Cheyenne Drilling, LP

HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Note: Although OSHA CFR 1910.95(m)(3) states that the requirements for a Hearing Conservation Program shall not apply to employers engaged in oil and gas well drilling and servicing operations, OSHA CFR 1926.52 “Occupational Noise for Construction” standards clearly identify the requirement for a continuing, effective hearing conservation program to be administered. Cheyenne Drilling, LP shall use this Hearing Conservation Program as a guideline to protect employees in the event that future noise survey data or dosimeter data indicates employees exceed a time-weighted average of noise exposure at or greater than 85 dba.

1.0 PURPOSE

To protect Cheyenne Drilling, LP employees from exposure to high occupational noise levels that may cause temporary or permanent hearing loss or impairment.

2.0 SCOPE

This procedure applies to all Cheyenne Drilling employees.

3.0 REFERENCES

Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart E, 1910.95, Occupational Noise Exposure National Safety Council, Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene.

4.0 DEFINITIONS

In order to perform hearing conservation properly certain terms must be defined. A list of such terms and their definitions may be found in Appendix G of this part.

5.0 PROCEDURE

5.1 Background Information

This is no cure for noise-induced hearing loss, so the prevention of excessive noise exposure is the only way to avoid hearing damage. Therefore, all employees exposed to noise at or above the action level shall participate in the hearing conservation program. Hearing protectors will be provided and employees will wear them in designated areas or while doing designated tasks. Training shall also be provided for all affected employees.

5.2 Responsibility

All area supervisors are responsible for the establishment and maintenance of good health and safety practices. Participation and support of the Hearing Conservation Program by managers, operations, administrative employees and visitors is essential for this program to be successful.

5.2.1 The HSE Manager will act as the Hearing Program Administrator. Responsibilities will include:

· Establish program in accordance with the Cheyenne Drilling HSE Manual.

· Identify, record, and post high-noise levels as required by OSHA/Corporate regulations.

· Evaluate possible engineering and/or administrative controls for applicability.

· Identify employees who require ear protectors and hearing tests.

· Select and provide various styles of ear protectors that meet OSHA requirements.

· Coordinate employee testing and training.

· Maintain all required records and review results of all hearing tests.

· Periodically review program effectiveness, including rules and records review and employee and supervisor interviews.

· Make available, when requested by any employee, the text of OSHA 29CFR1910.95.

5.2.2 Area Supervisors will:

· Maintain an awareness of the approximate noise levels in their areas and on rig locations.

· Request a noise survey when a change in equipment or procedure may increase exposure to noise.

· Ensure all employees are aware of the requirements for hearing protection in designated/posted areas.

· Ensure appropriate hearing protection is worn and properly maintained.

5.2.3 Employees will:

· Properly use and maintain hearing protection as required.

· Report any suspected changes in noise levels of equipment.

· Participate in testing and training as required.

5.3 Program Elements

The Cheyenne Drilling Hearing Conservation Program is comprised of five basic elements:

5.3.1 Exposure Monitoring

The HSE Manager shall ensure monitoring of all work areas where noise levels are suspected to be near or above the action level. Monitoring will be performed according to OSHA guidelines. Exposure monitoring results shall be maintained for at least two years.

Employees who are exposed to noise at or above the action level will be placed in the Hearing Conservation Program.

Monitoring shall be repeated whenever a change in process, equipment or controls increases noise exposures to the extent that:

· Additional employees may be exposed to the noise action level,

or…

· The hearing protection being used may no longer provide adequate protection for noise exposure.

The HSE Manager shall notify each employee exposed at or above the action level and provide them the opportunity to observe noise measurements (when scheduled).

5.3.2 Audiometric Testing

Every employee who is exposed at or above the action level (at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels) will be given an annual audiometric test (audiogram) conducted by a certified clinical audiologist in accordance with OSHA and ANSI requirements.

· New employees will be given a baseline test during their first week of employment if they work in a designated high noise area and employee noise exposure tests reveal exposures greater than the 85 decibel TWA. Baseline testing shall be preceded by at least 14 hours without exposure to workplace noise (ear protectors may be worn to protect from high noise levels during this period). Employees shall be notified of this 14-hour requirement.

· The HSE Manager or a designee will arrange for audiometric testing and will notify employees when testing is scheduled. The HSE Manager will maintain the test results for the duration of the employee(s) employment at Cheyenne Drilling.

· When applicable, each employee(s) annual audiogram will be compared to their baseline or previous year audiogram to determine if the test is valid and if a standard threshold shift has occurred. This evaluation will be performed by the firm administering the test and reviewed by the HSE Manager.

· If the test indicates a standard threshold shift, Cheyenne Drilling may arrange a retest of the affected employee within 30 days. If final test results show that an employee has suffered a standard threshold shift, the employee will be notified, in writing, within 21 days of the determination.

· A physician will determine whether a standard threshold shift is work related or may be aggravated by occupational noise exposure. When a standard threshold shift occurs, the following steps will be taken:

§ If the employee is not using hearing protection, he/she will be fitted with them, trained in their use and care, and be required to use them.

§ If the employee is already using hearing protection, he/she will be refitted and retrained in their proper use. If necessary, they will be provided with ear protectors offering greater protection (higher NRR rating).

5.3.3 Hearing (Ear) Protection

Employees exposed at or above the action level will wear hearing (Ear) Protectors. Hearing protection can be obtained from the HSE Manager or his designee and will be replaced as necessary.

· Employees will be given the opportunity to select their ear protectors from a variety of suitable types.

· The HSE Manager or a designee will provide training, ensure proper initial fitting and will supervise the correct use and care of all hearing protection devices.

· If necessary, employees already using ear protectors shall be refitted and retrained in their use, and provided with protectors offering greater attenuation (higher NRR rating).

5.4 Hazardous Noise Area Identification

Hazardous noise areas, those areas in excess of 82-dB (A), are identified with signs that state the following:

CAUTION!
HAZARD NOISE AREA!

HEARING PROTECTION REQUIRED BEYOND THIS POINT!

Individual pieces of powered equipment that operates above 85-dB (A) are identified with signs that state the following:

CAUTION!

HEARING PROTECTION REQUIRED WHILE OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT!

Temporary high noise areas will have a sign stating that hearing protection is required. Areas where noise levels exceed 110-dB (A) must be posted with a sign indicating dual hearing protection is required.

6.0 EMPLOYEE TRAINING

Initial and annual training will be provided to all employees exposed to noise at or above the action level. Training will cover at a minimum:

· The effects of noise on hearing,

· The purpose of hearing protection devices,

· The advantages, disadvantages and attenuation levels of various types,

· Instruction on selection, fitting, use and care

· The purpose of audiometric testing and an explanation of test procedures, and

· The findings of any work area monitoring.

The training program and informational materials shall be updated and consistent with changes in protective equipment and work processes. Cheyenne Drilling shall have and make available any noise exposure monitoring results of all rig locations and shop/yard facilities.

7.0 RECORDKEEPING

The HSE Manager or a designee shall keep associated records as follows:

· Noise exposure measurement records will be retained for a minimum of two years.

· Audiometric test records will be retained for the duration of the affected employee(s) employment.

Audiometric test records shall include:

· Name and job classification of the employee

· Date of the audiogram

· Examiner(s) name

· Employee(s) most recent noise exposure assessment

· Date of the last acoustic or exhaustive calibration of the audiometer

All records will be provided, upon request, to:

· Employees

· Former employees

· Employee representatives designated by the employee

· Authorized OSHA and State OSHA representatives

Copyright 2003 Cheyenne Drilling, LP All rights reserved