Letters of Interpretation
The following OSHA letters of interpretation relate directly to the construction industry. OSHA has issued other letters of interpretation which may be of interest. You may search the OSHA letters of interpretation database using keywords or you may go to a specific standard interpretations of interest.
2023
2021
2020
- 08/19/2020 - A leaf blower should not be used to remove silica dust from clothing - [1926.1153; 1926.1153(f)(1)]
2019
- 10/01/2019 - Regarding the applicability of construction standards to certain commercial sign installation activities [1926.32; 1926.1427]
- 09/06/2019 - Use of Music Headphones on Construction Sites - [1926.52; 1926.101]
- 05/06/2019 - 29 CFR 1926.950(c); Subpart V; CPL 02-00-124; Multi-Employer Citation Policy - [1926.950]
- 05/06/2019 - Clarification on rigging for hoisting multiple bundles of construction materials [1926.251; 1926.753(e); 1926.1425(c)]
- 03/04/2019 - Silica in Construction, Integrated Water Delivery System, Exposure Assessment, Medical Surveillance, Respiratory Protection - [1926.1153(c)(1); 1926.1153(d)(2)(vi); 1926.1153(h)(1)(i)]
2018
2017
- 10/27/2017 - Safety factor requirement in the design of handrails and top rails. - [1926.1052(c)(5)]
- 10/19/2017 - Interim Enforcement Guidance for the Respirable Crystalline Silica in Construction Standard, 29 CFR 1926.1153 - [1910.134; 1910.1053; 1910.1200; 1926.1153; 1926.1153(c); 1926.1153(c)(1); 1926.1153(d); 1926.1153(d)(1); 1926.1153(d)(2); 1926.1153(d)(2)(iii)(B); 1926.1153(d)(2)(iii)(E); 1926.1153(d)(2)(v); 1926.1153(d)(3); 1926.1153(e)(1)(ii)(C); 1926.1153(i)(2)]
- 08/15/2017 - Asbestos Standard - Class III Work - [1926.1101; 1926.1101(g)(9); 1926.1101(g)(11)]
- 07/18/2017 - Hooded versus tight-fitting respirators when complying with the Asbestos Standard - [1910.134(d); 1910.134(d)(3); 1926.1101(g); 1926.1101(g)(9); 1926.1101(h); 1926.1101(h)(3)]
- 06/30/2017 - Monorail Hoists Enforcement Policies - [1926 Subpart CC; 1926.1400(a)]
- 05/26/2017 - Computer-based training (CBT) for asbestos awareness with improved designs for learning effectiveness but shorter than the 2 hours required by the Asbestos Standard - [1926.1101(k)(9)(vi)]
2016
- 12/22/2016 - Enforcement of minimum approach distance requirements in 29 CFR 1910.269 and 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart V - [1910.269(l)(3)(i); 1910.269(l)(3)(ii); 1926.960(c)(1)(i); 1926.960(c)(1)(ii)]
- 09/08/2016 - Regarding construction work in water storage tanks and Permit-required confined space requirements in construction. - [1926.1202; 1926.1204; 1926.1209(d); 1926.1211(a)]
- 08/04/2016 - Fall protection requirements for a walking/working surface above a catch platform with a guardrail system - [1926.500(b)(1)]
- 07/28/2016 - Application of construction crane standard when handling precast components - [1926.1400(c)(17)(i)]
- 07/14/2016 - Clarification of OSHA requirements for dual-rated equipment meeting consensus standards for both aerial lifts and cranes - [1926.1400; 1926.453]
- 07/14/2016 - OSHA requirements for individuals interested in employment as Heavy Equipment Operator. - [1926.21(b)(2); 1926.602(d); 1910.178(l)]
- 07/14/2016 - Whether handling of stones for foundation work is considered a construction activity; Clarification of whether a crane can be derated based on the load being lifted. - [1926.32(g); 1926.1441]
- 06/27/2016 - Clarification of whether the handling of propane tanks is considered construction - [1926.1400(c)(17)]
- 06/23/2016 - Whether unloading a pallet suspended by a crane is considered construction. - [1926.1400(c)(17)]
