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
Training and designation of first aid providers in general industry and construction. 1910.151(b), 1910.1030(c)(2), 1926.50(c)
Application of OSHA standards to escape and protection of employees from threats associated with terrorist actions. 1910.120(q), 1910.38
Construction of homes with masonry walls is not considered "residential construction" in applying STD 03-00-001. 1926.501(b)(13), 1926.502(k)
Maximum allowable distance between supports for temporary electrical wiring. 1926.402(a), 1926.403(b)(1), 1926.405(a)(2)
Evaluation of the use of aluminum forms as an exit route from trench excavations 1926.651, 1926.651(c)(2)
Requirements for use of high-visibility warning garments by construction workers in highway work zones. 1926.200, 1926.201, 1926.201(a), 1926.200(g)(2), 1926.651(d)
Electrical equipment approved by a NRTL is acceptable to OSHA. 1910.7, 1910.303(a), 1910.303(b), 1910.399
Enforcement of the engineering and work practice control provisions of the lead standard, 1910.1025(e)(1). 1910.1025, 1910.1025(e)(1)
Requirements for providing eyewashes/showers near spray finishing operations. 1910.151(c), 1910.107
The upper rails and end caps of self-supporting ladders are not required to be slip-resistant. 1926.1053, 1926.1053(b)(7)
Rescue of a suspended worker following a fall event. 1910.268, 1910.269, 1910.269(b)(1)(ii)
Retention of exposure and audiometric testing records by successor employers. 1910.95, 1910.95(m)(5), 1910.95(m)(3)
Composition, span, and deflection of underslung bridge scaffold platform systems. 1926.451, 1926.451(f)(16), 1926.450
Evaluation of the Jax Scaffold System. 1926.451, 1926.451(g)(4)(vii), 1926.451(a)
Clarification from OSHA regarding the use of the NeedleguardTM in a hospital environment. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(c)(1)(iv), 1910.1030(c)(1)(v), 1910.1030(d)(2)(i), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)
Alternative fall protection for leading edge work during precast concrete erection. 1926.501(b), 1926.501(b)(12), 1926.502(k)
No person is allowed to stand or pass under the elevated portion of any powered industrial truck. 1910.178, 1910.178(m)(2)
Printing Industry: Lock Out/Tag Out and the essential elements of the inch-safe-service technique 1910.147, 1910.147(f)(1), 1910.147(a)(2)(ii), 1910.147(a)(3)(ii)
Blood lead laboratories are not required to report the OSHA levels at which additional employer obligations are triggered under the lead standards. 1910.1025, 1926.62
Minimum distance between supports for temporary electrical wiring. 1926.405