OSHA Inspection: BROWDER VENEER WORKS, INC

Issued

Mar 28, 2016

Abate by

Jun 7, 2016

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,926 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 29 CFR 1910.9(c) through (o) whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level of 85 decibels measured on the A scale, or equivalently a dose of fifty percent:    (a)Debarker Operator: On or about January 13, 2016 and at times prior thereto the employer exposed an employee to noise levels of 91.0% (equivalent to an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) of 89.3 dBA) which is 1.82 times the Action Level of 50% (equivalent to an 8 hour TWA of 85 dBA) while operating the debarker. Results were calculated for 450 minutes sampling period; exposure calculations included a zero increment for 30 minutes not sampled. The employer failed to administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program.    (b)Chipper operator: On or about January 13, 2016 and at times prior thereto the employer exposed an employee to noise levels of 500.8% (equivalent to an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) of 101.6 dBA) which is 5.008 times the permissible daily noise exposure of 100% (equivalent to an 8 hour TWA of 90 dBA) while operating the chipper. Results were calculated for 450 minutes sampling period; exposure calculations included a zero increment for 30 minutes not sampled. The employer failed to administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program.    (c)Lathe operator: On or about January 13, 2016 and at times prior thereto the employer exposed an employee to noise levels of 151.0% (equivalent to an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) of 92.9 dBA) which is 1.51 times the permissible daily noise exposure of 100% (equivalent to an 8 hour TWA of 90 dBA) while operating the Lathe. Results were calculated for 449 minutes sampling period; exposure calculations included a zero increment for 31 minutes not sampled. The employer failed to administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program.    (d)Rip saw operator: On or about January 13, 2016 and at times prior thereto the employer exposed an employee to noise levels of 78.2% (equivalent to an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) of 88.2 dBA which is 1.564 times the Action Level of 50% (equivalent to an 8 hour TWA of 85 dBA) while operating the rip saw. Results were calculated for 443 minutes sampling period; exposure calculations included a zero increment for 37 minutes not sampled. The employer failed to administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program.

Issued

Mar 28, 2016

Penalty

Initial $2,975 · Current $1,636 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(4)(i): Unguarded projecting shaft end(s) did not present a smooth edge and end and projected more than one half the diameter of the shaft.   (a) Chipping area: On or about January 13, 2016 and at times prior thereto the employer exposed employees to caught-by hazards from unguarded projecting shaft  that projected 2.3 inches long with diameter of 1.6 inches wide.

Issued

Mar 28, 2016

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(4)(ii): The unused keyway(s) of projecting shaft end(s) were not filled up or covered:  (a) Big Lathe grading table: On or about January 13, 2016 and at times prior thereto the employer exposed employees to caught-by hazards from projecting shaft with unused keyway.

Issued

Mar 28, 2016

Penalty

Initial $2,975 · Current $1,636 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(d)(1): Pulley(s) with part(s) seven feet or less from the floor or work platform were not guarded in accordance with the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o):  (a) Big lathe grading table: On or about January 13, 2016 and at times prior thereto the employer exposed employees to caught-by hazards from pulleys with parts seven feet or less from the working platform that were not guarded in accordance with the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.219 (m) and (o).

Issued

Mar 28, 2016

Abate by

Apr 5, 2016

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,926 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3): Sprocket wheels and chains which were seven -7 feet or less above floors or platforms were not enclosed:  (a) Chipping area: On or about January 13, 2016 and at times prior thereto the employees were exposed to caught-by hazards from sprocket wheels and chains which were seven  7 feet or less above work platform.

Issued

Mar 28, 2016

Abate by

Apr 5, 2016

Penalty

Initial $2,975 · Current $1,636 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords were not connected to devices and fittings so that tension would not be transmitted to joints or terminal screws:   (a) Chipping area: On or about January 13, 2016 and at times prior thereto the employer exposed employees to electrical hazards from flexible cords that were not connected to devices and fittings connecting to the motor so that tension would not be transmitted to joints or terminal screws.