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
Fall protection requirements for tankers/trailers and OSHA jurisdiction over facilities regulated by DOE.
Incorporation of NFPA 70E-2000 into OSHA standards. 1910 Subpart S
Use of LOTO device on equipment placed in "out of service" status not related to servicing or maintenance. 1910.147, 1910.147(a)(1)(i), 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)
OSHA standards do not apply to state university employees.
Federal OSHA has no jurisdiction over State, municipal, or volunteer fire departments.
Requirements for embroidery on flame-resistant clothing under 29 CFR 1910.269. 1910.269, 1910.269(l)(6)(iii)
Guarding requirements for skylights and "grandfather" provisions for buildings constructed over twenty years ago. 1910.23, 1910.23(a)(4)
Lockout and tagging of circuits; §1926.417 1926.417, 1926.417(a), 1926.417(b), 1926 Subpart K
Requirements for developing entry procedures for permit-required confined spaces. 1910.146, 1910.146(c)(2), 1910.146(c)(3), 1910.146(c)(8), 1910.146(d)(3)
Guardrail requirements for two point suspension scaffolds. 1926.451, 1926.451(b)(3), 1926.451(g)(1)(ii), 1926.451(g)(1)(vi), 1926.451(g)(4)(i)
Request for OSHA national policy banning guns from the workplace and OSHA enforcement policy regarding workplace violence.
Use of fixed ladders constructed prior to the effective date of 29 CFR 1926 - Subpart X. 1926.1053, 1926.1053(a)(4)(i), 1926.1053(a)(6)(i), 1926.1053(a)(18), 1926.1053(a)(19), 1926.1060
When protective measures must be installed after a hole is created on a construction worksite. 1926.500, 1926.500(b), 1926.501, 1926.501(b)(4)
Conditions allowing the use of insulating gloves without the use of insulating sleeves when working on or near exposed energized parts. 1910.269, 1910.269(l), 1910.269(l)(2)(i), 1910.269(l)(3), 1910.269(l)(3)(i), 1910.269(l)(3)(ii)
Use of the BoaGripTM sling to move compressed-gas cylinders in general industry. 1910.101, 1910.101(b), 1910.253, 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(A)
Several questions regarding OSHA's LOTO and Bakery standards 29 CFR 1910.147 and 1910.263. 1910.147, 1910.147(a)(2)(ii), 1910.147(b), 1910.147(f)(1), 1910.212, 1910.212(a)(2), 1910.219, 1910.219(m)(1), 1910.263, 1910.263(l)(9)(ii)
Request for a Determination as to the Applicability of 1910.107 to Truck Bed Spray-On Lining Operations. 1910.94, 1910.94(c), 1910.106, 1910.106(j)(5), 1910.107, 1910.107(m), 1910.108
Staff-to-resident ratio in a nursing home and workplace violence.
Recording an injury when physician recommends restriction but no restricted work is available. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7
Clarification about 29 CFR 1910.333 and 29 CFR 1910.147 as they relate to work inside an electrical panel and on related equipment. 1910.137, 1910.147, 1910.333, 1910.333(a)(1), 1910.333(a)(2), 1910.333(b), 1910.333(b)(2), 1910.333(b)(2)(iii)(E), 1910.333(c)(2), 1910.335