OSH 225 DB
WEEK 6
Q1. Please explain what a variance is and provide an example of when you might use this process.
A variance permits an employer to deviate from certain requirements related to OSHA standards under
specified conditions. These variances do no provide an exemption from the standard, with the exception of
situations that involve national defense. These variances can be requested for many reasons such as not
being able to fully comply with a new standard because of shortage or personnel, materials or equipment
or because there are other avenues in which the employer feels are better suited to protect its workers or
are better than the written standards. There are several types of variances that can be requested such as a
permanent variance, temporary variance, experimental variance, national defense, interim order or
recordkeeping variances. Permanent variances can be given so long as the employer can provide evidence
that the alternative methods provides workers safety and health protections that is either equal to or
greater than the written standard. A Temporary variance grants the employer limited relief from complying
with a newly established standard because of not being able to fully comply with said standard in the
established amount of time because of personnel issues, technical matters, materials or equipment. An
