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
Audiograms conducted in accordance with the hearing conservation amendment. 1910.95(g)(7)(ii)
Interpretation of "effective hearing conservation program". 1910.95(g)(10)(i)
Fast response noise dosimetry measurement not acceptable. 1910.95
Regulations for the calibration of spirometers and audiometers;Regulations for the calibration of spirometers and audiometers. 1910.1043, 1910.95
Quest Bio Acoustic Simulator may be used for daily audiometer checks. 1910.95(h)(5)(i)
Questions and answers relative to the noise standard. 1910.95
Baseline audiograms must be established even if medical problem exists. 1910.95
"Laboratory-based noise reduction" defined. 1910.95
A film can meet training requirements if questions are answered. 1910.95(k)
March 1, 1984 is the deadline for baseline audiograms 1910.95(c)
Costs of employee training under the noise standard paid by employer. 1910.95(k)
Use of the "hold" switch on audiometers when background noise levels exceed the criteria in Table D-1. 1910.95 App C, 1910.95 App D
One type of muff and plug available for employee hearing protector selection. 1910.95(i)(3)
Ear muffs and ear plugs are not both required if one offers protection. 1910.95(i)(3)
Notification requirements for standard threshold shifts. 1910.95
Applicability of the noise standard to portable ear muff type radios. 1910.95
Citation guidelines in relation to monitoring programs. 1910.95(d)
Methods of training for microprocessor audiometer technicians. 1910.95(c)
Audiometer calibration requirements of the March 8, 1983 Hearing Conservation Amendment. 1910.95(h)(5)
Comparison to baseline audiograms and retest audiograms 1910.95