2 - Hazards

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the various hazards caused by the physical and chemical nature of the site as well as the nature of work performed. These hazards include chemical exposure, fire and explosion, oxygen deficiency, ionizing radiation, biologic (etiologic) hazards, physical safety hazards, electrical hazards, and heat stress. The prevention of exposure to toxic chemicals is a primary concern at hazardous waste sites. Most of the sites contain various chemical substances in gaseous, liquid, or solid form, which can enter the unprotected body through inhalation, direct skin contact, ingestion, or a puncture wound. A contaminant can cause damage at the point of contact or can act systemically by causing a toxic effect at other points in the body. Workers on hazardous waste sites can be exposed to chemicals in many ways. Preventing worker exposures is the primary objective of site controls besides safe work practices, and the use of personal protection equipment and clothing. Explosions and fires may arise spontaneously. More commonly, they result from site activities, such as moving drums, accidentally mixing incompatible chemicals, or introducing an ignition source, such as a spark from equipment. At hazardous waste sites, explosions and fires not only pose the obvious hazards of intense heat, open flame, smoke inhalation, and flying objects but may also cause the release of toxic chemicals into the environment. Such releases can threaten both onsite personnel and the members of the general public living or the people working nearby.