• Respiratory Protection Program

    Respiratory Protection Program

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  • Purpose 

    The purpose of the Validus Energy Respiratory Protection Program is to define the requirements for Validus Energy employees who are required to wear respiratory protection as specified in 29 CFR 1910.134.

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

    General Requirements

    Validus Energy will conduct hazard assessments to determine if hazards exist that require the use of respirators.


    Validus Energy will provide medical clearance and fit testing if required.
    Training on the use and care of respiratory protection equipment will be provided.


    Contractors performing activity on Validus energy worksites requiring respiratory protection must conduct appropriate hazard assessments and comply with the requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.134.


    Each contract company that supplies workers to a Validus worksite requiring Respiratory Protection must have a program administrator designated.

  • Hazard Assessments 

    The primary respitatory hazard found on Validus Energy worksites is the potential exposure to Hydrogen Sulfide or H2S.

    Employees are provided early detection devices and shall evacuate the area before being exposed to H2S concentrations that approach IDLH Levels.

    IDLH Means Immediately Dangerous to life and Health.  That level for H2S is 100 Parts per million.

    In areas where there is the potential to be exposed to H2S in an IDLH concentration, Validus Employees shall be provided with emergency escape only respirators.

    If a personal H2S monitor goes into alarm mode, workers evacuate the area and wait for personnel who have been trained and fit tested to clear the area.

  • Fit Testing


    Validus Energy employees wearing respirators must be fit tested before initial use and annually thereafter.


    The employee must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used.

     

    Fit testing is not required for emergency escape respirators or those using respirators voluntarily.

    Medical Evaluations


    All Validus Energy employees wearing respiratory protection must have completed a medical evaluation prior to wearing a respirator.

    The healthcare provider will make a recommendation concerning an employee's ability to use a respirator:
      • The type and weight of the respirator to be used by the employee.
      • The duration and frequency of respirator use (including use for rescue and escape).
      • The expected physical work effort.
      • Additional protective clothing and equipment to be worn, and
      • Temperature and humidity extremes that may be encountered.

    Information regarding medical evaluations, fit testing and the respirator program will be maintained by the EHS Department. 

  • SCBAs (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) have been selected as the respiratory protection equipment to be used due to the IDLH properties of Hydrogen sulfide.

    Employee participation in the program is voluntary and if no employees volunteer, a qualified third-party company will clear locations following an alarm as specified in the H2S policy.

    For those employees who have volunteered to wear a SCBA, Validus Energy has selected the Scott Industrial 30-minute SCBA.  Each employee will be provided with his/her own mask.

    All Employees who have volunteered to wear SCBAs must be clean shaven to achieve a full seal.

    All Validus Energy SCBAs will be used only in Positive Pressure mode. (Air always flowing)

     

  • Inspection, Cleaning and Repair

    Respirators are inspected before use.  All respirators used in routine situations shall be inspected before each use and during cleaning.

    All respirators maintained for use in emergency situations will be inspected monthly to ensure they are functional in the event of an emergency.

    SCBA masks are issued to each user and must be cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to be maintained in a sanitary condition.

    Validus Energy employees may not attempt to repair any respirator.  If an inspection reveals a defect or mechanical issue, the respirator shall be removed from service immediately.

  • Voluntary Use


    If an employee chooses to voluntarily wear a respirator when not required by this program (contaminants do not meet protection standards, odors, etc.) they will receive awareness level training and are required to sign the voluntary use form found on the forms page of Validus.Energy.

  • Certification

    By signing below, I certify that I have reviewed the Validus Energy Respiratory Protection Program. I also watched the video in its entirety. If I have a question about potential exposures, I will discuss with my supervisor or EHS. I will complete the voluntary use form if wearing a respirator where not required.
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