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
Red Light Therapy Wraps 2
Software used to generate Equivalent OSHA Forms 300 and 300A 6
Enforcement Stay of the COVID-19 Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements under 29 CFR 1910.502 6
Asbestos standards applicable to disaster remediation of a home structure 5
Is the use of paraffin wax as a form of topical heat application considered medical treatment beyond first aid for OSHA recordkeeping purposes 3
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Feasibility and "Alternative Methods" 5
Stairway Width 3
Inspection Guidance for Animal Slaughtering and Processing Establishments 13
European Commercial Metric (C-type) tires for commercial cargo vans 2
Applicability of OSHA's definition of oxygen-deficient atmosphere to Air Force facilities 5
Determining if an employee’s death would be work-related when involved in a motor vehicle accident 3
Fall Protection on low slope roofs 3
Requirements of Mobile Ladder Stand Platforms Used to Access CNC Machines 9
Cranes and the use of protective helmets 5
Storage of pre-charged air conditioners and heat pumps in warehouses or distribution centers 1
Sanitation facilities for railroad track employees and roadway maintenance groups 2
Enforcement Guidance Under OSHA's Recordkeeping Regulation When First Aid, Active Release Techniques (ART), and Exercise/Stretching Are Used to Treat Musculoskeletal Injuries and Illnesses 9
Sulfur sticks and hot work requirements 1
Update to Enforcement Procedures for Failure to Submit Electronic Illness and Injury Records under 29 CFR 1904.41(a)(1) and (a)(2) 6
Hazard assessments for PPE at disaster clean-up sites with multiple employers 4