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
Interpretation of the HCS as it relates to laboratories and requirements with respect MSDSs. 1910.1200
Distribution of Penalties Collected on Violation-by-Violation Cases.
Personnel platform attached directly to a boom. 1926.451, 1926.556
24 hour training required for employers covered by 1910.120(a)(1) (i), (ii), and (iv). 1910.120(l)(3)
Criteria for inclusion of workers in a medical surveillance program and training under 1910.120. 1910.120(f), 1910.120(l)(3)
Oven inspections required by 1910.263(l)(9)(ii) and definitions of "Protecting Devices" and "Safety Devices". 1910.263(l)(9)(ii), 1910.263(l)(9)(i)
Hansen Quick Disconnect Couplings -- Evaluation for Compliance 1915.55(f)(5), 1917.152(d)(3)(iv)
Rollover protective structures. 1926.1000
Safety railings. 1926.750
29 CFR 1910.1025 - Respiratory Protection 1910.1025
The adoption of an OSHA standard requiring the use of a flagman to direct in-plant locomotive movement.
A Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter may not be used in lieu of a tester or meter that can test for continuity of the equipment grounding conductor. 1926.404
The "Sky Genie" device. 1926.451
IBP Settlement Agreement
Oven inspections required by 1910.263(l)(9)(ii). 1910.263(l)(9)(ii)
Definition of Hazardous Waste. 1910.120
Barge based cranes and 1926.550(g). 1926.550
1910.120 exemption for no exposure situations and tiered training requirments. 1910.120
Standards for a "cable grab" device that will not allow the free end of the wire rope to exit the hoist. 1926.451
HCS requirements applicable to oil and gas producers. 1910.1200