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
Request for variance from requirements for cranes and derricks. 1925.550(a)(1)
Use of respirators for work in manholes. 1926.103, 1926.956(a)(3)(i), 1926.956(a)(3)(ii), 1926.956(a)(3)(iii)
Clarification on standard for rigging equipment for material handling - wire rope. 1926.251(c)(4)(iii)
Scale guard requirements for forging hammers. 1910.218(a)(3)(viii)
Guarding requirements for radial saws. 1910.213(h)(1)
Distance requirements for placement of propane gas tanks. 1910.110(b)(6)
Restricting fans to low speed does not void machine guarding standards. 1910.212(a)(5)
Requesting a more specific response to the meat cutters. 1910.132
Requirements that emergency lighting be provided in the OSHA standards. 1910.22
Using a helicopter to set an electrical transmission tower. 1926.551(l)
Use of fire treated cardboard to facilitate clean-up on the floors and walls of spray booths. 1910.107(b)(3)
Inquired about the possible rewording of two sections in the 1975 revision of the National Electric Code.
Employee working from an aerial lift. 1926.556
Guarding by location is permitted with certain provisions. 1910.212(a)(3)(ii)
Office of Compliance Programming reguarding Variance Application and Interim Order Request by Western Wood Products Association. 1910.265
Applicable Standards for Dispensing Flammable or Combustible Liquids. 1926.152(a)(1), 1926.152(e), 1926.155(a)
Instruction does not alter a standard. 1926.550
Equivalent "safe access" to scaffolds. 1926.451(a)(13)
"Hooking and Unhooking Loads from Hovering Helicopters". 1926.551(i)
Clarification of 1926.601 and 1926.602. 1926.601, 1926.602