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 29, 1988

Ms. Lisa Smith Sanders
Spriggs, Bode & Hollingsworth
Attorneys and Counselors
1015 Fifteenth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005-2686

Dear Ms. Sanders:

Your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request of February 22, addressed to the Directorate of Health Standards, for standards, guidelines or other information regarding noise generated by aircraft, worker exposure to jet fuel emission, worker exposure to high noise levels and other substances has been forwarded to this office for reply.

In response to question number 1, I have enclosed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Occupational Noise Exposure Standard, 29 CFR 1910.95. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) may have additional information on this subject as well as the Department of Defense, the United States Air Force and the Environmental Protection Agency. The address and telephone numbers for these Agencies are:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
600 Independence Avenue S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20546
Telephone: 202-453-1000

 

Department of Defense
The Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20301-1155
Telephone: 202-545-6700

 

 

Department of the Air Force
The Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20330
Telephone: 202-545-6700

 

 

Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
Telephone: 202-382-5078

 

 

You may ask them to refer you to the appropriate office.

 

In response to question #2, enclosed is the OSHA Air Contaminant Standard 29 CFR 1910.1000 which has standards for certain components of jet fuel emissions such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and certain hydrocarbon emissions. (Refer to enclosures in response to question #5 for more information on these substances.) The above Agencies may also have additional information on this subject.

With regard to question number 3, we are enclosing the OSHA Occupational Noise Exposure: Hearing Conservation Amendment, 29 CFR 1910.95 for your information. The Preamble summarizes studies on hearing loss form noise exposure and refers to additional studies as well. If you are interested in obtaining any of these studies you may write to or visit the OSHA Docket Office.

The address and telephone number are:

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA
Docket Office N3670
200 Constitution Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20210

 

The Docket Office files are public documents and are not covered under FOIA.

 

In response to question #4, we do not have in our files, studies or other data on health complications resulting from continued exposure to jet fuel emissions. However, you may wish to contact the OSHA Technical Data Center for public literature available on this subject. The address is:

U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA
OSHA Technical Data Center
Room N2439 Rear
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20210
Telephone: (202) 523-9700

 

Also enclosed, in response to question number 5, is the OSHA Air Contaminant Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1000 as well as the Occupational Health Guidelines published jointly by OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. For general information on hydrocarbons we have enclosed excerpts from the Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety published by the International Labor Office. As you can see, hydrocarbons cover a large group of substances and OSHA cannot send you substance-specific standards unless you specify which hydrocarbons you are interested in.

 

I hope this information is helpful to you.

Sincerely,



Edward J. Baier
Director
Directorate of Technical Support