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
Approval of employee-furnished equipment for use in hazardous locations; definition of "electric utilization equipment." 1910.303, 1910.303(b)(1), 1910.399
Determining whether Active Release Techniques (ART) constitutes first-aid or medical treatment. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7(b)(5)(ii)
Whether it is mandatory to use a wet saw when cutting brick or concrete block. 1926.55, 1926.55(a), 1926.702, 1926.702(i)(2)
Clarification of supervisor accessibility to individual field-lock keys in a group lock box under 1910.269. 1910.269, 1910.269(d), 1910.269(d)(7)(iv), 1910.269(d)(8), 1910.269(d)(8)(i)
Group LOTO and supervisor's accessibility to individual employee lock when employee is not available to remove lock. 1910.269, 1910.269(d)(7)(iv), 1910.269(d)(8), 1910.269(d)(8)(i), 1910.269(d)(8)(i)(A)
Wearing "Crocs" brand shoes with a partially open heel and a covered toe in a pharmacy setting. 1910.132, 1910.136, 1910.136(a)
Pressure vessels used at oil and gas extraction/production facilities and applicability of 29 CFR 1910.106 1910.106, 1910.106(a)(19), 1910.106(b), 1910.106(b)(1)(v), 1910.106(b)(1)(v)(b), 1910.106(i)(3)(i), 1910.106(i)(3)(ii), 1910.119, 1910.169
Applicability of 29 CFR 1910.178 to pick-up trucks such as Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10 and Dodge 1500. 1910.178, 1910.178(a)(1)
PSM compliance for ammonia refrigeration systems.
PSM compliance for ammonia refrigeration systems. 1910.38, 1910.119, 1910.119(d)(3)(i), 1910.119(d)(3)(ii), 1910.119(e)(3), 1910.119(j)(6)(i), 1910.119(j)(6)(ii), 1910.119(k)(2), 1910.119(l)(2)(i), 1910.119(l)(4), 1910.119(l)(5), 1910.119(m)(3), 1910.119(o)(1), 1910.120, 1910.134, 1910.147, 1910.147(c)(4)(ii)
Construction of aboveground storage tanks and confined space; §§1926.21(b)(6) and 1910.146; General duty clause 1926.21, 1926.21(b)(6), 1926.21(b)(6)(i), 1926.21(b)(6)(ii), 1910.146, 1910.146(c)(5)
Modification of powered platforms for building maintenance and applicability of IWCA 14.1-2001 and ASME A120.1-2001. 1910.66, 1910.66(b)(1), 1910.66(b)(2), 1910.66(b)(2)(i), 1910.66(b)(2)(ii)
No Restricted Work Available 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.7
Whether construction workers while inside crane cabs or enclosed break areas on barges are required to wear life jackets. 1926.106, 1926.106(a)
Wearing sandals in a medical office when feet do not contact blood or OPIM. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(3), 1910.1030(d)(3)(i)
Whether it is permissible to leave tools in the holes of the top plate of a self-supporting ladder; whether employers are permitted to develop their own color-coding system at a construction site. 1926.200, 1926.200(b)(2), 1926.200(c)(2), 1926.200(d), 1926.200(e), 1926.200(f), 1926.200(g)
Operations that trigger the requirement for employers to provide washing facilities on construction jobsites under 29 CFR 1926.51(f)(1). 1926.51, 1926.51(f)(1), 1926.59 , 1910.1200
Whether a concrete form panel with horizontal ribs meets the requirements in Part 1926 Subpart X for fixed ladders. 1926.1050, 1926.1050(b), 1926.1053, 1926.1053(a)(13)
Whether 1926.601 is applicable to personnel and burden carriers used in construction. 1926.601, 1926.601(b)(5), 1926.601(b)(8)
Requirements for maintenance of employee exposure records and alternative methods for long-term retention. 1910.1020, 1910.1020(c)(10), 1910.1020(d)(1)(ii)