Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 001 Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.95(d)(3): Repeat employee exposure monitoring was not performed whenever a change in production, process, equipment or controls increases noise exposure: On or about April 17th, 2024, employees working in the cheese drying department, were exposed to high noise levels equivalent or exceeding the 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) of 85 dBA and the employer did not repeat employee exposure monitoring was not performed whenever a change in production, process, equipment or controls increases noise exposure, such as the installation of the new conveyor systems within the past 5 years. (a) Dry Line 51 & 53 - On or about April 17th, 2024, a general laborer was exposed to noise at 173.3% of the permissible daily dose, or an average sound level of 91.6 dBA, as measured over 666 minutes of sampling. This dose is equivalent to an 8-hour TWA exposure of 94.0 accounting for the period of 0 minutes not monitored. (b) Dry Line 51 & 53 - On or about April 17th, 2024, a general laborer was exposed to noise at 140.1% of the permissible daily dose, or an average sound level of 90.7 dBA, as measured over 667 minutes of sampling. This dose is equivalent to an 8-hour TWA exposure of 92.4 accounting for the period of 0 minutes not monitored. (c) Room 2, Line 4 - On or about April 17th, 2024, an operator was exposed to noise at 78.66% of the permissible daily dose, or an average sound level of 85.5 dBA, as measured over 706 minutes of sampling. This dose is equivalent to an 8-hour TWA exposure of 88.3 accounting for the period of 0 minutes not monitored. (d) Line 1 - On or about April 17th, 2024, an operator was exposed to noise at 84.03% of the permissible daily dose, or an average sound level of 86.2 dBA, as measured over 687 minutes of sampling. This dose is equivalent to an 8-hour TWA exposure of 88.8 accounting for the period of 0 minutes not monitored. No abatement certification or documentation is required for this item.