- 04/20/2016 - Regarding setting time restrictions by crane operator testing organizations for crane-certification test. - [1926.1427(b); 1926.1418; 1926.1417]
- 03/15/2016 - Expiration date of annual crane inspections and annual inspection requirements. - [1926.1412(f)(1)]
- 01/20/2016 - Extended enforcement dates for minimum approach distances to electrical power lines - [1910.269(l)(3)(i); 1910.269(l)(3)(ii); 1926.960(c)(1)(i); 1926.960(c)(1)(ii)]
2015
- 11/02/2015 - Can energized electrical outlets and switches be taped when rooms are painted - [1926.405(j)(1)(i)]
- 10/20/2015 - Determination of when a crane was manufactured - [1926.1400; 1926.1416; 1926.1433]
- 10/19/2015 - Regarding scaffolds height measurement. - [1926.452(c)(6); 1910.28(d)(11)]
- 10/02/2015 - Minimum approach distances to electric power transmission and distribution lines during the installation of protective grounds - [1910.269(l); 1910.269(l)(3); 1910.269(m); 1910.269(m)(3); 1926 Subpart V; 1926.960(c); 1926.960(c)(1); 1926.961(c); 1926.961(c)(7); 1926.962]
- 09/28/2015 - Extension cord manufacturers warning and compliance with electrical equipment - Installation and use. - [1926.403(b)(2)]
- 09/10/2015 - Clarification of 'at least every 12 months' annual crane inspection requirement. - [1926.1412(f)(1)]
- 06/15/2015 - Clarification on fixed ladders built to certain specifications for roof access - [1926.1053(a)(17); 1910.27(c)(2)]
- 06/01/2015 - Laundering responsibilities for fire retarding (FR) clothing provided to employees - [1926.95(a)]
- 05/15/2015 - Allowable load rating of the suspension wire ropes with wire clip terminations - [1926.451(a)(3)]
- 04/27/2015 - Clarification of personal ladder boom system requirements - [1926.1053; 1926.500(b)]
- 04/15/2015 - General requirements that applies to workers who drive heavy trucks and other commercial motor vehicles CMV on construction sites - [1926.20(b)(4)]
- 04/09/2015 - Rationale for and hazards of hoisting compressed gas cylinders - [1926.350(a)(2); 1926.350(a)(4)]
2014
- 11/13/2014 - Employer payment for personal protective equipment (PPE). [1910.132; 1915.152; 1917.96; 1918.106; 1926.95] (S. Day)
- 10/15/2014 - Regarding Assembly/Disassembly and set-up used in Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard. [1926.1403; 1926.1404; 1926.1405; 1926.1406]
- 08/26/2014 - Spacing of the posts in between modular guardrail system sections. [1926.502(b)(3); 1910.23(e)(3)] (D. Kane)
- 08/26/2014 - Impalement protection from protruding reinforcing steel and 250-pound drop test. [1926.701(b)] (L. Candler)
- 07/08/2014 - Clarification on whether a worker is allowed to stand on the top step of equipment, similar in design to a step stool. [1926.1050(b); 1926.1053(b)(13)] (S. Almony)
- 06/19/2014 - Clarification regarding shop installed continuous bent plate in steel erection. [1926.754(c)(1)] (E. Dean)
- 06/19/2014 - Clarification regarding hazard access zones in steel erection. [1926.760(d)(1); 1926.502(f)(2)] (E. Dean)
- 05/20/2014 - Fall protection requirements applicable during the construction of retaining walls. [1926.501(b)(1); 1926.502(d)] (J. Spatz)
- 04/21/2014 - Protection of employees by overhead protection on a personnel platform, being lifted by a crane, when employees are exposed to falling objects. (1926.1431(e)(10)) (D. Miller)
- 03/31/2014 - Temporary Enforcement Policy for Proximity Alarm and Insulating Link Use with Cranes and Derricks in Construction. [1926.1401; 1926.1407; 1926.1408; 1926.1409; 1926.1410]
- 03/18/2014 - Clarification regarding impalement hazards on construction worksites. [1926.701(b); 1926.25(a)] (E. Dean)
- 03/18/2014 - Regarding the determination of whether an employee may be considered a "qualified rigger". [1926.1401] (E. Dean), ().
