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
Use of X-Pac as an explosion suppression system 1910.272
Clarification of approval requirements for equipment to classify underground construction operations as potentially gassy 1910.7, 1926.800(h)
The Standards do not exclude equipments by weight of the machine for rollover protective structure. 1926.602, 1926.1000
Issuing OSHA Form 72's for Defective Gear Found Aboard Vessels 1919.11, 1918.12
Information on Robotics, Presence Sensing Devices, Ergonomics, and Hand Speed Criteria 1910.217
The point of operation and rotating part hazards related to vertical food mixers in bakeries and restaurants are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. 1910.212(a)(1), 1910.212(a)(3)(ii)
Interpretation of the meaning of "Fixed Jacks" on trailers 1910.178, 1910.178(k)(3)
Enforcement of the Hazard Communication Standard as it relates to "vegetable oil mist" 1910.1200, 1910.1000 TABLE Z-1
Favorable Review Commission Decision.
Favorable Review Commission Decision.
Automatic return attachments on radial saws 1910.213
Employees who design and engineer hazardous waste facilities and their coverage under 1910.120. 1910.120
The obligations and responsibilities of machine manufacturers under the lockout/tagout standard. 1910.147, 1910.147(c)(2)(iii)
Proper wheel radius in manually propelled carriage to comply with 40 pound limit for horizontal force 1910.66(f)(3)(i)(C)
Permanent handrail on platform inside a chimney or silo 1910.22(b)(4), 1910.23(a)(8)
A rescue team is required during all phases of underground construction operations in a tunnel. 1926.800(g)(5)
Machine Guarding 1910.212(a)(1)
Clarification of OSHA standard on Overhead and Gantry Cranes 1910.179
The excessive space required on job sites to comply with the posting of various posters mandated by Federal law. 1903.2(a)(3)
Guidelines for First Aid Training Programs. 1910.151, 1926.50, 1915.98, 1918.97, 1917.26