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
Painting or placement of adhesive stickers on protective helmet shell. 1910.132, 1910.132(a), 1910.135
The use of clevis pins and cotterpins to attach slings and hooks; use of latches on sling hooks. 1910.184(e)(2)(i), 1910.184(e)(2)(ii), 1910.184(f)(6)
Whether compliance with an updated ANSI standard on gate strength for carabiners and snaphooks is required. 1926.502, 1926.502(d)
Protective system requirements for excavations that will not be entered by employees. 1926.652, 1926.652(a)(1), 1926.652(b), 1926.652(c)
Hazards associated with aluminum grinding. 1915.4(r), 1915.504(b)
Clarification of preexisting injury/illness and recordkeeping 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.5
Using the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) to Comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(f)
Clarification on prescription medications and recordkeeping requirements 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)(A)
Guarding of Access Openings to Fixed Ladders. 1910.23, 1910.23(a)(2), 1910.27
OSHA's position on complying with an updated national consensus standard. 1910.261
Use of physical versus mailing address of the responsible party listed on the MSDS. 1910.1200, 1910.1200(g)(2)(xii)
Requirements for rated load tests for new or altered cranes. 1910.179, 1910.179(b), 1910.179(k)
Application of OSHA's de minimis policy to the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.452(o)(3) and 29 CFR 1926.552(c)(1) - 1926.552(c)(4), 1926.552(c)(8), 1926.552(c)(13), 926.552(c)(14)(i), and 1926.552(c)(16) regarding certain chimney construction work. 1926.452, 1926.452(o)(3), 1926.552, 1926.552(c)
Amending OSHA's penalty adjustment factors. 1903 - Table of Contents
Medical exams and chest roentgenograms (x-rays) under OSHA's Asbestos standards. 1910.1001, 1910.1001(l)(2)(ii), 1915.1001, 1926.1101, 1926.1101(m)(2)(ii)(C)
Whether use of high-visibility warning garments by construction workers in highway work zones is required. 1926.200, 1926.200(g)(2), 1926.201, 1926.201(a)
OSHA's position on the requirements for TB screening for employees who have a documented allergy to PPD.
Clarification on administering oxygen as a precautionary measure and as medical treatment 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.4(a)
Difference between voluntary and non-voluntary use of a respirator. 1910.134
Spray finishing operations citation guidance. 1910.94, 1910.94(c), 1910.107, 1910.107(a)(2), 1910.107(c)