Once the presence and concentrations of specific hazardous substances and health hazards have been determined, the associated risks must be carefully evaluated and documented.
Before beginning any on-site activities, all employees must be informed of the hazards identified during the site characterization process. This ensures that workers understand the potential dangers and are properly prepared to take necessary precautions.
Hazards to Consider
When identifying and communicating hazards, the following factors should be evaluated:
- Exposures exceeding permissible exposure limits (PELs) or other published exposure levels.
- Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) concentrations of hazardous substances.
- Potential for skin absorption or chemical irritation from direct contact.
- Eye irritation hazards caused by chemical splashes, vapors, or particulates.
- Explosion sensitivity and flammability ranges of chemicals or materials present.
- Oxygen-deficient atmospheres, which may increase the risk of asphyxiation.
Proper identification, communication, and control of these hazards are essential to maintaining a safe work environment and ensuring compliance with OSHA’s HAZWOPER Standard (29 CFR 1910.120).