Lesson 2 HAZWOPER WITH COMPLETE VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2024

Objectives for lesson 2 Learning Objectives At the completion of this lesson, you will be able to: •Name methods of on- and off-site characterization for potential site hazards. •Illustrate how to create preliminary site maps. •Discuss how to conduct on-site surveys and develop site safety plans. •Explain the importance of maintaining an on-going air monitoring program. •Describe the fundamentals of maintaining a field logbook. There are three distinct phases of the site characterization process: Off-site survey, on site survey, on going monitoring Through which two methods can off site information be obtained? •Interviews and research •Perimeter reconnaissance What information should be obtained during off site research? Precise location of the site Meteorological data Detailed account of the activity that occurred at the site Duration of the activity Geological and hydraulic data Habitation and population centers; populations at risk Accessibility by air and roadways Pathways of dispersion examples of sources for interviews and research: Interview and Research Here are some examples of sources for interviews and research: •Company records, receipts, logbooks, or ledgers •Records from state and federal pollution control regulatory and enforcement agencies, state Attorney General's office, state occupational safety and health agencies, state Fire Marshal's office, waste storage inventories, and manifests or shipping paper •Interviews with past and present personnel and their families •Generator and transporter records •Water department and sewage district records •Interviews with nearby residents (note possible site-related medical problems) •Local fire and police department records •Court records •Utility company records •Media reports Perimeter Reconnaissance The second method for off-site characterization is perimeter reconnaissance. When site hazards are largely unknown or when there is no need to go on site immediately, perimeter reconnaissance should be done. From outside the boundary of the site, one can make visual observations, monitor for atmospheric concentrations of airborne pollutants, and collect soil and/or water samples. While these data are not clear-cut indicators of on-site conditions, they can assist in the preliminary evaluation. A preliminary site map should be developed with the locations of buildings, containers, impoundments, pits, ponds, and tanks. Perimeter reconnaissance of a site should involve the following observations: •The review of historical and current aerial photographs •Disappearance of natural depressions, quarries, or pits •Variation in reforestation of disturbed areas •Mounding or uplift in disturbed areas or paved surfaces, or modifications in grade •Changes in vegetation around buildings •Changes in traffic patterns at the site Site Safety Plan The off-site survey is used to develop a site safety plan. The site safety plan outlines what must be accomplished and prescribes procedures to ensure the health and safety of the entry team. During the research phase of offsite characterization, company receipts and records may identify various types of hazardous materials that may be present on-site. This information can be used in the development of the site safety plan for the site entry team to include hazard identification and level of Personal Protective Equipment to be worn by entry personnel. The following are 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 •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 On-Site Survey The purpose of an on-site survey is to verify and supplement information from the off-site characterization. Prior to going on site, the off-site characterization should be used to develop a site safety plan for site entry. The site safety plan outlines what needs to be accomplished and then prescribes procedures to protect the health and safety of the entry team. Careful evaluation of probable conditions enables the team leader to assess the hazards and to plan site activities. Because team members may be entering a largely unknown environment, the use of caution as well as conservative actions are necessary. err conservatively use a higher level of protection unless exact conditions are known hot spots areas with high concentrations of toxic chemicals Level B protection The ensemble of clothing and equipment referred to as Level B protection is generally the minimum level recommended for an initial entry until the site hazards have been further identified. What four persons should an entry team consist of? 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 The entry team's responsibilities include •Monitoring air for IDLH conditions •Monitoring for ionizing radiation •Visually checking for dangerous conditions When performing on-site surveys frequently, it is important to •Note any safety hazards or indicators of potential exposure •Note all types of containers (any labels or markings) and their condition •Note physical properties of materials •Note land features •Identify natural wind barriers •Determine potential pathways of dispersion •Locate buried waste or contaminant plumes by using remote sensing if possible