Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 004 Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.95(b)(1): When employees were subjected to sound exceeding those listed in Table G-16, feasible administrative or engineering controls were not utilized: a) Picking Room - Picking I, Employees slicing chicken shanks, were exposed to continuous noise exposure levels of 1,662% of the permissible noise dose on March 30, 2016, or an equivalent noise exposure of approximately 110.3 dBA as an 8-hr. time weighted average (TWA). This sample was taken for 465 minutes during one workshift, using a 90 dB threshold dosimeter. Zero exposure was assumed for the unsampled 15 minutes of the workshift. Exposure to continuous noise in excess of permissible limits can result in permanent hearing loss. The employer had not ensured that feasible engineering and administrative controls had been implemented. b) Picking Room - Picking II, Employees slicing chicken shanks, were exposed to continuous noise exposure levels of 2,225% of the permissible noise dose on March 30, 2016, or an equivalent noise exposure of approximately 112.4 dBA as an 8-hr. time weighted average (TWA). This sample was taken for 413 minutes during one workshift, using a 90 dB threshold dosimeter. Zero exposure was assumed for the unsampled 67 minutes of the workshift. Exposure to continuous noise in excess of permissible limits can result in permanent hearing loss. The employer had not ensured that feasible engineering and administrative controls had been implemented. c) Picking Room - Picking I, Employees slicing chicken shanks, were exposed to continuous noise exposure levels of 640% of the permissible noise dose on March 2, 2016, or an equivalent noise exposure of approximately 103.4 dBA as an 8-hr. time weighted average (TWA). This sample was taken for 171 minutes during one workshift, using a 90 dB threshold dosimeter. Zero exposure was assumed for the unsampled 309 minutes of the workshift. Exposure to continuous noise in excess of permissible limits can result in permanent hearing loss. The employer had not ensured that feasible engineering and administrative controls had been implemented. d) Picking Room - Picking III, Employees slicing chicken shanks, were exposed to continuous noise exposure levels of 295% of the permissible noise dose on March 30, 2016, or an equivalent noise exposure of approximately 97.8 dBA as an 8-hr. time weighted average (TWA). This sample was taken for 81 minutes during one workshift, using a 90 dB threshold dosimeter. Zero exposure was assumed for the unsampled 399 minutes of the workshift. Exposure to continuous noise in excess of permissible limits can result in permanent hearing loss. The employer had not ensured that feasible engineering and administrative controls had been implemented. Feasible controls applicable in these circumstances include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Picking room - Installation of barriers, baffles, sound-absorbing, or sound-damping materials to reduce employees' exposure to occupational noise. Abatement certification and documentation required within 10 days after abatement date. The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, the date and method of abatement, and state that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement. Abatement documentation shall include documents demonstrating that abatement is complete, such as evidence of the purchase or repair of equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement or other written records.