Purpose 

The purpose of the Validus Energy Hearing Conservation Program is to define the sound level exposures and monitoring requirements to ensure that Validus Energy employees work in a safe and healthy work environment.

The program is found on the Programs tab of Validus.Energy

General Requirements

Validus Energy will conduct noise surveys to determine whether hazards exist. 

Assessments will be done on a representative sample of employees and repeated as necessary based on results or changing exposures.

If Validus Energy employees have noise exposure equal to or exceeding the action level (85 Decibels) they will be included in the hearing conservation program.

Areas consistently over 85 Decibels (example: compressor sheds) will be marked with signage stating that hearing protection is required in that area.

Various types of hearing protection will be provided to employees at the Company’s expense. 

Policies
Any employee exposed to a time weighted average of 85 Decibels or greater will be included in the hearing conservation program.  The hearing conservation program includes:

·       Employee audiometric baseline testing

·       Employee annual audiometric testing

·       Evaluation of a Standard Threshold Shift by a licensed medical provides

·       Retraining as necessary

 

Surveys
A representative group of Validus Energy employees will be sampled regularly to determine if there is a time weighted exposure that meets the requirements for inclusion into the program.  This sampling will be done by a qualified third party.

 

The results will include the following information:

·       Name of area and location 

·       Date and time of survey 

·       Name of person conducting survey 

·       Description of instrument used (model and serial number)

·       Environmental conditions 

·       Description of people tested

 

Signs
Clearly worded signs will be posted at the entrance or outer boundary of areas where employees may be exposed to noise levels more than 85 Decibels.

Records
Validus Energy will maintain records of employee exposure measurements as required by CFR 1910.95 

Any employee who participates in the testing will recieve documentation of the results and exposure.

Employee audiograms are considered medical/exposure records and must be kept for the length of employment plus 30 years.