Correcting common health and safety program deficiencies at remediation sites
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Washington, DC (United States)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Salt Lake City, UT (United States)
- Eastern Research Group, Inc., Arlington, VA (United States)
In late 1992, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) joined the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in an interagency agreement, and participated with EPA in forming the EPA/Labor Superfund Health and Safety Task Force. The Task Force mission is to evaluate and improve worker safety and health at hazardous waste facilities and to improve communication among Task Force members. During the past 34 months, the Task Force has reviewed the safety and health plans of 18 Superfund remediation contractors and conducted 10 comprehensive site audits. Based on the results of those audits and plan reviews, the Task Force has also prepared training and guidance material for both compliance officials and for hazardous waste contractors. To date, Task Force audits have focused on sites using thermal technology such as incineration and low-temperature thermal desorption. The pattern of deficiencies emerging from these audits, however, resembles the citation pattern for hazardous waste sites in general. Regardless of the treatment method being used, deficiencies most commonly observed at hazardous waste sites involve the site`s written safety and health plan, engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Additional problem areas noted during Task Force audits include site monitoring practices and emergency response programs. Wherever hazardous waste site operations are currently being conducted, many of the following deficiencies and recommended corrective actions are likely to be applicable.
- OSTI ID:
- 215496
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-951139-; TRN: IM9618%%180
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 16. hazardous waste conference and exhibition: new frontiers in hazardous waste, Washington, DC (United States), 6-8 Nov 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Superfund 16: Conference and exhibition proceedings. Volume 2; PB: 817 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
A brief summary of the OSHA interim final rule on ''hazardous waste operations and emergency response'' and implications for federal facilities
Health and Safety Audit Guidelines: SARA Title I, Section 126