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5.2.2 Drilling and Excavation Operations <br /> Operations involving earth-moving equipment present potential hazards from falling debris, mechanical failure of hydraulic <br /> lines, and being hit by moving equipment (i.e., backhoe bucket, excavator turret, scraper). Level D personal protective <br /> equipment will be worn at all times during grading and trenching activities. Equipment should be properly inspected on a <br /> regular basis in accordance with industry-established procedures to minimize the risk of mechanical failure. <br /> In addition to physical hazards associated with excavation equipment, there is the potential for excessive noise to be <br /> produced around the equipment. Section 5. 8 provides details concerning the hazards associated with high noise levels. <br /> Earthwork is anticipated to include excavations and trenches that will extend to variable depths. All trenches and excavations <br /> that exceed more than four feet in depth shall be managed in conformance with OSHA trench safety regulations. Contractors <br /> and subcontractors will be responsible for providing a"competent'person onsite during all operations that require contractor <br /> personnel to enter a trench or excavation. The contractor and/or subcontractors will be required to provide the name of the <br /> competent person and documentation of training. <br /> 5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS OF CONCERN <br /> Table I presents a list of potential environmental contaminants of concern. Table 2 provides a summary of the hazards <br /> associated with these materials. <br /> 5.3.1 Heavy metals <br /> Heavy metals including Chromium, Lead, Zinc, and Copper have been detected in soil samples collected during previous <br /> investigations at the site.The primary route of exposure would be from the inhalation of dust containing these heavy metals. <br /> Exposure can result in dry throat, cough, headache, tight chest, muscle cramps, nausea, and reduced pulmonary function. <br /> Target organs include respiratory system brain and nervous systems,kidneys and liver. <br /> 5.3.2 Corrosive materials(high or low pH) <br /> Concern over potential corrosive soils warrants caution during all activities. Exposure may cause skin irritation, eye, nose <br /> and throat irritation or burning. Corrosive soils may cause severe damage to sensitive nasal and respiratory membranes. <br /> Potential blindness is possible from corrosive soils. <br /> 5.4 HEAVY MACHINERY/EXCAVATION ACTIVITIES <br /> The use of heavy machinery(backhoes) in areas where unprotected personnel are operating warrants special attention on the <br /> part of all personnel. Operators should ensure that equipment is working properly and is being nm in a safe manner, and <br /> should be aware of the location of unprotected personnel at all times while operating this machinery to avoid serious <br /> accidents. Other personnel must be aware of heavy equipment, operations, and exercise proper caution to avoid placing <br /> themselves in an unsafe situation. <br /> 5.5 HEAT STRESS <br /> Heat stress is a major hazard, especially for workers wearing protective clothing. The same protective materials that shield <br /> the body from chemical exposure also limit the dissipation of body heat and moisture. Personal protective clothing can <br /> therefore create a hazardous condition. Depending on the ambient conditions and the work being performed, heat stress can <br /> occur very rapidly,within as little as 15 minutes. Site personnel will be instructed in the identification of a heat stress victim, <br /> the first-aid treatment procedures for the victim and the prevention of heat stress casualties. <br /> 5.5.1 Heat Exhaustion <br /> Symptoms: Usually begins with muscular weakness, dizziness, nausea, and a staggering gait. Vomiting is frequent. The <br /> bowels may move involuntarily. The victim is very pale, with clammy skin, and he or she may perspire profusely. The pulse <br /> is weak and fast,breathing is shallow.He or she may faint unless they lie down. <br /> Page 18 <br />