OSHA standards for video display workplaces

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

February 3, 1986
Ms. Anita Dvorak
Swedish Embassy
Office of the Attache
[Recipient address omitted]
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

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]