Thirty-day audiogram retest window

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

March 16, 1995

Ms. Monica Verros, R.N., C.O.H.N.
Occupational Health Advisor
IBP, Inc.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Ms. Verros:

Thank you for your letter dated February 27, requesting an interpretation regarding the proper recording procedures for cases involving occupational hearing loss. If an audiogram shows a hearing loss that is recordable on the OSHA Form 200, the date entered in Column (b) is the date the employee was tested. If a retest performed within 30 calendar days of the initial test shows the hearing loss is not recordable, the original entry may be lined out. A retest audiogram may not be substituted for an initial audiogram unless it is obtained within thirty calendar days of the date of the initial audiogram. The thirty day retest time was adopted to enable employees to learn about their state of hearing as soon as practicable and is consistent with the requirements found in 29 CFR 1910.95(g)(7)(ii).

I hope you find this information useful. If you have any further questions, please contact us at Area Code (202) 219-6463.

Sincerely,
Bob Whitmore
Chief
Division of Recordkeeping Requirements