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CHEMICAL HAZARDS <br /> Mercury, Aryl and Inorganic Compounds <br /> PEL (ceiling) = 0.1 mg/m' "skin" REL = 0.1 mg/m' (ceiling) "skin" <br /> TLV = 0.1 mg/m' (NIC to 0.025 mg/m') <br /> Soluble mercuric salts are highly poisonous when ingested; whereas mercurous compounds are <br /> less toxic. Inhalation produces cough and possibly bronchitis. Acute exposure to mercury <br /> compounds at high levels causes a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms and inability to produce <br /> urine. Clinical symptoms for chronic mercurialism involve the central nervous system, with <br /> tremor, and various neuropsychiatric disturbances (such as sleeplessness and irritability) which <br /> appear to be related to the amount of mercury absorbed. Loss in appetite and weight loss is <br /> reported by workers exposed to a significant degree. Mercury and mercury compounds are <br /> known to the State of California to cause reproductive toxicity under the criteria of <br /> Proposition 65. <br /> PHYSICAL HAZARDS <br /> Physical hazards are inherently present during geoprobe sampling activities. Common physical hazards <br /> include mechanical hazards; noise exposure associated with the operation of heavy equipment; slip-trip- <br /> fall hazards associated with the field environment; hazards associated with weather conditions; <br /> musculoskeletal injury resulting from lifting tasks; and explosion hazards from underground pipes or lines <br /> that may be encountered during the drilling process. The typical physical hazards anticipated to be <br /> present on the site and the methods for preventing injury due to these hazards are described below. <br /> Heavy quipment-Operation of heavy equipment during site activities presents potential physical <br /> hazards to personnel. During all site activities, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as <br /> steel-toed shoes, safety glasses or goggles, and hard hats should be worn whenever such <br /> equipment is present, and personnel should at all times be aware of the location and operation <br /> of heavy equipment, and take precautions to avoid getting in the way of its operation. <br /> Noise-The primary noise hazard at this site is from the drilling equipment. Whenever feasible, <br /> noise levels, identified as exceeding 85 decibels, will be reduced by means of personal protective <br /> equipment. Ear plugs and/or muffs will be worn at all times when D&M personnel are within <br /> 25 feet of operating equipment. Hearing protection will also be worn in the vicinity of <br /> generators, concrete cutters, and any other high noise emitting equipment. <br /> Slip-Trip-Fall Hazards - Slip-trip fall hazards are common at drilling sites due to open holes; <br /> muddy, slippery or unstable surfaces; and equipment on the ground. While it is difficult to <br /> eliminate all slip-trip-fall hazards, risk of injury will be minimized by implementing safe work <br /> practices, utilizing proper footwear, and keeping the drilling area free of obstructions. <br /> GALLI.140 3 <br />