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<br />fatigue, and drunken-like behavior. Benzene has been determined to be carcinogenic, targeting blood-forming organs and bone marrow.
<br />The odor threshold for benzene is higher than the PEL and employees may be overexposed to benzene without sensing its presence;
<br />therefore, detector tubes must be utilized to evaluate airborne concentrations.
<br />The vapor pressures of these compounds are high enough to generate significant quantities of airborne vapor. On sites where high
<br />concentrations of these compounds are present, a potential inhalation hazard to the field team during subsurface investigations can result.
<br />However, if the site is open and the anticipated quantities of BTEX contamination are small (e.g., part per million concentrations in the soil
<br />or groundwater), overexposure potential will also be small.
<br />El Carbon Monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas usually formed by the incomplete combustion of various fuels. Welding, cutting, and
<br />the operation of internal combustion engines can produce significant quantities of CO. Amounts of CO can quickly rise to hazardous levels
<br />in poorly ventilated areas. CO is odorless and colorless. It cannot be detected without appropriate monitoring equipment. LEL/02 meters
<br />and H-Nu/PID are not appropriate for the detection of CO. A direct reading instrument, calibrated for CO, should be used. Common
<br />symptoms of overexposure include pounding of the heart, a dull headache, flashes before the eyes, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and nausea.
<br />These symptoms must not be relied upon in place of an appropriately calibrated monitoring instrument. Exposures should not exceed 15
<br />ppm. Exposures above 15 ppm require the use of supplied air respirators. Air purifying respirators are not approved for protection against
<br />CO.
<br />Z Chlorinated Organic Compounds. Exposure to the vapors of many chlorinated organic compounds such as vinyl chloride;
<br />tetrachloroethene; 1,1,1-trichloroethane; trichloroethene; and 1,2-dichloroethene above their respective PELs will result in similar
<br />symptoms. The actual PELs as set by OSHA vary depending on the specific compound.
<br />Overexposure to the vapor of these compounds can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, The liquid, if splashed in the eyes, may
<br />cause burning irritation and damage. Repeated or prolonged skin contact with the liquid may cause dermatitis. Acute overexposure to
<br />chlorinated hydrocarbons depresses the central nervous system exhibiting such symptoms as drowsiness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision,
<br />in-coordination, mental confusion, flushed skin, tremors, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and cardiac arrhythmia. Alcohol may make symptoms
<br />of overexposure worse. If alcohol has been consumed, the overexposed worker may become flushed. Some of these compounds are
<br />considered to be potential human carcinogens. Exposure to vinyl chloride is regulated by a comprehensive OSHA standard (29 CFR
<br />1910.1017).
<br />Chromium Compounds. Hexavalent chromium compounds, upon contact with the skin, can cause ulceration and possibly an allergic
<br />reaction. Inhalation of hexavalent chromium dusts is irritating and corrosive to the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.
<br />Chrome ulcers and chrome dermatitis are common occupational health effects from prolonged and repeated exposure to hexavalent
<br />chromium compounds. Acute exposures to hexavalent chromium dusts may cause coughing or wheezing, pain on deep inspiration, tearing,
<br />inflammation of the conjunctiva, nasal itch, and soreness or ulceration of the nasal septum. Certain forms of hexavalent chromium have
<br />been found to cause increased respiratory cancer among workers.
<br />Trivalent chromium compounds (chromic oxide) are generally considered to be of lower toxicity, although dermatitis may occur as a result
<br />of direct handling.
<br />Cutting Oils. Cutting oils may produce a condition known as "cutting oil acne," a specific dermatosis associated with prolonged and
<br />repeated direct contact. Other problems associated with continued occupational exposure to cutting fluids include allergic skin sensitization,
<br />folliculitis, and squamous cell carcinoma due to the presence of nitrosamines.
<br />[E] Fuel Oil. See Petroleum Hydrocarbons (PHC)
<br />E] Gasoline. See BTEX Compounds, and Tetraethyl and Tetramethyl Lead.
<br />Ej Herbicides. Some of the commonly used herbicides present a low toxicity to man. However, other herbicides pose more serious problems.
<br />Organophosphorus and carbamate herbicides, if inhaled or ingested, can interfere with the functioning of the central nervous system. Many
<br />herbicides can be readily absorbed through the skin to cause systemic effects. In addition to being absorbed through the skin, many
<br />herbicides, upon contact with the skin, may cause discoloring, skin irritation, or dermatitis. Contaminants of commercial preparations of
<br />chlorinated phenoxy herbicides such as 2,4,5-T include 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (dioxin). Dioxin is a known mutagen and a
<br />suspect carcinogen.
<br />El Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S). H2S, characterized by its "rotten egg" odor, is produced by the decomposition of sulfur-containing organic matter.
<br />It is found in many of the same areas where methane is found such as landfills, swamps, sewers, and sewer treatment facilities. An important
<br />characteristic of 112S is its ability to cause a decrease in one's ability to detect its presence by smell. So although one may no longer be able
<br />to smell it, it could still be present in harmful concentrations.
<br />The symptoms of overexposure include headache, dizziness, staggering, and nausea. Severe overexposure can cause respiratory failure,
<br />coma, and death. The current OSHA PEL is 10 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). The ACGIH TLV is the same.
<br />El Lead Paint. The inspection and/or removal, sanding, grinding, etc. of lead-based or lead-containing paints is now strictly regulated by
<br />OSHA. States may require individuals who conduct lead paint inspections or collect samples of lead paint to be licensed or certified. Terrax
<br />employees must determine the applicability of these regulations prior to any activities involving lead paint. For additional health
<br />information, see Metal Compounds.
<br />Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan Page 8
<br />Version 1.02 September 30, 2016
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