OSHA Inspection: POLYMER GRINDING INC.

Issued

Feb 26, 2020

Abate by

Apr 16, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,856 · Current $2,000 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8111

General-duty citation text

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)  In the Facility, on or about February 19, 2020 - The employer did not institute a continuing effective hearing conservation program when employee noise exposures exceeded an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level of 85 dBA.  An employee designated as a laborer was exposed to noise at a level of 141.8% of the allowable limit during a 218 minute sampling period on February 19, 2020.   This exposure is equivalent to a sound level of 92.5 dBA for the dose and time of employee exposure and is 2.8 times in excess of the 85 dBA action level (50%) at which the hearing   conservation program is required.    b)  In the Facility, on or about February 19, 2020 -  An employee designated as a laborer was exposed to noise at a level of 224% of the allowable limit during a 242 minute sampling period on February 19, 2020.   This exposure is equivalent to a sound level of 95.8 dBA for the dose and time of employee exposure and is 4.48 times in excess of the 85 dBA action level (50%) at which the hearing conservation program is required.    c)  In the Facility, on or about February 19, 2020 -  An employee designated as a laborer was exposed to noise at a level of 333% of the allowable limit during a 242 minute sampling period on February 19, 2020.   This exposure is equivalent to a sound level of 98.7 dBA for the dose and time of employee exposure and is 6.66 times in excess of the 85 dBA action level (50%) at which the hearing conservation program is required.

Issued

Feb 26, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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)  In the Facility, on or about February 19, 2020 - The employer did not develop and implement a noise monitoring program when employee's noise exposures equaled or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels.  (See descriptions of employee noise exposures in Citation 1, Item 1, Instances a-c).

Issued

Feb 26, 2020

Abate by

Apr 16, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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)  In the Facility, on or about February 19, 2020 - The employer did not establish and maintain an audiometric testing program when employee's noise exposures equaled or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels.  (See descriptions of employee noise exposures in Citation 1, Item 1, Instances a-c).

Issued

Feb 26, 2020

Abate by

Apr 16, 2020

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 29 CFR 1910.95(k):      a)  In the Facility, on or about February 19, 2020 - The employer did not provide noise related training to employees whose noise exposures equaled or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels.  (See descriptions of employee noise exposures in Citation 1, Item 1, Instances a-c).        ABATEMENT NOTE:    The employer shall ensure that each employee is informed of the following:    i)  The effects of noise on hearing;    ii)  The purpose of hearing protectors;  the advantages, disadvantages and attenuation of various types;  and instructions on selection, fitting, use and care;  and    iii)  The purpose of audiometric testing and an explanation of the test procedures.

Issued

Feb 26, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(l)(1): The employer did not make available to affected employees or their representatives copies of 29 CFR 1910.95 and did not post a copy in the workplace:    a)  In the Facility, on or about February 19, 2020 - The employer did not post and make available a copy of 29 CFR 1910.95, the Occupational Noise Standard in the workplace.

Issued

Feb 26, 2020

Abate by

Apr 1, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.145(c)(3):  Safety instruction signs shall be used where there is a need for general instructions and suggestions relative to safety measures:  a)  Grinding Area, on or about February 19, 2020 - The employer did not provide safety instruction signs requiring the use of hearing protection around the grinder.  Employees are exposed to noise in excess of the 90 decibel permissible noise exposure limit.