4-hour Disaster Orientation

1293 Airport Road

Beaver, WV 25813

Phone: (304) 253-8674

Fax: (304) 253-7758

E-mail: hazmat@iuoeiettc.org

Vincent J. Giblin, General President

2

This material was produced under grant number 46C5-HT16 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

3

• This training program is based on recommendations from the CDC, NIOSH, OSHA, and the U.S. Army

• You can find a link to their fact sheets and other important information at the National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training at: www.wetp.org

• Hurricane Katrina Worker Health and Safety Plan

4

Safety Hazards at a Disaster Site

5

Objectives

• Describe possible safety hazards you may encounter

• Explain how to protect yourself from these safety hazards

• List sources of safety information

6

Recordkeeping• OSHA 300 Log• Five working days• Provide to OSHA on a weekly basis• Days away from work/restricted time

(DART)• Contact OSHA

– Fatality / Catastrophe (FAT / CAT)– HAZMAT spill in excess of reportable quantity

(RQ)

7

Worker Rights & Responsibilities

• Employers– Comply with General Duty Clause

• “… provide a safe and healthful workplace for workers”

• Employee– May refuse to perform task(s) that create

imminent danger– Have right to complain about unsafe or

unhealthful working conditions– File complaints without being subject to

discrimination

8

Worker Rights & Responsibilities

Employees

• Comply with Employer’s Health and Safety Plan (HASP)– Use PPE– Obtain vaccinations– Reporting requirements using the proper

chain of command

• Maintain constant awareness of your surroundings

9

Job Hazard Analysis (JHAs)Employers• Develop JHAs for all tasks• Update as needed• Enforce adherence to • Maintain permit(s) with JHAs and make available • JHA development criteria

– Description of task or job– The hazards involved (actual or potential)– Controls for removing hazards and protecting workers

10

Hazard Control

Hierarchy of Controls:

• Elimination or Substitution

• Engineering Controls

• Work-practice or Administrative Controls

• PPE

11

PPEJHAs and HASP should identify PPE

requirements:• Respiratory Control

– Must be NIOSH approved– Must adhere to 1910.134

• Hearing Protection Program– Required when employee exposure ≥ 85 dBA– Must adhere to 1910.95 and 1926.52

• Head Protection– Consult JHA and HASP– Must adhere to 1910.135 and 1926.100

12

Example of PPE Hazard Assessment

CERTIFICATION OF HAZARD ASSESSMENTFacility: Saw Mill USADepartment: Saw Mill

Task Hazard PPE Selected

MAXI MILL Wood chips, debris, 94.5 dBA , lumber Safety glasses, hard hats, hearing Protection, gloves

BAND SAW MILL Wood chips, debris, 93.5 dBA, lumber Safety glasses, hard hats, hearing

Protection, glovesGANG SAW Wood chips, debris, 94.5 dBA , lumber Safety glasses, hard

hats, hearing Protection, gloves

EDGER Wood chips, debris, 96.2 dBA , lumber Safety glasses, hard hats, hearing Protection, gloves

Certification of Assessment:Name: Tracy. C. OrrinTitle: Environmental Health & Safety ManagerSignature:Date: 2005

13

PPE (cont'd) • JHAs and HASP should identify PPE

requirements• Eye & Face Protection

– Must conform to ANSI Z87.1 and OSHA standards

• High Visibility Garments• Foot Protection

– Steel toe and shank based on JHA and HASP– 1910.136 Foot Protection

• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)– 1926.106

14

Training

• General training for Disaster Site Worker

• Site-specific– An overview of conditions specific to the

locales where the employee will be deployed

• Task specific– HAZCOM, PPE, use of tools, trip, slip and fall

hazards

15

Training (cont'd)

• Pre-deployment & pre-job briefings– Conduct on a daily basis by workers’

immediate supervisor

• Employers shall:– Maintain employee training records

• Date• Name of trainer and trained employees• Safety topic / curriculum

– Provide “competent / qualified “ persons to conduct training

16

Training (cont'd) • General training for DSW*

– Incident Command (NIMS-ICS)– HAZCOM (1910.1200)– HAZWOPER (1910.120)– Confined Space (1910.146)– Traumatic Incident Stress Awareness– Medical Services (as part of HASP 1910.120)

• Heat and Psychological Stress• Animal & plant hazards• Sanitation (1910.142)

