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
Sectionalized rail systems. 1910.23
Pneumatically operated staplers. 1910.212, 1910.243, 1926.302
Lean-to Scaffolds. 1926.451(a), 1926.451(a)(20)
Training program requirements in the lead standard. 1910.1025
Proper Citing of Rubber-Tired Skid-Steer Machines Not Equipped with Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS)
The design of trolley bumpers for electric overhead traveling cranes. 1910.179
Citing of rubber-tired skid-steer machines not equipped with rollover protective structures.
Use of air on the pushover ram to clean standpipes is an acceptable practice; Filtered air is required for operating cabs; Request for variance on requirements for filtered air for standby wharf pulpi 1910.1029(f)(2)(i)(g), 1910.1029(f)(4)(i), 1910.1029(f)(4)(ii)
Evaluation of Evalok automatic fall protection devices. 1926.104
ROPS on the Job TB 1200 L excavator. 1926.602
General duty provisions are used in inspection only where there are no specific standards applicable to the particular hazard involved. 1910.5(f)
Clarification of 29 CFR 1910.107 in regard to when sampling for the LEL would be required. 1910.107
Personnel protection required for employees working on a Multistage two-point suspension scaffold. 1926.451
Use of air on the pushover ram to clean standpipes is an acceptable practice; Standpipes should be cleaned if 20% of the cross sectional area is clocked. 1910.1029(f)(2)(i)(g), 1910.1029(f)(3)(i)(a)(2)
Respirator air quality standards do not apply where the NRC has jurisdiction 1910.134(i)
Appropriate guarding of lathe chucks. 1910.212(a)(1)
Clarification of the terms "should" and "shall" as used in OSHA section 1910.179(k)(2). 1910.179
Laminated construction of word veneers intended for scaffold planks. 1926.451(a)(10)
Ground Fault Protection. 1926.400
Clarification of OSHA guidance concerning the uniform spacing of steps or rungs in sanitary and storm sewer manholes. 1910.27