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
Applicability of 29 CFR 1910.119 Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard to the Manufacture of Explosives Required Under 29 CFR 1910.109(k)(2) 1910.109
Clarification of the access provisions to the OSHA No. 200.
Interpretation of the Process Safety Management Highly Hazardous Chemicals standard. 1910.119
Fall restraint system used in lieu of fall arrest systems. 1926.502
An interpretation on the applicability of Subpart V, Power Transmission to radio, TV, and communication type Towers. 1926.950
Tying off of loft workers, top men and pile monks during sheet piling activities. 1926.501, 1926.603
Several clarifications concerning construction safety.
Clarification on OSHA's policy regarding the requirements for hand washing facilities inside an examination room. 1910.1030
If a fall restraint system could be considered a form of fall protection to be used instead of guardrails, safety lines, or fall arrest systems. 1926.502
The applicability of Subpart M to equipment covered by ANSI A92, and an interpretation with regard to suspended cages and work platforms on forklift trucks. 1926 Subpart L, 1926 Subpart M, 1926 Subpart N
Clarification of "mechanical chipping device" used in floor tile removal. 1926.1101
The interpretation of the OSHA standards 1910.134 and 1910.156 which address the requirements for workers who are actively conducting operations in atmospheres that are immediately dangerous to life and health. 1910.134(g)(3), 1910.134(g)(4)
Review Commission E-Z Trial Process.
OSHA Asbestos Standard. 1910.1001
Guidance in determining whether elevator pits meet the definition of confined spaces. 1910.146, 1910.146(b), 1910.146(c)(7), 1910.147
Determining whether certain spaces meet the definition of a "confined space" according to the Permit-Required Confined Spaces standard. 1910.146
Applying Permit-Required Confined Spaces (PRCS) standard to a workplace that is a multi-family residential commercial building 1910.146
The (PSM) for Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard and its applicability to the specific scenarios outlined. 1910.119, 1910.1200
Fall protection for post-frame work. 1926.500(a)
Ozone-resistant electrical protective equipment. 1910.137, 1910.137(a)(1), 1910.137(b)(2), 1910.137(b)(2)(viii), 1910.137(b)(2)(ix), 1910.137(b)(2)(xi)