* In Accordance With (IAW) Katrina HASP

17

Training (cont'd) General training for DSW*• Heavy Construction Equipment (1926.600 thru. 605,

1926.251) • Fall Protection (1926.500 Subpart M)• Demolition (1926 Subpart T)• Material Handling (1910.178 and 1926.250)• Electrical Safety (NFPA, NEC, and 1910.332)• Fire Safety (1926.24,.150 and.151, 1910.39, .157)• Hand and Power Tools (1910.242, 1926.300-.305)• Illumination (1926 sub-part C)

* IAW Katrina HASP

18

Incident Command • Unity of Command• Span of Control• Common terminology

& plain language• Personnel

accountability• Management by

objectives

* IAW Katrina HASP

19

Incident Command Staff System

Incident Command

Safety Officer

Public Information Officer

Liaison Officer

24

HAZCOM • OSHA 1910.1200• Right-to-Know• MSDS• Written Hazard

Communication Program

* IAW Katrina HASP

Potential Hazardous Materials

25

HAZWOPER

• OSHA 1910.120 /1926.65

• Hazardous Waste Operations

• 40-hour, 24-hour and 8-hour refresher

• HASP– PPE– Respirators– Medical Surveillance– Monitoring

* IAW Katrina HASP

26

Petroleum Sheen on Water Household Hazardous Materials

Toxic sludge ?

27

Confined Space Definition Confined Space:• Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily

enter and perform assigned work; and • Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example,

tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and

• Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy

Permit-required confined space has one or more characteristics:• Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;• Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an

entrant;• Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be

trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section; or

• Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

28

Confined Space • OSHA 1910.146• HASP and JHAs should

address• Training

– Space evaluation– Acceptable entry conditions– Entrants– Attendants– Supervisors

• Monitoring• Emergency Services

* IAW Katrina HASP

29

Confined Spaces The following must be done before you enter a

confined space. Your supervisor must:• Ventilate and monitor for hazardous conditions• Lock out or tag out all power equipment in the space• Issue appropriate PPE, possibly including self-

contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)• Establish barriers to external traffic such as vehicles

and pedestrians• Provide ladders or similar equipment for safe entry

and exit in the space• Provide good communications equipment and alarm

systems• Have rescue equipment nearby

30

Traumatic Incident Stress Awareness

• Psychological First Aid– Maintain normal eating

& sleeping habits– Exercise, take breaks

when possible– Make counseling

available• Alcohol & Drug Abuse

– Agencies & Contractors shall establish policies in accordance with Department of Transportation

• Work-rest regimen, fatigue– Creates unsafe

conditions

– Rotation of shifts and personnel

• Heat Stress– Be familiar with signs

and symptoms

– Have regular rest periods

– Hydrate your body

31

Animal & Plant Hazards

• Domestic animals have been displaced

• Avoid working in standing water

• Use caution when reaching into voids

• Use insect repellent containing DEET

• When possible wear long pants and shirts

33

Southern House Mosquito

• Egg Laying: Females lay single raft of 140-340 eggs on heavily polluted small water collection after each blood meal. Eggs hatch in 1-2 days

• Egg to Adult: 8-12 days after laying• Breeding place: all types of large man-

made containers and collections of ground water, storm sewer catch basin, ground pools, ditches, run off from sewage plants, small artificial containers, cesspits, drains, septic tanks, unused wells, storm water canals

• Travel: up to 3,600 feet /night• Life span: 2 weeks• Biting activity: usually attack humans

towards the middle of the night indoors and outdoors; indoor biting

• Preferred food: more attracted to birds (poultry) > humans

34

Ticks• Lyme Disease

– transmitted to humans by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks

– fever, headache, fatigue, and characteristic skin rash

• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever – most severe and frequently reported

rickettsial illness

• Southern Tick-Associated Illness– 1% to 3% of these ticks are infected

• Tick-borne Relapsing Fever

35

SnakesIf bitten:• Do get medical help as soon as possible• Do squeeze as much venom out as

possible• Do keep the stricken limb below the heart• Do TRY to remain calm• Do NOT cut the wound• Do NOT use ice • Do NOT take alcohol orally• Do NOT use a tourniquet• If suspect Coral snake, pull the snake off

immediately• Be aware of snakes that may be:

– swimming in the water to get to higher ground– hiding under debris or other objects

• STAY AWAY and DO NOT TOUCH

Copper head

Water Moccasin / Cotton Mouth

36

Rodent Control• Store grains and animal feed in rodent-proof containers. • Woodpiles and stacks of lumber, or other materials to be

saved for later use should be stored at least 12 inches above the ground and as far away from the home as possible.

