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
Clarification of utility owner/operator obligation to provide voltage information. 1926.1407, 1926.1407(e), 1926.1408
Certified flame-resistant clothing (FRC) used by industrial personnel. 1910.132
Clarification of the Chromium (VI) Standard - Change Rooms and Hygiene Practices. 1910.141, 1910.141(e), 1910.1026, 1910.1026(h)(1), 1910.1026(i)(1)
Use of local valves as a means of equipment isolation for energy control. 1910.147
Rescue and retrieval requirements for enclosed spaces covered under 1910.269. 1910.269
OSHA's Formaldehyde PEL compared to NIOSH's Formaldehyde REL 1910.1048(c)
Fall protection on aerial lifts during construction activities. 1926.453, 1926.453(b)(2)(v)
Clarification of Multiple Business Establishments and Covered Employees 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.30, 1904.31
OSHA's decision not to provide a religious exemption from the respirator standard. 1910.132(b), 1910.132(h)(6), 1910.134, 1910.134(b), 1910.134(d)(1)
Numerous questions on lockout/tagout under 1910.147 and 1910.269 1910.269, 1910.147
OSHA's position on using a crawler crane that has been derated by the crane manufacturer. 1926.1417, 1926.1417(a), 1926.1417(c)(1), 1926.1401, 1926.1433, 1926.1433(d)(1)
Whether an employer's medical monitoring form meets the requirements under HAZWOPER. 1910.120, 1910.120(f)(7)
Applicability of OSHA's Cranes and Derricks standard to hoists attached to mast climbing platforms. 1926.1400, 1926.1400(a)
Whether apprenticeship programs qualify as third party qualified evaluators for purposes of evaluating signal person qualifications. 1926.1428, 1926.1428(a), 1926.1428(a)(3), 1926.1428(b), 1926.1430(b)
Rail Yard Tractors May Not Be Subject to the Powered Industrial Truck Standard 1910.178
Payment for ski helmets when used as PPE. 1910.132, 1910.132(a), 1910.132(h)
Requirement to name hazardous ingredients on MSDSs. 1910.1200
Enforcement of wheel chocking requirements in State Plan States. 1910.178, 1910.178(k)(1)
Determination of a manufactured product as an article under the Hazard Communication standard. 1910.1200
Shearing a structural member during demolition is not considered cutting as that term is used in 1926.62. 1926.62, 1926.62(d)(2)