HAZWOPER
Geiger-Mueller counters
ften used to take measurements before work may begin beta and gamma are the most commonly found forms of radiation at hazardous waste sites,
When HAZWOPER Does Not Apply
incidental releases that are limited in quantity and pose no safety and health threat to employees working in the immediate vicinity of the spill incidental release does not have the potential to become an emergency within a short time
Sampling Plan
incorporated into the site-specific safety and health plan. Background information Sample collection details Selection of sampling equipment Personal protective equipment Decontamination Standard operating procedures Sample integrity Recordkeeping Packaging and shipping
Personal monitoring
sampling the immediate surroundings of persons in their work environments. Potential contamination at such sites requires that individuals as well as the general environment be continually monitored for the presence of dangerous gases, vapors, and particulates. One means of doing this is by sampling the immediate surroundings of persons working in a contaminated environment. Placing sampling devices on the affected workers in their breathing zones can aid in determining and verifying contamination levels previously obtained by direct-reading equipment.
Precision
statistical measurement of an instrument's ability to reproduce a reading
Solids toxicology
principal hazard is usually from dusts or fumes produced when solids change form. For example, polyurethane foam, when burned, gives off cyanide gas. Routes of entry in this case are inhalation, ingestion (saliva), and skin absorption.
Where should decon facilities be located
contamination reduction zone (CRZ), the area between the exclusion zone (the contaminated area) and the support zone (the clean area).
Selection of Chemical Protective Clothing
the chosen material resists: Permeation Degradation Penetration
radiation dosage that causes half of the exposed population to experience nausea (due to damage to the intestinal lining)
100,000 mrem (radiation therapy patients)
Regulation covering Head Protection
29 CFR 1910.135 ANSI Z89.1 Class G - General helmets Impact and penetration resistant Electrical protection (2,200 volt) Class E - Electrical helmets Impact and penetration resistant Electrical protection (20,000 volt) Class C - Conductive helmets Impact and penetration resistant No electrical protection -Type I - Top impact resistant -Type II - Top & Side impact resistant
Passive vs active locator systems
A good passive locator system is a site map with flags or color-headed pins identifying each worker. Active locator systems can also be used. These are worn or carried by individual personnel and are activated by actions such as flipping a switch, a decrease in air supply, or a fall. They have the advantage of precisely locating individuals.
Liver toxicology
Main processing organ for toxins carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, tannic acid, and trichloroethylene.
Decon SOP
Minimize contact with hazardous substances Use remote sampling Protect equipment Wear disposable outer garments Use disposable equipment
Confined space entry program recordkeeping and updates
The entry permit is kept for one year. Employers must perform a review of the permit-required confined space program within one year after each entry or do an annual review covering all entries during a 12-month period. After the review, the program should be revised, as necessary, to ensure safety. If no entries are performed during a 12-month period, then no review of the program is required.
level of site control needed depends on:
Site characteristics Site size Surrounding community
Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps are portable and have relatively high pumping rates. However, they are heavy, awkward, expensive, and difficult to decontaminate in the field. Sometimes a dedicated submersible pump will be left at each well.
At regular meetings, before daily work assignments are given out, the individual conducting the meeting should discuss:
Tasks to be performed Time constraints Hazards that may be encountered Emergency procedures
The type of ventilation is dependent upon two principles:
The effect of the contaminant's vapor density Application of positive or negative pressure
Personnel who are required to work in a confined space or in support of those working in a confined space have additional responsibilities in the following areas:
Planning entry and exit procedures Rescue and training drills at intervals as determined necessary by the employer Use of testing equipment for atmospheric monitoring Lockout procedures Ventilation Duties of attendant and entrant Safety equipment use
Use the following remote-controlled devices for opening drums:
Pneumatically operated impact wrench to remove bungs Hydraulically or pneumatically operated drum piercers Backhoes equipped with bronze spikes for penetrating drum tops in large-scale operations
Suppose prior analysis has established that the dust at a certain site contains 5 percent lead and 1 percent arsenic. During subsequent monitoring, the concentration of dust is found to be 2 mg/m3. The concentration of lead and arsenic?
calculated to be 0.1 mg/m3 and 0.02 mg/m3 respectively: (Percentage of component/100) X amount of dust present in air = concentration of each component 0.05 x 2 mg/m3 = 0.1 mg/m3 lead 0.01 x 2 mg/m3 = 0.02 mg/m3 arsenic
Sensitivity
ability of an instrument to accurately measure changes in concentration
excavation
any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth's surface by the removal of earth. This includes any excavation for construction or maintenance purposes as well. A trench is a narrow excavation made below ground level in which the depth is greater than the width. The maximum size of a trench is limited to a width of 15 feet.
Transmission Prevention Strategies
Universal precautions, engineering controls, and use of personal protective equipment are all effective measures for reducing the exposure risk to employees. In the hospital and other healthcare settings, universal precautions should be followed when workers are exposed to blood, certain other body fluids (amniotic fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, synovial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, semen, and vaginal secretions), or any body fluid (including saliva during dental procedures) visibly contaminated with blood. Emergency medical and public-safety workers are at higher risk for contracting HBV. This group includes: Fire service personnel Emergency medical technicians Paramedics Law enforcement and correctional facility personnel Available vaccines stimulate active immunity against HBV infection and provide over 90 percent protection against hepatitis B for seven or more years following vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccines are also 70-to-88 percent effective when given within one week after HBV exposure. The hepatitis B vaccine is strongly endorsed by the medical, scientific, and public health communities as a safe and effective way to prevent hepatitis B disease and possible death. Hepatitis B vaccines have been shown to be very safe when given to: Infants Children Adults There is no confirmed evidence that indicates that hepatitis B vaccine can cause chronic illnesses. You may have hepatitis B (and be spreading the disease) and not know it; sometimes a person with HBV infection has no symptoms at all. Only a blood test can tell for sure. If you have symptoms: Your eyes or skin may turn yellow. You may lose your appetite. You may have nausea, vomiting, fever, or stomach or joint pain. You may feel extremely tired and not be able to work for weeks or months. In addition to universal precautions, the following accepted measures will help reduce employee risk to contracting bloodborne diseases: 1. After use, disposable syringes and needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp items should be placed in puncture-resistant containers for disposal; the puncture-resistant containers should be located as close as practical to the use area. 2. Hands and other skin surfaces should be washed immediately and thoroughly if contaminated with blood, other body fluids to which universal precautions apply, or potentially contaminated articles. Hands should always be washed after gloves are removed, even if the gloves appear to be intact. 3. All spills of blood and OPIM should be promptly cleaned up using an EPA-approved germicide or a 1:100 solution of household bleach in the following manner while wearing gloves. Visible material should first be removed with disposable towels or other appropriate means that ensure against direct contact with blood. The germicidal solution should be carefully poured onto the spill surface, and left for 20 minutes (or whatever the manufacturer's instructions state). After adequate contact time, the germicidal should be washed off with clean water, and then, the area should be scrubbed with a liquid soap, and rinsed. Gloves should be worn throughout this activity and if splashing is anticipated, protective eyewear should be worn along with an impervious gown or apron which provides an effective barrier to splashes. 4. Although soiled linen can be contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms, the risk of actual disease transmission is low. All soiled linen should be handled as little as possible, with minimum agitation, and bagged at the location where it was used. Linen soiled with blood should be placed and transported in labeled bags that prevent leakage. Normal laundry cycles should be done according to the washer and detergent manufacturers' recommendations. Personnel involved with handling and sorting contaminated laundry should wear protective equipment such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection. 5. Protective work clothing contaminated with blood or other body fluids to which universal precautions apply should be placed and transported in labeled bags or containers that prevent leakage. Personnel involved in bagging, transport, and laundering contaminated clothing should wear gloves. 6. Infectious waste shall be handled as a regulated waste, and as such, shall be stored, transported, and disposed of according to current and applicable local, state, and federal regulations. These precautions are to be employed in the context of an overall exposure control program. An effective program will also include: Classification of work activities Development of standard operating procedures Provision for training and education Development of procedures to ensure and monitor compliance Workplace redesign
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan definition
defines oil as any kind of oil in any form, including petroleum, fuel oil, sludge, oil refuse, and oil mixed with wastes but not dredged spoil (dirt or rock). Response actions conducted under the NCP must comply with the provisions of HAZWOPER. if your workers are participating in a response action under the NCP, you must have an occupational safety and health program consistent with HAZWOPER and you must train your workers according to HAZWOPER's training requirements.
Reproductive organs toxicology
PCBs
Beta and gamma monitor
The instrument's probe (or ionization chamber) has a window which is opened to monitor beta/gamma radiation or closed to monitor only gamma radiation. Geiger-Mueller counters are an example of this type of monitor. They are used often at hazardous waste sites. EPA recommends that a radiation monitor be used during initial site entry since radiation can only be detected by survey instruments.
Fumes toxicology
Tiny particles are produced from heating, volatilization, and condensation of metals (examples: zinc oxide fumes from welding of galvanized metal). toxic fumes may result from the burning of non-toxic substances.
Cave in Protective Systems:
Use sloping to protect workers by cutting back the trench wall at an angle inclined away from the excavation not steeper than a height/depth ratio of 1.5:1, according to the sloping requirements for the type of soil. Use shoring to protect workers by installing supports to prevent soil movement for trenches that do not exceed 20 feet in depth. Use shielding to protect workers by using trench boxes or other types of supports to prevent soil cave-ins. Always provide a way to exit a trench (such as a ladder, stairway or ramp) no more than 25 feet of lateral travel for employees in the trench. Keep spoils at least two feet back from the edge of a trench. Make sure that trenches are inspected by a competent person prior to entry and after any hazard-increasing event such as a rainstorm, vibrations, or excessive surcharge loads.
Decon effectiveness testing
Visual observation Wipe sampling Cleaning solution analysis Testing for permeation
Carcinogens
benzene, benzopyrene, asbestos fibers, acrylonitrile, and DBCP (dibromochloropropane).
Kidneys toxicology
most heavy metals (mercury, lead, arsenic lithium)
Oxidizers
oxidizers DO NOT BURN; rather they support and intensify combustion. material that is normally difficult to ignite may flash into flames in an oxidizer enriched atmosphere
Hazard Communication Standard
requires employers to evaluate chemical hazards in their facilities and to communicate related hazard information to employees
Bloodborne Diseases
two viruses of greatest concern are Hepatitis B (liver) and HIV. OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030 requires that the employer establish a written exposure control program when employees can be exposed as part of their duties.
OSHA and NIOSH
- OSHA: establishes workplace standards for general industry, construction, shipyard employment, and for long shoring and marine terminals - NIOSH: OSHA needs subject-specific information. Because of this need, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH, was created as a research agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. NIOSH conducts research on occupational hazards. Based on the research results, NIOSH makes recommendations to OSHA regarding the creation or revision of OSHA standards.
Regulation covering Eye and Face Protection
29 CFR 1910.133 ANSI Z87.1-
most common types of radiation found at hazardous waste sites
Beta and gamma Normally, when beta radiation is present, gamma radiation is also present; therefore, it is permissible to monitor for both types of radiation with a single survey meter.
The reliability of the data depends upon several instrument characteristics
Response time Sensitivity Selectivity Accuracy and precision
Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) and Quantitative Fit Test
Respirator fit test that measures the wearer's response to a test agent, such as irritant smoke or odorous vapor. Quantitative Fit Test
Amplification
ability to increase very small electronic signals emanating from the detector to the readout Changing the amplification of the detector does not change its sensitivity. However, amplification can be useful in calibration. Instruments with amplifier circuits can be affected by radio frequency from pulsed DC or AC power lines, transformers, generators, and radio wave transmitters.
Job safety analysis
assesses the potential hazards posed by doing a specific task Identify the site tasks that have the potential for injury or illness. List the steps involved to perform the task. Use the steps to identify potential hazards associated with each step. Determine the best method of protection.
Sampling systems rely on
collection of integrated samples. Integrated samples are collected when the sensitivity of an analytical method requires minimum sample periods or volumes, or when comparison must be made to an 8-hour, time-weighted average Threshold Limit Value (TLV) or to an OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). Therefore, these are typical of on-site measurements.
Exposures above the TLV-TWA up to the STEL should not ...
be longer than 15 minutes and should not occur more than four times per day with at least 60 minutes between exposures
purpose of sampling
determine the characteristics of a source material based on testing a small selected amount. In order for those characteristics to truly describe the source, sampling procedures must be carefully planned and performed, and the sample must be representative of the waste from which it was taken. EPA specifies how to determine where to take samples so that they are representative of the entire area or container. On a hazardous waste site, a sample can come from one of two sources: The environment Hazardous waste
IDLH exposure concentrations
established by the NIOSH/OSHA Standards Completion Program (SCP) as a guideline for selecting respirators for some chemicals. ndicate those concentrations of toxic substances from which escape is possible without irreversible harm should a worker's respiratory protective equipment fail.
sampling standard operating procedure
hould be developed to ensure safety and efficiency during the sampling process. A well-organized approach to sampling can reduce many of the dangers associated with the procedure. Sampling personnel must be informed of their roles and be required to comply with the safe work practices written in the SOPs.
explosion-proof instrument
ignition source is enclosed in a rigidly built container. When the flammable atmosphere enters the instrument during monitoring, both the arc and any small explosion it generates are contained within the specially built enclosure. Flames or hot gases in the enclosure are cooled before they exit the instrument back into the ambient flammable atmosphere. Thus, the explosion is contained.
Response time
length of time the monitor takes from when it senses a contaminant until it generates data The length of the response time depends on: The test(s) to be performed Dead time between sample periods (the time for analysis, data generation, and data display) Sensitivity of the instrument
Lockout
process of blocking the flow of energy from a power source to a piece of equipment and keeping it blocked out. A lockout device is a: Lock Block Chain These devices keep valves or levers in the OFF position.
Common causes of fire and explosions
moving drums, accidentally mixing incompatible chemicals, or introducing an ignition source (such as a spark from equipment) into an explosive or flammable environment ignition source such as grinding, cutting or welding on metal producing sparks.
If PELs exceed limits on the site for these 28 substances,
personal monitoring is required and the following guidelines should be used: Sample workers who are known to be in the most highly exposed location. If the most hazardous locations have not been determined, sample all workers for a week. Group workers by exposure levels. Sample some members of each group every week. Change the plan each time conditions change on the site.
N, R, or P to indicate the filter's ability
"N" means Not resistant to oil; "R" means somewhat Resistant to oil; and "P" means strongly resistant to oil, or oil-Proof.
A comprehensive PPE plan should include:
- Hazard identification -Medical monitoring and employee medical prequalification -Environmental surveillance -Selection, use, maintenance, and decontamination of PPE -Employee training (completed prior to actual PPE use in a hazardous environment) The PPE plan should be reviewed at least annually and the results of a program evaluation should be posted for employees to review.
TLD (Thermoluminescent dosimeter)
badges provide a permanent record of an individual's dose equivalent of beta, gamma, and x-ray radiation. The Albedo TLD is a neutron dose detection device worn when working in or around a neutron radiation field. Such dosimeters must be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
SDS sections
1. Identification 2. Hazard(s) Identification 3. Composition/Information on Ingredients 4. First-Aid Measures 5. Fire-Fighting Measures 6. Accidental Release Measures 7.Handling and Storage 8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection 9. Physical and Chemical Properties 10. Stability and Reactivity 11. Toxicological Information 12. Ecological Information 13. Disposal Considerations 14 Transport Information 15 Regulatory Information 16 Other Information
Types of Direct-Reading Instruments
1. Oxygen availability monitoring 2. Combustibility monitoring 3. Toxic atmosphere monitoring, which includes: - Colorimetric indicator tubes (detector tubes) - Specific chemical monitors - Photo ionization detector - Flame ionization detector - Aerosol monitor 4. Radiation monitoring
DOT Class 1 explosives
1.1 - Explosives with a mass explosion hazard 1.2 - Explosives with a projection hazard 1.3 - Explosives with predominantly a fire hazard 1.4 - Explosives with no significant blast hazard 1.5 - Very insensitive explosives 1.6 - Extremely insensitive explosive articles
Relevant Occupational Safety and Health Standards include:
1910 Subpart D - Walking-Working Surfaces 1910 Subpart E - Means of Egress 1910 Subpart F - Powered Platforms, Manlifts, and Vehicle-Mounted Work Platforms 1910 Subpart G - Occupational Health and Environmental Control 1910 Subpart H - Hazardous Materials 1910 Subpart I - Personal Protective Equipment 1910 Subpart J - General Environmental Controls 1910 Subpart K - Medical and First Aid 1910 Subpart L - Fire Protection 1910 Subpart M - Compressed Gas and Compressed Air Equipment 1910 Subpart N - Materials Handling 1910 Subpart O - Machinery and Machine Guarding 1910 Subpart P - Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Other Hand-Held Equipment 1910 Subpart Q - Welding, Cutting, and Brazing 1910 Subpart S - Electrical 1910 Subpart T - Commercial Diving Operations 1910 Subpart Z - Toxic and Hazardous Substances
Regulation covering Foot Protection
29 CFR 1910.136 ASTM International standards, F 2412, Test Methods for Foot Protection, and F 2413, Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear,
Safety checklist
A list of hazardous substances used in the workplace is maintained and readily available at the worksite. There is a written hazard communication program addressing Safety Data Sheets (SDS), labeling, and employee training. Each container of a hazardous substance (vats, bottles, storage tanks) is labeled with product identity and a hazard warning(s) (communicating the specific health hazards and physical hazards) as required by OSHA, DOT, and the United Nations. There is an effective employee training program for hazardous substances.
Typical items located in a refuge area include:
A sitting/resting area that should be shaded if possible Water for decontamination Wind indicator Communication system with the command post First-aid supplies (e.g., eyewash, stretcher, blanket) Special monitoring devices (e.g., extra detector tubes and personal monitors) Bolt cutters Fire extinguisher Hand tools
ANSI for hand protection
ANSI/ISEA 105-2016
Types of corrosives
Acids - corrosives (produces hydrogen ions) Base - caustics (produces OH ions) batteries to toilet bowl cleaners, disinfectants, and rust-proofing agents
HCV
Based on limited studies, the risk for infection after a needlestick or cut exposure to HCV-infected blood is approximately 1.8 percent. The risk following a blood splash is unknown, but is believed to be very small. However, HCV infection from such an exposure has been reported.
UV light detection for decon
Certain contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (which are common in many refined oils and solvent wastes) fluoresce
Chemical injury factors
Concentration of acid or base Quantity Body area affected Duration
Flammable solids
cause fire through friction, absorption of moisture, spontaneous chemical change, or retained heat from manufacturing or processing rinitrotoluene, naphthalene, and methyl parathion.
OSHA requires the use of supplied-air respirators at...
concentrations of 19.5 percent oxygen or lower.
Site characterization and 3 phases
continual gathering and evaluating conditions, has to be done because as work changes so do hazards The off-site survey The on-site survey On-going monitoring
Hazardous mixtures examples
Corrosives and poisons (cyanide, sulfide salts, etc.) - possible toxic vapors Corrosives and ignitable materials (flammable, combustible materials) - strong acids/bases mixed with combustible liquid Corrosives and metal - destruction of the metal, production of hydrogen gas
Pre-employment screening has two major functions:
Determination of an individual's fitness for duty, including the ability to work while wearing protective equipment. Provision of baseline data for comparison with future medical data.
When are OSHA regs updated
Each CFR volume is updated once per calendar year. As of July 1 each year, OSHA's regulations (Title 29) are updated. After six months, new volumes are received.
Sample Labels
Each sample container should be specifically labeled. Serially numbered sample labels or tags should be assigned to sampling team personnel and recorded in the field logbook when attached to samples. Lost, voided, or damaged labels should be noted in the logbook. Labels should be firmly affixed to the sample containers, using either gummed labels or tags attached by string or wire.
three factors necessary for a fire
Fuel (something to burn) An oxidizer to promote burning (oxygen source) An ignition source
Personal Locator Systems
In an emergency, it is vital for the project team leader (or designee) and rescue personnel to rapidly determine where workers are located and who may be injured. A passive locator system (i.e., a written record of the location of all personnel on site at any time) could be used to help find personnel in an emergency.
Calibration Requirements for Radiation Detectors
NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) states that a survey instrument can be considered properly calibrated when the instrument readings are within ±10 percent of the calculated or known values for each point checked. Readings within ±20 percent are considered acceptable if a calibration chart or graph is attached to the instrument.
DOT Labels
Nine hazard classes
Off-Site Personnel
Off-site personnel can also be of help during an emergency. They include individual experts such as meteorologists or toxicologists, and representatives from local, state, and federal organizations offering rescue, response, or support. As part of advance planning, site personnel should: Make arrangements with individual experts to provide guidance as needed. Arrange with the appropriate agencies (e.g., local fire department, state environmental agency, EPA regional office) for support. Alert these authorities to the types of emergencies that may arise and quantities of hazardous materials being used. Determine their estimated response times and resources.
Safe Distances and Refuges (Safety Stations)
On-site refuges (safety stations) can be set up for localized emergencies that do not require site evacuation. These refuges should only be used for essential needs, such as short rest breaks, emergency response strategy meetings, or temporary relief during mild cases of muscle strain and heat stress. The refuge should be located in a relatively safe, but not necessarily the "clean" area; for example, along the upwind fence line in specially cleared places or on the boundary of the exclusion zone.
PASS System of Using Portable Fire Extinguishers
P - Pull the pin. A - Aim nozzle at base of flames. S - Squeeze the trigger. S - Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering the area of the fire with the extinguishing agent.
There are two types of forced ventilation:
Positive-pressure ventilation Negative-pressure ventilation
Electrical Shock Emergency Procedures
Protect yourself from electrocution. Shut off the power. If it is impossible to de-energize the circuit, pry or knock the victim free with a nonconductive object. Never attempt to pull the victim away by hand. Call for medical assistance as soon as you have freed the injured person. If necessary, administer CPR to the victim. Current studies indicate that CPR when required is helpful even when administered by a person not properly trained. Remember, when a person's heart stops beating, he or she is dead, so improperly performing CPR will not kill anyone.
First aid On-Site Preparation
Provide a standard first aid kit or equivalent supplies, plus additional items such as emergency/deluge showers, stretchers, portable water, ice, emergency eyewash, decontamination solutions, and fire extinguishing blankets. Restock supplies and equipment immediately after each use and check them regularly. An AED can be kept on project sites however employees should be trained in its use as part of their CPR & first aid training.
RCRA and CERCLA
RCRA regulates an industry's management of its hazardous wastes from the time the wastes are generated to the time they are disposed of on-site or off-site. (Cradle to grave) CERCLA regulates and enforces the clean-up of abandoned hazardous waste sties and hazardous waste sites created prior to RCRA.
