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
Permanent Places of Employment 1910.22
Clarification on whether a worker is allowed to stand on the top step of equipment, similar in design to a step stool 1926.1050(b), 1926.1053(b)(13)
Fixed ladder surface finish requirements 1910.27(b)(1)(i), 1910.27(b)(1)(iii), 1910.27(b)(1)(iv), 1910.27(b)(1)(v), 1910.27(b)(7), 1910.27(b)(7)(i)
Clarification regarding shop installed continuous bent plate in steel erection 1926.754(c)(1)
Clarification regarding hazard access zones in steel erection 1926.760(d)(1), 1926.502(f)(2)
Interpretation of 1910.1200 - Clarification on effective date of SDSs replacing MSDSs 1910.1200
Lifting compressed-gas cylinders 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(A)
Fall protection requirements applicable during the construction of retaining walls 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.502(d)
Asbestos training for removing asphaltic coatings from utility pipes 1926.1101, 1926.1101(g)(11)
CPSC versus HCS 2012 labeling requirements 1910.1200
Boundaries of a PSM-Covered Process that Includes the Storage of Cylinders of HHCs (Anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride) 1910.119
Interpretation of what constitutes a salt of 4,4' Methylenedianiline (MDA) 1910.1050(b), 1926.60(b)
Protection of employees by overhead protection on a personnel platform, being lifted by a crane, when employees are exposed to falling objects 1926.1431(e)(10)
Installing a barrier film over asbestos-containing flooring 1926.1101(k)(9)(vi), 1926.1101, 1910.1001(j)(7)(iv), 1910.1001
Replacing electrical cords 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)(C)
Round rungs on ladders 1910.27(b)(1)
Centralized Monitoring for Permit-Required Confined Spaces 1910.146(c)(5), 1910.146(d), 1910.146(i)
Acute Toxicity classification under hazard communication 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)(1)(v)
Lifting requirements for hospital nurse
Applicability of Certain OSHA Standards to Cabin Crew Members on Aircraft in Operation 1910.95, 1910.1030, 1910.1200