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Hazard Assessment: Biological Hazards and Related Concerns ❑ Insects. Insects represent significant sources(vectors)of disease transmission. Therefore,precautions to avoid or minimize potential contact should be considered prior to all field activities. Disease or harmful effects can be transmitted through bites,stings,direct contact with insects, or ingestion of foods contaminated by certain insects. Examples of diseases transmitted by insect bites include encephalitis and malaria from contaminated mosquitoes and Lyme disease and spotted fever from contaminated ticks. Stinging insects,such as bees and wasps,are prevalent throughout the country,particularly during the warmer months. The stings of these insects can be painful and cause serious allergic reactions to some individuals. ❑ Lyme Disease. Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bite of certain ticks,primarily deer,dog and wood ticks. The symptoms of Lyme disease usually start out as a skin rash then progress to more serious symptoms. The more serious symptoms can include lesions,headaches, arthritis, and permanent damage to the neurological system. If detected early,the disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics. The following steps are recommended for prevention of Lyme disease and other diseases transmitted by ticks:a)Beware of tall 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,good cuffs around the wrists, and tails tucked into the pants.Insect/tick repellents may also be useful;c)Carefully monitor for the presence 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. 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 physician for medical advice. ❑ Medical Wastes and Bloodborne Diseases. Any field activity where exposure to medical wastes or other sources of bloodborne pathogens can be reasonably anticipated must be conducted in accordance with the OSHA(29 CFR 1910.1030)Bloodborne Pathogens standard. According to the OSHA definition, Bloodborne Pathogens mean pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include,but are not limited to,hepatitis B virus(HBV)and human immunodeficiency virus(HIV). Wherever there is a potential for employee skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral (skin or membrane piercing) contact with blood or other potentially infectious sources,employers must develop a Written Exposure Control Plan. ❑ Poisonous Plants. The possible presence of poisonous plants should be anticipated for field activities in wooded or heavily vegetated areas. 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 and sumac,but its leaves are oak-like in form. The leaves of these poisonous plants produce irritating oil that causes an intensely itching skin rash and characteristic blister-like lesions. Contact with these plants should be avoided. ❑ Rats,Snakes and Other Vermin. Certain animals,particularly those that feed on garbage and other wastes,can represent significant sources (vectors)of disease transmission. Therefore, precautions to avoid or minimize potential contact with(biting)animals(such as rats)or animal waste(such as pigeon droppings)should be considered prior to all field activities. Rats,snakes,and other wild animals can inflict 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 these animals is the best protection. ❑ Waste Water and Sewage. Sewage and waste water contaminated with raw,untreated sewage can represent significant sources of bacterial, viral,or fungal contamination. Adverse effects due to contact can range from mild skin reactions or rashes to life threatening diseases. Diseases are easily transmitted by accidental ingestion or through skin contact,particularly if the skin is broken. Avoidance of direct contact and good personal hygiene are the best protection from these hazards. Partner Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan Page 14 Version 2.0 July 6,2021