Standpipe and Hose Systems: Section 1910.158
Section Applies to Class II and III This section applies to all small hose, Class II, and Class III standpipe systems installed to meet the requirements of a particular OSHA standard. Standpipes will be protected: The employer shall assure that standpipes are located or otherwise protected against mechanical damage. Damaged standpipes should be promptly repaired. Examples of equipment that needs to be maintained include: Hose reels and cabinets Hose outlets and connections, mounting Hose, connected or readily available Nozzles, shut-off type (straight or fog) Water supply, 100 gpm for 30 minutes The following maintenance should be routine for all equipment: Water supply tanks should be kept full. Valves should be kept fully open. Hose systems should be inspected annually and after use. Re-rack hemp or linen hoses annually. Trained personnel should conduct inspections.
Three types of rescue can be employed in the confined space setting:
Self-rescue Non-entry rescue (external) Entry rescue (internal)
Sensitizers
Sensitizers are allergens. These chemicals cause an allergic type of reaction due to sensitivity from prior exposure. An acute response may be swelling of the breathing tubes, which causes breathing difficulty. Sensitizers can cause chronic lung disease. Some common examples are epoxies, aromatic amines, formaldehyde, nickel metal, and malefic anhydride.
basic requirements of bbp standard
Some basic requirements of the BBP standard reviewed include: A written exposure control plan, to be updated annually Use of universal precautions Consideration, implementation, and use of safer needle devices Use of engineering and work practice controls and appropriate PPE (e.g., gloves, face and eye protection, gowns, etc.) Hepatitis B vaccination provided to exposed employees at no cost Medical follow-up in the event of an "exposure incident" Use of labels or color-coding for items such as sharps disposal containers and containers for regulated waste, contaminated laundry, and certain specimens Employee training Proper containment of all sharps and regulated waste
welding radiation hazard
emits strong visible light and ultraviolet radiation
Radiation Action Level
The EPA has established, in their Standard Operating Safety Guidelines, an action limit of 1 mR (milliRoentgen). If this level or above is detected, you should vacate the area, delineate and mark the perimeter of the area where the radiation has been detected, and contact a health physicist for appropriate guidance.
HIV
The average risk of HIV infection after a needlestick or cut exposure to HlV-infected blood is 0.3 percent (i.e., three-tenths of one percent, or about one in 300). Stated another way, 99.7 percent of needlestick/cut exposures do not lead to HIV infection.
Some major steps in site preparation include:
The construction of roadways The elimination of physical hazards Installing skid resistant strips on slippery surfaces
Emergency Response Operations
for releases of, or substantial threats of releases of, hazardous substances without regard to the location of the hazards. Examples include: Response to the spill of a highly toxic substance from an overturned 55-gallon drum Response to a leaking storage tank Response to an overturned truck carrying hazardous materials Response to a chemical fire Site personnel who are expected to respond to emergency situations at the site must receive additional training in how to respond to anticipated emergencies (e.g., fires/explosions, hazardous spills, etc.).
OSHA permits the use of air-purifying respirators for protection against specific chemicals with poor warning properties provided that one of the following is true:
The service life of the sorbent is known and a safety factor has been applied. The respirator has an approved end-of-service life indicator.
Unstable reactives
acetylene and vinyl chloride Reactive chemicals will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense, or become self-reactive under conditions of shock, pressure, or temperature.
dosage in radiation
amount of exposure times the duration of exposure (quantity x time).
Example of injection
andling a high-pressure hose with pinhole leaks because a chemical can seep through cracks in a worker's unprotected hands
Water reactives
sodium metal, sulfuric acid, vinyl chloride, arsine, and trifluorochloroethylene
noise, OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL)
90 dBA 8-hour TWA
confined space evaluations
A preliminary evaluation of the site's characteristics must be performed prior to site entry. A secondary more detailed evaluation must be conducted to further identify existing hazards to aid in the selection of appropriate engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) for future site activities. The evaluation must include all suspected conditions that are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) or that may cause serious harm to employees (e.g., confined space entry, potentially explosive or flammable situations, visible vapor clouds, etc.).
The Standard prohibits excavation below the level of the base or footing of any foundation or retaining wall unless:
A support system such as underpinning is provided. The excavation is in stable rock. A registered professional engineer determines that the structure is sufficiently removed from the excavation and that the excavation will not pose a hazard to employees. Excavations under sidewalks and pavement are also prohibited unless an appropriately designed support system is provided or another effective method is used.
When locating these facilities within the Support Zone, the following factors should be considered:
Accessibility: ensure good topography, open space, specific locations of highways and railroad tracks, ease of access for emergency vehicles Resources: ensure adequate roads, power lines, telephones, shelter, and water Visibility: ensure line-of-sight to all activities in the exclusion zone Wind direction: locate degree upwind of the exclusion zone, if possible Distance: locate a measure as far from the exclusion zone as is practical
Placarding Vehicles
All vehicles transporting hazardous materials must bear a placard on each end and each side, away from other writing and clearly visible. Like labels, the size, color, and printing of placards is regulated by DOT. Placards on tank trucks must also include the UN identification number of the material (from the Hazardous Materials Table). Tankers with several compartments must display a placard for each. The UN number can be looked up in the latest edition of the DOT Emergency Response Guide Book for quick reference by emergency responders, If a vehicle carrying hazardous materials is wrecked, the idea is that the numbered placard is visible from a distance so that emergency crews can respond appropriately without getting too close to the scene.
Lacerations give rise to three primary concerns:
Blood loss Infection Possible exposure to contaminated blood by the rescuer In most instances blood loss from lacerations can look severe, but be in reality not so significant. Severe arterial bleeding, on the other hand, is life-threatening. By applying direct pressure, bleeding can usually be stopped. Obviously, initial treatment includes evacuation from the space and prompt EMS notification. A company nurse or physician should evaluate any employee for potential infection if he or she sustains a laceration in a confined space.
Neutralization Materials
By applying another material that reacts chemically to form less harmful substances, most corrosives can be neutralized. Neutralization reactions generally give off heat and are subject to splattering. Common materials are: Soda ash, for acids Citric acid, for bases Lime, for acids Sodium bicarbonate, for acids Dilute hydrochloric acid, for bases
Bloodborne pathogen standard
Changes in the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard are intended to reduce needlesticks among healthcare workers and others who handle medical sharps in occupational settings. Specifically, the revised OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard obligates employers to consider safer needle devices when they conduct their annual exposure control plan (ECP) review. Use of safer sharps is considered to be an appropriate engineering control and the best strategy for worker protection.
Some safe work practices to follow include:
Don't build makeshift ladders. Take the time to find the proper one for the job. Inspect all ladders for defects before you begin climbing. Face ahead and use both hands as you climb. Set ladders up using the 4-to-1 rule. The distance from the wall to the base of the ladder should be one-fourth the distance from the base of the ladder to where it touches the wall. Hoist tools or materials up after reaching the top of the ladder. You need both hands for climbing. Always maintain 3 points of contact with the ladder. Do not over-reach from a ladder. If your belt buckle reaches past the uprights, you have gone too far. Move the ladder. Don't stand on the top of a step ladder, and be careful not to get too close to the top of an extension or straight ladder. Ladders should extend at least 3 feet above the top level being accessed. Secure the ladder at the top and bottom whenever possible.
The establishment of the hot line is based on:
Determination of the location of hazardous substances, drainage, leakage, spilled material, and visible discolorations Evaluation from the initial site survey indicating possible presence of combustible gases, organic and inorganic gases, particulates, vapors, and ionizing radiation Evaluation results of soil and water sampling
Standing orders should be:
Distributed to everyone who enters the site Posted at the command post Posted at the entrance access control points Reviewed with the field crew at the beginning of each workday and as new workers enter the site throughout the day 2 All new or revised orders communicated to workers In addition to the standing orders, hazardous substance information forms must be posted for all to see. Employees must be briefed on hazardous substances at the beginning of the project, or whenever they first join the work team. Employees must also be updated when previously unknown chemicals are identified on site.
Drum Excavation and Removal Equipment
Drum excavation and removal equipment is used for several purposes, including: Excavation and removal of surface cover over buried drums Excavation around buried drums Removal of drums from pits and trenches Loading and transporting drums to on-site locations Forklifts can be outfitted with drum handling equipment which can pick up drums and empty them. Use a machine to do heavy lifting and reduce human contact when possible Sampling, segregating, bulking (pumping waste into a tank or vacuum truck), and over-packing drums Transporting off site for treatment, storage, and disposal The choice of equipment for drum handling is dependent on several factors, such as: Capabilities and limitations of the equipment Site-specific conditions Necessity to protect worker safety Number of drums to be handled Costs
Container Sample Opening
Drums are usually opened and sampled in place during site investigations. However, remedial and emergency operations may require a separate drum opening area. Procedures for opening drums are the same, regardless of where the drums are opened.
FActors affecting selection of decon method
Equipment selection: When selecting equipment, consider whether the equipment should be decontaminated, or if it should it be discarded. Disposal methods: All equipment used for decontamination should be disposed of properly (example: using plastic bags). PPE for decontamination personnel: The levels of protection will vary with the level of decontamination and where workers are assigned. For example, someone in the exclusion zone may need higher protection from PPE than someone working in the CRZ.
First aid location
Establish a protocol for monitoring heat stress. Establish an emergency/first aid station on-site, capable of providing: Stabilization for patients requiring off-site treatment. General first aid for minor cuts, sprains, abrasions, and similar injuries. Locate the station in the clean area adjacent to the decontamination area to facilitate emergency decontamination.
decontamination plan
Establish methods and procedures Determine appropriate decon methods Determine number and layout of decon stations Establish procedures to prevent contamination of clean areas Determine decon equipment needed Establish methods for disposing of clothing and equipment
Openings
Falls from openings can be prevented by using the proper guarding, railings, or coverings to prevent workers from accidentally falling through.
Split Spoon Sampler
For undisturbed soil cores of 18-to-24 inches in length, a split spoon sampler is used. It can be used on the soil surface but is generally used with a power-operated drill rig. The split spoon sampler can therefore, be used in a wide variety of soil types and at greater depths than other types of equipment.
Hazards associated with PPE
Heat stress Physical and psychological stress Impaired vision and reduced mobility (ability to move around) Difficulties in communicating Can severly limit the length of work shifts Can severly limit the range one can move Added time and expense for training, supplies, disposal, and worker slowdown
What is produced in acid/base neutralization process>
Heat, water, salt - can cause violent reactions
If Employer Ceases Doing Business
If the employer ceases to do business and there is no succeeding employer to receive and retain these records for the prescribed period, the employer must: Notify the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at least three months prior to their disposal. Transmit them to the Director if required to do so, within that three-month period.
A Truck With a Mixed Load of Containers
If two or more hazard classes are being transported on a truck, the "Dangerous" placard, in addition to the placard describing the highest hazard present should be used.
employee input
Involving frontline employees in selecting safer devices ensures that workers using them have the opportunity for input into purchasing decisions. The new needlestick log requirement is intended to help both employees and employers track all needlesticks to accurately identify problem areas or operations. The updated Standard also includes provisions designed to maintain the privacy of employees who have experienced needlesticks.
Key questions to ask when considering SAR use
Is the atmosphere IDLH or likely to become IDLH? If yes, SAR/SCBA combination or SCBA is necessary. Will the hose significantly impair worker mobility? If yes, the work task should be modified or other respiratory protection should be used. Is there a danger of the air line being damaged or obstructed (e.g., by heavy equipment, falling drums, rough terrain, or sharp objects) or permeated and/or degraded by chemicals (e.g., by pools of chemicals)? If yes, either the hazard should be removed or another form of respiratory protection should be used. If a compressor is the air source, is it possible for airborne contaminants to enter the air system? If yes, have the contaminants been identified, and are efficient filters and/or sorbents available that are capable of removing those contaminants? If no, either cylinders should be used as the air source or another form of respiratory protection should be used. Can other workers and vehicles that might interfere with the air line be kept away from the area? If no, another form of respiratory protection should be used.
Purging
It is important to realize that the water standing in a well, and immediately surrounding a well, does not generally represent the groundwater to be sampled. Therefore, the well must be purged (i.e., removal of standing water) before sampling by pumping or bailing. Sampling SOPs will provide a number of well volumes that must be purged out prior to sample collection to refresh the well. Then the water level must be checked to ensure that the well has recharged and is full prior to sampling. The purged water should be containerized and stored until samples are analyzed. If the samples indicate that the well water is contaminated, the site-specific project plan should specify the method of handling or disposal.
A sampling plan may be complex because:
It is often difficult to decide what to sample. Many workers move around on the work area; some workers perform a variety of tasks. Efficiently keeping track of sampling data requires attention and organization.
NIOSH considers a substance to have adequate warning properties when:
Its odor, taste, or irritant effects are detectable and persistent at concentrations below the recommended exposure limit (REL). A substance is considered to have poor warning properties when: Its odor or irritation threshold is above the applicable exposure limit.
Emergency Personnel
In the event of an emergency, individuals should be assigned and ready to perform specific roles. On-site and off-site personnel should be assigned tasks as well as others who may be on site such as contractors, other agency representatives, and visitors. The organizational structure should show a clear chain of command and should be flexible enough to handle multiple emergencies at one time. The contingency plan should describe roles and duties for on-site and off-site personnel, leaders, and teams.
What dose is considered highly toxic
LD50 (lethal dose 50%) of 50 milligrams of chemical per 1 kilogram of body weight administered orally; LD50 of 200 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous skin contact for 24 hours; LC50 (lethal concentration 50%) in air of 200 ppm by volume or less when administered by continuous inhalation for one hour or less; or 2 mg/kg per liter or less of mist, dust, or fume when continuously inhaled for one hour or less.
LEL & UEL
LEL: The minimum concentration of flammable liquid vapor in air necessary for a mixture to ignite UEL: concentration of flammable liquid vapor in the air that is too rich to ignite - does not ignite because there is too little oxygen
Supervisors excavation
Larger and more complex operations should have a full-time safety official who makes recommendations to improve the implementation of the safety plan. In a smaller operation, the safety official can be part-time and will usually be a supervisor. Supervisors are the contractor's representatives on the job. Supervisors should conduct inspections, investigate accidents, and anticipate hazards. They should ensure that employees receive on-the-job safety and health training. They should also review and strengthen overall safety and health precautions to guard against potential hazards, get the necessary worker cooperation in safety matters, and make frequent reports to the contractor. Managers and supervisors must set a safety example. It is essential that when visiting the job site, all managers, regardless of status, wear the prescribed personal protective equipment such as safety shoes and glasses, hardhats, and other necessary gear (see CFR 1926.100 and 102).
Liquids, Vapors, and Mists toxicology
Liquids include acids, organic solvents, and chlorinated organic solvents (examples: benzene, sulfuric acid, 1-trichloroethane). Vapors are gases that result from the evaporation of liquids or the sublimation of solids (examples: gasoline, phosgene and iodine). Mists are liquid droplets suspended in the air (examples: acid mists from electroplating processes or solvent mists from paint spraying operations).
Periodic Medical Examinations
Periodic medical exams must be done at least annually or following the report of employee symptoms, or at the recommendation of a physician.
Medical plan should include
Medical surveillance of each employee - pre-employment screening as well as occupational and medical history (prior exposure to chemical and physical hazards). Physical examinations, physicians written opinion, periodic medical examinations, and termination exams should also be included. Treatment Recordkeeping Program review A medical plan shall identify toxic substances (examples include asbestos, heavy metals, and herbicides) and recognize the limitations of occupational medical tests.
On-Site Rescue Teams
Personnel assigned to an in-plant rescue team must be provided with, and trained in the proper use of, the personal protective equipment necessary for making rescues from the employer's permit spaces. The employer must ensure that the on-site rescue team is trained to perform the assigned rescue functions and to be authorized confined space entrants. Rescue teams are required to practice making permit-space rescues at least once every twelve months by means of simulated rescue operations. In these simulated rescue operations, rescuers remove dummies, mannequins, or personnel through representative openings and portals. The size, configuration, and accessibility of these openings should closely resemble those of the permit spaces from which rescues may be required.
Establishing work zones ensures:
Separate zones are created to distinguish different levels of personal protective equipment Personnel are properly protected against hazards specific to the area where they are working. Contamination is confined to the designated areas. Personnel can be located and evacuated in an emergency.
Background Information for sampling
Sources of information include the following: EPA and state agency records, local health department records, local fire and police departments, interviews of past or present employees of firms involved with the site, and interviews with those living or working near the site.
State and local enforcement
State, county, and municipal employees are covered by HAZWOPER and other regulations issued by the 26 states and territories operating their own OSHA-approved safety and health programs. EPA HAZWOPER regulations cover these employees in states without OSHA-approved state plans. The EPA adopted the HAZWOPER standard at 40 CFR Part 311 for public employees (either compensated or non-compensated) who perform operations within the scope of the standard in states that do not have an OSHA-approved state plan.
Basic Six-Step Decontamination Line
Station 1 - Equipment drop Station 2 - Wash and rinse boots and gloves, and outer garment Station 3 - Air tank change (NOTE: this is the last step if worker returns to Hot Zone.) Station 4 - Boots, gloves and outer garment removal Station 5 - SCBA face-piece removal Station 6 - Field wash
On-going Monitoring and Hazard Assessment
Stationary sampling equipment Personnel monitoring devices Periodic area monitoring Some reassessment indicators include a new work phase, a change of season or weather, a change in job tasks during a work phase, or a change in levels of contamination.
Water Accumulation
The Standard prohibits employees from working in excavations where water has accumulated or is accumulating, unless adequate protection has been taken. If water removal equipment is used to control or prevent water accumulation, a competent person must monitor the equipment and operations to ensure proper usage. When water infiltrates an excavation the soil needs to be reclassified. OSHA also requires that diversion ditches, dikes, or other suitable means be used to prevent surface water from entering an excavation. Adequate drainage of the area adjacent to the excavation is necessary. Also, a competent person must inspect excavations subject to heavy rain runoff.
Inspection of drums
The inspection crew should look for: Symbols, words, or other marks on the drum indicating that its contents are hazardous (e.g. radioactive, explosive, corrosive, toxic, or flammable) Symbols, words, or other marks on the drum indicating it contains discarded laboratory chemicals, reagents, or other potentially dangerous materials in small-volume individual containers Signs of deterioration such as corrosion, rust, and leaks Signs that the drum is under pressure such as swelling and bulging Drum type Configuration of the drumhead The results of this survey can be used to group the drums into preliminary hazard categories, including: Radioactive Leaking/deteriorated Bulging Explosive/shock-sensitive Containing small-volume individual containers of laboratory wastes or other dangerous materials
Four factors affect the behavior of the released hazardous material:
The quantity of the hazardous material The inherent properties of the material and of the container Natural laws of physics and chemistry The environment, including the physical surrounding and its conditions. The on-site coordinator shall develop a plan of action based on the characteristics of the emergency. Entry teams must use the buddy system, have backup, and respond to safety officer directions. Equipment materials can be used such as over pack or salvage drums, absorption materials, gel forming agents, and neutralization materials.
Combination Instruments
trimeters combine an oxygen indicator, a combustible gas indicator, and a toxic monitor. Meters with 4 or more functions are common with today's technology. Units can have features like alarms that indicate readings above or below a concentration of concern, strip chart (printed) outputs, and electronic outputs that enable data storage. Some instruments have integrators that average concentrations over a specified period of operation. This feature allows the instrument to be used not only as a direct reading instrument but also as a long-term monitor.
Internal emergency communication systems
used to alert workers to danger, to convey safety information, and to maintain site control. Any effective system or combination of systems can be employed. Radios, cell phones, or field telephones are often used when work teams are far from the command post.
Marine oil spill responders
You should decide which hazards apply to your operations. Biological (e.g., plants, animals, insects, remediation materials) Drowning Noise Electricity Slips and Trips Biohazardous debris (e.g., syringes on shoreline) Ergonomic Stresses (e.g., repetitive strain, low back pain) Sunburn Confined Spaces Underwater Diving Falls Unguarded Equipment Cranes Fatigue Vehicles (e.g., aircraft, boats, cars, trucks) Cutting and Welding Fire and Explosion Degreasers Heat or Cold Stress Dispersants In-Situ Burning Particles
Tagout
accomplished by placing a tag on the power source. The tag acts as a warning and can only be used when the path or source of the hazardous energy has been physically interrupted. Both locks and tags should be strong enough to prevent unauthorized removal and to withstand various environmental conditions. Lockout/Tagout procedures include: How to perform a shutdown How to isolate equipment How to apply and remove lockout devices How to safely release stored energy to assure that a zero energy state exists You must review the standards prior to developing these procedures. They shall not be written except by properly trained personnel.
Proper Dress-Out Procedures
all fasteners should be used (i.e., zippers fully closed, all buttons closed, all snaps closed) Gloves and boots should be tucked under the sleeves and legs of outer clothing hoods (if not attached) should be worn outside the collar All junctures should be taped to prevent contaminants from getting inside the gloves, boots, and jackets (or suits, if a one-piece construction).
Sample Integrity
all samples should be refrigerated or placed in a cooler with ice until they are received by the laboratory or packaged for shipment. The analytical laboratory to be used can provide information on preserving samples and packaging in ice. Refrigeration at 4°C with a minimal holding time is the best approach. Samples should also be protected from direct light.
Decontamination for sampling
ampling equipment must be thoroughly decontaminated after each use. Typically, the process includes washing with soapy water followed by a tap water rinse, a mild solvent rinse, and a final rinse of triple de-ionized water. Decontamination and rinse solutions must be properly discarded. In some cases, the monitoring and sampling equipment can be partially wrapped in a plastic bag to minimize contamination of instruments. When feasible, disposable equipment can be used to eliminate the need for decontamination. Procedures should also be established for the decontamination of the outside of sample containers. Sample procedure also usually calls for a clean pair of disposable gloves between each sample to reduce any cross contamination.
examples of explosives
blasting agents, grenades, rocket engine propellant, fuse igniters, and explosive cable cutters
PCBs qualities
chemical stability, resistance to heat, low flammability, and high dielectric constancy colorless, viscous fluid, is relatively insoluble in water, and can withstand high temperatures without degradation bio-accumulation and bio-magnification - transported through the biosphere in water and are attracted to sediments stored in fatty (adipose) tissue
Potentiating
chemical without any known toxic effect can act together with a known toxic substance to make the toxic substance even more potent and thus more dangerous. Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and chloroform together affect the liver in just such a manner.
Asphyxiants
chemicals that deprive the victim's body tissues of oxygen. Asphyxiants interfere with the body's ability to transport or use the oxygen carried by the blood stream. carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.
Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT)
wearer is placed in an enclosure containing a known concentration of a contaminant. A sample is taken from inside the face-piece, and the concentration of the contaminant is determined. The airborne concentration is divided by the concentration inside the face-piece to get the fit factor
NFPA 704 System
widely recognized method for indicating presence of hazmat in fixed storage facilities only two special hazard symbols are presently authorized, W(reactivity with water), and OX(oxidizer) Blue - Health Red - Flammability YElow - reactivity W - special
contingency plan
written document that sets forth policies and procedures for responding to site emergencies.
Methods of documenting can include
written transcript taken from tape recordings made during the emergency or a bound field book with consecutively numbered pages (not a loose-leaf book) with notes.
Some examples of employee rights are:
• Be informed of your rights and responsibilities. • Review copies of appropriate OSHA standards. • Request info on health and safety from employer. • Receive adequate training and info on workplace safety and health hazards. • Request an OSHA investigation. • Be advised of OSHA's actions.
