In addition to the general information collected during all health inspections, OSHA may collect the following
information where it is pertinent to evaluate compliance with OSHA standards
(1910.95,
1926.52, or
1926.101):
- Employee Data, including:
- Distance from the employee to the primary noise source(s)
- Need for the employee to be present or in close proximity to the noise field
- Employee exposure time pattern
- Existence of any known employee auditory problems (ear infections, ringing in the ears, or trouble with hearing after the work shift)
- Employee's opinion of the practicality of potential noise controls with respect to machine operation, where relevant
- Hearing protection provided and any problems with its use or acceptance by employees
- Time since the last audiometric examination and frequency of such examinations
- Machine and Process Data, including:
- Type of machine, and a brief description of it and the process, including identifying numbers, sketches, and photographs whenever possible
- Condition of the machine (age and maintenance status)
- Machine operation (speed, cycle times, parts per minute, and materials used)
- Apparent existing noise and vibration controls
- Source(s) and characteristics of the noise
- Fan oise, for example, may be continuous or noncontinuous or have discrete and broad band components.
- Octave band analyzers, real time analyzers, and narrow band analyzers may be useful in determining sources of noise.
- Practical engineering and administrative controls and estimated costs of such controls
- Building Data, including:
- Size and shape of the room
- Layout of equipment, work stations and break areas
- Surface materials for ceiling, walls, and floors (for example, steel, cinderblock, and concrete)
- Existing acoustical treatment
- Potential acoustical treatment
- Noise from other sources (spill-over noise)
- Presence of barriers or enclosures
- Employer Data, including:
- What has been done to control the noise (have consultants been used, is plant noise monitored, and are controls implemented?)
- Plans for the future
- Administrative controls used and their enforcement
- Hearing Loss Data, including:
- Document the following when hearing loss is used to support a citation:
- The amount of the threshold shift and date it was recorded.
- Employee's exposure level.
- Frequency and duration of employee's exposure.
- Length of employment.
- Explanation of any follow-up measures taken.
- Duration of audiometric testing program.
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