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
Construction requirements for speciality system designed scaffolding. 1910.28(a)(9)
Clarification of roll-over protective structures (ROPS) for tractors used in agricultural operations. 1928.51
The lead standard does not address pay for showering. 1910.1025(i)(3)(i)
A crane may pick and carry or walk loads in accordance with the crane manufacturer's specifications. 1926.550
Caterpillar track tractors. 1910.267
Clarification of the applicability of your steel backed cup abrasive wheels as they relate to the guarding requirements of the OSHA regulations. 1910.215
Del-Monox air purifiers are unacceptable for testing carbon monoxide concentration for compressor breathing air. 1910.134(i)(7)
Fall Hazards in Steel Erection. 1926.28
Temporary lighting strings used on construction sites. 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(J)
Compliance determination based on worst day noise exposure. 1910.95
Handtools must be in a safe condition. 1910.242(a), 1910.243(a)(4), 1910.243(d)(4), 1910.244(a)(2)(vii)
Letter concerning OSHA Instruction STD 1-11.7 1910.178
Blasting and Use of Explosives Relative. 1926.905(h), 1926.905(k)
Portable electric lighting used in moist and/or other similar hazardous locations. 1926.401
Construction crane certifications. 1926.550
Powered air-purifying helmets are personal protective equipment, not engineering controls. 1910.1025(e)
Safety Footwear at Construction Sites. 1926.28
Fire detection and employee alarm systems. 1910.160, 1910.160(b)(3), 1910.160(b)(13), 1910.161, 1910.161(b)(3), 1910.37, 1910.37(e), 1910.38, 1910.38(d)
Steel bands used as guardrails. 1926.500
Bulk oxygen system at the Southwest Steel Company at Grafton, West Virginia. 1910.104