Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.95(c)(1): A continuing, effective hearing conservation program as described in 29 CFR 1910.95(c) through (n) was not instituted when employee noise exposures equaled or exceeded an 8 hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 dBA: a) Production Area, on or about 8/15/17: An employee working as a Prater Operator was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 141.3% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit. The equivalent dBA for the 141.3% dose is approximately 92.5 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level. The sampling was conducted on 8/15/17 for 423 minutes. Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 57 minutes not sampled. Employee was wearing ear plugs. b) Production Area, on or about 8/15/17: An employee working as a Dryer Operator was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 78.4% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit. The equivalent dBA for the 78.4% dose is approximately 88.2 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level. The sampling was conducted on 8/15/17 for 418 minutes. Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 62 minutes not sampled. Employee was wearing ear plugs. c) Production Area, on or about 8/15/17: An employee working as a General Laborer was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 84.2% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit. The equivalent dBA for the 84.2% dose is approximately 88.8 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level. The sampling was conducted on 8/15/17 for 418 minutes. Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 62 minutes not sampled. Employee was wearing ear plugs. d) Production Area, on or about 8/15/17: An employee working as a General Laborer was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 84.9% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit. The equivalent dBA for the 84.9% dose is approximately 88.8 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level. The sampling was conducted on 8/15/17 for 415 minutes. Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 65 minutes not sampled. Employee was wearing ear plugs. e) Production Area, on or about 8/15/17: An employee working as a Shift Supervisor was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 68.2% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit. The equivalent dBA for the 68.2% dose is approximately 87.2 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level. The sampling was conducted on 8/15/17 for 415 minutes. Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 65 minutes not sampled. Employee was wearing ear plugs. Abatement methodology: Step 1: An effective hearing conservation program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.95(c) through (n) shall be maintained. An effective hearing conservation program shall include, at a minimum: (1) a baseline audiogram for all employees exposed to noise levels equal to or in excess of the standard. (2) Annual audiograms for each overexposed employee (3) analysis of audiogram results with retesting and/or referral to an otolaryngologist or qualified physician when a significant threshold shift occurs. A significant shift will be considered to be equal to or greater than an average of 30 dba over the 2000, 3000, and 4000 hertz frequencies. (4) Where insert ear plugs or custom-molded devices are utilized, individual employee fitting shall be conducted by a trained person, and employees shall be instructed in the care and use of the devices.