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
The safeguarding of piece parts being worked on an outside diameter (O.D.) surface grinder. 1910.212
NEMA's "Mr. Ouch" labeling system cannot be used in place of signs required by OSHA. 1910.145, 1926.200
Evaluation of new aluminum ladder jack. 1910.28(q)(3), 1926.452(k)(3)
Audiometer calibration requirements of the March 8, 1983 Hearing Conservation Amendment. 1910.95(h)(5)
Guarding of flywheels on power presses. 1910.219(b)(1)
Clarification that a safety device to automatically cut off the flow of compressed air applies only to pneumatic power tools 1926.302(b)(7)
Guardrail and toeboard requirements for antenna platforms. 1910.23(c)(1)
Precautions when barricading of drill and pile rigs is not possible 1926.550(a)(9)
Hazardous exposures to pesticides may be cited under the general duty clause. 1910.1000
Natural or mined asphalts do not fall within the scope of the Coal Tar Pitch Volatiles Standard 1910.1002
OSHA recordkeeping requirements for Consolidated Rail Corporation. 1904 - Table of Contents
Comparison to baseline audiograms and retest audiograms 1910.95
Use of crane-handled personnel cages. 1926.550
OSHA requires a safety net unless the employer complys with one of the options allowed in 29 CFR 1926.105(a). 1926.105
Evaluation of variance application requesting the use of proof coil and high test chain slings under certain procedures. 1910.184(e)
Employee noise exposure assessment records are part of audiometric test record. 1910.95
Requirement to make a positive determination of work-relatedness of threshold shift revoked. 1910.95
Requirements for the use of stilts in the construction industry. 1926 - Table of Contents
Noise regulations apply to all places of entertainment. 1910.95
Methods of training for microprocessor audiometer technicians. 1910.95