Requirements of hazard communication program
• Conduct a chemical inventory. • Obtain and file a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each chemical. • Make available a written document on the hazard communication program to all employees in a readily accessible location. • Label all containers and storage containing chemicals with the required markings and warnings for the hazard. • Educate employees about the hazards and proper use of the chemicals.
situations would be considered emergency situations requiring an emergency response effort:
• High concentrations of toxic substances • Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) environments • Situations that present an oxygen-deficient atmosphere • Conditions that pose a fire or explosion hazard • Situations that require an evacuation of the area • Situations that require immediate attention because of the danger posed to employees in the area
Colorimetric Indicator Tubes (Detector Tubes)
consist of a glass tube impregnated with an indicating chemical. The tube is connected to a piston like the MSA Model A, or a bellows-type pump like the Draeger. A known volume of contaminated air is pulled at a predetermined rate through the tube by the pump. The contaminant reacts with the indicator chemical in the tube, producing a change in color. The length of the colored area is proportional to the contaminant concentration. Concentration ranges on the tubes are shown either as ppm or as a percentage. have the disadvantage of poor accuracy and precision. Manufacturers report error factors of up to 50 percent for some tubes. An advantage that detector tubes have over some other instruments is that it is possible to select a chemical-specific tube
SCBA
consists of a face-piece connected by a hose and a regulator to an air source (compressed air, compressed oxygen, or an oxygen-generating chemical) carried by the wearer. offer protection against most types and levels of airborne contaminants duration of the air supply is an important planning factor in SCBA use
Some of employee responsibilities are to:
• Read the OSHA poster. • Comply with standards. • Follow SOPs and wear required PPE. • Report hazardous conditions to supervisor. • Cooperate with OSHA. • Exercise OSH Act rights in responsible manner.
Employer responsibilities
• Report to the nearest OSHA office within 8 hours of a fatal accident or hospitalization of three or more employees. • Post work-related injuries yearly by filling out an OSHA 300/300A form. • Post OSHA posters in prominent places. • Cooperate with OSHA compliance officer.
Emergency Procedures
defines the nature of site emergencies, lists the types of emergencies that can occur, and identifies the components needed to make contingency plans successful. Contingency plans must identify all individuals (and teams) who will participate in emergency response, define and communicate their roles, and ensure training (including knowing the names of those in authority). Emergency recognition and prevention is emphasized and having daily meetings to discuss time constraints, immediate hazards, and how to respond to them in case of emergency is recommended. Finally, this lesson helps the employer organize the steps of emergency planning by introducing how to do site mapping.
air sampling device certification
device is certified for use in a particular atmosphere. When used to monitor in unknown conditions, instruments should be rated for use in the most hazardous locations. The mention of "FM" or "UL" in the equipment manufacturer's literature does NOT guarantee certification.
Gel-forming agents or bonding agents
dry granular materials specifically designed to gel or coagulate aqueous or petroleum-based liquids. Unlike absorbents that soak up the liquid through physical action, gel-forming agents chemically bond to the liquid. The chemical bond keeps the liquid from separating from the absorbent.
The primary hazard of trenching and excavation
employee injury from collapse. Soil analysis is important in order to determine appropriate sloping, benching, and shoring. Additional hazards include working with heavy machinery; manual handling of materials; working in proximity to traffic; electrical hazards from overhead and underground power-lines; and underground utilities, such as natural gas.
Risks to consider hazardous substances in hazardous sites include, but are not limited to
• [a] Exposures exceeding the permissible exposure limits and published exposure levels [b] IDLH Concentrations [c] Potential Skin Absorption and Irritation Sources [d] Potential Eye Irritation Sources [e] Explosion Sensitivity and Flammability Ranges [f] Oxygen deficiency
written opinion
indicates detectable medical conditions that would place the employee at risk if allowed to work at a hazardous waste site or use a respirator. Upon request, the employee also has the right to the results of the medical exam and any tests done. The doctor's recommendations are to be based on the worker's assigned tasks. The written opinion shall not reveal any specific findings or diagnoses that are unrelated to occupational exposures.
Muscular-skeletal Disorders
involving the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, bones, or supporting body tissue. These injuries include disorders of the back, the neck, the upper or lower extremities, or the shoulders. They involve strains, sprains, or tissue inflammation and discoloration. When the job demand exceeds the physical characteristics of the worker, an injury results.
Fire - When OSHA conducts workplace inspections
it checks to see whether employers are complying with OSHA standards for fire safety. OSHA standards require employers to provide proper exits, fire fighting equipment, and employee training to prevent fire deaths and injuries in the workplace.
Entry Permit OSHA Guidelines
Usually a company or municipality will develop its own format for the permit. OSHA provides the following guidelines on what needs to be documented on an entry permit: The permit space to be entered The purpose of the entry The date and the authorized duration of the entry permit The authorized entrants by name, or by a means that will allow the attendant to determine quickly and accurately which authorized attendants are within the space The personnel, by name, serving as attendants The individual, by name, serving as entry supervisor, with a space for the signature or initials of the entry supervisor who originally authorized entry
sprinkler water supplies
Water Supplies The employer shall assure that every automatic sprinkler system is provided with at least one automatic water supply capable of providing design water flow for at least 30 minutes. An auxiliary water supply or equivalent protection shall be provided when the automatic water supply is out of service, except for systems of 20 or fewer sprinklers. Sprinklers The employer shall assure that only approved sprinklers are used on systems. Mixing of type or brand of replacements requires new engineering analyses. Sprinkler Alarms On all sprinkler systems having more than twenty (20) sprinklers, the employer shall assure that a local water flow alarm is provided which sounds an audible signal on the premises upon water flow through the system equal to the flow from a single sprinkler.
Training and Education
Where the employer has provided portable fire extinguishers for employee use in the workplace, the employer should also provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with beginning stage fire fighting. The employer shall provide the following: Initial and annual training The required training upon initial assignment to the designated group of employees and at least annually, thereafter
Non-entry rescue,
rescue performed from outside the space. Prior to entry, retrieval/lifelines (further discussed in "Retrieval Lines" below) and body harnesses should be in place in the event that conditions change. In most cases, non-entry rescue involves removal using these lines. It is important to plan and conduct the entry with this form of rescue in mind. Pulley systems, tripods, and space entry ways should be arranged so that there is little chance that lines can tangle. Non-entry rescue cannot be used for an individual who is entangled, trapped, or bound-up within the space. It can be used for engulfment (i.e., burying) situations as long as the amount of engulfing material is small enough to allow the victim to be unearthed using line tension.
Site Mapping
serve as a graphic record of the locations and types of hazards. They should focus on particular areas where emergencies can develop. The map should highlight: Hazard areas Site terrain Evacuation routes Site accessibility Work crew locations Changes Off-site populations or environments
Environmental samples
taken from the environment surrounding a hazardous waste site; for example, from ground water, surface water, and soil. The results of an environmental sample analysis can be used to determine the extent of remedial (i.e., corrective) action needed as well as adjusting the necessary site boundaries. Typically environmental samples contain dilute concentrations of pollutants and are not as hazardous as the hazardous waste samples.
Assigned protection factor (APF)
- determined experimentally by measuring face-piece seal and exhalation valve leakage - relative difference in concentrations of substances outside and inside the face-piece For example: full face-piece air-purifying respirators is 50 - workers wearing these respirators should be protected in atmospheres containing chemicals at concentrations that are up to 50 times higher than the appropriate limits (PELs, TLVs, etc.). APF 5 - Filtering facepiece(single use dust) APF 10 - Half facepiece Respirator with Vapor Cartridge* or Filter APF 50 - Full facepiece Respirator with Vapor Cartridge* or Filter 1000 to 10,000 - Full facepiece Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus operated in Pressure demand mode
Combination SCBA/SAR
- user can operate the respirator in the SCBA or SAR mode, through either the manual or automatic switching of air sources - allows entry into and exit from an area using the self-contained air supply, as well as extended work periods within a contaminated area while connected to the air line (drum sampling) - workers would enter the site using the SCBA mode, connect to the air line during the work period, and shift back to the SCBA mode to leave the site
Falls and Falling Loads
1. All material or equipment that could potentially fall or roll into an excavation must be placed at least two feet away from the edge of the excavation, have retaining devices, or both. 2. Alert all staff to the edge of an excavation by means of mobile equipment, barricades, hand or mechanical signals, or stop logs. 3. Scale the slopes to remove loose rock or soil or install protective barricades and other equivalent protection to prevent injury from falling rock, soil, or materials. 4. Prohibit employees from working on faces of sloped or benched excavations at levels above other employees, unless employees at lower levels are adequately protected from falling, rolling, or sliding materials and equipment. 5. Prohibit employees from going beneath lifted loads. To avoid being struck by any spillage or falling materials, require employees to stand away from vehicles being loaded or unloaded. If cabs of vehicles provide adequate protection from falling loads during loading and unloading operations, operators can remain in them.
The employer must try to eliminate the hazards to which the employees are exposed by sequentially following these methods
1. Using engineering controls (e.g., ventilation, barriers, tools, equipment, etc.) 2. Administrative Controls (work practices, methods, training, rules, etc.) 3. Providing personal protective equipment (PPE); e.g., respirators, gloves, goggles, clothing, etc. (PPE can only be used when it is not feasible to eliminate the hazard using the first two methods.)
Heat stresses
A heat rash is a tiny raised blister-like rash. A heat rash decreases one's ability to tolerate heat. Treatment includes keeping the skin clean as well as dry and cool. Heat cramps are muscular pain and spasms in the arms, legs, or abdomen occurring during or after heavy exertion. Treatment includes salt replacement through liquids and food. Heat exhaustion occurs when fluid loss causes headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and heavy sweating. Treatment includes moving to a cooler environment and elevating feet. Heat stroke is life threatening. Symptoms include very small pupils, confusion, unconsciousness, and a very high body temperature. In the event of heat stroke, medical help should be summoned immediately.
new paragraph (h)(5)
A new paragraph (h)(5) is added to read as the following: (h)(5) Sharps injury log.(i) The employer shall establish and maintain a sharps injury log for the recording of percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps. The information in the sharps injury log shall be recorded and maintained in such manner as to protect the confidentiality of the injured employee. The sharps injury log shall contain, at a minimum: (i)(A) The type and brand of device involved in the incident, (i)(B) The department or work area where the exposure incident occurred, and (i)(C) An explanation of how the incident occurred. (h)(5) Sharps injury log.(ii) The requirement to establish and maintain a sharps injury log shall apply to any employer who is required to maintain a log of occupational injuries and illnesses under 29 CFR 1904. (h)(5) Sharps injury log.(iii) The sharps injury log shall be maintained for the period required by 29 CFR 1904.6.
Evacuation Routes and Procedures
A severe emergency, such as a fire or explosion, may cut workers off from the normal exit near the command post. Therefore, alternate routes for evacuating victims and endangered personnel should be established in advance, marked, and kept clear. Routes should be directed from the exclusion zone through an upwind contamination reduction zone to the support zone and from the support zone to an off-site location in case conditions necessitate a general site evacuation. Make escape routes known to all who go on site. Place the evacuation routes in the predominantly upwind direction of the exclusion zone. At a very large site, or one with many obstacles, some exits can be placed at the downwind fence line, which is normally an undesirable location. If this is done, workers must know that they are not actually out until they reach the designated safety area. Run the evacuation routes through the contamination reduction zone. Even if there is not enough time to process the evacuees through decontamination procedures, there should be a mechanism for accounting for all personnel. Consider the accessibility of potential routes. Take into account obstructions such as gates, trenches, pits, tanks, drums, or other barriers, and the extra time or equipment needed to maneuver around or through them.
TLV
ACGIH developed as guidelines to assist in the control of health hazards; for example, they may be used to determine the appropriate level of worker protection generally adopted as best practice by employers and are sometimes more restrictive than PELs
Atmosphere Supplying Respirators vs Air Purifying Respirators
ASRs: respirators with an air source Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) supplies air from a source carried by the user. Supplied air respirator (SAR)/air line respirators: supply oxygen to a face-piece via a supply line from a stationary source - available in positive-pressure and negative-pressure modes - SARs are NOT recommended for entry into IDLH atmospheres ------------------------------- Air Purifying Respirators (usually negative pressure) - do not have a separate air source. Instead, they utilize ambient (i.e., surrounding) air which is "purified" through a filter before inhalation. - consist of a face-piece and an air purifying device - NOT approved for IDLH , limited use at hazardous sites - and can be used only when the ambient atmosphere contains sufficient oxygen that is, greater than 19.5 percent oxygen
Active Samplers
Active sampling systems mechanically collect samples on or through a selected medium (i.e. filtering or collection substance). The medium is then analyzed in the laboratory to identify and quantify the collected contaminant(s). Such a system typically consists of the following components: An electrically powered pump to move the contaminated air. Such a pump should contain a flow regulator to control the rate of movement and a flow monitor to indicate that flow. A sampler consisting of an appropriate sampling medium and a container designed for that medium. The sampler used depends largely upon the contaminant(s) to be sampled and the selected sample method. Particulate samples can be collected on a filter medium and the filter sent to the lab for analysis. The filter paper fits into a cassette which houses it and creates the desired airflow for the sampling SOP sometimes through a cyclone or other intake device. Flexible, nonporous, inert tubing to link the sampler to the pump The sampling device can be clipped to the collar of the worker in his breathing zone to collect a representative exposure. Typically the pump is hung on the worker's belt or on a strap. Integrated samples are commonly collected over known time periods and at known fixed flow rates. Thus, sample pump calibration and accurate time measurement are critical to properly interpret collected data via active systems.
Bloodborne pathogens Exposure Control Plan Requirements
All employers with employees who have had an occupational exposure to or potential occupational exposure to BBPs are required to establish a written exposure control plan (ECP) designed to minimize or eliminate employee exposure. Written exposure control plans must contain the following elements: 1. An exposure determination A list of all job classifications in which all employees in those job classifications have occupational exposure A list of job classifications in which some employees have occupational exposure A list of all tasks and procedures (or groups of closely related tasks and procedures) in which occupational exposure can occur when they are performed by employees in the listed job classifications 2. Methods of compliance 3. HIV and HBV research laboratories and production facilities (if applicable) 4. Hepatitis B vaccination and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up 5. Communication of hazards to employees 6. Recordkeeping 7. Procedures for evaluating circumstances surrounding exposure incidents The ECP should be communicated in the following ways: Made available for employees to review Reviewed at least annually, and updated as necessary to reflect new or modified tasks and procedures affecting occupational exposure, and to reflect new or revised employee positions having occupational exposure to BBPs Made available to OSHA upon request for examination and/or copying
Actual entry into a confined space should only be allowed after the following has taken place:
All entrants and attendants have received proper training and equipment. The designated authority on-site has issued the proper permit. The appropriate PPE is in place and utilized. OSHA's required procedures have been put into effect, especially the "buddy system."
Employer's Safety and Health Program
An effective program includes provisions for the systematic identification, evaluation, and prevention or control of workplace hazards. The contractor must identify potential hazards that can arise from foreseeable conditions, both generally within the site and specific to certain tasks. The program can be written or verbal, but it should reflect the unique characteristics of the job site.
Chain-of-Custody Record for the Sample
Another form ofPVC tubing can be used in a manner similar to the drum thief; however, compatibility is a concern. Another common device is the coliwasa, which is often used for multi-phase samples. The main disadvantage of the coliwasa is decontamination. The methods discussed for surface water sampling vary depending on the size and accessibility of the container.PVC tubing can be used in a manner similar to the drum thief; however, compatibility is a concern. Another common device is the coliwasa, which is often used for multi-phase samples. The main disadvantage of the coliwasa is decontamination. The methods discussed for surface water sampling vary depending on the size and accessibility of the container. documentation is the chain-of-custody record. A chain-of-custody sheet, which documents the details of the possession and handling of a sample by sampling and analysis personnel, must accompany each sample from the time it is collected. Each person that handles a particular sample must be documented. If the samples ever leave the control of the person listed on the chain of custody, the chain has been broken and the samples are now void because, for legal purposes, they could have been tampered with. Each time the samples change hands - like from the technician to the courier and from the courier to the lab, the COC should be relinquished and signed. Typically any sample which may be legally binding will have a signed chain of custody seal across the container lid preventing it from being tampered with by an unauthorized party. COC also ensures that the samples were in fact handled properly in transit and were not subject to irregular conditions. Information describing the chain of custody should be recorded on this sheet and it must accompany the sample from collection to destruction. The sheet must include the information from the sample tag as well as the signatures of persons involved in the chain of possession and their dates of possession.
Medical support
Arrange for a physician who can be paged on a 24-hour basis. Set up an on-call team of medical specialists for emergency consultations, which should include a toxicologist, dermatologist, hematologist, allergist, ophthalmologist, cardiologist, and neurologist. Make plans in advance for emergency transportation to, treatment at, and contamination control procedures at a nearby medical facility. If working in a remote location far from any major roads, note your GPS coordinates so that emergency services can find you. Note the capabilities of the local hospital's emergency services such as the capacity of their burn and chemical units. In some cases it may be faster to drive an injured worker to medical services. Prior to each project view how to reach the nearest emergency medical facility appropriate for the injuries that may be sustained from the identified hazards to which workers may be exposed to with the project team.
Asphyxia
Asphyxia occurs when the body is deprived of oxygen for one reason or another. As we have seen, engulfment or oxygen-deficient atmospheres are probably the two most common causes of asphyxia. Usually the person is unconscious, cyanotic (blue in color), and not breathing. Obviously, initiation of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and CPR (if the heart has stopped) is critical for the patient's survival. This must not be done while the patient is in the confined space.
The data obtained from air monitoring instruments is useful for:
Assessing health risks (public and waste site worker) Selecting personal protective equipment Determining areas where protection is needed Determining actual or potential effects on the environment Selecting actions to mitigate (control) the hazards safely and effectively Determining the effectiveness of decontamination activities
For a medical program to be effective, management must:
Assure employees of confidentiality. Require workers to report to a physician's attention any suspected exposures, regardless of degree as well as any unusual physical or psychological conditions.
Atmospheric sampling systems calibration
Atmospheric sampling systems must be accurately calibrated (i.e., adjusted) to a specific flow rate. Calibration ensures that the measurement data can be correctly interpreted. For example, it is important to calibrate the flow rate of an electrically powered pump. This ensures that a constant flow rate, which often is specified in standard analytical methods (such as EPA-specified analytical methods), may be achieved. Passive sampling systems, however, because of their simplicity of design and operation, require no formal calibration. Personal sampling pumps are calibrated to simulate the volume of air a person may breath. Pump flows are measured both before and after the sample is collected and averaged. As the sample filter media becomes clogged with particulates, the flow rate of the pump will decrease. At a minimum, an active sampling system should be calibrated both before and after a prescribed sampling period. The overall frequency of calibration depends on how often it is used. Pump mechanisms should be recalibrated after they have been repaired, when newly purchased, and following any suspected abuse.
HEat stress management
Avoid overheating by selecting an appropriate type of PPE. Train personnel that wear PPE. Frequently monitor personnel through communication. Carefully schedule work and rest periods. Drink plenty of liquids. Conduct operations that are appropriate for the season.
In an emergency situation, one person must be able to assume total control. This leader must:
Be identified in the emergency response plan. This person may be, for example, the project team leader, site safety officer, or field team leader. Be backed up by a specified alternate(s). Have the authority to resolve all disputes about health and safety requirements and precautions. Be authorized to seek and purchase supplies as necessary. Have control over the activities of everyone entering the site, for example, contractors, fire departments, and police. Have the clear support of management.
Excavation and cave ins intro
Cave-ins pose the greatest risk to all excavation workers. For this reason, managers and supervisors must set a standard for good safety practices by ensuring that all regulations are followed down to the smallest detail. Employees must be properly trained in the use of all safety gear and equipment, and the most practical shoring devices must be implemented per performance criteria determined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Classification of Fire
Class A - Ordinary combustibles: Wood, paper, cloth, trash, plastics, which are solid combustible materials that are not metals. Class B: Flammable liquids - (gasoline, oil, grease, and acetone). Any non-metal in a liquid state when on fire. This classification also includes flammable gases. Class C: Electrical: energized electrical equipment that is plugged in is considered a class C fire. Class D: Metals: potassium, sodium, aluminum, and magnesium. Unless you work in a laboratory or in an industry that uses these materials, it is unlikely you'll have to deal with a Class D fire. It takes special extinguishing agents (Metal-X, foam) to fight such a fire. Class K is not mentioned in OSHA regulations. However, a fire extinguisher labeled with this letter is for use on fires containing vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats used for cooking. It is for use in commercial kitchens, including those found in restaurants, cafeterias, and catering facilities.
OSHA standards come from three sources
Consensus standards, which are prepared by organizations that develop industry-wide standards. Proprietary standards, which are prepared by professional experts within particular industries, professional societies, and associations. Some federal worker protection laws. OSHA now enforces the standards issued under earlier Acts in all industries where they apply.
Bloodborne pathogens control
Consider for a moment that if differentiation between body fluids is difficult or impossible to ascertain, then all body fluids must be considered potentially infectious. This is in fact an instructive stance to take in handling such materials. If and when there is known occupational exposure, the employer must provide at no cost to the employee appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and procedures must be in place for when exposure does occur. For instance, proper gloves must be worn whenever contact with a potentially infectious material is anticipated. Furthermore, all PPE must be removed before leaving the work area and placed in an appropriate designated area or container for storage, washing, decontamination or disposal.
HAZWOPER decon shower
Employees who are required to shower must be provided showers and change rooms that meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.141, Subpart J - General Environmental Controls. HAZWOPER requires showers and change rooms when a hazardous waste cleanup operation will take six months or longer to complete. unauthorized employees must not remove their protective clothing or equipment from change rooms unless authorized to do so.
What should employers do to protect workers from fire hazards?
Employers should train workers about fire hazards in the workplace and about what to do in a fire emergency. If you want your workers to evacuate, you should train them about how to escape. Just as, if you expect your workers to use firefighting equipment, you should give them appropriate equipment and train them to use the equipment safely.
What does OSHA require for emergency fire exits?
Every workplace must have enough exits suitably located to enable everyone to get out of the facility quickly. Considerations include the type of structure, the number of persons exposed, the fire protection available, the type of industry involved, and the height and type of construction of the building or structure. In addition, fire doors must not be blocked or locked when employees are inside. Delayed opening of fire doors, however, is permitted when an approved alarm system is integrated into the fire door design. Exit routes from buildings must be free of obstructions and properly marked with exit signs.
Your HazMat team is called in to clean up a metal fabrication shop that was badly damaged by fire. The property is poorly maintained and overgrown with weeds. Outside, there are stacks of rusting steel and presumably empty gas canisters (that you can see) including oxygen, acetylene and argon. Inside, the fire is out but there is structural damage as well as fire damage and standing water. The facility was used to machine, weld, and finish metal. Power to the facility has been cut off.
