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
"Obstructed view to the rear" relative to use of back-up alarms. 1926.602(a)(9)(ii)
Clarification of the terms "appropriate hazard warning" and "mandatory". 1910.1200(f), 1910.1200(d)(2)
Plans are required for EtO emergency situations and must be written in accordance with 1910.38 and 1910.39. 1910.1047, 1910.1047(h)(1), 1910.1047(h)(1)(iii), 1910.38, 1910.165
Line maintenance on a de-energized transmission line. 1926.551, 1926.950(c)
Clarification of the jurisdiction's of OSHA and the NRC in nuclear power plants 1910.1096
Means of alerting employees during EtO emergency situations in hospitals;direct voice communication may be used to warn employees during an EtO emergency. 1910.1047, 1910.1047(h)(2), 1910.165, 1910.38, 1910.39
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is not required by CFR 1926.950. 1926.950
Medical removal protection provisions of the lead standard. 1910.1025, 1910.1025(k)(2)
Laboratory testing requirements for hand-held electrical construction tools. 1926.302, 1926.449
Calibration of noise dosimeters 1910.95
Possible Hazard in the Use of GFCI Worn on an Employee's Belt. 1926.404(b)
Attachment requirements for window washing equipment. 1910.28(a)(2), 1910.28(a)(4), 1910.28(a)(26), 1910.28(g)(9), 1910.28(j)(4), 1910.66, 1910.145(c)(3)
Interpretation given in the Federal Register on December 20, 1985 describing mild petroleum hydrotreatment is appropriate. 1910.1200
Evaluation of plan to retrofit fork lift equipment with an operator safety restraint system. 1910.178(a)(4)
Misapplication of Power Lawnmower Standard. 1910.243
Requirements for target organ effects on labels under the Hazard Communication standard. 1910.1200
Sample numbers and measurement duration for compliance to the cotton dust standard for a weaving operation 1910.1043
Information on Polychlorobiphenyls (PCB's) in Ceiling Tiles 1910.1000 TABLE Z-1, 1910.120
1926.451(i)(8) does not allow two or more employees to use a common lifeline. 1926.451(i)(8)
Testing equipment for use in potentially hazardous environments. 1910.303, 1910.304, 1910.307, 1910.399