- 03/05/2014 - Whether qualified rigger required when lifting a load below 2000 lbs or less. [1926.1401; 1926.1404; 1926.1425; 1926.1441] (T. Carrigan)
2013
- 12/06/2013 - Weight of the scaffold in determining whether the 4 to 1 factor is satisfied in construction and general industry standards. [1926.450; 1926.451(a)(1);1910.28(a)(4);1910.21(f)] (S. Karasik)
- 11/27/2013 - Regarding the type of hook that is permitted when a crane is used to hoist personnel during underground construction work. [1926.1431(g)(1); 1926.800(t)(1)(vii)] (S. Hendrickson)
- 10/30/2013 - Whether a tower crane boom or counterweight may be used over public streets or occupied buildings. [1926.1425(c); 1926.1417(p)] (M. Alexander)
- 09/16/2013 - Regarding use of compressed gas cylinders while in a horizontal position. [1926.350(a)(9)] (A. Torres)
- 09/03/2013 - Fall protection for workers having to walk/work along bridge decks when the edges are finished with a 32 in. high barrier wall. [1926.501(b)(1);1926.502(b);1926.502(f)] (L. Fortier)
- 08/29/2013 - Clarification of safe working load when hoisting overhead loads above people. [1926.554] (M. Moore)
- 05/02/2013 - Regulations governing sloping and benching systems for excavations. [1926.652(b)(4)] (A. Catellier)
- 05/02/2013 - Standards and enforcement policy for construction concrete pumping operations using 'concrete boom pump trucks. [1926.700] (M. Cook)
- 04/29/2013 - Protecting the Safety and Health of Temporary Workers
- 03/25/2013 - Request for Interpretation of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard for Combustible Dust. (1910.1200) (J. Snare)
- 03/11/2013 - Allowable gap requirement between the trench shield and trench sides. [1926.652] (K. Edwards)
- 02/26/2013 - Clarification on whether the installation of a burial vault is a construction activity. [1926.1400] (T. Monahan)
- 02/21/2013 - Whether workers at a workplace without a collective bargaining agreement may authorize a person who is affiliated with a union or a community organization to act as their representative under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act). [1903.8;1903.11;1952.10;1903.20] (S. Sallman)
2012
- 12/05/2012 - Clarification concerning fall protection and vertical walled trenches with depth of 6 feet or greater and use of controlled access zones. [1926.501(b)(7); 1926.501(b)(7)(i); 1926.501(b)(7)(ii); 1926.501(b)(2); 1926.501(b)(9); 1926.502(k); 1926.651(f)] (N. McDougald)
- 11/26/2012 - Qualifications of designers and inspectors of tiered single-post concrete shoring. [1926.703(b)(8)(i)] (R. Moulton)
- 11/21/2012 - Clarification of OSHA safety requirements between a temporary staffing agency and its client. [1910.1200; 1904.31] (K. Bernard)
- 10/23/2012 - Compatibility requirements of fall protection equipment from different manufacturers. [1926.502(d)(5)] (C. Medina)
- 10/03/2012 - Applicability of Subpart CC standards to equipment with dragline attachments. [1926.1400(a)] (Congressman Boustany)
- 10/01/2012 - OSHA does not have the legal authority to evaluate and certify products. [1926.1052(b)] (D. DeChristofaro), ().
- 10/01/2012 - Clarification of the term controlling entity and responsibility for ground conditions for safe crane operations. [1926.1402(b)] (R. Marshall)
- 09/12/2012 - Criteria and protocols for determining whether personal fall arrest systems comply with OSHA standards. [1926.502(d)(16)] (Dr. J. Chard)
- 08/31/2012 - Crane operator certification and whether a practical test is required for re-certification. [1926.1427; 1926.1427(a); 1926.1427(j)] (J. Callahan)
- 07/27/2012 - Requirements for watertight longitudinal bulkheads on crane barges. [1926.1437; 1926.1437(n)(7)(ii); 1926.1437(m)(5)] (K. Knauer)
- 07/20/2012 - Definition of multi-employer worksite. [1926.652(b)(4)] (A. Catellier)
- 06/27/2012 - Acceptability of using a ramp to unload parts from a semi-trailer. [1926.501; 1926.501(b)(6)] (T. Mann)
- 06/25/2012 - Temporary Enforcement Policy for Proximity Alarm and Insulating Link Use with Cranes and Derricks in Construction. [1926.1401; 1926.1407; 1926.1408; 1926.1409; 1926.1410] (Regional Administrators)
- 06/21/2012 - Clarification on whether a forklift equipped with a designated forklift boom would be considered a crane. [1926.1400; 1926.1400(a)(1)] (J. Miller)
- 06/08/2012 - Proof testing of lifting beams used to lift wind turbine components. [1926.251; 1926.251(a)(4)] (T. Schon)
- 06/01/2012 - Clarification on the use of double connections at beams not framing into columns. [1926.756; 1926.756(a)(1); 1926.751(c)] (E. Campbell)
- 05/30/2012 - Whether an abrasive blast cleaning nozzle can use a mechanical device to keep the valve in the open position. [1926.302(b)(10)] (T. Enger)
- 05/21/2012 - Storage of compressed gas cylinders used in construction work. [1926.350(a)(9); 1926.350(a)(9)] (B. Howell)
- 05/21/2012 - Enforcement of Steel Erection Subpart R. [1926.754; 1926.754(b)(3)] (Regional Administrators)
- 04/20/2012 - Clarification on the use of safety monitors as a method of fall protection on a low-slope roof. [1926.501] (A. Wilson)
- 03/29/2012 - Identifying the work zone when a crane works near a power line. [1926.1408] (W. Tucker)
- 03/13/2012 - Certification and qualification requirements for mechanics, inspectors, and testers under the Cranes and Derricks in Construction standards. [1926.1400] (K. Henschel)
- 03/13/2012 - Numerous questions related to operational aids required by various standards for cranes and derricks on construction. [1926.1416] (C. Imerman)
- 02/06/2012 - Application of the multi-employer policy to particular construction standards. [1926.20] (M. Frenzel)
- 01/09/2012 - Requirements of a third-party evaluator of rigger and signal person qualifications. [1926.1401] (W. Irwin, Jr.)