Fire/explosion: there are combustible and flammable chemicals and oxidizers likely still present
Good housekeeping
Good housekeeping requires that employers ensure the worksite is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. All equipment and environmental and working surfaces shall be cleaned and decontaminated after contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Broken glassware which could have been contaminated during an incident must be cleaned up using mechanical means, such as a brush and dustpan, tongs, or forceps. Approved Containers During use, containers for contaminated sharps must be easily accessible, maintained upright, and not overfilled. Before moving, containers must be closed and labeled. If the sharps container is leaking, it must be placed in a leak-proof secondary container. Contaminated Laundry Contaminated laundry must be handled as little as possible with a minimum of agitation, and must be placed and transported in bags or containers which are labeled or color-coded. The employer must ensure that employees who have contact with contaminated laundry wear protective gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment.
HCS for hazardous chemicals and hazardous waste sites
Hazard Communication Standard applies to hazardous chemicals that are being used in a facility, not to hazardous waste. Therefore, waste site workers use labels, placards, and signs as a source of information, not identification.
Definitions of hazardous stuff (substance, materials, chemicals, waste)
Hazardous substances are substances determined by the EPA to present a danger to the environment. Hazardous chemicals are chemicals that are hazardous to people in the workplace or the community if released, as determined by OSHA. Hazardous materials are those materials which can present a danger during shipment by truck, rail, pipeline, air, or water, as determined by the Secretary of Transportation. hazardous waste is ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic.
Some problems with respirators
High breathing rates - positive-pressure SCBAs and SARs may NOT maintain positive pressure for brief periods during peak inhalation - exhalation valves may leak Extreme ambient temperatures Poor face-piece-to-face seal
Vaccinations and Treatment
Hepatitis B vaccine has been available since 1982 to prevent HBV infection. All workers who have a reasonable chance of exposure to blood or body fluids should receive the hepatitis B vaccine. Vaccination ideally should occur during the healthcare worker's training period. Workers can be tested 1-to-2 months after the vaccine series to make sure that vaccination has provided immunity to HBV infection. There is no vaccine against hepatitis C and no treatment after an exposure that will prevent infection. Immune globulin is not recommended. For these reasons, following recommended infection control practices is imperative. There is no vaccine against HIV. However, results from a small number of studies suggest that the use of zidovudine (and other drugs) after certain occupational exposures, may reduce the chance of HIV transmission.
The possible presence of a toxic atmosphere requires that several functions be performed for safety:
Identify airborne concentration that could pose a toxic risk to response workers and the public. Evaluate the need for and type of personal protective equipment. Set up work zones or areas where contaminants are or are not present. Several different types of monitors are used for detecting toxic atmospheres: colorimetric indicator tubes (i.e., detector tubes), specific chemical monitors (e.g., hydrogen sulfide), the photo ionization detector, the flame ionization detector, and the aerosol monitor.
Is the duration of air supply sufficient for accomplishing the necessary tasks?
If no, a larger cylinder should be used, a different respirator should be chosen, and/or the work plan should be modified.
Gas Pressure Displacement System
In a gas pressure displacement system, the water is displaced up the discharge tube by the increased gas pressure above the water level. It is particularly useful when the well depth is beyond the lifting capacity of a peristaltic pump. However, the potential for increased gas diffusion into the water makes this system unsuitable when sampling for volatile (i.e., vaporous) organic compounds or for most pH factors.
Site Security and Control
In an emergency, the project team leader (or designated representative) must know who is on site and must be able to control the entry of personnel into the hazardous areas to prevent additional injury and exposure. Only necessary rescue and response personnel should be allowed into the exclusion zone. One control technique is using a checkpoint or series of checkpoints through which all personnel entering or exiting the site must pass.
The Fire Triangle
In order to understand how fire extinguishers work, you first need to know a little bit about fire. Four things must be present at the same time in order to produce fire: Enough oxygen to sustain combustion A source of ignition/heat that can generate heat and raise the material to its ignition temperature Some sort of fuel or combustible material The chemical, exothermic reaction that is called fire
PPE inspection program
Inspection and operational testing of equipment from factory Inspection of equipment as it is issued to workers Inspection prior to each use Inspection after use or training, or before maintenance Periodic inspection of stored equipment Periodic inspection when a question arises concerning the appropriateness of selected equipment
type of air sample desired must be determined
Instantaneous samples require highly sensitive analytical methods due to the small sample volume collected Prevailing conditions, the scope of site operations, and the intended use of test data dictate the type collected Direct-reading instruments utilize instantaneous or grab-type samples collected over brief periods of time. They are useful if you want to examine stable contaminant concentrations or peak levels of short duration
The sampling instrument or system chosen depends on a number of factors, including:
Instrument or system efficiency Operational reliability Ease of use and portability Availability of the instrument and component parts Information or analysis desired Personal preference Calibration requirements
These hazards include exposure to falls, falling loads, and mobile equipment. To protect employees from these hazards, employers must take the following precautions:
Keep materials or equipment that might fall or roll into an excavation at least two feet from the edge of excavations, or have retaining devices, or both. Prohibit employees from working on faces of sloped or benched excavations at levels above other employees, unless employees at lower levels are adequately protected from the hazard of falling, rolling, or sliding material or equipment. Prohibit employees from going beneath loads that are handled by lifting or digging equipment.
Recordkeeping
Maintain and preserve records for 30 years post employment for employees (29 CFR Part 1910.1020). Make records available to worker, his or her authorized rep, and OSHA (29 CFR Part 1910. 1020). Maintain Occupational Injury and Illness Log (29 CFR Part 1904).
Many types of ladders are used on a hazardous waste site. Each type has specifications and requirements, including:
Maximum length Care and use Proper angle placement of portable ladders Protective cages for fixed ladders
Before entry is authorized, the employer must document:
Measures that have been implemented to prevent unauthorized entry. Hazards that have been identified and evaluated before employee entry. The means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit space entry operations and show these to have been developed and implemented.
Overhead and Underground Utilities
Most state laws require employers to call utilities before digging. Familiarize yourself with route markers. These signs alert that a utility is buried nearby, but they do not indicate the exact location or depth. If cables are damaged, they should not be covered up, because this makes them even harder to find. The presence of overhead power lines is the greatest above-ground utility hazard that a worker will face. Power lines can be dangerous because of loose wires or from people improperly handling conductive equipment. Only persons qualified as specified in 29 CFR 1910.269 can work on or isolate overhead lines. Therefore, contact must be established with either the utility company or a qualified electrical distribution line contractor when site work is being conducted in close proximity to these lines. Large vehicles and construction equipment may have to drive under low hanging utilities or bridges. It is a best practice to build a "goal post" before the utilities that equipment traffic coming onto site will have to clear before accidentally contacting any overhead lines or bridges.
Safer medical devices
Nearly 10 years have passed since the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard was published. Since then, many different medical devices have been developed to reduce the risk of needlesticks and other sharps injuries. These devices were designed to replace sharps with non-needle devices or incorporate safety features designed to reduce injuries. Despite these advances in technology, needlesticks and other sharps injuries continue to be of concern due to their high frequency of occurrence and the severity of the health effects that they cause. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, has estimated that healthcare workers sustain nearly 600,000 percutaneous injuries annually involving contaminated sharps. In response to both the continued concern over such exposures and the technological developments that can increase employee protection, Congress passed the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act that directed OSHA to revise the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. The Act directed OSHA to revise the Standard to require employers to both identify and make use of newer, more effective, and safer medical devices. That revision was published on January 18, 2001 and became effective on April 18, 2001.
Negative-Pressure Ventilation
Negative-pressure ventilation is literally the reverse of positive-pressure ventilation in that the fan is turned around and the contaminated air is drawn out of the container. Again, ventilation is very inefficient, if there is only one ventilation opening. The ventilation method is dependent upon the equipment available. Most ventilation fans are not explosion proof. If the atmosphere to be removed from the container is flammable, the use of negative-pressure ventilation requires drawing the gas through the fan, which greatly increases the risk of ignition by the fan's power. Many high capacity fans get their power from an internal combustion engine. If such a fan were used to remove an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, the engine would perform poorly since the atmosphere used by the carburetor would be low in oxygen. Conversely, a run-away situation can result by drawing an oxygen-enriched (or oxidizer) or fuel-enriched atmosphere through the fan. Pneumatic powered fans are sometimes used because they do not present an ignition sources and can be very powerful when run with a large industrial compressor located remotely and attached with long air lines.
Do employers have to provide portable fire extinguishers?
No. But if you do, you must establish an educational program to familiarize your workers with the general principles of fire extinguisher use. If you expect your workers to use portable fire extinguishers, you must provide hands-on training in using this equipment.
Aerosol Monitors
Not all toxic materials dispersed in air are in the form of a gas or vapor. Solids and liquids can become suspended in air by combustion, by splashing liquids, or by disturbing soil. Direct-reading instruments that measure aerosols (i.e., dust, mist, fumes, smoke, fog, or spray) usually have a light source and a light sensor that measures the amount of light scattered by the aerosol. Readouts are in milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Remember that these instruments determine the total amount of particulates but not the type of particulate. The actual content of contaminated air (e.g., with lead or arsenic) must be analyzed separately. However, if the content of the air sample is known, then the direct-reading instrument can be used to measure the weight of the contaminant per volume of air, as long as the content of the dust is assumed to remain constant.
Because of time restraints, it is important to train on-site emergency personnel in on-the-spot treatment techniques. Response usually follows a sequence:
Notification: Alert personnel to the emergency. Evaluation: Available information regarding the incident should be evaluated. Rescue response/action: Each situation calls for customized action and necessary steps to be implemented. Follow up: It is necessary to notify appropriate government agencies, restock all equipment and supplies, and review all aspects of the contingency plan according to new site conditions and lessons learned from the emergency response. Documentation: Should be accurate, authentic, complete, and descriptive of actions.
Confined space - medical awareness
OSHA recognizes the need for some level of medical awareness. It has mandated that all individuals associated with confined space entry and/or rescue be trained in CPR and basic first aid. At least one individual with current certification should be available during rescue operations. All individuals associated with confined space operations also need to know the location and operation of emergency medical supplies and equipment. It is the attendant's job to summon emergency medical assistance in the event of a medical problem.
Sloping and Shoring
One method is to slope the sides of the excavation at an angle of not more than 34 degrees measured from the horizontal. This can be easily achieved by sloping the sides to an angle not steeper than one-and-one-half horizontal to one vertical, as discussed previously. A second design method, which can be applied to both sloping and shoring, involves the use of tabulated data, such as tables or charts, approved by a registered professional engineer. All such data must be in writing and include sufficient explanatory information to enable the user to make a selection. It is also essential to include criteria for determining the selections and limitations on the use of data. A copy of the information, including the identity of the approving engineer should be maintained at the site at all times. After the work is completed, the information can be removed from the site and stored, but a copy must be made available, upon request, to Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA.
Two types of entry-and-escape SCBAs
Open-circuit: In an open-circuit SCBA, air is exhaled directly into the ambient atmosphere. Closed-circuit: In a closed-circuit SCBA, exhaled air is recycled by removing the carbon dioxide with an alkaline scrubber and by replenishing the consumed oxygen with oxygen from a solid, liquid, or gaseous source.
3 Types of Air Purifying Devices
Particulate filters Cartridges and canisters, which contain sorbents for specific gases and vapors Combination devices --------- Black - Organic Vapors Yellow - Organic Vapors and acids White - Acid Gases Green - Ammonia and Methylamine Purple - HEPA*, Dusts, Fumes and Mists Orange stripe - Dusts, Fumes and Mists in combination with any vapor or gas
he two common units of measurement used in setting exposure limits
Parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb) Milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/m3) ppm - An ounce of chocolate in a million gallons of milk A drop of vermouth in a railcar full of vodka ppb - One grain of sugar in a 10 pound bag of sugar.
PID
Photo ionization detectors are calibrated to a single chemical. The IP of propane is 11.1 eV and the IP of vinyl chloride is 10.0 eV. To detect both, a lamp with an energy greater than 11.1 eV is needed (like an 11.7 or 11.8). If vinyl chloride were the chemical of concern, then a lamp with energy greater than 10.0 but less than 11.1 eV (such as 10.2 or 10.6) could be used. The propane would neither be ionized nor detected. Thus, propane would not interfere with the vinyl chloride readings. The PID contains an ultraviolet (UV) lamp that affects the ionization of compounds to be detected. Since the ability to detect a chemical depends on the ability to ionize it, the IP of a chemical to be detected must be compared to the energy generated by the UV lamp of the instrument. There is a limit to this imposed by the components of air; that is, the lamp cannot be too energetic because that would cause oxygen and nitrogen from the atmosphere to ionize and interfere with the contaminant readings. UV lamps are available in a number of electron volt levels: 8.3, 8.4, 9.5, 10.2, 10.6, 11.4, 11.7 and 11.8 eV. (Note: Not all lamps are available from a single manufacturer.) To detect a particular chemical, it is necessary to select the appropriate lamp for the PID. During monitoring, the sample drawn into the instrument passes over the UV lamp where it is ionized. If a spill of propane and vinyl chloride were to be monitored with a PID, the first check would be to see if they could be detected.
Post Exposure Treatment
Post exposure treatment is not recommended for all occupational exposures to HIV because most exposures do not lead to HIV infection and the drugs used to prevent infection may cause serious side effects. Taking these drugs for exposures that pose a lower risk for infection may not be worth the risk of the side effects. Employees should discuss the risks and side effects with a healthcare provider before starting post exposure treatment for HIV. If the source individual cannot be identified or tested, decisions regarding follow-up should be based on the exposure risk and whether the source is likely to be a person who is infected with a bloodborne pathogen. Follow-up testing should be made available to all workers who are concerned about possible infection through occupational exposure. Treatment for bloodborne pathogen exposure should normally begin as soon as possible. For HBV exposure, treatment should begin as soon as possible within 24 hours and no later than seven days. For HIV exposure, treatment should begin within hours.
Keep both feet firmly on the scaffold and practice these safety precautions:
Receive training in scaffold safety before erecting or inspecting an scaffolding. A scaffolding competent person should check scaffolds daily for any safety defects, and make sure they are sturdy. Always clear work surfaces of snow, ice, or slippery materials. Never overload scaffolds with people, equipment, or supplies. Lock casters on mobile scaffolding to prevent movement when working. Use fall protection to prevent injury in the event of an accidental slip, trip, or fall off of ladders or scaffolds. Know how the fall-protection device works and keep it in good working condition.
All personnel must have some form of emergency training. Any training program has to:
Relate directly to site-specific anticipated situations. Be brief and repeated often. Be realistic and practical. Provide an opportunity for special skills to be practiced regularly. Ensure that training records are maintained in a training logbook. Everyone entering the site must be made aware of the hazards and of hazardous actions that should be avoided. They must also know what to do in case of an emergency.
respiratory protection program
Respirators will be selected based on hazards to which the worker is exposed. The user will be instructed and trained in the proper use of respirators and their limitations. Written standard operating procedures covering the selection and use of respirators must be established. Respirators must be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Those used by more than one worker must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use. Respirators used routinely will be inspected during cleaning. Worn or deteriorated parts will be replaced. 6. Respirators will be stored in a convenient, clean, and sanitary location. 7. Appropriate surveillance of work area conditions and degree of employee exposure or stress shall be maintained. 8. The user should be properly fit tested and taught how to check face-piece fit before each use. 9. The employer, through medical evaluations, will determine if a user is physically able to perform the work and use the equipment. This medical status should be reviewed periodically, when conditions change, or the program administrator, PLHCP, or supervisor recommends re-evaluation. 10. The effectiveness of the program should be evaluated on a regular basis.
The purpose of drum handling SOPs is to:
Respond to any obvious problems that might impair worker safety, such as radioactivity, leakage, or the presence of explosive substances Use a machine to move the drums if possible to avoid extra human contact and heavy lifting. Un-stack and orient drums for sampling If necessary, organize drums into different areas on site to facilitate characterization and remedial action Handling may or may not be necessary, depending on how the drums are positioned at the site. Since accidents occur frequently during handling, particularly initial handling, drums should only be handled if necessary. Prior to handling, all personnel must be warned about the hazards and instructed to minimize handling as much as possible and to avoid unnecessary handling. Personnel shall be alerted regarding new information about potential hazards. These hazards shall be addressed before continuing with routine handling operations. Over-packed drums are larger drums in which leaking or damaged drums are placed for storage or shipment. Overpacks and an adequate volume of absorbent (e.g., sand) should be kept near areas where minor spills can occur. Where major spills can occur, a containment drum (i.e., dike) shall be constructed before any handling takes place. The drum must be adequate to contain the entire volume of liquid in the drums. If the drum contents spill, personnel trained in spill response shall be allowed to isolate and contain the spill.
When developing a site specific medical program the following things should be taken into consideration.
Site conditions Monitoring the needs of each worker Routine job tasks
Specific ventilation techniques vary according to:
Size and orientation of the space Size of the exhaust opening Types of vapors to be removed Source of the replacement air
OSHA requires that in all excavations, employees exposed to potential cave-ins must be protected by the following:
Sloping or benching (i.e., terracing/stepping) Shielding Shoring/bracing Designing a protective system can be complex because of the number of factors involved; for example, soil classification, depth of cut, water content of soil, changes due to weather and climate, or other operations in the vicinity.
Excavation - The design of a protective system depends on many factors including:
Soil classification Depth of the cut Water content of the soil Weather conditions Nearby operations The Standard provides four approaches for sloping and shoring, including the use of shields. Any of these techniques can be used to provide the required level of protection against cave-ins.
Level C Decontamination Line
Step 1: Segregated equipment drop Step 2: Boot cover and glove Step 3: Boot cover and glove rinse Step 4: Tape removal - boot Step 5: Boot cover removal Step 6: Outer glove removal Step 7: Suit/safety boot wash and rinse Step 8: Safety boot removal Step 9: Fully-encapsulating suit and hardhat removal Step 10: Inner glove wash and rinse Step 11: Face piece removal Step 12: Inner glove removal Step 13: Inner clothing removal Step 14: Field wash
Level A Decon Line steps
Step 1: Segregated equipment drop Step 2: Boot cover and glove Step 3: Boot cover and glove rinse Step 4: Tape removal - boot Step 5: Boot cover removal Step 6: Outer glove removal Step 7: Suit/safety boot wash and rinse Step 8: Safety boot removal Step 9: SCBA backpack removal Step 10: Fully-encapsulating suit and hardhat removal Step 11: Inner glove wash and rinse Step 12: Face-piece removal Step 13: Inner glove removal Step 14: Inner clothing removal Step 15: Field wash
Level B Decontamination Line
Step 1: Segregated equipment drop Step 2: Boot cover and glove Step 3: Boot cover and glove rinse Step 4: Tape removal - boot Step 5: Boot cover removal Step 6: Outer glove removal Step 7: Suit/safety boot wash and rinse Step 8: Safety boot removal Step 9: SCBA backpack removal Step 10: Fully-encapsulating suit and hardhat removal Step 11: Inner glove wash and rinse Step 12: Face-piece removal Step 13: Inner glove removal Step 14: Inner clothing removal Step 15: Field wash
Methane ventilation example
Suppose we had a vertical tank filled with methane gas. If we opened the hatch at the top, the methane would be vented out, because its vapor density is much lighter than the vapor density of air. If there were just one opening at the top, both the intake and exhaust gases would have to pass through the same opening. Though quite inefficient, the atmospheric changeover would occur in time. The process could be made much more efficient if a second opening were made at the bottom. As the methane would vent out the top, air would be drawn in through the bottom resulting in a more rapid atmospheric turnover. The greater the difference in vapor density, the faster natural ventilation will take place. Naturally, the reverse flow would occur if the atmosphere in the container had a vapor density greater than one, the vapor density of air. Many of the gases that need to be ventilated are either present in fairly low concentrations or have vapor densities close to one.
Radiation Dosimeters
TLD (thermoluminescent dosimeter) badges provide a permanent record of an individual's dose equivalent of beta, gamma, and x-ray radiation. The Albedo TLD is a neutron dose detection device worn when working in or around a neutron radiation field. Such dosimeters must be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Direct-reading dosimeters are also available, which are pencil-type devices that allow personnel to read and evaluate their exposures between TLD readings. Another direct-reading type of dosimeter is the Chirpy, which is a device worn by personnel involved in radiography work. The device emits chirps based on the strength of the radiation field. The more chirps, the stronger the field. The digital dosimeter is a battery-powered direct-reading instrument with a digital readout in mR. This device also emits chirps based on the strength of the radiation field. In addition to Chirpies, some dosimeters are designed to meet the requirements for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). One such device is called the Chest Thumper because it vibrates or thumps the chest of the hearing impaired. If a site has radioactive materials present and these types of personal monitoring devices are needed, then a health physicist should be present to supervise their correct usage.
Entry Team
Teams should observe the following general guidelines when handling an emergency response to a spill of a hazardous substance: Identify, to the extent possible, all hazards. Get help from specialists who can give technical advice or assistance. Use proper personal protective equipment. If possible, do not come in direct contact with the hazardous substance. Use SCBAs unless air monitoring shows a decreased level of protection is acceptable.
Transportation Legislation and Regulations
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has been the primary regulatory agency for hazardous materials interstate transport since the enactment of the Transportation Safety Act in 1974. The Hazardous Materials Transportation Act in 1975 gave DOT the authority to impose stiff financial penalties for violations. In 49 CFR, the DOT regulates the shipping papers, packaging, labeling, and placarding of shipments as well as the training and responsibilities of shipping personnel involved in the transport of hazardous materials.
Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act
The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act (the Act) (Pub. L. 106-430) was signed into law on November 6, 2000. Because occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens from accidental sharps injuries in healthcare and other occupational settings continues to be a serious problem, Congress felt that a modification to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) was appropriate to set forth in greater detail (and make more specific) OSHA's requirement for employers to identify, evaluate, and implement safer medical devices. OSHA revised the Standard in response to the need to provide safer needle devices as they become available, and to involve frontline employees in evaluating and choosing the devices. The updated Standard also requires employers to maintain a log of injuries from contaminated sharps.
OSHA guidelines excavation
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has, since 1971, repeatedly made amendments and adjustments to its excavation and trenching related standards to increase safety for workers and reduce the severity and frequency of excavation accidents and injuries. The current Standard has been effective since March 5, 1990. However, it was amended in 1994. Trench/Trench excavation: Means a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground. In general, the depth is greater than the width, but the width of a trench (measured at the bottom) is not greater than 15 feet (4.6 m). If forms or other structures are installed or constructed in an excavation so as to reduce the dimension measured from the forms or structure to the side of the excavation to 15 feet (4.6 m) or less (measured at the bottom of the excavation), the excavation is also considered to be a trench. For example, a wide excavation gets a concrete vault box installed inside of it. Now there is a narrow space between the wall of the excavation and the wall of the vault box. If the excavation wall gave way, workers could be pinned against the box. Additional sloping or shoring may be required. The Standard contains a method of soil classification, sloping and benching requirements, shoring and shielding device regulations, timber tables, hydraulic shoring tables, and a graphic summary of all Standard requirements. Types A, B, and C soil have different sloping and benching limitations. Digging beyond 20 feet deep requires additional protective system considerations.
