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
Clarification of NIOSH's obligation under OSHA to receive and maintain employee exposure and medical records. 1910.1020, 1910.1020(h), 1910.1020(h)(1), 1910.1020(h)(3), 1910.1029(e), 1910.1029(j), 1910.1029(m)(3), 1910.1029(m)(4)
PSM coverage of utility systems; whether 1910.269 preempts the PSM standard for power generation facilities that serve covered processes. 1910.119, 1910.119(a)(1)(i), 1910.119(a)(1)(ii), 1910.119(b), 1910.119(j)(1), 1910.180(d), 1910.269, 1910.269(a)(1), 1910.269(a)(1)(iii), 1910.269(p)(1)(i)
Use of paper towels instead of electric blow dryers in public restrooms. 1910.141, 1910.141(d)(2)(iv)
Use of a PLC system as an alternative measure which provides effective protection for minor servicing activities. 1910.147, 1910.147(a)(2)(ii), 1910.147(b)
Clarification on trainer requirements and access to trainer under OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii)(N), 1910.1030(g)(2)(viii)
Applicability of OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard to the containment and disposal of electric razors in correctional facilities and health care settings. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(A), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(B), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii)(C), 1910.1030(g)
Clarification of requirements for storage and use of flammable and/or combustible liquids. 1910.106, 1910.106(b), 1910.106(b)(4)(ii), 1910.106(e), 1910.106(e)(2)(ii)(c), 1910.106(e)(2)(iii), 1910.106(e)(2)(iv)(d), 1910.106(e)(3)(v)(a), 1910.106(e)(3)(vi), 1910.106(h)(4)(iii)(a), 1910.119(e)(1), 1910.1000
Clarification of OSHA's requirement for 'quiet time' before audiometric testing. 1910.95, 1910.95(g)(5)(iii)
Whether certain skylights meet the cover criteria of 1926 Subpart M. 1926.501(b)(4), 1926.501(b)(4)(i), 1926.502(i), 1926.502(i)(2), 1926.754(e)(3)(i), 1926.754(e)(3)(iv), 1926 Subpart M
Whether it is permissible for an employee to remain in a trench box when materials are being lowered into it by a backhoe. 1926.651(e)
Are podium ladders covered under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X or Subpart L? 1926.450(a), 1926.450(b), 1926.452(w), 1926 Subpart L, 1926 Subpart X
Clarification on the requirement for a written opinion from an examining physician.
Clarification of HAZWOPER training requirements as they apply to an employee of the town of Windsor, VT. 1910.120, 1910.120(a)(1), 1910.120(e), 1910.120(e)(1), 1910.120(e)(2), 1910.120(e)(3), 1910.120(e)(4), 1910.120(e)(9), 1910.120(q), 1910.120(q)(6)(ii)
Whether OSHA requirements prohibit working from a portable stepladder and, if not, whether fall protection is required. 29 CFR 1926.1053(b). 1926 - Table of Contents, 1926.500(a)(2)(vii), 1926 - Table of Contents, 1926.1053(b), 1926.1053(b)(3), 1926.1053(b)(4), 1926.1053(b)(13), 1926 Subpart M, 1926 Subpart X
Whether under 1926.550, a crane may be left unattended with its spreader bar suspended; where in 1926.550 of Subpart N, other than in 1926.550(g), is the use of tag lines referenced; how are "cable lugs" used under 1926.351(b)(3). 1926.351(b), 1926.351(b)(3), 1926.550, 1926.550(b)(2), 1926.550(g), 1926 Subpart N
Whether the "Clear Gear Lanyard Elevator" conforms to OSHA construction standards. 1926.502, 1926.502(d)
Whether crane lifting devices are considered to be part of the load and are allowed to be hoisted over personnel. 1910.179, 1910.179(n)(3)(vi)
Glove bag requirements for outdoor removal of intact and non-intact asbestos-containing gaskets under 1926.1101. 1926.1101, 1926.1101(b), 1926.1101(g)(4)(ii)(A), 1926.1101(g)(4)(ii)(B), 1926.1101(g)(5), 1926.1101(g)(8)(iv)(A), 1926.1101(g)(9), 1926.1101(g)(9)(i), 1926.1101(g)(9)(iv), 1926.1101(g)(9)(v)
Clarification on OSHA's enforcement policy for fixed ladders. 1910.27, 1910.27(d)(1)(i), 1910.27(d)(1)(ii), 1910.27(d)(5)
Requirement to determine, in advance, whether employees are likely to disturb ACM or PACM and to train accordingly. 1910.1001, 1915.1001, 1926.1101