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OSHA interpretation · 1994-04-08

Retest of audiogram for hearing loss.

← All interpretations§ 1904

OSHA’s standing caveat

Interpretation letters explain existing requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Enforcement guidance may be affected by later changes to OSHA rules, and a letter addresses the facts it was given — not necessarily yours.

April 8, 1994 Ms. Mary McDaniel, M.S., CCC-A V.P. - Coordinator of Services Washington Audiology Services, Inc. 6987 Perimeter Road South Suite 100 Seattle, Washington 98108-3840 Dear Ms. McDaniel: Thank you for your letter dated March 18, requesting an interpretation on the proper recording of hearing loss on the OSHA Form 200. Your letter was forwarded to the OSHA Office of Statistics by the Directorate of Compliance. The Division of Recordkeeping Requirements is responsible for the maintenance of the injury and illness recordkeeping system nationwide. As outlined in the September 4, 1991 letter to Paul Williams of General Dynamics, the retest audiogram must be completed within 30 calendar days of the initial test to be used as a substitute for the initial audiogram. If the retest is given after thirty days, the recorded case may not be lined out even if the audiogram shows that the shift was not permanent. This retest time limit was established to be consistent with the requirements of the Occupational Noise Exposure standard. Please be aware, however, that the criteria for recording hearing loss on the OSHA Log has no effect on employers obligations under the Occupational Noise Exposure standard (29 CFR Part 1910.95). I hope you find this information useful. If you have any further questions, please contact us at Area Code: (202) 219-6463. Sincerely, Robert Whitmore Chief Division of Recordkeeping Requirements

Reproduced verbatim from osha.gov. US Government work, public domain (17 U.S.C. § 105).

Other letters on the same sections

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