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
Interim Policy for 29 CFR 1915.71(j)(1) Regarding Scaffold Top Rail Heights in Shipyard Employment 1915.71(j)(1)
Electronic distribution of safety data sheets (SDSs) under the revised Hazard Communication standard 1910.1200(g)(6)(ii)
Grain Handling Facility Sweep Auger Enforcement Policy 1910.272(g)(1)(ii)
Standards and enforcement policy for construction concrete pumping operations using 'concrete boom pump trucks. ' 1926.700(a), 1926.702(e)(1)
Regulations governing sloping and benching systems for excavations. 1926.652(b)(4)
Protecting the Safety and Health of Temporary Workers
Hazard Communication Standard labeling and SDS for laboratory nuclear standards 1910.1200
Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gas 1910.110(f)(4)(i), 1910.110(f)(5)
Powered Industrial Truck Servicer Labeling Responsibilities for a Customer's Unsafe Powered Industrial Trucks 1910.178(p)(1), 1910.178(q)(1)
Use of split entry concept under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2012) 1910.1200
Request for Interpretation of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard for Combustible Dust 1910.1200
Manufacturer's name and address on the label of a chemical product under HCS 2012 1910.1200(f)(1), 1910.1200(f)(1)(vi)
Hoisting Employees in boatswain’s chair to perform boat-building and boat-repair work 1915 - Table of Contents, 1926 Subpart C, 1926.1431, 1926.1431(b)
Allowable gap requirement between the trench shield and trench sides. 1926.652(g)(1)(ii)
Audiometric testing using insert earphones 1910.95(g)
Controlling Employee Exposure To Caustic Battery Acid In Battery Charging Areas 1910.151(c)
Clarification on whether the installation of a burial vault is a construction activity. 1926.1400
Permit-Required Confined Space Rescue Retrieval Lines 1910.146(k)(3), 1910.146(k)(3)(i), 1910.146(k)(3)(ii)
Whether workers at a workplace without a collective bargaining agreement may authorize a person who is affiliated with a union or a community organization to act as their representative under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act). 1903.8, 1903.11, 1952.10, 1903.20
Need for Removing Selector Key on Part Revolution Mechanical Power Presses 1910.217(b)(7)(iii)