• Glue traps and live traps are not recommended. Rodents caught in live traps will likely reenter the dwelling. Glue traps can scare mice that are caught live and cause them to urinate. This may increase your risk of being exposed to diseases.

• Spray dead rodents, rodent urine or droppings with a disinfectant or a 1:10 chlorine solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) until thoroughly soaked. Use a paper towel to pick up the urine and the droppings and discard it outdoors in a sealed container.

37

Dog Bites/Rabies• Man and woman's best friend bites more than

4.7 million people a year.• Each year, 800,000 Americans seek medical

attention for dog bites; half of these are children. • Of those injured, 386,000 require treatment in an

emergency department and about a dozen die. • Do not approach an unfamiliar dog. • The most common mode of rabies virus

transmission is through the bite and virus-containing saliva of an infected host.

Source: www.cdc.gov

38

Fire Ants

• A minority are hypersensitive to the venom and can react quite strongly– chest pains, nausea, dizziness, shock or, in

rare cases, lapsing into coma

• Can and do sting repeatedly

• Rarely stung only once

• Pustules are easily infected

• May leave permanent scars

39

Sanitation • 1910.141• 1926.27 and 1926.51

HASP and JHAs should address these concerns

* IAW Katrina HASP

Stagnate or Running water

40

Heavy Construction Equipment

Equipment Blind SpotEye level 10 ft - 0 in aboveground level

Operator sight distancesfrom eye level to groundVehicle:

Front End Loader

14’ 10”21’ 11”

14’ 3”

16’ 2”

14’ 8”

28’11”

Eye level 5 ft - 5 in aboveground level

6’ 1”

11’ 7”

6’ 3”

Operator sight distancesfrom eye level to ground

Vehicle:Bobcat/Skid Steer

3’ 1”

4’ 10”

11’ 5”

21’ 8”

Equipment Blind Spot

43

Aerial Lifts

44

CRANES

45

Slings

46

Work Zone Traffic Safety• Workers who drive in the course of their duties

shall possess a valid license appropriate for the vehicles they are driving

• Employers shall ensure compliance with state laws governing use of seat belts

• Anticipate the unexpected– Missing and/or unserviceable traffic lights– Missing road signs– Defensive driving

47

Washouts or Erosions Sink Holes

Washouts and Sink Holes

48

Fall Protection • Employees shall be

protected from falls greater than 6’– 1926 Subpart M

• Scaffold safety addressed in 1926 Subpart L

• Ladder use shall conform to 1926 Subpart X

• Blue Tarping should be addressed in HASP and JHAs

* IAW Katrina HASP

49

Demolition

Unstable Structures & Sites

• Demolition activities shall conform to 1926 Subpart T

• Employees shall not enter seriously damaged buildings or structures

• All utilities shall be disconnected

Voids

50

Pancake and Lean-to Collapse

51

Collapse and Flood Surge

Open sided floors

Flood Surge DamageCantilever Collapse

Flood Surge Damage

52

Material Handling• Powered Industrial

Trucks shall conform to 1910.178

• Material storage shall conform to 1926.250(b)

• JHAs and HASP should incorporate these topics

* IAW Katrina HASP

53

Electrical Safety• Conform to

appropriate OSHA, NFPA and NEC standards

• Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on all 15A, 20A & 30A temporary wiring circuits

* IAW Katrina HASP

Broken Utilities

54

Utilities and Associated Hazards• Power

– Electrocution– Sparking

• Natural Gas– Explosive hazard– Carbon Monoxide/Asphyxiation

• Water– Flooding of confined spaces– Electrical conductor

55

What is in his hands?

56

Fire Safety• Enough OXYGEN to

sustain combustion• Enough HEAT to

reach ignition temperature

• Some FUEL or combustible material

• Together, they produce the CHEMICAL REACTION that is fire

* IAW Katrina HASP

57

Extinguishing MediaClass A: Wood, paper

Class B: Flammable liquids

Class C: Electrical

Class D: Metals

58

Fire Safety

• Provide fire extinguishers at work sites and/or on work vehicles

• Incorporate fire extinguishers into JHAs

• Fire Watch & Hot Work Permitting

• Safe storage of combustible and flammable liquids

59

Hand & Power Tools• 1910.242 (a) General

requirements. Each employer shall be responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees, including tools and equipment which may be furnished by employees.

