Letters of Interpretation | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

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.

NOTICE:

How to Request a Letter of Interpretation

Date	Title	Standard Number
03/08/1999	Clarification of apparent discrepancy in height requirements for stair and hand railings.	1910.23(e)(2), 1926.1052
03/08/1999	Medical evaluation not required for the use of escape only respirators.	1910.134(e)
03/05/1999	OSHA does not have jurisdiction over aircraft crews.	1975.1
03/05/1999	Medical evaluations must be performed prior to fit testing.	1910.134(e)
03/05/1999	OSHA coverage does not extend to unpaid students.	1975.3
03/01/1999	OSHA's consultation program;assistance for smaller employers.	1908.5(b)
03/01/1999	Using X-ray fluorescence for analysis of lead in paint and applicability of other agencies lead levels.	1926.62, 1926.62(d), 1926.62(d)(2), 1926.62(d)(2)(i)(A)
02/26/1999	OSHA enforcement policy on vertical food mixers.	1910.263, 1910.212(a)(1), 1910.212(a)(3)(ii), 1910.147, 1910.147(a)(2)(ii)(A), 1910.147(a)(2)(ii)(B), 1910.147(a)(2)(iii)(A), 1910.305(g)
02/25/1999	U.S. Postal Service's equivalent to the OSHA 101 form.
02/25/1999	Accessibility of toilet facilities in temporary labor camps.	1910.142(d)(2)
02/23/1999	Insulation issues: definition; plastic sheaths;and guarding requirements.	1926.416(a)
02/23/1999	Applicability of 1910.146 to fall hazards into pits.	1910.146, 1910.146(b), 1910 Subpart D
02/22/1999	Glass Capillary Tubes: Joint Safety Advisory About Potential Risks.	1910.1030
02/22/1999	CPR/first aid training and "working alone" provisions of 1910.269	1910.151, 1910.151(b), 1910.151(c), 1910.269, 1910.269(b)(1), 1910.269(l)(1)
02/18/1999	Anchoring of fall arrest system to aerial lifts; fall arrest vs. restraint systems.	1926.451(g), 1926.453(b)(2)(v), 1926.502(d)
02/18/1999	Clarification of systems for electronic access to MSDSs	1910.1200(g)
02/17/1999	Requirements for recording an instantaneous friction blister.
02/17/1999	Retention of medical records for companies ceasing to do business.	1910.1020(h)
02/16/1999	Employers must evaluate prior training and ensure safe powered industrial truck operations.	1910.178(l)
02/10/1999	Undervoltage protection required for woodworking equipment.	1926.304