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
Use of "generic" LOTO procedures in conjunction with "work authorization permits". 1910.147(c)(1), 1910.147(d)(3), 1903.14(f)
Powered industrial truck requirements regarding "split-forking" and "bulldozing." 1910.178(o)(1), 1910.178(l)(3)(i)(M)
Location of employee's records who are not associated with fixed establishments. 1904.14
Recordability of injury/illness resulting solely from a physical defect. 1904.2
Bloodborne Pathogens: Handwashing facilities must be readily accessible. 1910.1030(d)(2)(iii), 1910.1030(d)(2)(v), 1910.1030(d)(2)(vi)
HAZCOM: Clarification of "article" and "hazardous substance". 1910.1200(c), 1910.1200(d)(4)
Employers must ensure that post-exposure follow-up procedures are provided. 1910.1030(f)(3), 1910.1030(f)(5)
Clarification of when injuries and illnesses are work-related and recordable. 1904.2
Host employers may require site-specific forklift training of visiting workers 1910.178(l)
Minimum approach distances when using insulating gloves and sleeves. 1910.269(l)(2)
Forklifts: free rigging requires manufacturer approval. 1910.178(a)(4)
Fork inspection requirements for powered industrial trucks. 1910.178(a)(2), 1910.178(l), 1910.178(q)(7)
Employee hand placement on and around suspended crane loads. 1926.1425
Employees (daycare workers) required to provide first aid are covered by 1910.1030 1910.1030
Earthmoving equipment is not covered by 1910.178; skid- steer equipment may be covered. 1910.178(a), 1910.178(l), 1926.602(d)
Web-based HAZWOPER refresher training: hands-on training and trainer accessibility. 1910.120(e)(8), 1926.65(e)(8)
Using "stick-on" labels to meet the requirements of 1910.1200. 1910.1200(f)
Trench shields must be installed to prevent lateral movement in a collapse. 1926.652(g)(1)(ii)
PRCS entry: the term "body" includes all extremities. 1910.146(b)
Excavations may be shored with wooden shoring. 1926.652(a)(1), 1926.652(c)