* IAW Katrina HASP

60

Regulations Covering Hand and Power Tools

For Construction Industry • 1926 Subpart I, - Tools – Hand and Power• 1926.300, General Requirements • 1926.301, Hand Tools. • 1926.303, Abrasive Wheels and Tools. • 1926.304, Woodworking Tools. • 1926.305, Jacks– Lever and Ratchet, Screw and

Hydraulic• 1926.306, Air Receivers• 1926.307, Mechanical Power-Transmission

Apparatus

61

Construction Industry• 1926.301(a)

– Employers shall not issue or permit the use of unsafe hand tools.

• 1926.301(b) – Wrenches, including adjustable, pipe, end, and socket

wrenches shall not be used when jaws are sprung to the point that slippage occurs.

• 1926.301(c) – Impact tools, such as drift pins, wedges, and chisels,

shall be kept free of mushroomed heads.• 1926.301(d)

– The wooden handles of tools shall be kept free of splinters or cracks and shall be kept tight in the tool.

62

Hand Tool Hazards

Do not use:• Wrenches when jaws are

sprung• Impact tools (chisels and

wedges) when heads have mushroomed

• Tools with loose, cracked or splintered handles

• A screwdriver as a chisel• Tools with taped handles

– they may be hiding cracks

Crack

63

Types of Power Tools

• Electric

• Pneumatic (air)

• Liquid fuel

• Hydraulic

• Powder-actuated

64

The Five Basic Rules for Power Tools

• Keep all tools regularly maintained

• Use the right tool for the job

• Examine each tool for damage before use

• Operate tools in accordance with the manufacturer

• Provide and use the proper personal protective equipment

65

Chain Saw Statistics• More than 40,000

people are injured by chain saws each year.

• The two most common places for injuries are the front left thigh and the back of the left hand.

66

Parts of a Chain SawRequired Parts:• Chain catcher• Front hand guard• Throttle trigger

interlock

67

Look for these safety features• Low kickback saw

chain• Hand guard• Safety tip• Chain brake• Vibration reduction

system

• Spark arrestor on gasoline models

• Trigger or throttle lockout

• Chain catcher• Bumper spikes

68

How to Carry a Chain Saw• The engine should be

shut off• The chain brake should

be engaged• The scabbard is covering

the guide bar to prevent cuts

• The chain saw is carried backward

• The muffler is carried away from the body to prevent burns

69

Personal Equipment Checklist• Hard hat • Eye/Face protection • Hearing protection • Foot protection • Snake Bite/Bee Sting kits as

appropriate• Tools (wedges, axes, etc.)• Hand protection if handling

wire rope • Leg protection • First Aid Kit

70

What is Kickback?• Kickback is caused by

a spinning chain coming in contact with resistance

• It causes the chain saw to “kick back” toward your face

• It is very common and can cause serious injury

71

Kickback Prevention

• NEVER cut with the tip of the chain saw!

• Lock your front elbow

• Be careful not to cut through nails or knots in the wood

• Stand to the side

• Use a low kickback chain

• Use a chain brake

72

OSHA Chain Saw Use RequirementsBefore starting the saw:• Check controls, chain tension, and all bolts and handles to

ensure they are functioning properly and adjusted according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Fuel the saw at least 10 feet from sources of ignition. • Start the saw at least 10 feet from fueling area, with chain

brake engaged, and with the chainsaw on the ground or otherwise firmly supported.

• Fuel container requirements: – Must be metal or plastic – Must not exceed a 3 gallon capacity – Must be approved by the Underwriters Laboratory, Factory

Mutual (FM) or the Department of Transportation (DOT).

73

OSHA Chain Saw Use Requirements

While operating the saw:• Keep hands on the handles, and maintain

secure footing while operating the chainsaw. • Clear the area of obstacles that might interfere

with cutting the tree or using the retreat path. • Do not cut directly overhead. • Shut off or throttle released prior to retreating. • Shut off or the chain brake engaged whenever

the saw is carried more than 50 feet, or on hazardous terrain.

