OSHA Inspection: BEDFORD SEALCOATING

Issued

Oct 18, 2011

Abate by

Jan 2, 2012

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $1,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.52(d)(1):  In all cases where the sound levels exceeded the values shown in Table D-2 of 29 CFR 1926.52, a continuing, effective hearing conservation program was not administered:         a.     Jobsite, Somersworth, NH - On or about 6/8/11, employee was exposed to noise at a level of 98.8 decibels (dB) for an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) while operating the blow torch during crack sealing operations, which was in excess of the permissible exposure level of 90 dB, and a continuing, effective hearing conservation program had not been administered.    Abatement Note:  An effective hearing conservation program for the construction industry consists of the following elements:    (1)  Monitoring of employee noise exposures;    (2)  The institution of engineering, work practice, and administrative controls for excessive noise;    (3)  The provision of each overexposed employee with an individually fitted hearing protector with an adequate Noise Reduction Rating (NRR);    (4)  Employee training and education regarding noise hazards and protective measures;    (5)  Baseline and annual audiometry;    (6)  Procedures for preventing further occupational hearing loss by an employee whenever such an event has been identified; and     (7)  Recordkeeping.