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
Posting of the Occupational Noise Exposure Standard. 1910.95(l)(1)
Hearing conservation programs and "ear blasts" on communication headsets 1910.95
OSHA is currently considering criteria for recording occupational hearing loss on the OSHA form 200. 1910.95
Reduction of noise exposure for metal spray operations. 1910.95
Free audiometric testing for employees exposed over the action level. 1910.95
Recertifying technicians who do audiometric testing and pulmonary function testing. 1910.95, 1926.58
Requirement for instituting engineering and administrative controls for noise. 1910.95
Use of Walkman Radio, Tape, or CD Players and Their Effect When Hearing Protection Is In Use 1910.95(i)(2)(i), 1910.95(i)(2)(ii)
Applicability of 1910.95 to cotton gins. 1910.95
Calculating of hearing threshold shifts. 1910.95
Calibration of noise dosimeters 1910.95
Field calibration of noise dosimeters. 1910.95
Response to letter suggesting that the noise standard of 90 dB(A) is set at too high a level, and should be 85 dB(A) or less. 1910.95
Time period for notifying employees of a standard threshold shift (STS). 1910.95(g)(8)(i)
The noise standard applies to environments with undue atmospheric pressure. 1910.95
Interpretation concerning persistent standard threshold shift (STS) . 1910.95(g)(9)(i)
General review of the OSHA noise standard. 1910.95
Noise standards applicable to Metra are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Railroad Administration. 1975.1, 1910.95
Some employers have banned portable stereo headsets. 1910.95
Standard applicable to two point suspension scaffolds and power platforms used in window cleaning and to hazards in refrigeration plants. 1910.28, 1910.66, 1910.22, 1910.38, 1910.95, 1910.101, 1910.111, 1910.151, 1910.212, 1910.39