OSHA Inspection: SIMMONS MACHINE TOOL CORPORATION

Issued

Dec 27, 2013

Penalty

Initial $1,517 · Current $991 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(c)(1): The employer did not administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program, as described in paragraphs (c) through (o) of this section, whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 decibels measured on the A scale (slow response) or, equivalently, a dose of fifty percent. For purposes of the hearing conservation program, employee noise exposures shall be computed in accordance with appendix A and Table G-16a, and without regard to any attenuation provided by the use of personal protective equipment.    (a) On or about 07/09/2013, at establishment, for employee using the abrasive blasting booth. Employer and abrasive blasting hood manufacturer survey and studies, respectively, indicated that noise levels inside the booth range between 116 dBA and 129 dBA. When inspection was opened, employer could not produce a written hearing conservation program.

Issued

Dec 27, 2013

Abate by

Jan 29, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(k)(1): The employer did not train each employee who is exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time weighted average of 85 decibels in accordance with the requirements of this section. The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program.  (a) On or about 07/09/2013, at establishment, for employee using the abrasive blasting booth. Noise levels documented by the employer inside the booth during abrasive blasting activities ranged between 120 dBA and 124 dBA. Employee performing abrasive blasting was not made aware of the effects of noise on hearing, the purpose of hearing protectors, advantages / disadvantages and attenuation of various types, instructions on selection, fitting, use and care and purpose of audiometric testing and the testing procedure followed.

Issued

Dec 27, 2013

Abate by

Jan 29, 2014

Penalty

Initial $1,785 · Current $991 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1): In any workplace where respirators are necessary to protect the health of the employee or whenever respirators are required by the employer, the employer did not establish and implement a written respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures:     (a) On or about 07/09/2013, at establishment, for employee wearing an RPB Nova 2000 Type CE, continuous flow, supplied-air respirator/abrasive blasting hood while performing abrasive blasting and a North Model #5500 and/or #7700 half-facepiece, air-purifying respirators when spray painting; and for employees who use Gerson Model  #1740, disposable particulate, N95 respirators voluntarily when performing cleaning and welding activities.

Issued

Dec 27, 2013

Abate by

Jan 29, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(k)(1): The employer did not ensure that each employee can demonstrate knowledge of at least the following:  (i) Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator; (ii) What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator are; (iii) How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions; (iv) How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the seals of the respirator; (v) What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of the respirator; (vi) How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators; and (vii) The general requirements of this section.  (a) On or about 07/09/2013, at establishment, for employee wearing an RPB Nova 2000 Type CE, continuous flow, supplied-air respirator/abrasive blasting hood while performing abrasive blasting and a North Model #5500/7700 half-facepiece, air-purifying respirators when spray painting; and for employees who use Gerson Model #1740, disposable particulate, N95 respirators voluntarily when performing cleaning and welding activities.