Retention of Spirometry Records

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

September 18, 2019

Mary C. Townsend, Dr.P.H.
M.C. Townsend Associates, LLC
289 Park Entrance Drive
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15228

Dear Dr. Townsend:

1910.1020 requirements regarding employee drug testing results.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

October 14, 1999

Mr. Jerry Gillooly
Safety Director
Bohl Equipment Company
534 Laskey Road
Toledo, OH 43612

Dear Mr. Gillooly:

Thank you for your November 19, 1997 letter regarding the applicability of 29 CFR 1910.1020 (formerly 1910.20), Access to employee exposure and medical records, to results of employee drug testing. I apologize for the delay in our response.

Employer's obligation to maintain and transfer medical records after the retainment period has passed.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

April 15, 1999

Ms. Joan L. Davis, RN, MS, COHN-S
Corporate Occupational Health Services
Abbott Laboratories
200 Abbott Park Road
Building AP52-South
Abbott Park, IL 60064-3537

Dear Ms. Davis:

Employers must provide exposed employees access to their medical and exposure records.

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. This 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. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

January 23, 2001

Ms. Lydia Tichy
1519 Aquarius
Nampa, ID 83651

Dear Ms. Tichy:

Thank you for your November 7, 2000 letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed and may not apply to situations outside of your original letter. You had specific questions about OSHA's Access to employee medical and exposure records standard under 29 CFR 1910.1020. Your question and our reply follow.