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 for exposure to unfilled swimming pools. 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.501(b)(13), 1926.501(b)(15), 1926.502(k)
Fall protection anchorage points: guardrail systems and cranes 1926.502(d)(23), 1926.502(d)(15), 1926.502(a)(2)
Handwashing and toilet facility requirements for agricultural operations. 1928.110(b), 1928.110(c)(2)
Shock absorbing lanyards are not mandatory. 1926.502(d)
Requirements for use of ladder hoisting wheels. 1926 Subpart M, 1926.552, 1926.1053
Hearing conservation: referrals, financial responsibility, and documentation. 1910.95
PSM Standard exemption for "normally unoccupied remote facilites" (water treatment plant). 1910.119(a)(2)(iii), 1926.64(a)(2)(iii)
Using Universal Precautions with Bloodborne Pathogens. 1910.1030(d)(1), 1910.1030(d)(3)
Numerous clarifications regarding underground construction;variances; joint ventures. 1926.800, 1926.1431(k)(11)(i), 1926.16
Posting of the notices and the OSHA Poster for mobile work crews. 1903.2
Seatbelts for forklifts; fall protection for scissor lifts. 1910.178
Hoisting workers on crane load lines (boatswains' chair). 1926.550(g), 1926.550(g)(2), 1926.550(g)(6)(viii), 1926.452(o), 1926.451(g)(1)(i)
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard applicability to radiopharmaceutical use. 1910.1030(a), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A)(4), 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)
Asbestos standard: Joint compound is not a surfacing material. 1910.1001(b), 1926.1101(b)
Training and competency for oxygen-fuel gas welding equipment use 1910.253(a)(4), 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(C)
Multiple interpretations regarding mechanical power presses 1910.217
HAZWOPER refresher training and training documentation. 1910.120(e), 1910.120(e)(2), 1910.120(e)(8), 1926.65(e), 1926.65(e)(2), 1926.65(e)(8)
Asbestos standard: Written opinion from the examining physician. 1926.1101(m)(4)(i)
Bloodborne pathogens standard covers immune globulins, albumin, and factors 8 and 9. 1910.1030(a)
Injury/illness recordkeeping: access to records (fax);recording standard threshold shifts. 1904 - Table of Contents