Excavation - Water Accumulation
The Standard prohibits working in excavations where water has accumulated or is accumulating, unless adequate protection measures have been taken. If water removal equipment is used to control or prevent water from accumulating, the equipment and its operation must be monitored at all times by a competent person to ensure its proper usage. If water is present in an excavation the soil class must be downgraded. The entry of surface water into excavations shall also be prevented by means of diversion ditches, dikes, or other suitable means such as wells. A competent person must also inspect excavations subject to runoffs. An Erosion Control Plan for larger sites is typically required by the state which ensures that soil does not wash off of the site during a rain event. Silt fences and drainage features should be used to prevent runoff of sediment into a "Navigable Waterway of the United States" which includes ditches, streams, creeks, rivers, lakes, bays, wetlands, etc. Stormwater samples may need to be collected during rain events to ensure contamination isn't reaching these environmentally sensitive areas.
On-the-Job Evaluation
The Standard requires that a competent person inspect, on a daily basis, excavations and the adjacent areas for possible cave-ins, failures of protective systems and equipment, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions. If these conditions are encountered, then exposed employees must be removed from the hazardous area until the necessary safety precautions have been taken. Inspections are also required after natural (e.g., heavy rains) or human-caused events (e.g., blasting), which can increase the potential for hazards.
Groundwater Sampling
The installation and operation of these wells must be planned and supervised by personnel who have extensive knowledge and experience in hydrology and related subjects. When sitting and operating the well, the following considerations are necessary: Well installation plans must be carefully followed to ensure that the well will provide representative information. The plans will also help to avoid puncturing through a separating layer to an uncontaminated aquifer (i.e., a water-bearing rock formation). Prior to drilling a well, a permit must be filed with the state. Decontaminate drilling and sampling equipment thoroughly after each use to avoid cross contamination. Avoid over-pumping, which can alter groundwater flow or affect the movement of contaminants. Proper safety precautions must be taken by sampling personnel. Any material that comes out of a drill hole or well, either on site or off site can be contaminated.
Isolation/Lockout/Tagout
The isolation procedures are specific for each type of confined space. Safety equipment required during this procedure is designated by the qualified person and is dependent upon the potential hazards involved. Permit-required confined spaces must be completely isolated from all other systems by physical disconnection, double block and bleed, or blanking off all lines. In continuous systems, where complete isolation is not possible, such as sewers or utility tunnels, specific written safety procedures approved and enforced by the employer are used.
Drum working planning
The results of the preliminary inspection can be used to determine: If any hazards are present and the appropriate response Which drums need to be moved in order to be opened and sampled A preliminary plan which specifies the extent of handling necessary, the personnel selected for the job, and the most appropriate procedures based on the hazards associated with the probable drum contents as determined by visual inspection. This plan should be revised as new information is obtained.
Fire protection intro
There is a long and tragic history of workplace fires in this country. One of the most notable was the fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City in 1911, in which nearly 150 women and young girls died because of locked fire exits and inadequate fire extinguishing systems. History repeated itself several years ago in the fire in Hamlet, North Carolina, where 25 workers died in a fire in a poultry processing plant. It appears that here, too, there were problems with fire exits and extinguishing systems.
Hazardous Wastes Which Are Also Hazardous Materials
These are properly named with the word "Waste" preceding the shipping name on the shipping paper and package markings; for example, "Waste Acetone." The word, waste, might already be included in the proper shipping name in the Hazardous Materials Table; for example, "Hazardous Waste, liquid or solid."
Fixed System: Water Spray & Foam Section 1910.163
This scene applies to all fixed extinguishing systems, using water or foam solution as the extinguishing agent, installed to meet a particular OSHA standard. Specific requirements: Designed to be effective on particular area or equipment Example 1 - The employer shall assure that foam and water spray systems are designed to be effective in at least controlling fire in the protected area or on protected equipment. Drainage directed away from employees or egress path Example 2 - The employer shall assure that drainage of water spray systems is directed away from areas where employees are working and that no emergency egress is permitted through the drainage path.
Total flooding system
Total Flooding Systems The employer shall provide an emergency action plan in accordance with 1910.38 for each area within a workplace that is protected by a total flooding system, which provides agent concentrations exceeding the maximum safe levels. On all total-flooding systems the employer shall provide a pre-discharge employee alarm that complies with 1910.165 and is capable of being perceived above ambient light or noise levels before the system discharges, which will give employees time to safely exit from the discharge area before system discharge.
Before preparing a bid, the following specific site conditions should be taken into account:
Traffic Nearness of structures and their conditions Soil Surface and ground water The water table Overhead and underground utilities Weather
Excavation site planning
Traffic flow in the region. Proximity to constructed structures and their condition. Soil texture at and around the work site. Surface and groundwater. Height of the water table. Location of all overhead and underground utility installations that might be affected by the work. Weather. To determine these and other job-specific conditions, consult with local officials and utility companies. Before any excavation actually begins, the Standard requires the contractor to determine the exact locations of all utilities and other installations that may be encountered during the digging process. It is essential for the contractor to contact and inform utility companies or owners of such installations before commencing work. The contractor must comply with established or customary response times for the proposed work. The contractor must also ask utility companies or installation owners to identify the exact locations of installations. Most states have a "One-Call" system. For example prior to starting a project, dial 811 on a telephone and schedule a locate. The utility locator will mark locations of buried lines with a paint color corresponding to each type of utility. Update these utility locates every 30 days. To locate a utility, use "Soft Dig" techniques to get a visual locate on a line before engaging with machinery. Soft dig can be a "pothole" dug with hand shovels (avoid pick axes to prevent penetrating a line). A hydro-excavator is also acceptable means as not to damage the line. Once a positive locate is made, a spotter should watch the bucket at all times. Best practice is to keep the excavator bucket at least 2 feet away from the line and to strip off the remaining soil by hand to avoid contact with the line if it turns or has a buried appurtenance like a valve sticking out. Not all utilities will show up in a mark-out and there is always a possibility of an unmarked utility strike. You never know what is buried beneath you, especially in old industrial sites, so always excavate with extreme caution and use a spotter when it is a safe atmosphere on the ground to do so. If the exact location of installations cannot be ascertained for any reason whatsoever, or if the utility does not respond within 24 hours, the contractor can proceed with the work using caution. Once all necessary data pertaining to the job site has been assembled, the contractor is in a position to determine the amount, kind, and cost of necessary safety equipment. An inventory of all equipment on hand should be compiled in order to determine additional needs. Regardless of the contractor's past safety record and experience, it is highly essential that each job be treated with the highest degree of care and preparation.
Two types of personal sampling systems
Two types of personal sampling systems are: Active samplers mechanically move contaminated air through a collection medium. Passive samplers rely on natural rather than mechanical forces to collect samples. Passive samplers are classified as either diffusion or permeation devices according to their principle of operation. These systems rely on integrated sample collection. Integrated samples are collected when the sensitivity of a method requires minimum sample periods or volumes, or when comparison must be made to an 8-hour, time-weighted average threshold limit value (TLV), or to an OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL). Therefore, these are typical measurements.
Warning Employees of Hazards
Warning labels help employees to easily and quickly identify bloodborne exposure risk when handling containers or equipment. They should be fluorescent orange, orange-red, or predominantly so, with lettering and symbols in contrasting colors. The bloodborne placard symbol should also be displayed with the legend, Biohazard. Warning labels should be affixed to containers and bags of: Regulated waste Refrigerators and freezers containing blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) Other containers used to store, transport, or ship blood or other potentially infectious materials OSHA allows the substitution of a solid red bag or container for labels, if necessary. Labels should be placed directly on, or as close to the container or equipment as feasible, by any method that will prevent them from falling off or other unintentional removal. Individual containers of blood or other potentially infectious materials that are placed in a labeled container during storage, transport, shipment, or disposal are exempted from the labeling requirement.
HBV
Workers who have received hepatitis B vaccine and have developed immunity to the virus are at virtually no risk for infection. For an unvaccinated person, the risk from a single needlestick or a cut exposure to HBV-infected blood ranges from 6-to-30 percent and depends on the hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg) status of the source individual. Individuals who are both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive and HBeAg positive have more viruses in their blood and are more likely to transmit HBV.
Peristaltic pumps
limited in their lifting capacity; however, they have an advantage in that the same system can be used not only for purging but also for sample collection. useful when relatively large samples are needed. However, a pump system can strip volatile components as a result of the vacuum created by lifting. Therefore, volatile organic analysis samples should be collected using a bailer. When collecting a sample with a peristaltic pump, the following guidelines should be followed: Install clean medical-grade silicon tubing in the pump head. Attach the pump to the required length of Teflon suction line and lower it to the mid-point of the well screen or slightly below the existing water level. The first liter of liquid collected is considered a system purge. Fill sample bottles, letting the discharge flow gently down the side of the bottle with a minimum of turbulence (i.e., disturbance). Preserve the sample (if directed by EPA sampling guidelines), check the Teflon liner in the cap, and then, secure the cap. Complete the label, the chain-of-custody form, and the log entry. Place the sample bottle in a carrying container at 4°C. Allow the system to drain, disassemble, and return tubing for decontamination.
clo value
measure of the capacity of chemical protective clothing to dissipate heat loss through means other than evaporation larger the clo value = greater the insulating properties of the garment and the lower the heat transfer
Ergonomics
practice of arranging the work environment to accommodate workers' body requirements. Ergonomics involves designing tasks, work stations, controls, displays, safety devices, tools, and equipment to fit the worker. When the job demand exceeds the physical characteristics of the worker, an injury results. Improper work ergonomics can lead to muscular-skeletal disorders affecting the muscles, tendons, joints, and bones. Cumulative trauma disorders, or CTDs, are also common. CTDs are disorders of the muscular-skeletal and nervous systems, made worse by repetitive activities over extended periods of time. Ergonomic hazards are prevented primarily by the effective design of a job or job site and the tools or equipment used in that job. Jobs should be designed to fit the people doing them, not force them to fit the job. New and continuous employee training can be the most effective tool in preventing worker injury.
Contamination Reduction Zone
reduce the probability of contamination in the clean Support Zone PPE required, decon, Hazards are monitored here for spread of airborne contaminants
passive samplers
(i.e. "dosimeters") is their simplicity. These small, lightweight devices do not require a mechanical pump to move a contaminant through a collection medium. Thus, calibration and maintenance are reduced or eliminated, although the sampling period must still be accurately measured. Despite this obvious advantage, errors can occur in observer interpretations. Temperature and humidity can affect accuracy as well in both active and passive systems. Time Spent: 18 h 01 m The few passive samplers now available apply to gas and vapor contaminants only. These devices primarily function as personal exposure monitors, although they have some usefulness in area monitoring. Passive samplers are commonly divided into two groups: Diffusion samplers: Some diffusion samplers can be read directly; for example, colorimetric length-of-stain tubes. Others require laboratory analysis similar to that performed on solid sorbents. Permeation samplers: Permeation samplers are useful in identifying a single contaminant within a mixture of airborne contaminants. This is possible because of selective permeation of chemicals through a membrane.
Passive Samplers
(i.e., "dosimeters") is their simplicity. These small, lightweight devices do not require a mechanical pump to move a contaminant through a collection medium. Thus, calibration and maintenance are reduced or eliminated, although the sampling period must still be accurately measured. Despite this obvious advantage, errors can occur in observer interpretations. Temperature and humidity can also affect accuracy. But, this is the case for both active and passive systems.
Off site survey
(interviews, research, perimeter recon) used to develop Site Safety Plan - outlines what needs to be accomplished and then prescribes procedures to protect the health and safety of the entry team Precise location of the site Meteorological data (e.g., current weather and forecast, prevailing wind direction, precipitation levels, temperature profiles) A detailed account of the activity that occurred at the site Duration of the activity Geologic and hydrologic data Habitation and population centers; populations at risk Accessibility by air and roadways Pathways of dispersion Research can include Company records, Water department and sewage district records, nearby residents, state and federal pollution control regulatory and enforcement agencies
Time Spent: 15 h 49 m Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Shipyard Employment and related subparts may be found in:
1915 Subpart B - Confined and Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres in Shipyard Employment 1915 Subpart C - Surface Preparation and Preservation 1915 Subpart D - Welding, Cutting, and Heating 1915 Subpart E - Scaffolds, Ladders, and Other Working Surfaces 1915 Subpart F - General Working Conditions 1915 Subpart G - Gear and Equipment for Rigging and Materials Handling 1915 Subpart H - Tools and Related Equipment 1915 Subpart I - Personal Protective Equipment 1915 Subpart J - Ship's Machinery and Piping Systems 1915 Subpart L - Electrical Machinery 1915 Subpart Z - Toxic and Hazardous Substances
Chemical asphyxiates
A person who inhales a toxic chemical and suffers acute effects will probably have a shortness of breath as the primary symptom. This is especially true if the chemical is an irritant. Chemical asphyxiates usually cause cyanosis and absence of breathing. Regardless of the type of chemical inhaled, removal of the individual from the space is the first priority followed by EMS activation. CPR may be necessary if the victim's heart has stopped beating. Rescuers must be careful not to contaminate themselves with the toxic chemical by coming into unprotected contact with the patient. If the chemical was absorbed, removal of clothing and decontamination are necessary.
Personal Sampling Plan
A sampling plan can be complex because: It is often difficult to decide what to sample. Many workers move around on the work area and some workers perform a variety of tasks while others are in one place all day. Efficiently keeping track of sampling data requires attention and organization. Currently, full OSHA standards have been published in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z for only 28 substances. Among those included in Subpart Z are standards for lead, asbestos, benzene, cadmium, vinyl chloride, formaldehyde, and acrylonitrile. Subpart Z sets specific requirements for exposure monitoring of workers. Further regulations are in placed No required sampling method exists for other substances; thus, if air concentrations do not exceed permissible exposure limits (PELs) in Table Z (29 CFR 1910.1000), personnel monitoring is NOT required.
PID vs FID
A signal-conducting amplifier is used to amplify the signal from the preamplifier and to condition it for meter or external recorder display. Flame ionization detectors give a more generalized response when detecting organic vapors. This generalized sensitivity results from breaking chemical bonds which requires a set amount of energy, known as a reproducible event. When this process is compared to photo ionization, there is a major difference. PID detection is dependent upon the ionization potential, eV, and the ease in which an electron can be ionized (displaced) from a molecule. Flame ionization detectors respond only to organic compounds. Thus, they do not detect inorganic compounds like chlorine, hydrogen cyanide, or ammonia. As with all instruments, flame ionization detectors respond differently to different compounds. Since most instruments are factory calibrated to methane, all responses are relative to methane. This mechanism is variable and highly dependent on the individual characteristics of a particular substance. This results in a more variable response factor for the vast majority of organic molecules that are ionizable. Therefore, in general, one does not see large sensitivity shifts between different substances when using an FID as compared to a PID. Flame ionization detectors are the most sensitive for saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) and unsaturated hydrocarbons (alkenes).
What standard is used for atmosphere supplying and air-purifying respirators?
ANSI Z88.2-1980.
Fire Precedents
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' fires and explosions accounted for 3.4% of workplace fatalities in 2013. This page provides valuable reference materials for prevention of fire-related injuries in all workplaces. Fire safety is addressed in specific standards for recordkeeping, general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, gear certification, and the construction industry. This page highlights OSHA standards, the Regulatory Agenda (a list of actions being taken with regard to OSHA standards), directives (instructions for compliance officers), and national consensus standards related to fire safety. Fire safety becomes everyone's job at a worksite. Employers should train workers about fire hazards in the workplace and about what to do in a fire emergency. This plan should outline the assignments of key personnel in the event of a fire and provide an evacuation plan for workers on the site. In the construction industry, a "fire plan" should be set up prior to the beginning of any demolition job.
There are two types of personal sampling systems.
Active samplers that mechanically move contaminated air through a collection medium Passive samplers rely on natural rather than mechanical forces to collect samples Passive samplers are classified as either diffusion or permeation devices according to their principle of operation.
Active Samplers: General Considerations
Active sampling systems mechanically collect samples on or into a selected medium (i.e., filtering or collection substance). The medium is then analyzed in the laboratory to identify and quantify collected contaminant(s). An electrically powered pump to move the contaminated air. Such a pump should contain a flow regulator to control the rate of movement and a flow monitor to indicate that flow. A sampler consisting of an appropriate sampling medium and a container designed for that medium. The sampler used depends largely upon the contaminant(s) to be sampled and the sample method. Flexible, nonporous, inert tubing to link the sampler to the pump. Integrated samples are commonly collected over known time periods and at known fixed flow rates. Thus, sample pump calibration and accurate time measurement are critical to the proper interpretation of data collected by active systems.
Sampling Pumps
Active sampling systems typically rely on electrically powered pumps to mechanically produce air movement. The most practical electrical sampling pumps are powered by rechargeable batteries and can operate continuously at constant flow rates for at least eight hours. Generally, they are compact, portable, and quiet enough to be worn by individuals when monitoring personal exposures. The type of portable pump selected is generally determined by such factors as the physical properties of the contaminant, the collection medium, and the collection flow rates specified by the analytical method used. Pump designs that do not interfere with workers motion and are of rugged construction are desirable.
Sampling Pumps
Active sampling systems typically rely on electrically powered pumps to mechanically produce air movement. The most practical electrical sampling pumps are powered by rechargeable batteries and can operate continuously at constant flow rates for at least eight hours. Generally, they are compact, portable, and quiet enough to be worn by individuals when monitoring personal exposures. The type of portable pump selected is generally determined by such factors as the physical properties of the contaminant, the collection medium, and the collection flow rates specified by the analytical method. A rugged design that is light weight and has battery capacity long enough for the assignment are qualities to look for when selecting a pump.
Hazardous Atmospheres
Before an employee is allowed to enter an excavation, a competent person must test if it is over four feet deep or if oxygen deficiency or a hazardous atmosphere exists or could reasonably be expected to exist. If hazardous conditions exist, controls such as proper respiratory protection or ventilation must be provided. Also, controls used to reduce atmospheric contaminants to acceptable levels must be tested regularly.
To better assist excavation firms and contractors, OSHA has completely updated the existing Standard to simplify many existing provisions by:
Adding and clarifying definitions Eliminating duplicate provisions and ambiguous language Giving employers added flexibility in providing protection for employees The Standard became effective March 5, 1990, and contains several new appendices. One appendix provides a consistent method of soil classification. Others provide sloping and benching requirements, pictorial examples of shoring tables, and selection charts that provide graphic summaries of requirements. OSHA's revised rule applies to all open excavations made in the earth's surface, which includes trenches. According to the OSHA Construction Health and Safety Standard, a trench is referred to as a narrow excavation made below the surface of the ground in which the depth is greater than the width, the width not exceeding 15 feet. An excavation is any human made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth's surface formed by earth removal. This can include excavations for anything from cellars to highways.
Must employers have a fire prevention plan?
All fire prevention plans must: Be available for employee review. Include housekeeping procedures for storage and cleanup of flammable materials and flammable waste. Address handling and packaging of flammable waste. (E.g., Recycling of flammable waste such as paper is encouraged.) Cover procedures for controlling workplace ignition sources such as smoking, welding, and burning. Provide for proper cleaning and maintenance of heat producing equipment such as burners, heat exchangers, boilers, ovens, stoves, and fryers, and require storage of flammables away from this equipment. Inform workers of the potential fire hazards of their jobs and plan procedures. Require plan review with all new employees and with all employees whenever the plan is changed.
Training records
All training must be documented. Training records must include the following information: The date of each training session The contents or a summary of each training session The names and qualifications of trainers The names and job titles of all persons attending each training session Training records must be maintained for at least three years from the date on which the training occurred. Training records must be made available to OSHA upon request for examination and/or copying. Training records must be provided upon written request: For examination and copying by employees To employees' representatives
Confined space labeling and posting
All warning signs shall be printed in English and also be printed in the predominant language of non-English reading employees. Employees unable to read labels and posted signs must receive additional information regarding hazardous areas and should be informed of the instructions printed on the signs. All entrances to confined space must be posted. Signs shall include but are not limited to the following information: emergency procedures, including phone numbers of EMS (emergency medical services), and response and rescue teams must be posted conspicuously within the immediate area of the confined space.
Confined spaces Testing and Monitoring
Central to safe permit-space operations is atmospheric monitoring. From the assignment of protective gear to limitations of work practices, the results of this testing will govern almost every phase of entry. Also, in an implied way, OSHA requires atmospheric testing. There are three main atmospheric hazards that cause concern in confined spaces: Oxygen depletion Flammability Toxicity Our monitoring practices and instruments should be geared toward these three central hazards.
Must employers develop emergency action plans?
Almost every business is required to have an emergency action plan (EAP). If fire extinguishers are required or provided in your workplace, and if anyone will be evacuating during a fire or other emergency, then OSHA's [29 CFR 1910.157] requires you to have an EAP. The only exemption to this is if you have an in-house fire brigade in which every employee is trained and equipped to fight fires, and consequently, no one evacuates. When required, employers must develop emergency action plans that: Describe the routes for workers to use and procedures to follow. Account for all evacuated employees. Remain available for employee review. Include procedures for evacuating disabled employees. Address evacuation of employees who stay behind to shut down critical plant equipment. Include preferred means of alerting employees to a fire emergency. Provide for an employee alarm system throughout the workplace. Require an alarm system that includes voice communication or sound signals such as bells, whistles, or horns. Make the evacuation signal known to employees. Ensure emergency training. Require employer review of the plan with new employees and with all employees whenever the plan is changed.
Teams
Although an individual like the site safety officer may perform certain tasks during emergencies, in most cases, teams provide greater efficiency and safety. Teams composed of on-site personnel should be created for specific emergency purposes, such as decontamination, rescue, and entry. Rescue teams can be used during a particularly dangerous operation or at large sites with multiple-work parties in the exclusion zone. Their sole function is to remain near hazardous work areas, be partially dressed in protective gear, and ready for full suiting and immediate rescue of an endangered worker. These teams must be capable of administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency first aid. Other teams can be formed for responding to containment emergencies and fire fighting until off-site assistance arrives.
HBV risk factors
Although the potential for HBV transmission in the workplace setting is greater than for HIV, the modes of transmission for these two viruses are similar. Both have been transmitted in occupational settings through: Percutaneous inoculation or contact with an open wound Nonintact (e.g., chapped, abraded, weeping, or dermatitis) skin Mucous membranes Blood Blood-contaminated body fluids, or a concentrated virus Blood is the single most important source of HIV and HBV in the workplace setting. Protection measures against HIV and HBV for workers should focus primarily on preventing these types of exposures to blood as well as establishing an HBV vaccination program and delivery system. Persons who contract HBV are at risk of developing chronic liver disease (i.e., chronic active hepatitis, cirrhosis, and primary liver cancer) and are infectious to others. The risk of hepatitis B infection following a potential (i.e., needlestick or cut) exposure to blood is directly proportional to the probability that the blood contains hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), the immunity status of the recipient, and on the efficiency of transmission. The probability of the source of the blood being HBsAg positive ranges from 1-to-3 per thousand in the general population to 5-to-15 percent in groups at high risk for HBV infection, such as: Immigrants from areas of high endemic (China and Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, most Pacific islands, and the Amazon Basin) Clients in institutions for the mentally retarded Intravenous drug users Homosexually active males Those having household (sexual and non-sexual) contacts with HBV carriers
Blasting Agent
Any material or mixture consisting of a fuel and oxidizer used to set off explosives; insensitive to heat and shock
Unstable Materials
Any substances that will spontaneously decompose, polymerize, or self-react under conditions of shock, temperature, or pressure 2 types: organic peroxides, monomers
2 air sampling methods
Area sampling, which involves placing collection devices within designated areas and operating them over specific periods of time. Personal sampling, which involves collecting samples from within the breathing zone of an individual, sometimes by the individual wearing a sampling device.
