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
Standards addressing excavations 1910.120, 1926.652
Requirements for clearances behind permanently installed vertical ladders in elevator pits. 1910.27
Use of protective helmets in construction 1926.100(a), 1926.451(h)(1)
OSHA Requirements Addressing Fall Protection Equipment 1926.251
Ventilation of industrial plants involved in flammable or combustible liquid operations. 1910.106
Ground continuity monitoring devices. 1926.404
Lift-slab Bridge Construction 1926.703, 1926.704, 1926.705
Aerial apparatus and ground ladders. 1910.7
Holding & Hoisting Brakes on Hydraulic Cranes 1926.550
The wearing of leather shoes rather than leather sneakers or deck shoes while operating vehicles. 1910.132, 1910.136
Occupational protective footwear for molten metal workers in the foundry industry. 1910.132, 1910.136
HAZWOPER applications. 1910.120, 1910.120(a), 1910.120(d), 1910.120(e), 1910.120(e)(3)(ii)
Fiberglass and the HCS Standard 1910.1200, 1910.1200(d)
Requirement for Air Sampling in trenches. 1926.651
Work-related hearing loss. 1904 - Table of Contents
Level of work-related hearing loss that must be recorded on the OSHA 200 log. 1910.95, 1904 - Table of Contents
Proper wiring of a new overhead crane. 1910.303
Emergency situations that fall under Hazwoper. 1910.120
Design and use of trench boxes 1926.652(g)(1)(iv)
Concerning power press brake operations. 1910.212