testing. 1910.134(f), 1910.134 App A