COMPLIANCE INFO - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• Increase frequency of watering or use dust suppressants Excavated Material Handling • Cover temporary stockpiles with plastic If mitigation measures are found to be inadequate, the SSO/Site Supervisor will halt on-site operations until effective control can be achieved. 6.2 NOISE EXPOSURE Exposure to excessive noise can damage hearing ability and cause permanent hearing loss. It is the intent of AGE to prevent permanent hearing loss from noise exposure. When noise levels exceed 85 decibels on the A-weighted scale (85 dBA), workers are required to use appropriate hearing protection.The SSO is also empowered to designate work areas where hearing protection will be used by all personnel(AGE employees,contractor,and subcontractor personnel and/or visitors). Potential sources of hazardous noise related to site investigation activities are limited to the various types of equipment used in the performance of work activities. Noise exposure levels can be expected to vary during the performance of the various investigation activities, dependant upon the equipment selected and used by each individual subcontractor. All AGE field personnel who are medically monitored participate in a hearing conservation program meeting the requirements specified below. It is expected that where operations may expose workers to hazardous noise that AGE will provide personnel who also participate in a hearing conservation program,which should include the following elements: Baseline survey of noise exposures Baseline audiometric testing Annual or biannual audiometric testing Annual training on the use and need for hearing protection Distribution of hearing protectors to employees in the program Maintenance of records Contractors and subcontractors are individually responsible for the adequacy of their own program 6.3 HEAT STRESS MONITORING Due to the use of protective clothing and other equipment,there is a high potential for heat stress to pose a significant safety hazard to workers. To mitigate the effects of heat stress, it will be necessary to establish a work routine that incorporates appropriate rest periods to allow workers to remove protective clothing, drink fluids (vital when extreme sweating is occurring)and rest. The frequency and length of such work breaks must be determined by the individual work location supervisor based upon factors such as the ambient temperature and sunshine, the amount of physical labor being performed, the physical condition of the workers and protective clothing being used. In any case,breaks must be sufficient to prevent workers from manifesting symptoms of heat stress,which can include irritability,confusion,lethargy,and headache. Workers are being encouraged to immediately report any difficulties or heat-related problems that they may experience or observe in fellow workers. Supervisors will use this information to alter the work-break schedule to accommodate such problems. During breaks, workers should be encouraged to drink plenty of water or other liquids to replace lost fluids and to help cool off. If any worker exhibits signs of severe heat distress, such as profuse sweating, extreme confusion and irritability, or pale, clammy skin, that worker shall be relieved of all duties at once and made to rest in a cool location and drink plenty of water. Anyone exhibiting symptoms of heat stroke (red, dry skin, or unconsciousness) will be taken immediately to the nearest medical facility while taking steps to cool the person during transportation(clothing removal,wet the skin, air conditioning, etc.). Heat stroke is a life threatening condition that must be treated by competent medical authority. Page 23