Correcting common health and safety program deficiencies at remediation sites

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:215496

Garrahan, M A ^[1]; Cook, E M ^[2]; Baird, N J ^[3]

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1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Washington, DC (United States)
2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Salt Lake City, UT (United States)
3. 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--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
INTERAGENCY COOPERATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
REMEDIAL ACTION
SAFETY
US SUPERFUND
WASTE MANAGEMENT