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<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 ha72rd. 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 />1=1 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 />Z Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). See BTEX compounds and Chlorinated Organic Compounds.
<br />Z Waste Oil. See Petroleum Hydrocarbons (PHCs) and Cutting Oil.
<br />Hazard Assessment: Biological Hazards and Related Concerns
<br />Z 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 />1=1 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 />of ticks. 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 />1=1 Medical Wastes and Bloodborne Diseases. Any field activity where exposure to medical wastes or other sources of bloodborne 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, Bloodborne 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 (FLBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HTV).
<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 />1=1 Poisonous Plants. The possible presence of poisonous plants should be anticipated for field activities in wooded or heavily vegetated areas.
<br />Poison ivy is a climbing plant with alternate green to red leaves (arranged in threes) and white berries. Poison oak is similar to poison ivy
<br />and sumac, but its leaves are oak-like in form. The leaves of these poisonous plants produce irritating oil that causes an intensely itching
<br />skin rash and characteristic blister-like lesions. Contact with these plants should be avoided.
<br />1=1 Rats, Snakes and Other Vermin. Certain animals, particularly those that feed on garbage and other wastes, can represent significant
<br />sources (vectors) of disease transmission. Therefore, precautions to avoid or minimize potential contact with (biting) animals (such as rats)
<br />or animal waste (such as pigeon droppings) should be considered prior to all field activities. Rats, snakes, and other wild animals can inflict
<br />painful bites. The bites can poisonous (as in the case of some snakes) or disease causing (as in the case of rabid animals). Avoidance of
<br />these animals is the best protection.
<br />111 Waste Water and Sewage. Sewage and waste water contaminated with raw, untreated sewage can represent significant sources of bacterial,
<br />viral, or fungal contamination. Adverse effects due to contact can range from mild skin reactions or rashes to life threatening diseases.
<br />Diseases are easily transmitted by accidental ingestion or through skin contact, particularly if the skin is broken. Avoidance of direct contact
<br />and good personal hygiene are the best protection from these hazards.
<br />Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan Page 10
<br />Version 1.02 September 30, 2016
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