OSHA Inspection: FLUORTEK, INC.

Issued

Nov 8, 2013

Abate by

Nov 29, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,975 · Current $1,934 Reduced

Hazardous substances 81108111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(d)(1): When information indicated that any employee's exposure equaled or exceed the 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer did not develop and implement a monitoring program:    a)  Fluortek - An employee working in the Compound Rm was exposed to continuous noise at 111.2% of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an eight hour time weighted average of 90.7 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 420 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 60 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not develop and implement a representative monitoring program for those employees exposed over the action level of 85 dBA, on or about August 30, 2013.      b)  Fluortek - An employee working in the Compound Rm was exposed to continuous noise at 106.8% of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an eight hour time weighted average of 91.4 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 420 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 60 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not develop and implement a representative monitoring program for those employees exposed over the action level of 85 dBA, on or about August 30, 2013.      Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.      ABATEMENT NOTE:  Employees shall be informed of the following:  1. The effects of noise on hearing.  2. The purpose of hearing protectors, the advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types, and instructions on selection, fitting, use, and care.  3. The purpose of audiometric testing and an explanation of the test procedures.

Issued

Nov 8, 2013

Abate by

Nov 29, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 81108111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(g)(1): The employer did not establish and maintain an audiometric testing program as provided by 29 CFR 1910.95(g) by making audiometric testing available to all employees whose exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels:  a) Fluortek - An employee working in the Compound Rm was exposed to continuous noise at 111.2% of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an eight hour time weighted average of 90.7 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 420 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 60 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not provide audiometric testing for an employee on or about August 30, 2013.    b) Fluortek - An employee working in the Compound Rm was exposed to continuous noise at 106.8% of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an eight hour time weighted average of 91.4 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 420 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 60 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not provide audiometric testing for an employee on or about August 30, 2013.    Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

Nov 8, 2013

Abate by

Nov 29, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 81108111

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 29 CFR 1910.95(k). The employer did not institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program:  a) Fluortek - an employee working in the Compound Rm was exposed to continuous noise at 111.2% of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an eight hour time weighted average of 90.7 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 420 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 60 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not institute a training program for employees, on or about August 30, 2013.    b) Fluortek - an employee working in the Compound Rm was exposed to continuous noise at 106.8% of the exposure level of 90 dBA or an eight hour time weighted average of 91.4 dBA.  This exposure was observed over a 420 minute sampling period.  A zero exposure was assumed for the 60 minutes not sampled.  The employer did not institute a training program for employees, on or about August 30, 2013.    Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.

Issued

Nov 8, 2013

Abate by

Jan 17, 2014

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,970 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1): One or more methods of machine guarding was not provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by nip points:    a)  Compound Room - While employees are operating the mixing machine they are exposed to the unguarded pneumatically operated latch while assisting in closing the latch and during removal of plastic from the area, on or about October 22, 2013.          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, photograph or video evidence of abatement or other written records.

Issued

Nov 8, 2013

Abate by

Jan 17, 2014

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,970 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(ii): Point(s) of operation of machinery were not guarded to prevent employee(s) from having any part of their body in the danger zone(s) during operating cycle(s):        b) Compound Room - While employees are operating the mixing machine they are exposed to unguarded rotors while assisting with the plastic discharge, on or about October 22, 2013.    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, photograph or video evidence of abatement or other written records.

Issued

Nov 8, 2013

Abate by

Nov 29, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 8111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(l)(1): The employer did not post of copy of 29 CFR 1910.95 in the workplace:  a) Fluortek - On or about October 22, 2013, employees working in the Compound Room were required to be included in the hearing conservation program and a copy of the noise standard was not posted in the workplace.    Abatement certification required within 10 days after abatement date.  The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, date and method of abatement, and states that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement.