Standard Interpretations - Publication Date | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Standard Interpretations

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.

December

12/15/1981 - Employee examination of the original x-ray in lieu of providing a copy is permitted. - [1910.1020(c)(6); 1910.1020(e)]
12/02/1981 - Alternating tread type stair is approved as safe for use - [1910.24(e)]
12/02/1981 - Clarification of incipient stage fire and interior structural fire fighting. - [1910.155]

November

11/18/1981 - Guarding of rotating barrels, containers, and drums. - [1910.212(a)(4)]
11/18/1981 - Letter concerning proposed safety sign revisions. - [1910.145]
11/13/1981 - Construction requirements for speciality system designed scaffolding. - [1910.28(a)(9)]

October

10/22/1981 - Clarification of roll-over protective structures (ROPS) for tractors used in agricultural operations. - [1928.51]
10/22/1981 - The lead standard does not address pay for showering. - [1910.1025(i)(3)(i)]
10/15/1981 - Caterpillar track tractors. - [1910.267]
10/15/1981 - Clarification of the applicability of your steel backed cup abrasive wheels as they relate to the guarding requirements of the OSHA regulations. - [1910.215]
10/15/1981 - Del-Monox air purifiers are unacceptable for testing carbon monoxide concentration for compressor breathing air. - [1910.134(i)(7)]

September

09/16/1981 - Temporary lighting strings used on construction sites. - [1926.405(a)(2)(ii)(J)]
09/15/1981 - Compliance determination based on worst day noise exposure. - [1910.95]
09/11/1981 - Handtools must be in a safe condition. - [1910.242(a); 1910.243(a)(4); 1910.243(d)(4); 1910.244(a)(2)(vii)]
09/03/1981 - Letter concerning OSHA Instruction STD 1-11.7 - [1910.178]

August

08/26/1981 - Blasting and Use of Explosives Relative. - [1926.905(h); 1926.905(k)]
08/24/1981 - Portable electric lighting used in moist and/or other similar hazardous locations. - [1926.401]
08/13/1981 - Powered air-purifying helmets are personal protective equipment, not engineering controls. - [1910.1025(e)]
08/10/1981 - Safety Footwear at Construction Sites. - [1926.28]
08/07/1981 - Fire detection and employee alarm systems. - [1910.160; 1910.160(b)(3); 1910.160(b)(13); 1910.161; 1910.161(b)(3); 1910.37; 1910.37(e); 1910.38; 1910.38(d)]

July

June

06/30/1981 - Horns on construction equipment. - [1926.601; 1926.602]
06/26/1981 - Supervised manual fire alarm systems. - [1910.165; 1910.165(a)(1); 1910.165(b); 1910.165(d)]
06/24/1981 - Guarding of Alligators Shears. - [1910.212]
06/22/1981 - Clarification of employee notification requirements of the lead standard. - [1910.1025(d)(8)]
06/22/1981 - Electrical Standards. - [1910.304]
06/19/1981 - A proposed exterior building maintenance program. - [1910.66]
06/10/1981 - Electronic door opening device used with a security system. - [1910.36; 1910.36(d)(2)]
06/09/1981 - Power press brakes. - [1910.212]

May

05/19/1981 - Machine anchoring requirements. - [1910.212]
05/14/1981 - Interpretation on the retention of x-ray films and employee access. - [1910.1020(d)(1)(i)]
05/12/1981 - Medical record retention requirements when companies contract outside agencies. - [1910.1020(d)(1)]
05/11/1981 - When use of equipment makes it impossible for employees to perform their work or exposes them to hazardous conditions they are not required to use the equipment. - [1926.28]

April

04/24/1981 - 1910.1020 does not apply to work situations with just safety hazards. - [1910.1020(b)]
04/14/1981 - Perimeter guarding of low-pitched roofs. - [1926.500]
04/09/1981 - Overhand Bricklaying - Applicability or Certain Standards. - [1926.28]
04/06/1981 - ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code - Stop valves upstream of relief valves. - [1910.169]
04/03/1981 - Applicability of Abrasive Wheel Machinery Guarding Requirements to Scotch-Brite Brand Wheels and Brushes Manufactured by the 3-M Company. - [1910.94; 1910.132; 1910.215]
04/01/1981 - Signs and protective equipment requirements for a vinyl chloride hazardous operation. - [1910.1017(b)(7)]

March

03/12/1981 - Security door lock system presently installed in the Research and Development building. - [1910.36; 1910.36(d)(1)]
03/06/1981 - Annual inspection of the fixed extinguishing system. - [1910.160]

February

02/26/1981 - Evaluation of the operating, Servicing, and Safety Instructions developed by Black Brothers Company, Inc. - [1910.212]
02/13/1981 - Height of enclosures for cantilever type personnel hoists. - [1926.552]
02/13/1981 - National Policy on Guarding Roving Frames - [1910.212; 1910.262]
02/12/1981 - Automatic sprinkler systems installed to meet a particular OSHA standard. - [1910.159]
02/12/1981 - Ladders and Scaffolding. - [1926.450]
02/03/1981 - Seismic explorations as it pertains to detonation. - [1926.900; 1926.905]

January