74

Chain Saw Checklist29 CFR 1910.266(e)(1)(ii)

• Chain brake • Throttle interlock• Chain catcher• Chain tension • Muffler• Chain saw kickback • Chain sharpness, cutter shape, depth usage

setting, lubrication • Handles and guards - On Tight • No chain movement when engine is idling

75

Required Work Practices29 CFR 1910.266(e)(2)

ii - Continuous Pressure Throttle

iii - Operated and adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions

iv - Fueled 20 feet from sources of ignition [Standard says "10"]

v - Started 10 feet from fueling area

vi - Starting Methods

vii - Chain brake engaged when starting

viii - Thumb and finger position on handles

ix - Footing/body position

x- Clear area prior to felling

xi - No cutting above head

xii - Carrying the saw

xiii - Retreating with the saw

xiv - Moving with a running chain saw

76

Preventing Injuries• Personal protective

equipment (PPE) MUST be worn at all times.

• This can greatly reduce injuries and prevent death from chain saw injuries.

• Keep both hands on the chain saw handles.

77

Illumination

• 1926.26 Subpart C• 1910.178(h)• General Duty Clause

* IAW Katrina HASP

78

Safety Hazards Summary

• Record keeping

• Employee and Employer responsibilities

• Job hazard Analysis and Health and Safety Plans

• Required Training according to HASP

79

Health Hazards at a Disaster Site

80

• This training program is based on recommendations from the CDC, NIOSH, OSHA, and the U.S. Army

• You can find a link to their fact sheets and other important information at the National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training at: www.wetp.org

• Hurricane Katrina Worker Health and Safety Plan

81

Objectives• Describe possible health hazards you may

encounter• Explain how to protect yourself from these

health hazards• List the symptoms that indicate you may

be suffering traumatic psychological stress• Explain how to get medical or

psychological help, if you need it• List sources of health information

82

Southeastern United States• Hurricane Katrina caused

extensive flooding and widespread devastation

• Health risks rise with – Lack of waste disposal– Contaminated food– Contaminated water– Inadequate water for

hygiene– Increased exposure to the

heat

83

Louisiana Disease Trends(1999 data)

• Hepatitis A rate – 4.9 per 100,000– half the national rate

• Hepatitis C rate – 7.0 per 100,000– six times higher than the national rate

• Louisiana - 10th highest number of AIDS cases in the nation

• Two confirmed human cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), 97 in horses

• 15 cases of Lyme Disease

Source: http://www.oph.dhh.state.la.us/infectiousdisease/page4fbf.html?page=113

84

Immunization Recommendationsfollowing Hurricane Katrina

Department of Health and Human ServicesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention

October 12, 2005

• Tetanus and diphtheria– primary series– Td booster within 10 years

• Hepatitis B vaccine series– persons who will performing direct patient

care or expected to have contact with bodily fluids

85

Water-borne Hazards• Avoid standing water if possible• Protect yourself with the proper

PPE if you have to enter the water

• Treat cuts and scrapes immediately after contact with standing water

• Follow public announcement for drinking, cooking, or bathing

• Wash hands often – If soap and water are not available use alcohol based products

AFP/Gettyimages

Reuters

86

Food-borne Disease Hazard • Identify and throw away food that:

– May not be safe to eat.– May have come in contact with flood or storm water.– Has an unusual odor, color, or texture.– Perishable foods (including meat, poultry, fish, eggs and

leftovers) that have been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for 2 hours or more.

– Food containers with screw-caps, snap-lids, crimped caps (soda pop bottles), twist caps, flip tops, snap-open, and home canned foods should be discarded if they have come into contact with floodwater because they cannot be disinfected.

• Store food safely:– While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors

closed as much as possible. – Add block ice or dry ice to your refrigerator if the electricity is

expected to be off longer than 4 hours. Wear heavy gloves when handling ice.

87

Blood-borne Disease HazardPersonnel exposed to blood and body fluids must

use universal precautions• Use gloves when handling bodies or body fluids and

replace if punctured or torn

• Use eye protection, gowns, and masks when large quantities or splashes of blood are anticipated

• Wash hands frequently

• Transport human remains in closed, leak-proof, labeled containers

• Use body bags to reduce the risk of contamination

88

Universal Precautions

• Prevention strategy in which all blood, potentially infectious materials, and respiratory secretions are treated as if they are, in fact, infectious, regardless of the perceived status of the source individual.

