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 3, 1986
Ms. Anita Dvorak
Swedish Embassy
Office of the Attache
for Working Environment
Suite 1200
600 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
Dear Ms. Dvorak:
This is in response to your inquiry of January 22, requesting information concerning possible Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards or guidelines for the testing of video display units (VDUs) and the determination of the quality of VDU work environments.
OSHA is the Federal regulatory agency concerned with workplace safety and health conditions. OSHA does not approve, endorse or test products of any kind. Testing for VDUs is under the jurisdiction of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the U.S. Food and Drug administration (FDA). I am forwarding a copy of your letter to:
Mr. Arthur Ball
Television Products
Section HFZ 312
FDA - Center for Devices and
Radiological Health
8756 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910
OSHA has issued no required standards or guidelines for the design of office environments or video display units. OSHA is in the process of producing a pamphlet "Working Safely with Video Display Terminals," (VDTs) that will discuss ergonimics considerations for VDT use. If you desire, I will be more than happy to send you a copy of the pamphlet when it is published.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has conducted numerous ergonomics and health studies on computer-based work environments, especially those with VDTs. Contact NIOSH directly for results of its programs:
National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45226
Please contact my office if further assistance is necessary.
Sincerely,
Alphonse Abider
Acting Director
Office of Science and
Technology Assessment
OSHA
Office of Technical Support
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20210
Dear Sir:
We have received an urgent request from Dr. Ricardo Edstroem of the National Swedish Board of Occupational Safety and Health. He would like to receive as much information as possible regarding the following:
I Are tests performed on VDU equipment? Mandatory/voluntary?
II Are quality evaluations from the working environment point of view made on VDU equipment?
For I and II
- What guidelines are used?
- Who performs the evaluation/test?
- What are the consequences of this?
We would very much appreciate your kind assistance with the above as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Anita Dvorak
Office of the Attache
for Working Environment