ARCHIVED REPORTS_XR0003171 - Laserfiche WebLink

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HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR EXPLORATORY SOIL BORINGS/WELL INSTALLATIONS, EXCAVATIONS, AND BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT The following protocol for personnel involved in the above referenced pr03ect is considered generally appropriate; however, modifications may be imposed by their consultants, and/or the County of San Joaquin in response to site specific conditions. HEALTH AND SAFETY STAFF Mr. John Rapp, REHS Ms . Denise Rapp, R.N. PUBLIC HEALTH/ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD ASSESSMENT Hazards associated with the performance of exploratory soil borings are those related to: 1 ) . Exposure to the hydrocarbon contaminated sods being explored, 2 ) . The potential for ignition of flammable/explosive vapors, and 3 ) . The physical hazards associated with working with/near heavy equipment. HAZARDS OF CHEMICAL EXPOSURE A portion of the soils to be handled may be contaminated with gasoline and/or diesel fuel . The most toxic constituents present are believed to be the aromatic compounds within fuel hydro- carbons- benzene, toluene, xylenes, and ethylbenzene ( BTX&E) ; with benzene the most toxic of these having been identified as a carcinogen and forming as much as 3 . 5% of gasoline by weight. Due to the volatile nature of the aromatics, the most ' significant route of potential exposure would appear to be via inhalation. Secondary routes of exposure would include dermal (by direct contact with contaminated soil ) and the incidental ingestion of contaminated dusts . The measures prescribed for the minimization of risks associated with the aforementioned routes of exposure are described below. HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH FLAMMABLE VAPORS ' Although by and large the levels of fuel hydrocarbons within soils encountered will not be very high, it is recognized that there is a potential for vapors to collect within the flammable ' range. The measures for early detection of these vapors is described below. A.