• In other words:

treat all blood and body fluids as infected with blood-borne pathogens

89

Heat Stress Cramps, Exhaustion, Stroke

• Know the signs of heat-related illnesses• Monitor yourself and coworkers• Use buddy-system• Work/Rest cycles and rest regularly• Drink lots of water, 1 cup every 15 minutes• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes• Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals• Use cooling fans/air-conditioning• Get medical help for symptoms such as altered vital signs,

confusion, profuse sweating, excessive fatigue• Take shelter in shaded areas and, for firemen, unbutton and

remove bunker gear

AFP

90

Noise

• Use hearing protection whenever noisy equipment is used

• Examples: saws, earth-moving equipment, life- saving equipment (Hurst tools)

• This will prevent temporary hearing loss

91

Foot CareProtect your feet:

• Keep feet clean and dry

• Change socks at least every 8 hours or whenever wet and apply foot powder

• Bring extra boots to field - alternate boots from day to day to allow boots to dry

• Seek medical care at the first sign of any problems

92

Chemicals Released by Katrina• Chlorine tank

found in downtown Gulfport

• 78,000 barrels of oil released at two spills

• 22,000 facilities have underground fuel tanks

• Diesel• Gasoline• Motor oil• Chlorine• Liquid oxygen• Medical waste• Corrosives

AFP

93

• Acute effects– Irritation of eyes, nose, throat, upper respiratory tract,

and skin– Flu like symptoms– CNS depression– Fatigue– Loss of coordination– Memory difficulties– Sleeplessness– Mental confusion

• Chronic effects– Depend on the extent and the duration of exposure

Chemical Exposure Symptoms

94

Respiratory Exposure Issues• Dusts• Fuels• Sewage• Mold spores

(fungi)• Household

chemicals• Hazardous

wastes

95

Respirators• Protect yourself from breathing dust and smoke, it

can contain toxic material• If in doubt about respirators, see your supervisor• An N-95 respirator is acceptable for most activities,

including silica and portland cement dust• If asbestos is present, use a half-mask elastomeric

respirator with N-100, R-100, or P-100 series filters• If airborne contaminants are causing eye irritation,

full-face respirators with P-100 OV/AG combination cartridges should be used

• Make sure you are fit-tested for a respirator, it must fit properly to protect you

• Surgical masks should not be used because they do not provide adequate protection

96

Carbon Monoxide (CO)• Gasoline, diesel, or propane powered combustion

sources– Generators– Heavy machinery– Water pump– Vehicle

• General Recommendations and Warnings– Do not use in confined spaces or poorly ventilated areas– Do not work in areas close to engine exhaust– CO poisoning can occur outdoors if engines generate high

concentrations of CO and worker is in the area of the exhaust gases

– Use CO warning sensors when working around combustion sources

– Shut off engine immediately if symptoms of exposure appear

97

Carbon Monoxide Exposure Symptoms• Acute effects

– Headache– Dizziness– Drowsiness– Nausea progressing to vomiting– Loss of consciousness– Collapse– Coma– Death under prolonged or high exposure

• Chronic effects– Depend on the extent and the duration of exposure

98

Mold• “When in doubt, throw it out!”• Articles that have visible mold should be thrown

away• If the safety of food or beverage is questionable,

throw it out• Only drink safe drinking water that has been bottled,

boiled, or treated until there is confirmation that the community water supply is safe for consumption

99

Mold Exposure• Avoid breathing dust (fungal spores) generated by

disturbing mold• Use an N-95 NIOSH-approved disposable respirator

as a minimum• Wash thoroughly: hair, scalp, and nails• Exposure to mold can cause wheezing and severe

nasal, eye, and skin irritation• Wear goggles that do not have ventilation holes to

protect eyes• Wear long gloves

– Natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC– Using a disinfectant, a biocide (chlorine bleach), or a

strong cleaning solution

N-95 Respirator

100

Exposure Monitoring• Performed on a health risk basis by a qualified

person**”By position of a recognized degree, certificate,

professional standing, extensive knowledge, training, or experience.”

