Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/973524
palletcentral.com PalletCentral • March-April 2018 19 Threshold Shift (STS) as determined through medical tests by an audiologist. OSHA often issues citations to pallet manufacturers for excessive noise levels, or failure to conform to the detailed Hearing Conservation Programs (HCP) and recordkeeping requirements of 29 CFR 1910.95, the general industry noise standard. The standard requires employees to be enrolled in an HCP, and receive free audiometric examinations annually, if they are exposed above the action level of 85 dBA TWA. These workers must also be furnished with appropriate hearing protection, to be worn in areas where the noise levels may exceed the "action level." Earplugs made from foam, waxed cotton, or fiberglass wool are self-forming and usually fit well. For those employees who cannot wear earplugs, or in situations where earplugs will not be sufficiently protective, alternative hearing protection will be provided, or worker rotation (to limit the duration of exposure) must be used. Workers must be trained on the proper use of hearing protection, in a language and vocabulary that they understand. The training must cover when the PPE is needed (all day or certain assignments), which type(s) of hearing protection must be worn for which tasks (as noise levels may vary), how to clean and maintain it (if non-disposable, such as ear muffs), and when to dispose of it (when using the foam type ear plugs). Hearing protection devices must be provided to workers at no cost to them by the employer, including temporary workers who will be exposed to high noise levels. Employee Rights to Information Workers have the right to observe noise monitoring and sampling for toxic chemicals, and this includes harmful physical agents, such as noise. Both the employer's and OSHA's sampling results must be made available to employees. The employer must also share information with the affected workers about how they plan to reduce noise exposures – including any engineering controls or work practice changes that the employees must follow or maintain. Under OSHA law, employers must explain to employees their rights and responsibilities under OSHA's standard on Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records (29 CFR 1910.1020). Employers should watch for chemical products containing neurotoxins or nephrotoxins, as these may also impact worker hearing.