Applicability of the noise standard to portable ear muff type radios.

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 16, 1983

Mr. Jerry D. Schmalfeldt
and Mr. Harold Parrett
Local 151, UAW-Amalgamated
1501 Eastern Avenue
Connersville, Indiana 47331

Dear Mr. Schmalfeldt and Mr. Parrett:

This is in response to your letter of August 5, 1983, in which you inquire whether there are any violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration noise regulations when employees wear portable ear muff type radios at work.

Requirement for instituting engineering and administrative controls for noise.

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.

June 9, 1987

Robert A. Dobie, M.D.
Chairman
Subcommittee, Medical Aspects of Noise
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington 98195

Dear Dr. Dobie:

This is in response to your letter of February 27 addressed to Mr. John B. Miles, Jr., concerning the requirement for instituting engineering and administrative controls for noise.

Recertifying technicians who do audiometric testing and pulmonary function testing.

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.

June 15, 1987

Mr. W. B. Treybig
Safety Engineer
PD GLYCOL
Gulf States Road
Post Office Box 3785
Beaumont, Texas 77704

Dear Mr. Treybig:

General review of the OSHA noise standard.

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 10, 1986

Dr. B. Pfeiffer
Berufsgenossenchafliches Institute
Fur Arbeitssicherheit
Lindenstrasse 80 Postfach 2043
5202 St. Augustin 2 Federal Republic of Germany

Dear Dr. Pfeiffer:

This is in response to your inquiry of July 23 concerning the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) standard for occupational noise exposure. We apologize for the delay in responding.

Regulations for the calibration of spirometers and audiometers;Regulations for the calibration of spirometers and audiometers.

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.

December 14, 1984

Robert W. Patterson, M.D.
Family Medical Center
Post Office Box 1860
Sanford, North Carolina 27330

Dear Dr. Patterson:

This is in response to your letter dated November 5 regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) regulations on the regular calibration of equipment, particularly spirometers and audiometers.

The best reference to answer your questions is OSHA's General Industry standards (enclosed).

Administrative controls and PPE used to reduce exposure below limits if engineering controls are not feasible.

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.

March 19, 1975

Leslie E. Anderson,
P.E. Chief Plant Engineer
Blackstone Corporation
1111 Allen Street
Jamestown, New York 14701

Dear Mr. Anderson:

Assistant Secretary John H. Stender has asked me to respond to your letter dated February 21, 1975, requesting a variance from Section 1910.95 Occupational Noise Exposure, of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards.

Policy concerning OSHA's Hearing Conservation Amendment

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.

July 19, 1989

Noise inspection conducted at Robben's Roost, Louisville, Kentucky.

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.

December 14, 1989

Mr. John R. Majka
5917 Six Mile Lane
Louisville, Kentucky 40218

Dear Mr. Majka:

This is an interim response to your letter of November 8, concerning a noise inspection conducted at Robben's Roost, Louisville, Kentucky.

I have referred your letter to Bruce Hillenbrand, Director, Directorate of Federal-State Operations. He is in the process of gathering information to comply with your request. As soon as he receives the information, he will contact you.

Free audiometric testing for employees exposed over the action level.

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.

July 27, 1987

Ms. Joyce Trackaler
Personnel Manager
GS Anchor Electric
Post Office Box 959
Manchester, New Hampshire 03105

Dear Ms. Trackaler:

This is in response to your letter of June 17 concerning audiometric testing.

The standard for occupational noise exposure, 29 CFR 1910.95, requires employers to make free audiometric testing available to all their employees who are exposed in a workday to at least the equivalence of 8 hours of noise of a constant sound pressure level of 85 dBA.

Field calibration of noise dosimeters.

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 10, 1986

P.W. Hess, Ph.D.
Director, Environmental Affairs
Hershey Foods Corporation
Technical Center
Post Office Box 805
Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033

Dear Dr. Hess: