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
Access requirements for cantilevered work platforms; use of unstable objects is prohibited. 1926.451(e)(1), 1926.451(c)(2)(iii), 1926.450(b)
Minimum approach distances to insulated power lines by construction workers working close to, but not on, the lines. 1926.451(f)(6), 1926.955
Request for variance on tripping hazards for shear connectors. 1926.754(c)(1)(i)
Height limitations for using the alternate fall protection provision of STD 3-0.1A. 1926.500
Workers over PEL inside asbestos containments with all feasible controls 1926.1101
Means of reducing needlestick exposure hazards. 1910.1030(d)(2), 1910.1030(b)
Decontamination and labeling requirements for BBP-contaminated equipment and sharps. 1910.1030(d)(2)(xiv), 1910.1030(d)(4)(iii), 1910.1030(g)(1)(i)(H)
Access to employee exposure and medical records 1910.1020
Use of Electro Sensitive Protection Equipment as point of operation guarding devices. 1910.212(a)(3)(ii)
Acceptability of using a straight needle where there's no exposure to blood or OPIM. 1910.1030
Acceptability of climbing over or through guardrails on scaffolds used in construction. 1926.450, 1926.451, 1926.452, 1926.453, 1926.454
Applicable construction standards to hydraulic cranes and derricks. 1926.550, 1910.180, 1926.550(a)(17), 1926.550(a)(15)
OSHA compliance of Terra Flex stair system (models L-400 and A-500). 1926.1052, 1926.1053, 1926.1050, 1926.502(h), 1926.502(j), 1926.1051(a)
Construction standards for equipment such as Shuttle Buggy. 1926.600, 1926.601, 1926.555, 1926.1050, 1926.1053, 1926.800, 1926.407
Application of OSHA requirements to self-employed construction workers. 1975.3(d)
Acceptability of an engineered steel fire barrier to comply with separation/firewall requirements. 1926.350(a), 1926.350(a)(10)
Hazwoper training for security guards; documentation necessary when training varies. 1910.120(q)(6)
Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act amplifies the requirements to use safer needle devices. 1910.1030(d)(2)
Development of slip-resistance testing methods on structural steel. 1926.754(c)(3)
Exemption from the requirement to wear hard hats for religious reasons. 1926.100, 1926.100(a)