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.

May 11, 1983

Wayne G. Bodenheimer, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President
Colorado Hearing and Speech Center
4280 Hale Parkway
Denver Colorado 80220

Dear Dr. Bodenheimer:

Thank you for your letter of April 19, 1983, requesting information on the recordkeeping requirements for employee noise monitoring data contained in the March 8, 1983, hearing conservation amendment.

The employer is required to maintain an accurate record of all area or personal noise monitoring measurements taken. These noise exposure measurements records must be kept on file for at least two years, but do not necessarily have to be entered into each employee's personnel file. The employer is also required to perform an assessment of each employee's noise exposure, the actual noise exposure measured for that employee or the representativ exposure attributed to that employee. This assessment is part of the audiometric test record and must be retained for the duration of the affected employee's employement. The employer can enter this assessment into each employee's audiometric test record or trhe information can be maintained in a separate document that is kept or filed with the audiometric test results.

If you have any further questions regarding the hearing conservation amendment, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,



R. Leonard Vance, Ph.D.
Director
Health Standards Programs