|
• •
<br /> gloves,to minimize contact are addressed elsewhere in this plan. Because of the relatively low vapor pressures associated with PHCs,an
<br /> inhalation hazard in the outdoor environment is not likely.
<br /> ❑ Polychlorinated Biphenyls(PCBs). Prolonged skin contact with PCBs may cause the formation of comedones,sebaceous cysts,and/or
<br /> pustules(a condition known as chloracne). PCBs are considered to be suspect carcinogens and may also cause reproductive damage.
<br /> The OSHA PELs for PCBs are as follows:
<br /> Compound PEL(8-hour TWA)
<br /> Chlorodiphenyl(42%Chlorine) 1 mg/m3-Skin
<br /> Chlorodiphenyl(54%Chlorine) 0.5 mg/m3-Skin
<br /> It should be noted that PCBs have extremely low vapor pressures(0.001 millimeters of mercury(mm Hg)at 42%Chlorine and 0.00008
<br /> mm Hg at 54%Chlorine). This makes it unlikely that any significant vapor concentration(i.e.,exposures above the OSHA PEL)will be
<br /> created in the ambient environment. This minimizes the potential for any health hazards to arise due to inhalation unless the source is heated
<br /> or generates an airborne mist. If generated,vapor or mists above the PEL may cause irritation of the eyes,nose,and throat. The exposure
<br /> limits noted above are considered low enough to prevent systemic effects,but it is not known if these levels will prevent local effects. It
<br /> should also be noted that both PELs carry the Skin notation,indicating that these compounds adversely affect or penetrate the skin. OSHA
<br /> specifies that skin exposure to substances carrying this designation be prevented or reduced through the use of the appropriate PPE.
<br /> ❑ Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons(PAHs). Due to the relatively low vapor pressure of PAH compounds,vapor hazards at ambient
<br /> temperatures are not expected to occur. However,if site conditions are dry,the generation of contaminated dusts may pose a potential
<br /> inhalation hazard. Therefore,dust levels should be controlled with wetting,if necessary. Repeated contact with certain PAH compounds
<br /> has been associated with the development of skin cancer. Contact of PAH compounds with the skin may cause photosensitization of the
<br /> skin, producing skin burns after subsequent exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Protective measures, such as the wearing of chemically
<br /> resistant gloves,are appropriate when handling PAH-contaminated materials.
<br /> ❑ Tetraethyl and Tetramethyl Lead. Both compounds are used as anti-knock ingredients in gasoline. The inhalation of tetraethyl lead dusts
<br /> may result in irritation of the respiratory tract. This dust,when in contact with moist skin or eye membranes,may cause itching,burning,
<br /> and transient redness.
<br /> The direct absorption of a sufficient quantity of tetraethyl lead,whether briefly at a high rate,or for prolonged periods at a low rate,may
<br /> cause acute intoxication of the central nervous system. Mild degrees of intoxication may cause headache, anxiety, insomnia, nervous
<br /> excitation,and minor gastrointestinal disturbances.
<br /> ® Volatile Organic Compounds(VOCs). See BTEX compounds and Chlorinated Organic Compounds.
<br /> ❑ Waste Oil. See Petroleum Hydrocarbons(PHCs)and Cutting Oil.
<br /> Hazard Assessment: Biological Hazards and Related Concerns
<br /> ❑ Insects. Insects represent significant sources(vectors) of disease transmission. Therefore, precautions to avoid or minimize potential
<br /> contact should be considered prior to all field activities. Disease or harmful effects can be transmitted through bites,stings,direct contact
<br /> with insects,or ingestion of foods contaminated by certain insects. Examples of diseases transmitted by insect bites include encephalitis
<br /> and malaria from contaminated mosquitoes and Lyme disease and spotted fever from contaminated ticks. Stinging insects,such as bees
<br /> and wasps,are prevalent throughout the country,particularly during the warmer months. The stings of these insects can be painful and
<br /> cause serious allergic reactions to some individuals.
<br /> ❑ Lyme Disease. Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bite of certain ticks,primarily deer,dog and wood ticks. The symptoms of
<br /> Lyme disease usually start out as a skin rash then progress to more serious symptoms. The more serious symptoms can include lesions,
<br /> headaches, arthritis, and permanent damage to the neurological system. If detected early,the disease can be treated successfully with
<br /> antibiotics. The following steps are recommended for prevention of Lyme disease and other diseases transmitted by ticks:a)Beware of tall
<br /> grass,bushes,woods,and other areas where ticks may live;b)Wear good shoes,long pants tucked into socks,a shirt with a snug collar,
<br /> good cuffs around the wrists,and tails tucked into the pants.Insect/tick repellents may also be useful;c)Carefully monitor for the presence
<br /> ofticks. Carefully inspect clothes and skin when undressing. If a tick is attached to the skin,it should be removed with fine-tipped tweezers.
<br /> You should be alert for early symptoms over the next month or so. If you suspect that you have been bitten by a tick,you should contact a
<br /> physician for medical advice.
<br /> ❑ Medical Wastes and Bloodborne Diseases. Any field activity where exposure to medical wastes or other sources of bloodbome pathogens
<br /> can be reasonably anticipated must be conducted in accordance with the OSHA(29 CFR 1910.1030)Bloodborne Pathogens standard.
<br /> According to the OSHA definition,Bloodbome Pathogens mean pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause
<br /> disease in humans. These pathogens include,but are not limited to,hepatitis B virus(HBV)and human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).
<br /> Wherever there is a potential for employee skin,eye,mucous membrane,or parenteral(skin or membrane piercing)contact with blood or
<br /> other potentially infectious sources,employers must develop a Written Exposure Control Plan.
<br /> Partner Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan Page 10
<br /> Version 1.02 June 12,2018
<br />
|