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.

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Date Title Standard Number
Fall protection requirements for roofing work in residential construction versus roofing work in other areas of construction. 1926.500, 1926.501, 1926.502, 1926.503
Hard hat testing and certification requirements when the hard hat bill is worn to the rear. 1926.100(a), 1926.100(b), 1926.100
Planking, safety line, and personal fall arrest system requirements for tank builder's scaffolding. 1926.451, 1926.451(b), 1926.451(b)(1), 1926.451(b)(1)(i), 1926.451(b)(2), 1926.451(b)(2)(i), 1926.451(b)(2)(ii), 1926.451(b)(3), 1926.451(b)(3)(i), 1926.451(b)(3)(ii), 1926.450, 1926.452, 1926.453, 1926.454
Respirator requirements for employees wearing facial hair for religious reasons. 1926.103, 1926.134
Fall protection requirements for shop-installed shear connectors at 20 feet above ground or a lower level. 1926.754(c)(1)(i), 1926.754(c)(1)
OSHA's exit sign requirements for disabled persons. 1910.37, 1910.37(b)
Using ANSI Z358.1 as guidance to comply with 1910.151(c) 1910.151(c)
Air monitoring results, citations, and employee exposure records 1910.1020(e)(1)(i), 1910.1020(c)(5), 1910.1020(c)(6), 1910.1020(g)(1)
Non-Stop Scaffolding Inc.'s scaffold towers do not comply with OSHA's integral prefabricated scaffold access frame or ladder/stairway type access requirements. 1926.451, 1926.451(e), 1926.451(e)(6), 1926.451(e)(6)(i), 1926.451(e)(6)(ii), 1926.451(e)(6)(iv), 1926.451(e)(6)(vi), 1926.451(e)(7)
Proof test requirements for insulating gloves; certification and marking requirements. 1910.268
Request that OSHA adopt a requirement that all scaffold planks meet a "scaffold grade" under recognized grading rules. 1926.451, 1926.451(a)(1), 1926.451(a)(6), 1926.451(b), 1926.451(a)
Safety vest requirements to protect flaggers from traffic hazards during construction work. 1926.201
Acceptable use of single point anchor systems for window cleaning operations. 1910.132(c)
Clarification of PIT requirements covering: fall protection and safety platforms, seatbelts, LP-gas storage, smoking, and eye wash stations 1910.178, 1910.178(f)(2), 1910.178(g)(10), 1910.151(c)
Fall protection requirements for commercial motor vehicles. 1910.132(a)
OSHA Letters of Interpretation and Directives system and functions.
OSHA's no-fault recordkeeping system requires recording work-related injuries and illnesses, regardless of the level of employer control or non-control involved. 1904 - Table of Contents, 1904.5
PSM applicability to warehousing flammable liquids and other HHCs. 1910.119, 1910.119(a)(1)(ii)(B), 1910.119(b), 1910.119(o)
Clarification of "Controlling Contractor" duties under the Steel Erection Standard (1926 Subpart R) 1926.752(a), 1926.752(c), 1926.755(b)(2), 1926.759(b), 1926.760(e)
Authorized employees must have the opportunity to verify energy isolation in group lockout/tagout 1910.269(d), 1910.147(c)(2), 1910.147(d)