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
Interpretation of Mechanical Power Presses. 1910.217
The applicability of the standards to mechanical goods presses. 1910.212
The 5-inch separation of screws on the covers of the guards for mechanical power-transmission. 1910.219(m)(2)(i)
"Front end loaders are not covered by 1910.178". 1910.178
Garb-el Food Waste Disposal Unit. 1910.212
Mass concentration standard for amorphous silica originally listed incorrectly. 1910.1000
The use of symbols as safety signs. 1910.145
Standard specifically applies to employees exposed to vehicular traffic involving excavation and/or trenching operations only. 1926.651(d)
Clarification of 29 CFR 1926.350(b)(4) to Permit Cylinders Containing Oxygen, Acetylene or Other Fuel Gas to be Taken into Tunnels 1926.350, 1926.800, 1926.21
Multi-Plant Employers. 1903.2
Installation of a peripheral safety railing. 1926.750
Response to request for permanent variance from 1926.601(b)(8). 1926.601(b)(8)
Safety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks. 1910.178
Requirement to guard shaft couplings. 1910.219(i)(2)
OSHA construction standards do not apply to highway transportation of explosives. 1926.902(d)
A swinging gate is required only at ladderway floor openings and platforms. 1910.23(a)(2), 1910.27(d)
Overhead guards not required for trucks operating in low overhead locations. 1910.178(e)(1)
Spray finishing operations as it relates to fire protection systems. 1910.107
Requirements of Section 1910.124(j) 1910.124(j)
OSHA standard 1910.107(c)(6) on location of electrical motors in a spray operation. 1910.107(c)(6)