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
Requirements for off highway vehicles being exported from the UK to the USA. 1910.169
Single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. 1926.451(k)(10)
Bump caps would not provide adequate employee head protection for all exposures in manholes. 1910.135, 1926.100
Packaging of combustible liquids of 110 gallons or less. 1910.106(d)(2)
OSHA standards on fixed ladders and landing platforms to be used in underground chambers for pumping stations. 1910.27
Definition of the "contact surface" of an abrasive wheel. 1910.215(d)(3)
The Mechanical Power Press Standard. 1910.217
Temporary wiring and temporary lighting in heavy construction. 1926.401
A class C helmet is acceptable on construction projects for protection against impact and penetration of falling and flying objects but not for electrical hazards. 1926.100
Interpretation of the phrase "equivalent entity" with reference to standards regarding chains and slings. 1910.184
Applicability of 29 CFR 1910.107, spray finishing using flammable and combustible materials, for fiberglass lay-up/spray-up. 1910.107
Interpretation on the acceptability of steel bands for guardrails. 1926.500(f)(1)(vi)
Propane pre-heaters used to pre-heat steel in field construction. 1926.350, 1926.351, 1926.153
The approval and use of "PRO-TEK-TO" safety toe caps. 1910.132, 1910.136
National Electrical Code Interpretation. 1910.309
Interpretation on requirements for guard rail height on ledges. 1910.23(c)(3)
Platform support wire ropes with automatic safety locking devices as an alternate to a safety belt attached to cable for covered elevators. 1926.552
Photochromatic/Phototropic (Variable Tint) Lenses in Safety Eye Wear. 1910.133
OSHA's policy on classification of a wet well as a Class 1, Division 1 location 1910.309
OSHA fixed ladder requirements. 1910.27(d)(1)(vi)