The use of ANSI S3.1-1999 (R2018) MPANLs for audiometric 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.

October 11, 2022

Dr. James A. Norris
Edare, LLC
48 Lafayette Street
Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766

Dear Dr. Norris:

Measurement of background noise levels for audiograms

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 28, 2021

Ms. Renée Lefrançois
Director of Audiology
Shoebox Inc.
80 Aberdeen Street, Suite 301
Ottawa, ON K1S 5R5, Canada

Dear Ms. Lefrançois:

Audiometric Test Rooms

  • Part Number:
  • Part Number Title:
  • Title:
  • GPO Source:

Appendix D to § 1910.95 - Audiometric Test Rooms

This appendix is Mandatory

Rooms used for audiometric testing shall not have background sound pressure levels exceeding those in Table D-1 when measured by equipment conforming at least to the Type 2 requirements of American National Standard Specification for Sound Level Meters, S1.4-1971 (R1976), and to the Class II requirements of American National Standard Specification for Octave, Half-Octave, and Third-Octave Band Filter Sets, S1.11-1971 (R1976).

Use of the "hold" switch on audiometers when background noise levels exceed the criteria in Table D-1.

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 3, 1984

Mr. Mark R. Doyle
General Manager
1833 East 17th Street
Suite 103
Santa Ana, California 92701

Dear Mr. Doyle:

Thank you for your letter of December 12, 1983, in which you requested an official interpretation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concerning Appendix D of the OSHA Noise Standard: Audiometric Test Rooms.

Frequency of evaluating audiometric testing rooms to meet the specifications in Appendix D of the Occupational 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.

February 14, 2005

Ms. Kathleen Brunell, RN
All Saints Medical Group
2405 Northwestern Ave.
Racine, WI 53404

Dear Ms. Brunell: