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
1910.1020 does not apply to work situations with just safety hazards. 1910.1020(b)
Employees exposed to falls of 25 feet or more must be protected by safety nets or some other device. 1926.105
Perimeter guarding of low-pitched roofs. 1926.500
Physical Qualifications of Crane Operators. 1926.550
Overhand Bricklaying - Applicability or Certain Standards. 1926.28
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code - Stop valves upstream of relief valves. 1910.169
Applicability of Abrasive Wheel Machinery Guarding Requirements to Scotch-Brite Brand Wheels and Brushes Manufactured by the 3-M Company. 1910.94, 1910.132, 1910.215
Signs and protective equipment requirements for a vinyl chloride hazardous operation. 1910.1017(b)(7)
Certain built-up roofing requirements. 1926.500
Security door lock system presently installed in the Research and Development building. 1910.36, 1910.36(d)(1)
Annual inspection of the fixed extinguishing system. 1910.160
Fixed ladder requirements. 1910.27
Evaluation of the operating, Servicing, and Safety Instructions developed by Black Brothers Company, Inc. 1910.212
OSHA requirements on fixed ladders relating to communication towers. 1910.27
Citing of Reversed Polarity. 1910.309
Height of enclosures for cantilever type personnel hoists. 1926.552
Definition of "massive release" of vinyl chloride. 1910.1017(b)(5)
National Policy on Guarding Roving Frames 1910.212, 1910.262
Automatic sprinkler systems installed to meet a particular OSHA standard. 1910.159
Ladders and Scaffolding. 1926.450