Transcript Site Characterization Instructional Goal:

Site Characterization
Instructional Goal:
Upon completion of this topic the
participant will better understand
the need to identify and evaluate
various types of hazards using the
processes of site characterization
and to see the importance of
information documentation.
Site Characterization
• Project Team Leader is responsible for
site characterization and assessment.
• Information provided is needed to identify
site hazards and select worker protection
methods.
• Site Characterization is a continuous
process.
SITE CHARACTERIZATION PHASES
• Off-Site Survey
• On-Site Survey
• On-Going Monitoring
Off-Site Characterization
• interviews/records research
• perimeter reconnaissance
Interview/Records Research
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location of site
description of activity at the site
previous surveys
meteorological data
geologic and hydrologic data
Interview/Records Research
 terrain
 pathways of dispersion
 habitation and population centers;
populations at risk
 accessibility by air and roads
 present status of response and who
has responded
Perimeter Reconnaissance
Involves?
Visual Observations
 review historical and current aerial
photos
 note any labels or markings
 note any deterioration of containers
 note biological indicators
 note unusual conditions
Develop a Site Map
Monitor Ambient Air
 monitor ambient air at site
perimeter
 note unusual odors
 collect and analyze samples
Soil and/or Water Samples
Collect and analyze off-site samples
• Soil
• Drinking Water
• Ground water
• Surface water
Site Safety Plan
The Off-Site Survey is used to
develop a Site Safety Plan.
The Site Safety Plan
outlines what must
be accomplished and
prescribes procedures to
ensure the health and safety
of the entry team.
On-site Survey
Verifies and supplements
the information provided by
the Off-Site Survey
On-site Survey
The Entry Team must
 monitor air for IDLH conditions
 monitor for ionizing radiation
 visually check for dangerous
conditions
The On-Site Survey
continues
if NO IDLH conditions
or other dangerous
conditions are found.
On-Site Survey
Conduct further air monitoring as
necessary!
 note any safety hazards or indicators
of potential exposure
 note all types of containers (any labels
or markings) and their condition
 note physical properties of materials
On-Site Survey
 note land features
 identify natural wind barriers
 determine potential pathways
of dispersion
 locate buried waste or
contaminant plumes by using
remote sensing if possible
On-Site Survey
Collect and analyze samples from the site
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Air
Ground Water
Soil (surface and
subsurface)
Standing pools of liquids,
streams and ponds
Storage containers
On-going Monitoring
 site activities and weather
conditions change
 can be conducted by using a
combination of methods
 stationary sampling equipment
 personnel monitoring devices
 periodic area monitoring
Reassessment Indicators
 a new work phase
 change
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of season
of weather
in job tasks during a work phase
in levels of contamination
Good Documentation
will ...
 ensure accurate communication
 ensure quality of data collected
 provide reasons for safety
decisions
 support possible legal actions
What types of documents
need to be controlled?
Controlled Documents
 logbooks
 analytical
 field data
records
records
 samples to
 graphs
identify
 photos
biologic,
pathologic
 sample labels
and
 chain-ofradiological
custody forms
hazards
What processes can be
implemented to control
data?
Document Control
• Numbering each document
• Keeping a document inventory
• Collecting all documents at the end
of each work period
• Make sure that all information
written in waterproof ink
• Placing all documents in a secured
central file after completed