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
Clarification on temporary job related housing provided by an employer. 1910.142
Cool-view welding helmets must meet Grade D breathing air requirements; Requirements for standard welding helmets. 1910.134(i)(1)(i), 1910.252(b)(2)(ii)
Proposed Powered Platform installations. 1910.23
Horns on construction equipment. 1926.601, 1926.602
Supervised manual fire alarm systems. 1910.165, 1910.165(a)(1), 1910.165(b), 1910.165(d)
Scaffolds need to be properly braced. 1926.451
Guarding Low-Pitched-Roof Perimeters. 1926.500
Guarding of Alligators Shears. 1910.212
Clarification of employee notification requirements of the lead standard. 1910.1025(d)(8)
Electrical Standards. 1910.304
A proposed exterior building maintenance program. 1910.66
Electronic door opening device used with a security system. 1910.36, 1910.36(d)(2)
Power press brakes. 1910.212
Reporting of fatality or multiple hospitalization accidents. 1904.8
The manner in which OSHA provides for suitable applications of the ANSI B11.3 specification standard. 1910.212, 1910.212(a)(3)(ii)
Machine anchoring requirements. 1910.212
Interpretation on the retention of x-ray films and employee access. 1910.1020(d)(1)(i)
Medical record retention requirements when companies contract outside agencies. 1910.1020(d)(1)
When use of equipment makes it impossible for employees to perform their work or exposes them to hazardous conditions they are not required to use the equipment. 1926.28
Interpretation on applicability of operator physical qualification requirements contained in referenced ANSI standards. 1926.550(b)(2), 1926.550(d)(4), 1926.550(e)