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within easy reach should irritating odors be detected or irritation of the respiratory tract occur. At such a time, personnel will evacuate the area or don respirators without waiting for instruction. 13.1 EXPLOSION & FIRES Potential for explosions and fires may result from site activities such as moving drums or introducing an ignition source(such as a spark from equipment) into an explosive or flammable environment. To protect against explosion and fire hazards, personnel shall observe the following protocol: • Monitor for explosive atmosphere and flammable vapors • Keep all potential ignition sources away from an explosive or flammable environment • Use non-sparking, explosion-proof equipment when required • Follow safe practices when performing tasks that might agitate or release chemicals If an imminent explosion hazard develops, all Stericycle personnel will immediately withdraw themselves and all persons from the site. The hazard potential will be evaluated by Stericycle's PM or sponsoring agency personnel and a plan of action will be assessed. 13.2 BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS Potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens and other biological hazards may result from site activities such as handling medical sharps or infectious biological waste, or providing first aid. Exposure to blood borne pathogens in blood or other body fluids may result in disease, including contraction of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),which causes AIDS,or Hepatitis B virus(HBV), which affects the liver and is fatal in some cases. To eliminate the potential for exposure, Stericycle's policy is to not accept any infectious biological waste other than medical sharps; Stericycle personnel are also instructed not to directly handle medical sharps at any time. Sharps and other non-infectious biological waste will be placed by participant into proper containers for disposal or handled with a mechanical device (grabber). The following additional precautions will be taken to avoid exposure to biological hazards: • Don't eat, drink, smoke, apply lip balm, or handle contact lenses in areas with exposure potential. • Cover open cuts,rashes, and other broken skin. • Avoid touching any contaminated surfaces or clothing. • Minimize splashing or splattering of potentially infectious material. • Inspect all bags,packages, boxes, or containers for concealed or protruding needles prior to or during handling. • Do not reach by hand into a container holding sharps; use tongs or other equipment. • Keep sharps containers upright. • Inspect reusable PPE prior to putting it on. Decontaminate PPE after use. • Do not borrow PPE without decontaminating it(i.e., respirators, safety glasses) Page 30 of 41