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
Stored combustible liquids and heating to their flashpoints 1910.106
Hazard of falling in the steel erection industry. 1926.105
Regulations for machine shop and press room safety. 1910 - Table of Contents, 1910.94, 1910.217, 1910.217(c)(1)
Point of instability of a crane. 1926.550
Interpretation on 1926.955 1926.955
Dietary zinc compounds are not a violation of the lead standard. 1910.1025(j)(4)
Quest Bio Acoustic Simulator may be used for daily audiometer checks. 1910.95(h)(5)(i)
Reginned cotton is raw cotton and the 200 ug/m3 PEL applies. 1910.1043(c)(1)
Yellow Duraguard eye protectors comply with ANSI Z87.1-1968 but should not be used for welding or similar activities. 1910.133(b)(2)
Rose tint lenses are allowed for safety glasses if they comply with ANSI Z87.1-1968. 1910.133(b)(2)
MSDS requirements for products that are composed of a mixture of non-interacting chemicals. 1910.1200
Interpretation on extension cords for portable hand tools.
Riding of vertical reciprocating conveyors is prohibited. 1910.212(a)(1)
Ground-fault protection standards when extension cords are plugged into permanent wiring at construction sites. 1910.404(b)(1)
Department of Labor Regional Safety and Health Committees
Wire rope and/or cable as a method of perimeter protection for a building under construction. 1926.500, 1926.451
Clarification of 1926.28(a) as to whether an orange vest constitutes personal protective equipment. 1926.28(a)
Fall protection for employees while erecting, dismantling or making alterations to scaffolds in excess of five feet in ship repairing or shipbuilding operations. 1915.77, 1915.71
Interpretation on preservation of employee x-ray films. 1910.1020
Hydraulic Truck Cranes. 1926.550