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chemically resistant gloves, to minimize contact are addressed elsewhere in this plan. Because of the relatively low vapor pressures associated with PHCs,an inhalation hazard in the outdoor environment is not likely. ❑ Polychlorinated Biphenyls(PCBs). Prolonged skin contact with PCBs may cause the formation of comedones,sebaceous cysts,and/or pustules(a condition known as chloracne). PCBs we considered to be suspect carcinogens and may also cause reproductive damage. The OSHA PELs for PCBs are w follows: Compound PEL(8-hour TWA) Chlorodiphenyl(42%Chlorine) Img/ml-Skin Chlorodiphenyl(54%Chlorine) 0.5 mg/m3-Skin It should be noted that PCBs have extremely low vapor pressures(0.001 millimeters of mercury(mm Hg)at 42%Chlorine and 0.00008 mm Hg at 54%Chlorine). This makes it unlikely that any significant vapor concentration(i.e.,exposures above the OSHA PEL)will be created in the ambient environment. This minimizes the potential for any health hazards to arise due to inhalation unless the source is heated or generates an airborne mist. If generated,vapor or mists above the PEL may cause irritation of the eyes,nose,and throat. The exposure limits noted above are considered low enough to prevent systemic effects,but it is not known if these levels will prevent local effects. It should also be noted that both PELs carry the Skin notation,indicating that these compounds adversely affect or penetrate the skin. OSHA specifies that skin exposure to substances carrying this designation be prevented or reduced through the use of the appropriate PPE. ❑ Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons(PAHs). Due to the relatively low vapor pressure of PAH compounds,vapor hazards at ambient temperatures are not expected to occur. However, if site conditions are dry,the generation of contaminated dusts may pose a potential inhalation hazard Therefore,dust levels should be controlled with wetting,if necessary. Repeated contact with certain PAH compounds has been associated with the development of skin cancer. Contact of PAH compounds with the skin may cause photosensitization of the skin, producing skin burns after subsequent exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Protective measures, such as the wearing of chemically resistant gloves,are appropriate when handling PAH-contaminated materials. ❑ Tetraethyl and Tetramethyl Lead. Both compounds are used as anti-knock ingredients in gasoline. The inhalation of tetraethyl lead dusts may result in irritation of the respiratory tract. This dust,when in contact with moist skin or eye membranes, may cause itching, burning,and transient redness. 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 cause acute intoxication of the central nervous system. Mild degrees of intoxication may cause headache, anxiety, insomnia, nervous excitation,and minor gastrointestinal disturbances. ® Volatile Organic Compounds(VOCs). See BTEX compounds and Chlorinated Organic Compounds. ❑ Waste Oil. See Petroleum Hydrocarbons(PHCs)and Cutting Oil. 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 f nc- 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 bloodbome 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,Bloodbome 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. Partner Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan Page 10 Version 1.02 May 4,2015