OSHA Inspection: D & D PALLETS

Issued

Feb 3, 2023

Abate by

May 5, 2023

Penalty

Initial $3,349 · Current $1,680 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.95(c)(1):The employer shall 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.  On or about November 17, 2022, the following employees were exposed to noise levels which equaled or exceeded an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 dBA:  1.  The employee operating the pallet dismantler was exposed to an 8-hour noise level of 89.84 dBA.  (Equivalent dose of 97.74%).  Time sampled was 422 minutes (An increment of zero was added for 58 minutes not sampled).  2.  The employee operating the pneumatic nail gun was exposed to an 8-hour noise level of 91.91 dBA.  (Equivalent dose of 130.4%).  Time sampled was 418 minutes (An increment of zero was added for 62 minutes not sampled).  The employer did not establish and maintain a continuing, effective hearing conservation program for these employees.  Abatement documentation is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).