Medical program evaluation
At least annually, the site safety officer should: Ascertain that accidents and injuries are promptly investigated and necessary changes are made. Evaluate the efficiency of specific medical testing. Add or delete medical tests if needed. Update emergency procedures. Review management commitment to worker health and safety.
Vapor Pressure
At room temperature and sea level there is one atmosphere of pressure which pushes down on a liquid in a container Materials containing a vapor pressure less than one will boil at room temperature Materials containg a vapor pressure greater than one will remain liquid at room temperature
Termination exam
At the end of employment at a hazardous waste site, all personnel must have a medical examination as described in the previous sections. This exam can be limited to obtaining an interval medical history of the period since the last full examination (consisting of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests) if all of the three following conditions are met: The last full medical examination was within the last six months. No exposure occurred since the last examination. No symptoms associated with exposure occurred since the last examination.
Safety before Beginning the Job
Before beginning the job, a health and safety program for the site should be developed. Its purpose should be to educate all workers on the identification of potential work hazards. The program should also layout guidelines for emergency situations. It is important for every contractor to establish and maintain a safety and health program for the work site that outlines in detail the work and safety policies, procedures, and practices that will be followed to protect employees. This program should be used for safety education. To be effective, such a program should also include provisions that are site and job specific. The safety program ca1.8n be communicated verbally or in writing. There must be complete cooperation between all workers at the site regardless of rank and position. Each supervisor must be clearly knowledgeable about his or her area of responsibility as well as his or her authority. Affected unions should also be notified of work plans and be asked to cooperate. The following principles should be strictly adhered to: Employees exposed to vehicular traffic must be provided with warning jackets and other equipment made of reflective/high-visibility material and their use should be ensured at all times. No employee shall operate a piece of machinery or equipment without first being trained to handle it and fully alerted to its potential hazards. The site safety and health program should require immediate notification and investigation of accidents.
communication
Biological and blood-related hazards that employees face are primarily communicated through labels, tags, and placards affixed to containers of blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM), and contaminated articles or equipment. Proper labeling visually communicates hazards to employees. Proper employee training provides the additional necessary knowledge and skills needed to enable employees to fully protect themselves. Other potentially infectious material is defined in paragraph (b) of the Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) standard.
Bloodborne pathogens intro
Blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) have long been recognized as a health threat to employees who are exposed to these materials by percutaneous contact (penetration of the skin). Injuries from contaminated needles and other sharps have been associated with an increased risk of disease from more than 20 infectious agents. The primary agents of concern in current occupational settings are the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). In September 1986, OSHA was petitioned by various unions representing healthcare employees to develop an emergency temporary Standard to protect employees from occupational exposure to bloodborne diseases. The agency decided to pursue the development of a Section 6(b) Standard and published a proposed rule on May 30, 1989. The agency also concluded that the risk of contracting the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among members of various occupations within the healthcare sector required an immediate response, and therefore, issued OSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.44, January 19, 1988. That instruction was superseded by CPL 2-2.44A, August 15, 1988; subsequently, CPL 2-2.44B was issued on February 27, 1990. The most current compliance directive, CPL 2-2.69, was issued on November 27, 2001. To reduce the health risk to workers whose duties involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, or OPIM, OSHA promulgated the Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) on December 6, 1991 (56 FR 64004). The provisions of the Standard were based on the agency's determination that a combination of engineering and work practice controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), training, medical surveillance, hepatitis B vaccination, signs and labels, and other requirements would minimize the risk of disease transmission. The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard was revised in 2001 to reflect language in the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act of November 6, 2000.The revised Standard took effect on April 18, 2001, but it was not enforced until July 18, 2001. Both the original Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (CFR 1910.1030) and CPL 2-2.44C became effective on March 6, 1992.
Risks of Occupational Exposure
Bloodborne pathogens include but are not limited to: HBV, which causes hepatitis B HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) HCV, which causes hepatitis C Human T-lymphotrophic virus Type 1 Pathogens causing malaria, syphilis, babesiosis, brucellosis, leptospirosis, arboviral infections, relapsing fever, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and viral hemorrhagic fever Most exposures do not result in infection. Following a specific exposure, the risk of infection can vary with factors such as: The pathogen involved The type of exposure The amount of blood/OPIM involved in the exposure The employer must have an exposure control plan in place for reporting exposures in order to quickly evaluate the risk of infection, inform employees about treatments available to help prevent infection, monitor employees for side effects of treatments, and to determine if infection occurs. This can involve testing the employee's blood and that of the source person, and offering appropriate post exposure treatment.
Several types of augers are available:
Bucket augers: Bucket augers are better for direct sample recovery since they provide a large volume of sample in a short time. Continuous flight augers: When continuous flight augers are used, the sample can be collected directly from the flights, which are usually at five-foot intervals. Continuous flight augers are satisfactory for use when a composite of the complete soil column is desired. Post hole augers: Post hole augers have limited use for sample collection. Drills: Deeper samples can be collected with a drill such as direct-push-technology drill probe which hammers a steel tube containing a plastic sample tube into the ground with a hydraulic ram. It is extracted and the inner plastic tube is removed and cut open with a knife. Using a tape measure, undisturbed samples can be collected from a variety of depths and the various soil horizons logged. Samples collected at various depths can be used to create a 3D model of the contamination plume.
Atmospheric sampling systems must be accurately calibrated (i.e. adjusted) to a specific flow rate.
Calibration ensures that the measurement data can be correctly interpreted. For example, it is important to calibrate the flow rate of an electrically powered pump. This ensures that a constant flow rate, which often is specified in standard analytical methods (such as EPA-specified analytical methods), can be achieved. The pump should be calibrated while attached to the filter media before and after each sample is collected and the two numbers documented on a calibration log sheet. The pre and post calibration values should then be averaged. The post calibration flow rate is typically less than the pre calibration flow rate due the the filter media pores becoming clogged with sample and decreasing the pump's efficiency. A decrease in battery charge may also slow the pump down over the course of a sampling run. Passive sampling systems, however, because of their simplicity of design and operation, require no formal calibration. Natural air movement brings the contaminant to the sensor therefore no pump is required. At a minimum, an active sampling system should be calibrated both before and after a prescribed sampling period. The overall frequency of calibration depends upon the general handling and use a sampling system receives. Pump mechanisms should be recalibrated after they have been repaired, when newly purchased, and following any suspected abuse.
Heart Attack
Characterized usually by chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and weakness, heart attack is one of the greatest medical killers of industrial and municipal workers. Usually the onset of severe chest pain is fairly rapid but any chest pain should be cause for concern. Appropriate treatment includes immediate removal from the confined space, early activation of EMS (emergency medical services), rest, oxygen administration, and CPR if cardiac arrest occurs.
Safety for each fire classifications
Class A Fires: Ordinary Combustibles Keep storage and working areas free of trash Place oily rags in covered containers Control smoking in the area Limit sources of possible ignition Keep passages and fire doors clear at all times Know the locations of fire extinguishers Class B Fires: Flammable Liquids or Gases Consider nonflammable substitutes for cleaners Ensure solvent tanks have fusible links on covers Only refuel equipment in well ventilated areas Properly store flammable liquids Use flammable liquids only in well ventilated areas Ensure storage drums are properly grounded Restrict welding and cutting to authorized areas Class C Fires: Electrical Equipment Inspect wiring and insulation frequently Ensure motors are kept clean and lubricated Be cognizant of unusual odors Ensure outlets and connections are not overloaded Never misuse fuses, look for correct rating Keep motors free of dust and excess grease Ensure machinery is properly maintained Class D Fires: Combustible Metals Control dust and turnings Follow established control procedures Never use wet sand or water to extinguish fires Moisture releases oxygen which can fuel the fire Metal fires can burn up to 5000 degrees Metals can be extremely difficult to extinguish
Confined Space Rescue
Confined space emergencies are among the leading causes of multiple deaths in the workplace. In most cases, an emergency begins with one or two people succumbing to a confined space hazardous exposure. Then, untrained and/or unprotected rescuers add to the problem by entering the space and becoming victims themselves. In fact, about 60 percent of victims are would-be rescuers. Additionally, a majority of these individuals are supervisors and/or senior personnel who should know better. Oddly enough there are cases where the initial entrants survive and the would-be rescuers die. With this in mind, it appears that the greatest single piece of advice to be passed along is to "resist the overwhelming temptation to try to save a colleague by entering the space unprotected."
Confined space burns
Confined space entrants can suffer everything from minor burns to massive burns caused by flash fire and explosion. Removal from the space and EMS activation are initial priorities. With minor burns, ointments or salves can be used, but they should NOT be applied to major burns. Major burns require medical attention and infection is the primary concern. The patient should be kept warm. The burns must be cleansed and dressed as soon as possible, but by a physician. Respiratory complications are common for confined space fire victims.
degree of permeation depends on a number of factors including:
Contact time Concentration Temperature Size of contaminant molecules and pore space Physical state of wastes - gases, vapors, and low-viscosity liquids tend to permeate more readily than high-viscosity liquids or solids
shield or trench box
Contractors can also use a shield or trench box designed by or according to parameters approved by a registered professional engineer. Any suitable material can be used, given that it provides at least the same level of protection as an appropriate shoring system. The employer/contractor is free to choose the most practical design depending upon his or her approach for any particular circumstance. It must, however, meet the performance criteria set by OSHA. Trench Shields The Standard exempts excavations from the use of a protective system when: The excavated surface is made entirely of rock. The excavation is less than five feet deep and a competent person has examined the ground and found no indication of a potential cave-in. Excavation below the level of the base or footing of any foundation or retaining wall is strictly prohibited by the Standard unless one of the following conditions is met: A support system such as underpinning is provided. The excavation is in stable rock. A registered professional engineer determines that the structure is sufficiently distant from the excavation and that the excavation will not pose a hazard to employees.
The two primary problems associated with soil sampling involve:
Cross-contamination problems Improper collection Therefore, these areas should be addressed in the sampling plan. Cross-contamination problems can be eliminated or minimized by using dedicated (i.e., assigned only to that purpose) sampling equipment. If this is not possible, care should be taken to properly decontaminate equipment after each use. Adhering to proper SOPs reduces errors due to improper collection. Having a few pieces of equipment for collection is often helpful to improve sampling efficiency. One worker can be decontaminating the sampling equipment while the other is collecting a sample with the freshly cleaned equipment. If the soil is not hard and rocky, an auger can be used to bore a hole to a desired sampling depth. If satisfactory, a sample can be collected directly from the auger. If a core sample is needed, the auger tip is replaced with a thin-wall tube sampler. The device is then carefully lowered down the borehole and driven into the soil. Once it is withdrawn, the core sample can be collected.
Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs)
Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) are disorders of the muscular-skeletal and nervous systems, which are caused or made worse by repetitive motions, forceful exertions, vibration, hard and sharp edges, sustained or awkward postures, or by exposure to noise over extended periods of time. CTDs can affect nearly all tissues, nerves, tendons, and muscles, with the upper extremities being the most frequently affected. The most common CTDs in the workplace are tendon disorders such as tendonitis, tenosynovitis, De Quervain's disease, trigger finger, Raynaud's syndrome, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms of tendon disorders may be a dull aching sensation over the tendon, discomfort with specific movements, and tenderness to the touch. Recovery is usually slow and the condition can easily become chronic if the cause is not eliminated. Tractor, truck, and construction machinery drivers can suffer from lower back pain, and permanent abdominal, spinal, and bone damage.
Flammable liquid - flash point, examples, hazards
DOT and EPA define flammable liquid as a liquid with a flash point of less than 140F OSHA and NFPA definition) have a flashpoint below 100oF (combustible - beteen 100 and 140) Acetone, ether, hexane, ethanol, toluene, and xylene are common flammable solvents fire protection is of primary concern - use of safety cans, grounding and bonding, and flammable storage cabinets
Employer Requirements and Services Provided
Employers must make the following available to all employees who have occupational exposure to BBPs: The hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series Post-exposure evaluation Medical follow-up In addition, the employer must ensure all medical evaluations and procedures, including the hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series, post-exposure evaluation, follow-up, and prophylaxis are: Made available at no cost to the employee Made available to the employee at a reasonable time and place Performed by/under the supervision of a licensed physician or by/under the supervision of another licensed healthcare professional Provided according to U.S. Public Health Service recommendations that are current at the time such evaluations and procedures take place Current recommendations of the U.S. public health service can be obtained through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or online at (cdc.gov). Following a report of an exposure incident, the employer shall make immediately available to the exposed employee a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up, including at least the following elements: Documentation of the route(s) of exposure, and the circumstances under which the exposure incident occurred Identification and documentation of the source individual, unless the employer can establish that identification is infeasible or prohibited by state or local law Collection and consent (from both the source and employee) for the testing of their blood for HBV and HIV serological status Counseling Evaluation of reported illnesses The employer also has to ensure that the healthcare professional evaluating an employee after an exposure incident is provided the following information: A copy of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard A description of the exposed employee's duties as they related to the exposure incident Documentation of the route(s) of exposure and circumstances under which exposure occurred Results of the source individual's blood testing, if available All medical records relevant to the appropriate treatment of the employee, including vaccination status, which are the employer's responsibility to maintain
Training
Employers shall ensure that all employees with occupational exposure participate in a training program, which must be provided at no cost to the employee and held during working hours. Training must be provided at the time of initial assignment, and at least annually thereafter. Training must be appropriate for the employee's level of education, literacy, and language. The trainer has to be knowledgeable in the elements contained in the training program as they relate to the specific workplace where the training is done. Training must include at least the following: An accessible copy of the Bloodborne Standard text, and an explanation of its content A general explanation of bloodborne diseases and their symptoms An explanation of the employer's exposure control plan, and how to obtain a copy An explanation of how to recognize tasks that can involve exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials An explanation of the use and limitations of methods that will prevent or reduce exposure, including engineering controls, work practices, personal protective equipment, and the signs and symbols used to indicate biohazards nformation on the types, proper use, location, removal, handling, decontamination, and disposal of personal protective equipment, and how to select the proper personal protective equipment Information on the hepatitis B vaccine, including information on its efficacy, safety, method of administration, the benefits of being vaccinated, and the fact that vaccination will be offered free of charge Information on the appropriate actions to take and persons to contact in an emergency, and the procedure to follow if an exposure incident occurs, including the method of reporting the incident Information on the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up that the employer is required to provide for the employee following an exposure incident An opportunity to ask the trainer any questions and receive immediate answers
Engineering Controls
Engineering controls, administrative controls, and work practices must be used to eliminate or minimize employee exposure. Where occupational exposure remains after the institution of these controls, personal protective equipment (PPE) shall also be used. Any engineering controls used must be regularly maintained to ensure their effectiveness. In addition, hand washing facilities, or some other effective way for employees to disinfect their hands, must be readily accessible. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that employees wash as soon as possible after they remove their gloves and personal protective equipment. Employers must also ensure that facilities are made available to flush mucous membranes, eyes, face, and the body after any contact with blood or other potentially infectious material(s).
The three most commonly used site zones are:
Exclusion Zone - The contaminated area. Contamination Reduction Zone (CRZ) - The area where decontamination takes place. Support Zone - The uncontaminated area where workers should NOT be exposed to hazardous conditions. Each boundary line within these zones has specific names including: Hot Line - The outer boundary of the Exclusion zone. Contamination Reduction Corridor - Passageway between the Exclusion Zone and the Support Zone used for the decontamination process.
Two sets of communication systems should be established on site:
External communication between on-site and off-site personnel Internal communication between personnel on-site
Potential hazards for workers in construction include:
Falls (from heights) Trench collapse Scaffold collapse Electric shock and arc flash/arc blast Failure to use proper personal protective equipment Repetitive motion injuries
What are the rules for fixed extinguishing systems?
Fixed extinguishing systems throughout the workplace are among the most reliable fire fighting tools. These systems detect fires, sound an alarm, and send water to the fire and heat. To meet OSHA standards, employers who have these systems must: Substitute (temporarily) a fire watch of trained employees to respond to fire emergencies when a fire suppression system is out of service. Ensure that the watch is included in the fire prevention plan and the emergency action plan. Post signs for systems that use agents (e.g., carbon dioxide, Halon 1211, etc.) posing a serious health hazard.
Excavation - Hazardous Atmospheres
For excavations greater than four feet in depth, wherein there is found potential for oxygen deficiency or other hazardous atmospheric conditions, or wherein any such conditions can reasonably be expected to exist, inspection by a competent person must take place before any employee is allowed to enter. If hazardous conditions are found to exist, proper equipment such as respiratory protection, ventilation, and masks must be provided. All such equipment is required to be tested on a regular basis to ensure its usefulness in time of need. In the event that an employee has to wear a lifeline in an excavation, an observer must be present to ensure that: The lifeline is working properly at all times. Communication with the employee is maintained.
Bodies of organizations covered by HAZWOPER
HAZWOPER covers state, county, and municipal employees, including hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facility employees
Labeling Containers
Hazard class labels must be affixed to all containers with capacities of 110 gallons or less. Labels are strictly regulated regarding color, print type and size, and placement on containers. In addition to the proper label, the following markings shall be stenciled or otherwise affixed to each container: Proper shipping name from the Hazardous Materials Table UN or NA identification number from the Hazardous Materials Table Gross weight if over 110 pounds "Inhalation Hazard" if the package contains a poisonous liquid (except in volumes of one liter or less in a lab pack) GHS Pictograms as required per regulation Per DOT regulations, if a package contains a single material that meets the definition of more than one hazard class, it must be labeled for each of those classes (e.g., acrolein is labeled "Poison" and "Flammable Liquid"). Although multiple labels are required on the packaging of multiple-class materials, only one placard is used on the transporting vehicle. For example, hydrogen sulfide, labeled, "Poison" and "Flammable Gas," is placarded, "Flammable Gas." The easiest way to determine appropriate placarding is to use the American Trucking Association's adaptation of DOT's Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR Section 172.101). GHS labeling should be affixed in addition to other regulatory requirements. These warnings are geared toward the workers who will be receiving and handling the product on the other end. If a package contains a single material that meets the definition of more than one hazard class, it must be labeled for each of those classes (e.g., acrolein is labeled "Poison" and "Flammable Liquid"). Although multiple labels are required on the packaging of multiple-class materials, only one placard is used on the transporting vehicle. For example, hydrogen sulfide, labeled, "Poison" and "Flammable Gas," is placarded, "Flammable Gas." The easiest way to determine appropriate placarding is to use the American Trucking Association's adaptation of DOT's Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR Section 172.101).
Handling Drums and Other Containers
Hazards from handling drums include fires, explosions, strained backs and pinched fingers. Regulations concerning drum and container handling include: OSHA regulations (29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926) are general requirements and standards for storing, containing, and handling chemicals and containers. EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 365) include requirements for types of containers, maintenance of containers, and containment structures and storage areas. DOT regulations (49 CFR Parts 171 through 178) include requirements for containers and procedures for shipment of hazardous wastes. Drums that contain radioactive material should never be handled. Drums that contain explosive waste should be handled only after all nonessential personnel have been cleared from the area.
Factors that cause errors in air sampling instruments
Humidity can cause two problems. When a cold instrument is taken into a warm moist atmosphere, the moisture can condense on the lamp. Like dust, this will reduce the available light. Moisture in the air also reduces the ionization of chemicals and causes a reduction in readings. Since an electric field is generated in the sample chamber of the instrument, radio-frequency interference from pulsed DC or AC power lines, transformers, generators, and radio wave transmission can produce an error in response. As the lamp ages, the intensity of the light decreases. It will still have the same ionization energy, but the response will decline. This will be detected during calibration and adjustments can be made. However, the lamp will eventually burn out. In some cases, at high concentrations of contaminant, the instrument response can decrease. For example, a concentration of 900 ppm may only give a meter response of 700 ppm.
Garment
If a garment(s) is penetrated by blood or other potentially infectious materials, the garment(s) shall be removed immediately or as soon as feasible. All personal protective equipment shall be removed prior to leaving the work area, and placed in an appropriately designated area or container for storage, washing, decontamination, or disposal.
Public Evacuation
If an incident can threaten the health or safety of the surrounding community, the public will need to be informed and evacuated from the area. Site management must plan for this in coordination with the appropriate local, state, and federal groups, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Civil Defense, county sheriff, local radio and television stations, municipal transportation systems, National Guard, and police.
Needles and Sharps
If contaminated needles or sharps must be recapped, bent, or removed, a one-handed technique or mechanical device must be used. Safety sharps (SESIPs or sharps with engineered sharps injury protection) must be used unless not feasible. If not feasible, a report must be written stating the reason and alternative protection methods. As soon as possible after use, sharps must be disposed of in a proper container, the container must be: Puncture resistant and closable Labeled with the biological hazard placard or red colored Leak proof on the bottoms and sides Be constructed and placed to prevent employees, patients, and visitors from reaching into the container Additional Precautions Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses are prohibited in work areas where there is a reasonable likelihood of occupational exposure to BBPs. Refrigerators used to store blood or other potentially infectious material shall not be used for food or beverages, and shall be so labeled. When there is occupational exposure, the employer shall provide, at no cost to the employee, appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to: Fluid-resistant gloves Fluid-resistant gowns Fluid-resistant laboratory coats Face shields or masks and eye protection Resuscitation bags Pocket masks or other ventilation devices Personal protective equipment will be considered "appropriate" only if it does not permit blood or other potentially infectious materials to pass through to, or reach, the employee's work clothes, street clothes, undergarments, skin, eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes under normal conditions of use and for the duration of time which the protective equipment will be used. If an employee exposure does occur, the employee should immediately: Wash the skin with soap and water and flush mucous membranes with water. Evaluate the exposure source and determine the risk of infection. Seek medical evaluation per the facility's written BBP program Exceptions The employer shall ensure that the employee uses appropriate personal protective equipment unless the employer shows that the employee temporarily and briefly declined to use personal protective equipment when, under rare and extraordinary circumstances, it was the employee's professional judgment that in the specific instance its use would have: Prevented the delivery of health care or public safety services Posed an increased hazard to the safety of the worker or co-worker When the employee makes this judgment, the circumstances shall be investigated and documented in order to determine whether changes can be instituted to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Mixtures in a Container
If mixed flammable liquids form a compound not listed in the Hazardous Materials Table, the proper shipping name is to be Flammable Liquid, n.o.s. (i.e., not otherwise specified). The container is to be labeled Flammable Liquid, and the truck placarded similarly. A mixture or solution of hazardous and non-hazardous materials is labeled by the hazard class of the listed materials.
