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
General requirements of ladders 1926.451(e)(2), 1926.1053(b)(1)
Counterweight requirements apply to cranes but not to trucks or carriers. 1918.74(a)(6)
Application of the standards to clicking machines, used in the footwear manufacturing industry. 1910.217
Interpretation for doorways not complying with exit route requirements. 1910.36, 1910.36(g)(1)
Clarification of crane fire extinguisher requirements. 1926.550(a)(14)(i), 1910.180(i)(5)(i)
Standards applying to aerosol container charging plants. 1910.110(d)(13)(i), 1910.110(d)(13)(iii)
Cut and cover tunneling operations. 1926.800
Whether buttons on the two-handed controls of your molding presses requires a surrounding guard. 1910.217(b)
Handrail and railing specifications for general industry. 1910.23(e)
Employee protection for work over energized lines. 1926.550(a)(15)(i)
Requirement to pin or lock digester valves 1910.261(g)(12)(iv)
Recordkeeping and reporting requirements for illnesses and injuries occurring aboard fishing vessels. 1903 - Table of Contents, 1904 - Table of Contents
Protective clothing required to prevent skin contact with polyvinyl chloride residue on vessel walls. 1910.1017(h)(1)(ii)
Requirements for fixed lighting units for spray booths. 1910.107(b)(10), 1910.107(c)(7)
Employee working alone in a manhole. 1926.956(b)(1)
Ladders extending more than 36 inches above the landing do not need to have the rungs above the landing removed so as to facilitate employees stepping between the side rails. 1926.451(e)(2), 1926.1053(b)(1)
Interpretation on request for variance for storage of explosives and blasting agents. 1926.904(d), 1926.904(e)
Calculating the stopping distance limits for mills. 1910.216(f)(2)
Rung spacing for fixed ladders. 1910.27(b)(1)(ii)
Administrative controls and PPE used to reduce exposure below limits if engineering controls are not feasible. 1910.95