OSHA Inspection: HP HOOD LLC

Issued

Dec 15, 2022

Abate by

Feb 3, 2023

Penalty

Initial $12,431 · Current $8,080 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.95(g)(6): At least annually after obtaining the baseline audiogram, the employer did not obtain a new audiogram for each employee exposed at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels :   a) Filler Room, on or about 7/26/2022: Machine Operator working on B2-Filler EH7 Area was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 97.3% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit.  The equivalent dBA for the 97.3 dose is approximately 89.8 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level.  The sampling was conducted on7/26/2022 for 480 minutes. Employee was wearing Moldex ear plugs.  Employees last audiogram  was 6/7/2018.     b) Q-Line Area, on or about 7/26/2022: Line Leader working on the Q 1&2 Lines was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 102.8% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit.  The equivalent dBA for the 102.8% dose is approximately 90.2 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level.  The sampling was conducted on 7/26/2022 for 480 minutes. Employee was wearing Moldex ear plugs.  Employees last audiogram was 9/11/2019.   c) Process Area, on or about 7/26/2022: A Process Operator was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 75.6% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit.  The equivalent dBA for the 75.6% dose is approximately 88.0 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level.  The sampling was conducted on 7/26/2022 for 469 minutes. Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 11 minutes not sampled. Employee was wearing E.A.R. ear plugs.  Employees last audiogram was 9/11/2019.   Abatement methodology:  Step 1: An effective hearing conservation program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.95(c) through (n) shall be maintained. An effective hearing conservation program shall include, at a minimum:   (1)  A baseline audiogram for all employees exposed to noise levels equal to or in excess of the standard. (2)  Annual audiograms for each overexposed employee. (3)  analysis of audiogram results with retesting and/or referral to an otolaryngologist or qualified physician when a significant threshold shift occurs.  A significant shift will be considered to be equal to or greater than an average of 30 dba over the 2000, 3000, and 4000 hertz frequencies. (4)  Where insert ear plugs or custom-molded devices are utilized, individual employee fitting shall be conducted by a trained person, and employees shall be instructed in the care and use of the devices.