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
Requirements to prevent trench collapse during sheet-pile operations. 1926.603(c)(3), 1926.652(b), 1926.651(j)
Recording injuries/illness of pool nurses (temporary employees);needlestick recordkeeping. 1904.2, 1910.1030(c)(1)(ii)(C), 1904.12(c)
Use of compressed air above 30 p.s.i. for cleaning purposes;nonmetallic-sheathed cable for temporary wiring. 1926.302(b)(4), 1926.405(a)(2), 1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(B)
Responsibility for cleaning/preventing exposure to contaminated emergency medical equipment. 1910.1030, 1910.1030(d)(4)(i), 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iv), 1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(B)
Hearing protection and the responsibility for paying for the hearing protectors including replacement devices/parts. 1910.95, 1910.95(i)(1), 1910.132
Applicability of bloodborne pathogens standard to athletic trainers; handling of contaminated laundry. 1910.1030, 1975.3(d)
Rollover protective structures are required for earthmoving "dumpers." 1926.602(a)(1), 1926.602(a)(6), 1926.1000
Training obligations of temporary employment agencies and host employers. 1975.3
Applicability of PSM standard to on-site use of methane as fuel. 1910.119(a)(1), 1910.119(h)(3), 1926.64(a)(1), 1926.64(h)(3)
A five-gallon paint pail should not be used as a step stool.
Batteries in electric powered industrial trucks must be secured horizontally and vertically. 1910.178(g)(5)
A lock is considered a lockout device. 1910.147(b)
Surgical smoke is not covered by the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. 1910.1030(b)
Employees engaged in formwork over 6 feet high must have fall protection. 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.501(b)(2), 1926.501(b)(5), 1926.451(g)
Clips used for wire rope guardrails; required fall protection in hoist area. 1926.501, 1926.502
Clarification of OSHA policy regarding the use of scaffold stairs for access to a multi-story structure. 1926.451, 1926.1051
Employees must be kept clear of suspended loads, including multiple lift loads. 1926.550(a), 1926.753(c)
Noise exposure measurement records must be retained for 2 years. 1910.95(m)(3)(i), 1910.1020(d)(1)
Clarification of the terms "hole" versus "unprotected sides or edges." 1926.500, 1926.501(b)(1), 1926.501(b)(4), 1926.32(f)
Fall protection for various lift-devices; restraint, positioning, fall arrest and rescue requirements; maintenance vs. construction examples. 1926.451(g)(1)(vii), 1926.451(g)(4), 1926.453(b)(2)(v), 1926.500, 1926.502(d), 1926.502(d)(20)