• Types: personal, area, grab, direct reading• Contact information is needed• Consideration given to likely contaminates• Initial screening, short-term, or full-shift• Occupational limits differ from environmental• “If there is any doubt, perform sampling”

101

Resistance to Psychological Stress• Prepare yourself for what you will see and do• Remember the larger purpose of what you must do

– You are showing care, giving hope, and preventing disease for the living

– You are recovering the bodies for registrations and respectful burial

• Limit exposure to the stimuli• Mask odors with disinfectants, deodorants, or air-

fresheners• Have people who did NOT search the body examine any

materials collected for identification of the body or intelligence

• Remind yourself the body is not “the person,” just the remains

• AVOID FOCUSING on any individual victim

102

Traumatic Stress• Pace yourself and take frequent rest breaks• Be conscious of those around you - watch

out for others– Responders who are exhausted, feeling

stressed, or even temporarily distracted may place themselves and others at risk

• Maintain a normal eating and sleeping schedule to the extent possible

• Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids such as water and juices

• Try to eat a variety of foods and increase your intake of complex carbohydrates– Breads and muffins made with whole

grains• Whenever possible, take breaks away from

the work area• Eat and drink in the cleanest area available

Reuters

103

Traumatic Stress• Recognize and accept what you cannot change

– Chain of command, organizational structure, waiting, equipment failures, etc.

• Talk to people when YOU feel like it. You decide when you want to discuss your experience.

• If your employer provides you with formal mental health support, use it!

• Give yourself permission to feel rotten: You are in a difficult situation.

• Recurring thoughts, dreams, or flashbacks are common• Communicate with your loved ones at home as

frequently as possible

104

Returning Home Stress• Reach out - people really do care• Reconnect with family, spiritual, and community supports• Consider keeping a journal• Do not make any big life decisions• Make as many daily decisions as possible to give

yourself a feeling of control over your life• Spend time with others or alone doing the things you

enjoy to refresh and recharge yourself• Be aware that you may feel particularly fearful for your

family• Remember that "getting back to normal" takes time• Gradually work back into your routine

105

Returning Home Stress • Be aware that recovery is not a straight path• Appreciate a sense of humor in yourself and

others• It is OK to laugh again• Your family will experience the disaster along

with you– You need to support each other– This is a time for patience, understanding, and

communication• Avoid overuse of drugs or alcohol• Get plenty of rest and normal exercise• Eat well balanced, regular meals

106

OSHA Health and Safety Information

107

OSHA Fact Sheets - English• Aerial Lifts• Asbestos Hazards• Black Widow Spider• Brown Recluse Spider• Cleanup Hazard• Cottonmouth Snakes• Downed Electrical Wires• Fire Ants• Flood Cleanup• General Decontamination• Hand Hygiene and Glove

s• Handling Human Remain

s• Heat Stress

• Hydrogen Sulfide• Lead Hazards• Mold• Fungi• Portable Generator Safety• Preventing Falls• Search and Rescue• Tree Trimming Tips• West Nile Virus• Work Zone Traffic Safety• Working Outdoors• Working Safely with Electri

city

108

OSHA QuickCards - English• Aerial Lifts• Carbon Monoxide• Confined Spaces• Chain Saws• Chippers• Confined Space Permit• Construction PPE• Crane Safety• Electrical Safety• General Decontamination• Hand Hygiene and Gloves• Heat Stress• Hydrogen Sulfide• Lead in Construction

• Mold• Portable Generator Safet

y• Portable Ladder Safety• Respirators• Rodents, Snakes and Ins

ects• Silicosis• Sun• Supported Scaffold• Tree Trimming Tips• West Nile Virus• Work Zone Traffic Safety

109

OSHA Fact Sheets - Spanish• Chain Saws• Cleanup Hazard• Fungi• Preventing Falls• Tree Trimming Tips• Working Safely with Electricity

110

OSHA QuickCards - Spanish• Aerial Lifts• Carbon Monoxide• Chippers• Construction PPE• Hand Hygiene and Gloves• Heat Stress• Silicosis• Sun• Supported Scaffold

111

Health Hazards Summary• Water, food, blood hazards• Universal precautions• Heat stress• Noise• Chemical exposure• Respirators• Carbon monoxide (CO)• Mold• Exposure monitoring• Traumatic Stress

112

"Preparation through education

is less costly than

learning through tragedy."

MAX MAYFIELD, DIRECTORNATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER

113

CreditsThis presentation was adapted from:• NIOSH Guide called “Suggested Guidance for

Supervisors at Disaster Rescue Sites.” More information is available at their site: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/emhaz2.html

• CDC web site entitled “Hurricanes, what you should know” http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.asp

• U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine PowerPoint:

http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/news/PMMforKatrina.ppt

114

END

This material was produced under grant number 46C5-HT16 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.