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Page 2-19 SECT70N 2- SITE OPERA 71ONS PLAN o Identify areas where an oxygen defici.E.-cy may exist. Oxygen deficiency commonly occurs in manholes and other confined areas, and is the direct result of poor ventilation. It may occur because the normal atmospnere is replaced by some other gas, or because of the absorption, consumption, or bioc,;-emical depletion of the available oxygen as a result of the decomposition of organic ma-fter. ® Before any personnel enter potentially oxygen-deficient areas, an oxygen deficiency detector must be used to sample and tc--c,, conditions. if oxygen deficiency is detected, ample ventilation should be provided 10y using portable air blowers or self-contained breathing apparatus. Under no circums:ances should any personnel enter such areas without an assistant standing by to help *n the event of an emergency. s Highly toxic gases and vapors may originate from waste disposed of the landfill or result from the decomposition of the refuse. Noxious gases can cause burns, explosions, asphyxiation, or poisoning. For example 7.ethane is flammable and asphyxiating,but non- poisonous. Carbon monoxide, however, :s asphyxiating and poisonous. Therefore, a gas detector should be used to check all en,..'osed areas prior to entry. 2.2.4 Fire/Explosion Plan The intent of a fire/explosion contingency plan is:o enable operators to correctly assess the type and magnitude of a fire and select a fire contrcmethod appropriate for the situation. This will help to reduce the risks to landfill personnel, mitigate damages to equipment, and limit the affected disposal region. Elements of the plan should alert personnel to tt.e types of potential emergencies,the emergency response procedures to follow, and the on-site and off-site resources available for assistance. All landfill personnel should be trained in landfil! fire fighting procedures. In waste disposal operations, there are two m-=;n fire ignition sources: the refuse itself (both surface and subsurface) and the machines ern-'oyed in transfer and disposal. 2.2.4.1 Landfill Surface Fires The substances being disposed in the landfill are often flammable and in some cases can combine to cause spontaneous explosion and/cr sire. Spontaneous combustion can occur when a combustible material is heated, either through Biological decomposition or chemical oxidation, to its ignition temperature. Smoke from burnir.- refuse may contain hazardous elements and proper care and equipment should be used when fighting the fire. Landfill surface fires can be recognized by elevated temperature, smell of smoke, and/or smoke and open flame. Small surface fires or hot loads that are spotted in the waste collection vehicles or on the ground will be moved to an isolated —=-ea if at all possible. The burning load will be dumped and the fire extinguished with soil cover. The cooled waste materials will be incorporated into the landfill after ascertaining that no sparks or "hot spots" remain. R.W.Sock and Associates city at stcc.mon 1911.002