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

Filters


Date Title Standard Number
Booms in which lowering is controlled by a brake is prohibited without aid from other devices which slow the lowering speeds. 1926.550
Favorable Decision in Fluor Constructors, Inc. v. OSHRC, No. 87- 4029 that a six-foot lanyard is not a lifeline. 1926.451(g)(3)
Applicability of the Hazard Communication Standard to stevedores in the containerized shipping industry. 1910.1200
The use of fall protection devices during service activities by CATV personnel. 1910.268
Exemption for weighing outbound containers that are consolidated in a marine terminal. 1918.85, 1917.71
Interpretation of 1910.142(f)(3), Adequate Supply of Hot Water in Temporary Labor Camps 1910.142(f)(3)
Lift trucks or other machines found in the workplace are not containers for labeling requirements of the HCS. 1910.1200(f)
Above ground gas transmission and distribution piping systems. 1910.101
Where a safety monitor may be used in lieu of a motion-stopping-safety system (MSS system) on construction sites. 1926.500
Interpretation of "special truck" as identified in 1910.252(a)(2) (v)(b)(4) 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(D)
Hazard determination and MSDS requirements under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). 1910.1200(d), 1910.1200(g)
Grain Handling Standard, analytical requirements for percentage of fugitive dust and % combustible dust. 1910.272
The OSHA analytical reference method for asbestos requires 10% blanks with a minimum of 2 blanks for any set. 1910.1001, 1926.58
Gentex Shade 2.0 protective eyewear is in compliance with 1910.133(b)(2). 1910.133(b)(2)
Alarm devices not effective protection for hoisted personnel. 1926.550
Recordkeeping requirements under the OSH Act of 1970 for employees of temporary help services. 1904 - Table of Contents
Annual inspections by Flynn Burner Corporation personnel. 1910.263
Crystalline silica considered a carcinogen under the HCS. 1910.1200
Recordkeeping requirements under the OSH Act of 1970 for employees supplied by a temporary help service. 1904 - Table of Contents
STD 3-10.3 is a guideline, for 29 CFR 1915.71(j)(2). 1915.71