Methods of decontamination include
Isolate contaminants (dry decon) Physically remove contaminants - Loose contaminants - dusts and vapors that cling to equipment and workers that can be removed with water or a liquid rinse. - Adhering contaminants - contaminants such as glues, cements, resins, and mud that have adhesive properties and are difficult to remove can be removed by solidifying liquid or gel contaminants or by rinsing. Inactivate contaminants by chemical action Remove contaminants by a combination of both physical and chemical means
classification scheme divides PPE maintenance into three competency levels
Level 1: User or wearer maintenance, requiring a few common tools or no tools at all. Level 2: Shop maintenance that can be performed by the employer's maintenance shop. Level 3: Specialized maintenance that can be performed only by the factory or by an authorized repair person.
Levels of Protection PPE
Level A - Maximum skin and respiratory protection Level B - Maximum respiratory with some skin protection; type and atmospheric concentration of substances have been identified and require a high level of respiratory protection, but less skin protection. Level C - Limited level of respiratory protection and skin protection from airborne hazards; atmospheric contaminants, liquid splashes, or other direct contact may adversely affect or be absorbed through any exposed skin. Level D - No respiratory protection and limited skin protection from airborne hazards
Precautions and Preventative Measures
Many needlesticks and other cuts can be prevented by: Using safer techniques (for example, self-sheathing needles--not recapping needles with two hands) Disposing of used needles in appropriate sharps disposal containers Using medical devices with safety features designed to prevent injuries Many exposures to the eyes, nose, mouth, or skin can be prevented by using appropriate barriers such as fluid-resistant gloves, eye and face protection, and gowns when contact with blood/OPIM is expected.
self-rescue
Many times self-rescue results because an entrant feels ill. In this situation, the assumption is that a hazard within the space is causing the problem and that evacuation is necessary until the problem is identified. Obviously, self-rescue has many advantages over the other two forms of rescue. With self-rescue, emergency rescue personnel do not have to enter the space. Risky extrication and/or removal techniques are not required if self-rescue can be done. Also, by virtue of the fact that the individual is still conscious, the chances that the entrant will recover from the emergency are good. Hazard recognition can prevent serious exposure and injury.
Include specific details on sample collection such as:
Mapped locations where on-site and off-site environmental samples will be taken If random sampling of hazardous waste containers is necessary, a diagram of where hazardous waste samples are to be taken Number of samples to be taken at each point Volume of sample to be taken Type of sample container to be used, based upon the nature of the sample, the compatibility of the sample with the container, the container volume, and laboratory requirements
TSD facilities are also required to implement some of the same requirements specified for hazardous waste sites, such as
Medical surveillance program 1910.120(p)(3) references 1910.120(f). Decontamination program 1910.120(p)(4) references 1910.120(k).
Horizontal and Vertical Standards
Most standards are horizontal, or general, and apply to any employer in any industry. Examples include standards applying to fire protection, working surfaces, and first aid. Other standards only apply to a particular industry. These standards are called vertical standards. Examples include standards that apply to longshoring or construction industries.
Safe Distances
No single recommendation can be given for evacuation or safe distances because of the wide variety of hazardous substances and releases found at a site. For example, a small chlorine leak may call for an isolation distance of only 140 feet (43 meters), while a large leak may require an evacuation distance of 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) or more, depending on the wind direction. Safe distances can only be determined at the time of an emergency, based on a combination of site and incident specific factors. However, planning and outlining potential emergency scenarios will help familiarize personnel with points to consider.
Installation and Removal of Protective Systems
OSHA has set the following guidelines with respect to the protection of employees when installing support systems: Ensure that the members of the support systems are securely connected. Safely install support systems. Ensure that members of the support system are never overloaded. Install additional members to carry the load on the support system when temporary removal of individual members is necessary. The Standard also permits excavation of two feet or less below the bottom of the members of a support or shield system of a trench if: The system is designed to resist the forces calculated for the full depth of the trench. There are no indications, while the trench is open, of a possible cave-in below the bottom of the support system. The installation of all support systems is closely coordinated with the excavation of the trenches. The excavation must be back-filled as the protective system is dismantled after work is completed. After the excavation has been cleared, workers should slowly remove the protective system from the bottom up, taking appropriate care to slowly release the members.
On-the-Job Safety Evaluation
OSHA requires inspection of the excavation site and adjoining areas for possible cave-ins, failures of protective equipment and systems, hazardous atmospheres, and other hazardous conditions. On a daily basis, a competent person must perform these inspections. A full-time safety official should be appointed for larger and more complex operations. The safety official should make recommendations to improve the implementation of the safety plan. In smaller operations, however, either part-time safety officials are employed, or the supervisor assumes safety responsibilities. It is essential that supervisors conduct inspections, investigate accidents, and identify hazards. They are responsible for representing the contractor and protecting employees by ensuring that all undergo on-the-job safety and health training. Supervisors should constantly review all safety and health precautions to strengthen the safety plan's effectiveness. Supervisors should also ensure full cooperation by all employees in matters of health and safety and report all matters regularly to the contractor.
Information for Off-Site Emergency Personnel
Off-site emergency personnel, such as local fire fighters and ambulance crews, often are first responders and run a risk of acute hazard exposure equal to that of any on-site worker. These personnel should be informed about ways to recognize and deal effectively with on-site hazards. In State Plan states, due to the Multi-Employer Worksite Rule, this is mandated and not just a strong recommendation. Failure to inform these agencies in State Plan states can result in civil and criminal penalties. Site management must, at a minimum, provide off-site emergency personnel with information about the following items. Site-specific hazards Appropriate response techniques Site emergency procedures Decontamination procedures Anticipated quantities of materials stored on-site
Training Requirements for On-Site Emergency Personnel
On-site emergency personnel who have emergency roles in addition to their ordinary duties must have a thorough understanding of emergency response. Training must be directly related to their specific roles and shall include subjects such as those that follow. Emergency chain of command Communication methods and signals How to call for help Emergency equipment and its use Emergency evacuation procedures while wearing protective equipment Removing injured personnel from enclosed spaces Off-site support and how to use it These personnel shall obtain certification in first aid and CPR. They should practice treatment techniques regularly, with an emphasis on: Recognizing and treating chemical and physical injuries. Recognizing and treating heat and cold stress.
Equipment and Materials
Over-pack or salvage drums are heavy-duty, open-ended drums with a capacity of approximately 85 gallons each. The purpose of these drums is to contain a damaged or a repaired drum and its contents. There are several types of over-pack drums designed to contain different materials. The most common is an epoxy coated 85-gallon steel drum or poly drum. It has a removable head that contains a bung (cap or cork) that can be used to vent a closed drum.
examples of hazardous materials properties that may be identified by company records
Oxidizer - A chemical which initiates combustion in other materials, causing fire either by itself or through the release of oxygen or other gases (nitrates, chlorine, fluorine, hydrogen peroxide) Flammable - Liquids which have a flashpoint below 100 degrees F Toxicity - The ability of a substance to cause a harmful effect Pyrophoric - A chemical that will ignite spontaneously in air at a temperature of 130 degress F Combustible - Liquids which have a flashpoint at or above 100 degrees F Flashpoint - A minimum temperature at which a liquid produces enough vapor to form a flammable mixture Organic Peroxide - Any carbon containing compound with 2 Oxygen atoms joined together which can produce severe fire and explosion hazards
Paragraph (c)(1)(iv)
Paragraph (c)(1)(iv) is revised to read as: (c)(1)(iv) The Exposure Control Plan shall be reviewed and updated at least annually and whenever necessary to reflect new or modified tasks and procedures which affect occupational exposure and to reflect new or revised employee positions with occupational exposure. The review and update of such plans shall also: (A) Reflect changes in technology that eliminate or reduce exposure to bloodborne pathogens; and (B) Document annually consideration and implementation of appropriate commercially available and effective safer medical devices designed to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure. Paragraph (c)(1)(v) is redesignated paragraph (c)(1)(vi), and a new paragraph (c)(1)(v) is added to read: (c)(1)(v) An employer who is required to establish an Exposure Control Plan shall solicit input from non-managerial employees responsible for direct patient care who are potentially exposed to injuries from contaminated sharps in the identification, evaluation, and selection of effective engineering and work practice controls and shall document the solicitation in the Exposure Control Plan.
Occupational and medical history
Past illnesses and chronic diseases, particularly topical diseases such as eczema and asthma, lung diseases, and cardiovascular disease. Symptoms, especially shortness of breath or labored breathing on exertion, other chronic respiratory symptoms, chest pain, high blood pressure, and heat intolerance. Vulnerability to particular substances (e.g., someone with a history of severe asthmatic reaction to a specific chemical). The history should also record relevant lifestyle habits (e.g., cigarette smoking, alcohol and drug use) and hobbies.
HAZWOPER and bloodborne pathogen standard
Please be aware that the Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) may interface with HAZWOPER in several scenarios, including, but not limited to, cleanup of a hazardous waste site containing infectious waste, operation of a RCRA-permitted incinerator that burns infectious waste, and response to an emergency caused by the uncontrolled release of infectious waste or where infectious waste is part of the release. A specific example includes first-aid providers on a hazardous waste site who are expected to treat injured employees. Because these personnel have an anticipated exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, they would fall under the scope of the standard.
Different types of airflow influencing type of respirator
Positive pressure airflow; maintain a positive pressure in the face-piece during both inhalation and exhalation - pressure within the respiratory inlet covering (facepiece, hood or helmet) is somewhat greater than ambient pressure, and that any air movement will be outward. - Pressure demand supplied air respirators (SAR), continuous flow respirators, powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) -Pressure demand; pressure regulator and an exhalation valve on the mask maintain the mask's positive pressure, except possibly during high breathing rates. If a leak develops in a pressure-demand respirator, the regulator sends a continuous flow of clean air into the face-piece, preventing penetration by contaminated ambient air.; -Continuous flow: including some supplied air respirators (SARs) and all powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR), send a continuous stream of air into the face-piece at all times. Negative pressure airflow; draw air into the face-piece via the negative pressure created by user inhalation. - Air Purifying Respirator (A respirator with an air-purifying filter, cartridge, or canister that removes specific air contaminants by passing ambient air through the air-purifying element.) The main disadvantage of negative-pressure respirators is that if a leak develops in the system (i.e., a crack in the hose or an ill fitting mask or face-piece), the user draws contaminated air into the face-piece during inhalation - draw air into the face-piece via the negative pressure created by user inhalation. The main disadvantage of negative-pressure respirators is that if a leak develops in the system (i.e., a crack in the hose or an ill fitting mask or face-piece), the user draws contaminated air into the face-piece during inhalation
Packaging and Shipping
Samples that must be shipped for off-site analysis must comply with applicable EPA and DOT regulations. The packaging, marking, labeling, and shipping requirements depend on whether the sample is an environmental sample or a hazardous waste sample. In general, the sample must be packaged properly to protect the health and safety of the transporter as well as laboratory personnel. Depending on their composition, some samples may be considered "Dangerous Goods" and alternative transportation methods may be required per Department of Transportation - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) located in 49 CFR Parts 100-185. This may affect the ability to overnight the samples via airmail because certain Dangerous Goods are not permitted on aircraft.
OSHA's Revisions To 1910.1030
Section (b) revised definition for engineering controls: Engineering controls means controls (e.g., sharps disposal containers, self-sheathing needles, safer medical devices, such as sharps with engineered sharps injury protections and needleless systems) that isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogens hazard from the workplace. Section (b) new definitions added: Needleless systems means a device that does not use needles for: (1) The collection of bodily fluids or withdrawal of body fluids after initial venous or arterial access is established (2) The administration of medication or fluids (3) Any other procedure involving the potential for occupational exposure to BBPs due to percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps Sharps with engineered sharps injury protections means a non-needle sharp or a needle device used for withdrawing body fluids, accessing a vein or artery, or administering medications or other fluids, with a built-in safety feature or mechanism that effectively reduces the risk of an exposure incident.
The Standard requires the following considerations for the protection of employees when installing support systems:
Securely connect members of support systems. Safely install support systems. Never overload members of support systems. Install other structural members to carry loads imposed on the support system when temporary removal of individual members is necessary.
Selection of Sampling Equipment
Selection of the device used is dependent on the type of material to be sampled, limitations of the device, and decontamination plans. The sampling plan should include recommendations for equipment selection based on the situation. When samples are collected they should all be given unique names which include the date, site name, matrix, sample number, and depth at which the sample was collected. They should be named in a way that they are easy to sort and arrange quickly.
Manifest System
Several types of shipping papers normally accompany transported hazardous materials. However, when hazardous waste is transported, the legally authorized document, which must accompany the waste at all times, is the generator-prepared hazardous waste manifest. The manifest must accompany the waste shipment from "cradle to grave" or from initial generation to final disposal.
Triers
Shallow soil samples can be taken using a trier. The trier must be inserted at an angle to minimize sample spillage. The trier is rotated once or twice to cut a core of undisturbed soil. Then, it is slowly withdrawn with the slot facing upward.
Soil Sampling
Soil samples can be collected using a variety of methods and equipment. The methods and equipment used are dependent on the depth of the desired sample, the type of soil, and whether the sample is required to be from disturbed or undisturbed soil. Once collected, soil samples should be kept at their in-ground temperature or lower. Refrigeration at 4°C with a minimal holding time is the best approach. Samples should also be protected from direct light. Typically a cooler full of ice is brought into the field for the samples to be put directly into. Some sampling SOPs call for amber sample bottles which reduce sunlight exposure. Warming the samples in the sun can cause some contamination to volatilize and evaporate into the headspace of the container being released when the laboratory opens it for analysis and providing an unreliable result.
Passive samplers are commonly divided into two groups:
Some diffusion samplers can be read directly; for example, colorimetric length-of-stain tubes. Others require laboratory analysis similar to that performed on solid sorbents. Permeation samplers are useful in identifying a single contaminant within a mixture of airborne contaminants. This is possible because of selective permeation of chemicals through a membrane. As with diffusion samplers, some passive samplers may be direct reading while others may require laboratory analysis.
Walking and Working Surfaces
Some of the most common work hazards cause slips, trips, and falls on walking and working surfaces. A variety of working surfaces can be hazardous to a worker. If a working surface is not properly engineered or maintained, workers can be seriously injured. Preventative steps include: Adding railings or coverings on any openings such as manholes Adding tread and handrails to steps or slippery surfaces Inspecting and using ladders correctly A competent person should check the safety of scaffolding regularly and use fall-protection devices where required
Examples of such equipment include:
Some regular heavy equipment can double for emergency equipment such as bulldozers and pumps. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be stocked, and self-contained breathing apparatus tanks should be refilled. Special equipment should be obtained depending on the types of emergencies that can occur at a particular site. Cleanup materials should be stocked and in adequate supply to clean up a worst-case-scenario for the materials currently stored at the location.
Trenches
The Standard permits excavation of two feet or less below the bottom of the members of a support or shield system if the system is designed to resist the forces calculated for the full depth, and there are no indications, while the trench is open, of a possible cave-in below the support system bottom. Also, the installation of support systems must be closely coordinated with the excavation of trenches. As soon as work is completed, the excavation should be back-filled as the protective system is dismantled. After the excavation has been cleared, workers should slowly remove the protective system from the bottom up, taking care to release members slowly.
On-Site Personnel
The contingency plan must identify all individuals and teams who will participate in emergency response and define their roles. All personnel, whether directly involved in emergency response or not, must know their own responsibilities in an emergency. They must also know the names of those in authority, and the extent of their authority. Computer software may be used to map a spill plume so emergency response measures can be properly planned for. A worst-case scenario should be developed and reviewed. Knowing where a spill may end up also helps engineers understand where to most effectively add extra strength and integrity to a system's design to decrease the likelihood of a spill in the first place. The public in the path of a potential spill scenario from a neighboring site should be warned of the potential danger and advised on what to do in an emergency through a Public Awareness plan.
Access and Egress
The employer must provide safe access to and egress from all excavations. According to the OSHA regulations, when employees are required to be in trench excavations four feet deep or deeper, adequate means of exit, such as ladders, steps, ramps, or other safe means of egress must be provided and be within 25 feet of lateral travel. If structural ramps are used as a means of access or egress, a competent person qualified in structural design must plan them. Also, structural members used for ramps or runways must be uniform in thickness and joined in a manner that prevents tripping or displacement.
MEdical exposure record
The employee's medical exposure record must include: The name and social security number of the employee A copy of the employee's hepatitis B vaccination status, including the dates of all the hepatitis B vaccinations and any medical records relative to the employee's ability to receive the hepatitis B vaccination A copy of all results of examinations, medical testing, and follow-up procedures The employer's copy of the healthcare professional's written opinion if an incident occurred A copy of the information provided to the healthcare professional The employee's medical records must be kept confidential and not disclosed or reported without the employee's express written consent. All employee medical records required by OSHA shall be provided upon request for examination and copying to subject employees, to anyone having express written consent of subject employees (referred to as authorized representatives), and to OSHA.
Time Spent: 21 h 19 m Written Opinion
The employer also has to obtain and provide the employee with a copy of the evaluating healthcare professional's written opinion within 15 days of the completion of the evaluation. The written opinion must be limited to the following information: The healthcare professional's written opinion for Hepatitis B vaccination must indicate whether Hepatitis B vaccination is indicated for an employee, and if the employee has received the vaccination. That the employee has been informed of the results of the evaluation That the employee has been told about any medical conditions resulting from exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials which require further evaluation or treatment All other findings or diagnoses must remain confidential and must not be included in the written report.
Recordkeeping
The employer is required to establish and maintain an accurate medical exposure record for each employee with occupational exposure, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020 (Access to employee exposure and medical records). This regulation includes: Requirements for employee medical record retention (the duration of employment plus 30 years) Requirements for written authorizations Access rights to employee records and employee information
Materials and Equipment
The employer is responsible for ensuring that all safety and protective equipment is in working condition at all times. Defective or damaged materials and equipment can result in serious excavation hazards. It is essential to ensure the following: That all materials and equipment are free from damage and defects. Manufactured materials are used in a manner consistent with the manufacturers' recommendations and in a way to prevent the employee's exposure to danger. A competent person must examine all materials and equipment to determine if they are suited for continued use. If not, they should be removed from service until repaired and approval is received for use by a registered professional engineer.
Materials and Equipment
The employer is responsible for the safe condition of materials and equipment used for protective systems at excavations. Defective and damaged materials and equipment can result in the failure of a protective system and cause excavation hazards. To avoid possible failure of a protective system, the employer must ensure that: Materials and equipment are free from damage or defects. Manufactured materials and equipment are used and maintained in a manner consistent with the recommendations of the manufacturer and in a way that will prevent employee exposure to hazards. While in operation, damaged materials and equipment are examined by a competent person to determine if they are suitable for continued use. If materials and equipment are not safe for use, they must be removed from service. These materials cannot be returned to service without the evaluation and approval of a registered professional engineer.
Placement by Maximum Travel Distances
The employer shall distribute portable fire extinguishers for use by employees on Class A fires so that the travel distance for employees to any extinguisher is 75 feet (22.9 m) or less. Class A and D - 75 feet The employer shall distribute portable fire extinguishers for use by employees on Class A fires so that the travel distance for employees to any extinguisher is 75 feet (22.9 m) or less. Class B - 50 feet The employer shall distribute portable fire extinguishers for use by employees on Class B fires so that the travel distance from the Class B hazard area to any extinguisher is 50 feet (15.2 m) or less. Class C - Based on existing As and Bs The employer shall distribute portable fire extinguishers used for Class C hazards on the basis of the appropriate pattern for the existing Class A or Class B hazards.
Accessibility of gloves
The employer shall ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment, in the appropriate sizes, is readily accessible at the worksite or is issued to employees. Hypoallergenic gloves, glove liners, powderless gloves, non-latex, or other similar alternatives shall be readily accessible to those employees who are allergic to the gloves normally provided. The employer must pay for any cleaning, or disposal of PPE, and shall repair or replace PPE as needed. Proper gloves must be worn whenever contact with potentially infectious material is anticipated. Disposable (single use) gloves such as surgical or examination gloves must be replaced as soon as practical when contaminated or as soon as feasible if they are torn, punctured, or when their ability to function as a barrier is compromised. Utility gloves can be disinfected for reuse as long as they maintain their integrity.
Photo Ionization Detector (PID) Principles
The energy required to remove the outermost electron from the molecule is called the ionization potential (IP) and is specific for any compound or atomic species. Ionization potentials are measured in electron volts (eV). High frequency radiation (ultraviolet and above) is capable of causing ionization and hence, is called ionizing radiation. When a photon (energy) of ultraviolet radiation strikes a chemical compound, it ionizes the molecule if the energy of the radiation is equal to or greater than the IP of the compound. Since ions are charged particles, they may be collected on a charged plate and produce a current. The measured current will be directly proportional to the number of ionized molecules. The above principles are used in the design of the photo ionization detector (PID).
Methods of Compliance
The first principle of methods of compliance is that universal precautions shall be observed to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). If differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials.
Confined space entry permit basic principles
The individual, who authorizes the entry, must sign the permit. This identifies the party responsible should any problem arise during entry. It is assumed that the affixing of one's signature to the permit will insure that the permit process has been taken seriously and that all protective measures are actually in place. Permits have a definite duration of effect and are canceled when the entry is over. This will assure that all entrants and their equipment have exited the space before the space is returned to its normal state. A permit is also canceled when an emergency develops and/or an evacuation of the space is necessitated.
Tools and Heavy Equipment
The inspection should ensure that: Parts are secured and intact with no evidence of cracks or areas of weakness. Equipment turns smoothly with no evidence of wobble. Equipment is operated according to manufacturer's specifications. Appropriate equipment guards and engineering controls are installed on tools and equipment. These include rollover protective structures, seat belts, emergency shut-offs in case of rollover, and backup warning lights and signals. Extension cords should be inspected for proper grounding.
On-Site Coordinator
The on-site coordinator must consider the consequences of additional spills, leakage, and other incidents that can aggravate a spill situation prior to clean-up efforts. If a drum has failed, it is likely that other drums and containers in the area may have failed or are about to fail also. Each step in the response needs to be planned carefully. Accidents are most likely to occur when drums and containers are being handled for the first time in an emergency.
Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Section 1910.159
The requirements of this section apply to all automatic sprinkler systems installed to meet a particular OSHA standard. All automatic sprinkler designs used to comply with this Standard shall provide the necessary discharge patterns, densities, and water flow characteristics for complete coverage in a particular workplace or zoned subdivision of the workplace. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in workplaces, but not required by OSHA, are exempt from the requirements of this section. The employer shall properly maintain an automatic sprinkler system. The employer shall assure that a main drain flow test is performed on each system annually. The inspector's test valve shall be opened at least every two years to assure that the sprinkler system operates properly. Acceptance Tests The employer shall conduct proper acceptance tests on sprinkler systems installed for employee protection after January 1, 1981, and record the dates of such tests. Proper acceptance tests include the following: Flush underground connections Hydrostatic tests of piping Air-tests in dry-pipe systems Test of drainage facilities
Portable Fire Extinguishers Section 1910.157
The requirements of this section apply to the placement, use, maintenance, and testing of portable fire extinguishers provided for the use of employees. Paragraph (d) of section 1910.157 does not apply to extinguishers provided for employee use on the outside of workplace buildings or structures. Where extinguishers are provided but are not intended for employee use and the employer has an emergency action plan and a fire prevention plan, which meets the requirements of 1910.38, then only the requirements of paragraphs (e) and (f) of section 1910.157 apply. Exemptions: Employees not required to operate fire extinguishers Total evacuation, emergency action, and fire prevention plan w/o fire extinguishers exempts employer Distribution requirements and fire brigades General Requirements The employer shall provide portable fire extinguishers and shall comply with the following: Mount, locate, and identify fire extinguishers. Use only approved fire extinguishers. No carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane should be used. Maintain fire extinguishers fully charged and operable. No soldered or riveted shell inverting type fire extinguishers should be used. Inspection, Maintenance, and Testing The employer shall: Not provide or make available in the workplace portable fire extinguishers using carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane extinguishing agents. Assure that portable fire extinguishers are maintained in a fully charged and operable condition and kept in their designated places at all times except during use. The employer shall inspect fire extinguishers monthly and should do an annual maintenance check. The employer shall record the annual maintenance date and retain this record for one year after the last entry, or for the life of the shell, whichever is less. Selection and Distribution Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided for employee use. They should be selected and distributed based on the classes of anticipated workplace fires and on the size and degree of hazard that would affect their use.
Outside Rescue Services
The rescue service's response time Its continuous availability during the entry Its rescue capabilities
Revisions
The revisions to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard added new requirements for employers, including: Additions to their exposure control plans regarding safer sharps The requirement to keep sharps injury logs It does not impose new requirements for employers to protect workers from sharps injuries; since the original Standard already required employers to adopt engineering and work practice controls that would eliminate or minimize employee exposure from hazards associated with BBPs. The revision does, however, specify in greater detail the engineering controls, such as safer medical devices, which must be used to reduce or eliminate worker exposure.
Source blood
The source individual's blood must be tested as soon as feasible and after consent is obtained in order to determine HBV and HIV infectivity. If consent is not obtained, the employer must establish that legally required consent cannot be obtained. When the source individual's consent is not required by law, the source individual's blood, if available, must be tested and the results documented. When the source individual is already known to be infected with HBV or HIV, testing for the source individual's known HBV or HIV status need not be repeated. Results of the source individual's testing must be made available to the exposed employee, and the employee must be informed of applicable laws and regulations concerning disclosure of the identity and infectious status of the source individual.
Heavy Loads
These are some techniques for proper lifting: Bend your knees. Do not twist or turn your body once you have made the lift. Make sure you can carry the load where you need to go before lifting. Always push, do no pull, objects when possible.
Radiation dosimeters
These dosimeters are used on sites where radioactive materials are known to be present and careful monitoring of personnel is necessary. As there are different monitors for the different types of radiation, there are also different types of personal dosimeters for different types of radiation.
Photo ionization units
This is considered nondestructive testing. In some cases, only 0.1 percent of the chemical is ionized. So, whatever is drawn into the instrument for analysis is vented (unchanged) out of the instrument into the atmosphere. Some instruments have a connection point on the exhaust end of the instrument for a gas bag or sample tube. This feature enables further analysis to be done on the atmosphere and compared with instrument readings. Photo ionization units include the MutieRae, Thermo Environmental Instruments Model 580, the Photovac TIP, and the HNU PI 101. Photo ionization detectors are also used in gas chromatographs.
Fixed System: Gaseous Agent Section 1910.162
This scene discusses all fixed extinguishing systems, using a gas as the extinguishing agent, installed to meet a particular OSHA standard. These systems shall also comply with 1910.160. In some cases, the gas may be in a liquid state during storage. Agents used for initial supply and replenishment shall be of the type approved for the system's application. Carbon dioxide obtained by dry ice conversion into liquid is not acceptable unless it is processed to remove excess water and oil. Total flood reached in 30 seconds. (Halon is 10 seconds.) Pre-discharge alarm required for Halon 1211 and CO2 at > 4%, and Halon 1301 at > 10%. Halon 1301 has an additional egress time and % limits.
Fire Detection Systems
This scene focuses on all automatic fire detection systems installed to meet the requirements of a particular OSHA standard. Restore to normal condition ASAP after testing or activation The employer shall assure that all devices and equipment constructed and installed to comply with this Standard are approved for the purpose for which they are intended. Maintenance and Testing: Maintained in operable condition Test system as needed to ensure reliability Only trained personnel on system Protected from Corrosion: The employer shall assure that fire detection equipment installed outdoors or in the presence of corrosive atmospheres be protected from corrosion. The employer shall provide a canopy, hood, or other suitable protection for detection equipment requiring protection from the weather. Located/protected from physical impact: The employer shall locate or otherwise protect detection equipment so that it is protected from mechanical or physical impact which might render it inoperable. Response Time Operate in time to control or extinguish: The employer shall assure that fire detection systems installed for the purpose of actuating fire extinguishment or suppression systems shall be designed to operate in time to control or extinguish a fire. Provide time for employee evacuation: The employer shall assure that fire detection systems installed for the purpose of employee alarm and evacuation are designed and installed to provide a warning for emergency action and safe escape of employees. Number, Location, and Spacing of Detectors Based on design data from multiple sources: The employer shall assure that the number, spacing, and location of fire detectors is based upon design data obtained from field experience, or tests, engineering surveys, the manufacturer's recommendations, or a recognized testing laboratory listing.
Employee Alarm Systems Section 1910.165
This section applies to all emergency employee alarms installed to meet a particular OSHA standard. The requirements in this section that pertain to maintenance, testing, and inspection shall apply to all local fire alarm signaling systems used for alerting employees regardless of the other functions of the system. General Requirements The employee alarm system should: Provide warning for actions required by emergency action plan Have an alarm that can be heard or seen Be distinctive and recognizable Employees should be informed of preferred means of reporting emergencies Installation and Testing The employer shall assure that all employee alarm systems are restored to normal operating condition as promptly as possible after each test or alarm. Spare alarm devices and components subject to wear or destruction shall be available in sufficient quantities and locations for prompt restoration of the system. Maintenance and Testing Maintain in operating condition: The employer shall assure that all employee alarm systems are maintained in operating condition except when undergoing repairs or maintenance. Test unsupervised alarms every two months: The employer shall assure that a test of the reliability and adequacy of non-supervised employee alarm systems is made every two months. Test supervised alarms annually by qualified personnel: The employer shall assure that all supervised employee alarm systems are tested at least annually for reliability and adequacy.
Fixed Fire Suppression Equipment
This section applies to all fixed extinguishing systems installed to meet a particular OSHA standard except for automatic sprinkler systems, which are covered under 1910.159. General Requirements Fixed extinguishing system components and agents shall be designed and approved for use on the specific fire hazards they are expected to control or extinguish: Designed and approved for specific hazards Noticeable distinctive alarms required Safeguards to prevent employee entrance Hazard warning or caution signs Systems inspected annually Sprinklers clear of obstructions
Fixed System: Dry Chemical Section 1910.161
This section applies to all fixed extinguishing systems, using dry chemical as the extinguishing agent, installed to meet a particular OSHA standard. These systems shall also comply with 1910.160. Fixed systems installed to meet OSHA standard include: Dry-chemical compatible with foam and wetting agents Pre-discharge alarm Automatic actuation
Transportation Requirements and Terms
Three government agencies and the United Nations define and classify hazardous chemicals and other substances, each from a different point of view. The terminology listed below represents definitions developed by the different agencies: Hazardous chemicals, as defined by OSHA, are chemicals that are hazardous to the people in the workplace if released. Hazardous materials, as defined by the DOT, present a danger during shipment. Hazardous substances, as defined by the EPA, present a danger to the environment. Hazardous wastes as defined by the EPA, are hazardous substances which have no commercial value. Chemicals as defined by United Nations - Global Harmonization System must be labeled appropriately when put into containers
several CFR titles applicable to waste site work
Title 29, which covers labor and the protection of the worker. Title 40, which covers the protection of the environment and issues concerning the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. Title 49, which covers protection during transportation of hazardous materials and issues concerning the Department of Transportation, or DOT.
Transportation Accidents
Transportation Accidents are regulated by 40 CFR and 49 CFR. In the event of a hazardous waste accident, the transporter must take appropriate and immediate action. It is the transporter's responsibility to clean up the discharge.
Trench collapse
Trench collapses cause dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries each year. (Trenching deaths rose in 2003.) Solutions: Never enter an unprotected trench. Always use a protective system for trenches five feet deep or greater. Employ a registered professional engineer to design a protective system for trenches 20 feet deep or greater.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Water (APW) APW stands for "air-pressurized water." APWs are large, silver extinguishers that are filled about two-thirds of the way with ordinary tap water, which is then pressurized with normal air. In essence, an APW is just a giant squirt gun. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Carbon Dioxide extinguishers are filled with non-flammable carbon dioxide gas under extreme pressure. You can recognize a CO2 extinguisher by its hard horn and the lack of pressure gauge. The pressure in the cylinder is so great that when you use one of these extinguishers, bits of dry ice may shoot out of the horn. Dry Chemical (ABC, BC, and DC) Dry Chemical extinguishers come in a variety of types. You may see them labeled: ABC indicating that they are designed to extinguish class A, B, and C fires; BC indicating that they are designed to extinguish class B and C fires; DC short for "dry chemical."
Backhoes
When a detailed examination of soil characteristics is required, it may be necessary to excavate a test pit or trench using a backhoe. However, because of the relatively high cost of the backhoe operation, this is the least cost effective sampling method. Test pits shall be dug with excavation safety regulations in mind and may become a confined space with a hazardous atmosphere if it must be entered by an personnel.
Positive pressure ventilation
When a space is ventilated by positive pressure, air is blown into the space, thus pressurizing it. The increased pressure forces the contaminated atmosphere out and allows uncontaminated atmosphere in. The scouring action of positive-pressure ventilation also helps to eliminate dead spots where contamination levels can still be high. In many cases, tubes are attached to the output side of the fan, channeling the air to where it is needed. This is very helpful when the airstream needs to bend, as in manhole ventilation, or when only one opening exists in the container. Otherwise, the turbulence caused between inflow and outflow inhibits exchange. By keeping the inflow and outflow gases separate, turbulence is essentially eliminated and efficiency is greatly increased.
Background Radiation Check
When monitoring for radiation at a waste site, the instrument should be checked in a "clean" area, just as would be done for any other instrument. At that time, the level of background radiation should be noted, normally from 10 to 20 microR. As entry onto the site takes place, the instruments should be observed for an increase of radiation above background levels.
Calibration gas
When monitoring with a CGI for a flammable gas, the readout actually relates to the device's calibration gas; generally, methane is the gas to which CGIs are calibrated. Therefore, if a flammable gas other than methane is detected by the CGI, then, the reading might be somewhat inaccurate for the other gas. For example, if the gas being detected is known to be xylene, the meter might show 32 percent of LEL, yet the actual xylene concentration could be at 100 percent LEL, which is a significant and dangerous difference. If workers using the monitoring devices are not properly trained in how their specific technology works, they can be given a false sense of security when taking readings at face value.
Emergency Decontamination
When planning for decontamination in medical emergencies, procedures should be developed for: Decontaminating the victim Protecting medical personnel Disposing of contaminated protective equipment and wash solutions. These activities should be coordinated. The decision whether or not to decontaminate a victim is based on the type and severity of the illness or injury and the nature of the contaminant. For some emergency victims, immediate decontamination can be an essential part of life-saving first aid. For others, decontamination can aggravate the injury or delay life-saving treatment.
Surface Water Sampling
When sampling surface water at shallow depths near the edge of a body of water, a stainless steel beaker or scoop can be submerged for collection. Then, the contents are transferred to the sample container. By using this method, the outside of the container does not become contaminated and require decontamination. To collect a shallow sample that is more than 10 feet from the water's edge, a pond sampler or a small peristaltic pump with stiff-walled tubing is used. Surface water can be sampled at greater depths with an extended bottle sampler or a weighted bottle. In both cases, the exterior of the bottle is exposed to contamination. At depths up to 18-to-24 feet, a peristaltic pump is needed. If the depth exceeds the lift capacity of the pump, a Kemmerer bottle is typically used. When working around ponds or lagoons, especially in PPE, drowning is a potential hazard. The PPE can restrict one's movement and vision, resulting in a trip or fall. Once in the water, the weight of the PPE and the restricted movement can be deadly. Also, be aware that a SCBA, which is part of level A or B protection, does NOT work underwater.
Decon procedures are part of
a component of the site specific health and safety plan (HASP) site safety and health officer must require and monitor decontamination of the employee and decontamination or disposal of the employee's clothing and equipment, as well as the substances used for decontamination, before the employee leaves the work area.
Sampling Process Recordkeeping
a log should be kept which includes the information on the sample container as well as information concerning the location where the sample was taken. The log should include time, date, site name, specific location, sample depth, temperature, soil classification, any field direct readings taken, and photos of the sample and the location. If quality control samples such as duplicates and blanks are required, this sample should also be logged and numbered. The lab should not know which samples are which to remove any bias. The location information should describe: The condition of the container the waste was taken from How full the container was What the waste looked like The number of samples as well as their volume
Selectivity
ability of an instrument to detect and measure a specific chemical or group of similar chemicals Selectivity and sensitivity must be reviewed and interpreted together.
SARA
addressed the risk of exposure and the need to protect employees exposed to hazardous wastes.
digital dosimeter
battery-powered direct-reading instrument with a digital read-out in mR. This device also emits "chirps" based on the strength of the radiation field. Along with Chirpies and other dosimeters are dosimeters that meet the requirements for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). One such device is called the "Chest Thumper" because it vibrates or thumps the chest of the hearing impaired. If a site has radioactive materials present and these types of personal monitoring devices are needed, then a health physicist should be present to supervise their correct usage.
Selection of sampling equipment
dependent on the type of container and the material to be sampled. Sludge and sediment sampling is similar to soil sampling in that the material can in some cases be collected as though it were a solid. Therefore, scoops, triers, corers, sludge judges, or a grain thief can be used for collection. When testing containerized liquids, the selection of sampling equipment is dependent on the material and the container. A device that is commonly used is a drum thief. These glass tubes are inexpensive and can be disposed of instead of decontaminated. One drawback is that if the liquid has a low viscosity it can be difficult to maintain the vacuum in the tube and the sample can dribble from the tube as it is withdrawn from the drum. Also, glass tubing should not be used with materials containing hydrofluoric acid or strong alkali solutions. PVC tubing can be used in a manner similar to the drum thief; however, compatibility is a concern. Another common device is the coliwasa, which is often used for multi-phase samples. The main disadvantage of the coliwasa is decontamination. The methods discussed for surface water sampling vary depending on the size and accessibility of the container.
first step in creating a safe work environment
develop a list of standing orders, or standing operating procedures (SOPs). SOPs are usually developed by the site manager. They assist in safety awareness and enforcement of safety procedures. To ensure that all workers are properly informed, written SOPs, should be distributed to everyone and posted at the command post and entrances. Because they should be routinely updated, they should be reviewed with the field crew regularly.
Before any excavation actually begins, the Standard requires the employer to determine
estimated location of utility installations such as sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, waterlines, or any other underground installations that can be encountered while digging. Also, before starting, the contractor must contact utility companies or involved property owners and inform them, within their established or customary local response times. The contractor must also ask the utility companies (or owners) to identify the exact location of all underground installations. If the utility cannot respond within 24 hours (unless the period required by state or local law is longer), or if they cannot find the exact location of the utility installations, the contractor may proceed with caution. To find the exact location of underground installations, workers must use safe and acceptable means. If underground installations are exposed, OSHA also requires that they be removed, protected, or properly supported. When all the necessary specific information about the job site is assembled, the contractor is ready to determine the amount, kind, and cost of the safety equipment needed. A careful inventory of the safety items on hand should be made before deciding what additional safety material must be acquired. No matter how many trenching, shoring, and back-filling jobs have been done in the past, each job should be approached with the utmost care and preparation.
purged instrument
inert gas buffers the arcing or flame-producing device from the flammable atmosphere steady stream of nitrogen or helium, for example, is passed by the potential arcing device, keeping the flammable atmosphere from the ignition source does not satisfactorily control analytical devices that use flame or heat for analysis, such as a Combustible Gas Indicator, (CGI). It also requires a source of gas, which can reduce instrument portability.
Alpha Radiation Monitoring
largest particle travels an extremely short distance in air alpha monitor utilizing a detector probe with a thin plastic window must be used. Additionally, the probe must be held close to the alpha emitter because of the short travel distance of the alpha particle. The two types of alpha instruments most commonly used are portable proportional counters and portable scintillation counters. Since a layer of dried skin or protective clothing is sufficient shielding for alpha particles, and because on initial entry workers use appropriate respiratory protection anyway, alpha radiation is not normally monitored initially, unless there is an indication of alpha emitters being present on site.
CNS targeting organs
lead, mercury, DDTs (pesticides)
Direct-reading dosimeters
pencil-type devices that allow personnel to read and evaluate their exposures between TLD readings. Another direct-reading type of dosimeter is the Chirpy, which is a device worn by personnel involved in radiography work. The device emits "chirps" based on the strength of the radiation field. The more "chirps," the stronger the field.
intrinsically safe instrument
reduces the potential for arcing among components by encasing the components in a solid insulating material as defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) not capable of releasing sufficient electrical or thermal energy under normal or abnormal conditions to cause ignition of a specific hazardous atmospheric mixture in its most easily ignited concentration
Accuracy
relationship between a true value (i.e., the actual concentration of a contaminant) and the instrument reading. indicated by an error factor, which is expressed as a percentage +15 percent of the true value. This means that the actual concentration of the chemical being measured falls somewhere within a range of 15 percent higher than the reading to 15 percent lower than the reading.
External communication systems
separate set of internal emergency signals must be developed and rehearsed daily. External communication systems and procedures shall be clear and accessible to all workers. Off-site sources must be contacted to get assistance or to inform officials about hazardous conditions that can affect public or environmental safety. The telephone is the most common mode of off-site communication; phone hook-ups or cellphones are considered a necessity on all but the most remote sites.
Physical exam
should be comprehensive and cover all body organs with a focus on the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. Pertinent observations should be noted such as conditions that could increase susceptibility to heat stroke (e.g., obesity, lack of physical exercise) and conditions that could affect or limit respirator use. Conditions that can affect respirator use include missing or arthritic fingers, facial scars, dentures, poor eyesight, or perforated eardrums.
Site emergencies involving significant chemical releases
should be coordinated with federal response organizations. The federal government has established a National Contingency Plan (NCP) to promote the coordination and direction of federal and state response systems. The NCP also encourages the development of local government and private capabilities to handle chemical emergencies involving chemical releases. If a significant chemical release occurs at a hazardous waste site, the National Response Center in Washington, D.C., should be contacted (Telephone: 800-424-8802). The NRC will activate federal response under the National Contingency Plan.
Hazardous waste samples
taken from the source of the contamination. They are may be very hazardous and require special handling. Hazardous waste samples provide exact information concerning the contaminants present and are the basis for taking specific remedial actions. Samples may also be required for litigation (i.e., legal action) or for submission to the proposed hazardous waste disposal site.
Standards that respirators must comply with
tested and approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and NIOSH. not all respiratory equipment that is sold is approved Periodically, NIOSH publishes a list, entitled NIOSH Certified Equipment List, of all approved respirators and respiratory components.
Stairs need to be designed and constructed so that
they can safely carry expected loads. They must be adequately wide and angle as specified in the regulations. The tread on the steps should be slip-resistant, and railings and handrails should properly guard exposed stairways and platforms.
Common types of spaces that would require permits include
torage tanks, process vessels, silos, vaults, storage bins, hoppers, ship compartments, exhaust ducts, sewers, tunnels, and boilers. A space does not have to be enclosed to be considered a permit-required confined space. Pits, trenches, and open-topped vats also fit the OSHA description since they may have limited means of entry and exit, and are not intended for habitation, and could possess hazardous atmospheres.
Catalytic combustion detectors
toxic atmosphere monitors that use the same detection system as CGIs, but they are more sensitive. In a sense, they are super-sensitive CGIs with readouts in parts per million (ppm) instead of LEL percentage. Since the detection method is similar, they have the same limitations and considerations as CGIs.
IDLH means
toxic gas levels are above OSHA's permissible exposure level, a flammable gas's concentration is greater than 10 percent of its lower explosive limit (LEL), or oxygen concentration is less than 19.5 percent or greater than 23.5 percent.
Flame ionization detectors (FID)
use a hydrogen flame as the means to ionize organic vapors. FIDs measure virtually all organic compounds (i.e., compounds that contain carbon-hydrogen or carbon-carbon bonds). The flame detector analyzes by the mechanism of breaking bonds. Inside the detector chamber, the sample is exposed to a hydrogen flame that ionizes the organic vapors. When most organic vapors burn, positively charged carbon-containing ions are produced, which are then, collected by a negatively charged electrode in the chamber. An electric field exists between the conductors surrounding the flame and a collecting electrode. As the positive ions are collected, a current proportional to the hydrocarbon concentration is generated on the input electrode. This current is measured with a preamplifier, which has an output signal proportional to the ionization current. Companies that manufacture FIDs include Beckman Industrial, The Foxboro Company, and Thermo Environmental Instruments. The Foxboro Century Organic Vapor Analyzer (OVA) is a well-known example of the FID. dual mode instrument that is, both a survey meter and a gas chromatograph. Unlike survey meters that simply identify that an organic compound of some sort is present, a gas chromatograph can separate and define the components present in a gas mixture.
Bailers
useful when samples must be taken from depths beyond a pump's lifting capacity and when volatile component stripping is a concern. A bailer allows samples to be recovered with a minimum of aeration (i.e., mixing with air). This is accomplished by slowly lowering the bailer until it contacts the water and then, allowing the bailer to sink as it fills. The disadvantage of using bailers is that they are time-consuming because of their limited sample volume. In addition, transfer of the sample to the collection jar can cause aeration. Pouring the water slowly down the side of the sample bottle limits aeration, by avoiding turbulence.
On site survey
verify and supplement information from the off-site characterization ensemble of clothing and equipment referred to as Level B protection is generally the minimum level recommended for an initial entry at least four persons: two workers who will enter the site and two outside support persons suited in personal protective equipment and prepared to enter the site in case of an emergency Responsibilities of initial entry on site survey team -Monitoring air for IDLH conditions -Monitoring for ionizing radiation -Visually checking for dangerous conditions
Some issues with repirator fits
very low temperatures, the exhalation valve and regulator can become ice-clogged due to moisture in the breath and air high temperatures, excessive sweat can cause a break in the face-to-face-piece seal Facial hair and long hair spectacle kit should be installed in the facemasks of workers requiring vision correction. scars, hollow temples, very prominent cheekbones, deep skin creases, dentures or missing teeth, and the chewing of gum and tobacco