- 01/03/2012 - Clarification on when a trestle ladder would be considered a stepladder. [1926.1053(b)(13)] (B. Monistere)
2011
- 10/13/2011 - Clarification of utility owner/operator obligation to provide voltage information. [1926.1407; 1926.1407(e); 1926.1408] (C. Kelly)
- 08/22/2011 - Fall protection on aerial lifts during construction activities. [1926.453(b)(2)(v)] (Regional Administrators)
- 07/22/2011 - OSHA's position on using a crawler crane that has been derated by the crane manufacturer. [1926.1417] (J. Martaugh)
- 07/08/2011 - Applicability of OSHA's Cranes and Derricks standard to hoists attached to mast climbing platforms. [1926.1400; 1926.1400(a)] (C. Bridges)
- 06/07/2011 - Shearing a structural member during demolition is not considered cutting as that term in used in 1926.62. [1926.62(d)(2)] (M. Lies)
- 05/25/2011 - Residential Construction; 1926.501(b)(3), fall protection or metal stud walls around stairwells. [1926.501; 1926.501(b)(3)] (F. Baxter)
- 05/24/2011 - Toprail height requirements for pump jack scaffolds. [1926.451(g)(4)] (M. Main)
- 05/09/2011 - Clarification on when hard hats can be worn with the bill facing to the rear. [1926.100(a)] (R. Horn)
- 04/22/2011 - Distance at which fall protection is required for steel erection activities. [1926.760] (F. Baxter)
- 02/08/2011 - Federal requirements for the anchorages and connectors in personal fall arrest systems. [1926.502(d)] (P. Laubenthal)
- 01/04/2011 - Concern about unclear traffic directing at highway construction areas and about laws to follow when the normal traffic control of a roadway is suspended. [1926.502(d)] (L. Skinger)
2010
- 10/01/2010 - Applicability of Subpart S to tunnels constructed by auger boring. [1926.800]
- 07/29/2010 - Whether OSHA prohibits the use of a double D-bend elbow ("Rams Horn") shut-off valve at the end of a concrete pumping hose. [1926.702]
- 07/17/2010 - The definitions of combustible and flammable liquids under 29 CFR 1926 and 29 CFR 1910. [1926.106]
- 04/30/2010 - Interpretation of "unattended" in 29 CFR 1926.351(d)(1) with regard to electrode holders. [1926.351]
- 04/30/2010 - Whether #9 wire may be used to secure the toprails and midrails on tubular scaffolding; permissible method for setting transitional wood planks. [1926.451]
- 04/12/2010 - Whether an employer can repair an extension cord under 29 CFR 1926, Subpart K. [1926.405]
- 03/31/2010 - Padded slings/wire rope during steel erection. [1926.251]
- 03/02/2010 - Interpretation of OSHA Fall Protection Exemption (29 CFR 1926.500(a)(1)) during inspection, investigation, and assessment activities. [1926.500], ().
- 03/02/2010 - Permissible methods of operating trucks in reverse on construction sites. [1926.601]
- 03/02/2010 - Fall protection requirements for employees working on an elevator car frame. [1926.500(b)]
- 03/01/2010 - Testing requirements for "lifting blinds" or "lifting covers" on pressure vessels. [1926.251]
- 02/17/2010 - Hazards of using a crane's hydraulic system to compensate for inadequate brakes. [1926.1433] (D. Vitter)
- 02/03/2010 - Clarification on number of qualified employees required when working with electrical components. [1926.269]
- 01/21/2010 - Using a stepladder as a non-self-supporting ladder. [1926.1053]