Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 004E Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.1053(i)(1)(i): The employer did not make medical surveillance available at no cost to each employee, and at a reasonable time and place, for each employee who has been occupationally exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year: In the molding area in the rear of the main foundry at 54 Western Avenue, West Springfield, MA: On October 4, 2023, and at times prior, the employer did not ensure that employees, who conduct mold fabrication, are provided an initial baseline medical examination, prior to performing such duties, and then one every three years thereafter. Personal air sampling results revealed that an employee was exposed to airborne RCS at an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) concentration of 77.24 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) during the sand molding process. The permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 50 ug/m3 as an 8-hour TWA. ABATEMENT NOTE: The initial baseline examination shall consist of the following elements: - Medical and work history with an emphasis on past, present, and anticipated exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS), - A physical examination - A chest x-ray - A pulmonary function test to include forced vital capacity, testing for latent tuberculosis, and other tests deemed necessary by the physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP). *Abatement notes are intended only to provide clarity regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies. Abatement notes do not create (or diminish) legal obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.