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C) RIIN <br /> • obvious hazards of intense heat, open flame, smoke inhalation, and flying objects, but <br />' may also cause the release of toxic chemicals into the environment Such releases can <br /> threaten both personnel on site and members of the general public living or working <br />' nearby To protect against the hazard have qualified personnel field monitor for <br /> explosive atmospheres and flammable vapors, keep all potential ignition sources away <br />' from an explosive or flammable environment, use non-sparking, explosion-proof <br /> equipment, and follow safe practices when performing any task that might result in the <br />' agitation or release of chemicals <br />' 5.3 Oxygen Deficiency <br /> The oxygen content of normal air at sea level is approximately 21 percent by volume <br /> Physiological effects of oxygen deficiency in humans are readily apparent when the <br /> oxygen concentration drops below 19 5 percent by volume Oxygen concentrations <br />' lower than 16 percent by volume can result in nausea and vomiting, brain damage, <br /> unconsciousness, and death To take into account individual physiological responses and <br /> errors in measurement, concentrations of 19 5 percent oxygen or lower are considered to <br /> be indicative of oxygen deficiency <br /> Oxygen deficiency may result from the displacement of oxygen by another gas, or the <br /> tconsumption of oxygen by a chemical reaction Confined spaces or low-lying areas are <br /> particularly vulnerable to oxygen deficiency and should always be monitored prior to <br /> entry Qualified field personnel should always monitor oxygen levels and should use <br /> atmosphere-supplying respiratory equipment when oxygen concentrations drop below <br /> 19 5 percent by volume <br /> 5.4 Biologic Hazards <br /> Wastes from hospitals and research facilities may contain disease-causing organisms that <br />' could infect site personnel Like chemical hazards, etiologic agents may be dispersed in <br /> the environment via water and wind Other biologic hazards that may be present at a <br />' hazardous waste site include poisonous plants, insects, animals and indigenous <br /> 'i pathogens Protective clothing and respiratory equipment can help reduce the chances of <br />' S\BFS\ST0CKT0N\HSP002] 3/19/01 5-6 <br />