Subpart Z
Yes — the coal tar pitch volatiles requirements for construction are not different: the construction rule at 1926.1102 is identical to the general industry rule at 1910.1002. Paragraph text for 1926.1102 states that the requirements applicable to construction are identical to those set forth at 1910.1002.
The construction standard applies whenever the activity is construction work, not merely because the employer is a typical construction contractor. 1926.1102 links construction coverage to the requirements in 1910.1002. OSHA interpretation letters (for example, the asbestos remediation guidance at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-11-14) explain that remediation or repair activities involving hazardous building materials can fall under the construction standard even when performed by nontraditional construction firms, so determine coverage based on the nature of the work.
Follow the standard that applies to the type of work being performed: use 1926.1102 for construction activities and 1910.1002 for general industry tasks. The text for 1926.1102 explicitly ties construction requirements to 1910.1002, and OSHA interpretation letters (see https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-11-14) support determining coverage based on the activity being performed rather than the employer’s usual industry classification.
Yes — OSHA Letters of Interpretation provide the agency's official explanations of how standards apply and can clarify application questions, but they do not create new obligations beyond the standard text. For example, many interpretation letters explain how standards apply to particular operations (see the explanatory language in the head protection letter at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-06-06-2). Always read the letter together with the authoritative rule text at 1926.1102 and 1910.1002.
The official OSHA page for the construction rule is 1926.1102. The section’s metadata also references the Government Publishing Office e-CFR as the GPO source, but for OSHA-specific regulatory text and cross-references use the OSHA page at 1926.1102 and the general industry counterpart at 1910.1002.
Yes — the section text records Federal Register citations for the rule: 58 FR 35190 (June 30, 1993) and 61 FR 31427 (June 20, 1996). See the OSHA construction rule page at 1926.1102 for those references and consult 1910.1002 for the full regulatory provisions that are applied identically to construction work.
States with OSHA-approved State Plans must have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as Federal OSHA, but they may adopt more stringent requirements. For federal coverage and cross-reference use 1926.1102 and 1910.1002; see OSHA interpretation letters that note State Plans may be more stringent (for example, the rim wheel servicing letter at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-08-01). Employers should check their State Plan office for any state-specific requirements.
Start with the regulatory text at 1926.1102 and the identical provisions at 1910.1002; then review applicable OSHA Letters of Interpretation for clarifications (see examples at the OSHA interpretation pages such as https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-11-14). If you still need help, contact your regional OSHA office or your State Plan office for compliance assistance — interpretation letters and the OSHA regional offices can offer guidance tailored to your situation.
No — while guidance and interpretation letters help explain compliance expectations, you must base your written program and legal obligations on the rule text itself at 1926.1102 and the underlying provisions in 1910.1002. OSHA interpretation letters (for example, see https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-06-06-2) note that letters explain requirements but do not create additional employer obligations beyond the standards.