Chapter 11: Work Zones

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Work Zones

Objectives: By the end of this section, participants will be able to establish site zones and perform a decontamination scenario and minimize risks to workers, non-workers, and the environment.

Why this section is important: Improperly-controlled work zones, or the lack of them, may result in cross-contamination and endanger workers and nearby residents.

The Purpose of Establishing Work Zones

Reduce the accidental spread of hazardous substances by workers or equipment from the contaminated areas to the clean areas

Confine work activities to the appropriate area, thereby minimizing the likelihood of accidental exposure

Facilitate the location and evacuation of personnel in case of an emergency

Hazardous Waste Site Plan

This plan should depict:

Prevailing wind direction

Site drainage points

Natural and man-made topographic features including the location of buildings, containers, impoundments, pits, ponds, tanks, and any other site features

Site maps should be updated often during the course of site operations to reflect new information from sampling and analysis activities and changes in site conditions

Sample Site Plan

Work Zones

A site may be divided into as many zones as necessary to ensure minimal employee exposure to hazardous substances.

Generally three are used:

Exclusion Zone ("hot zone"): The localized, contaminated area where cleanup is occuring,

Contamination Reduction Zone ("warm zone"): The Contamination Reduction Zone (CRZ) is the decontamination area between the Exclusion Zone and the Support Zone,

Support Zone ("cold zone"): The Support Zone is the uncontaminated area where workers are unlikely to be exposed to hazardous substances or dangerous condition. The Support Zone is the appropriate location for the command post, medical station, equipment and supply center, field laboratory, and any other administrative or support functions that are necessary to keep site operations running efficiently.

Security

The boundaries of the exclusion zone (Hotline) should be physically secured (e.g., using chain, fences, or ropes) or clearly marked (e.g. using lines, placards, hazard tape, and / or signs)

Rules of Access

Access to and from the Exclusion Zone are restricted to Access Control Points at the Hotline

Access Control Points are used to regulate the flow of personnel and equipment into and out of the contamination area and to verify that site control procedures are followed

Separated entrances and exits should be established to separate personnel and equipment movement into and out of the Exclusion Zone

Exclusion Zone Communication

Internal Communication

Buddy system , including:
- Maintaining visual contact with each other,
- Providing his or her partner with assistance

Observing each other for signs of chemical or heat exposure

Periodically checking the integrity of each other’s personal protective equipment

Notifying the site manager or other site personnel if emergency assistance is needed

Standard communication devices such as radio, noisemakers, or visual signals

External communication (on-site and off-site personnel) is required to:

Coordinate emergency response efforts with off-site responders

Report progress or problems to management

Maintain contact with essential off-site personnel

The primary means of external communication are telephone and radio

Site Preparation Activities

Prior to undertaking on-site response operations, the following site preparation activities should be performed because site preparation can be as hazardous as site cleanup.

Construct a sound road bed for heavy equipment and vehicles and arrange traffic patterns to provide easy access and to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Eliminate physical hazards from the site, including:
- Ignition sources in flammable hazard areas
- Exposed or ungrounded wiring, and low overhead wiring that may entangle equipment
- Sharp or protruding edges that may puncture protective clothing and equipment or inflict puncture wounds
- Debris, holes, loose steps or flooring, protruding objects, slippery surface, or unsecured railings that can cause falls, slips or trips, or obstruct visibility
- Unsecured objects, such as bricks and gas cylinders near the edge of elevated surfaces such as catwalks, roof tops, and scaffolding, that may dislodge and fall on workers
- Install skid-resistant strips and other anti-skid devices on slippery surfaces
- Construct operation pads for mobile facilities and temporary structures, loading docks, processing and staging areas, and decontamination pads
- Provide adequate illumination for work activities, equip temporary lights with protective guards to prevent accidental contact
- Install wiring and electrical equipment in accordance with the National Fire Code

Standing Orders

Standing orders should be established at a site to maintain a strong safety awareness and to enforce safe work practices. Standing orders refer to those safety procedures that must always be followed when operating in contaminated areas

Examples of Standing Orders

Report any signs of radioactivity, explosivity, or unusual conditions to your supervisor immediately

No smoking, eating, drinking, or open flame in the Exclusion Zone or Contamination Reduction Zone

Check in at the entrance Access Control Point before entering the Exclusion Zone

Maintain close contact with your buddy in the Exclusion Zone

Check out at the exit Access Control Point before leaving the Exclusion Zone

Medical Facility Information

Information should be posted conspicuously throughout the site, as well as near telephones or other external communication devices. This information should include:

Name

Telephone number

Address

Map

Directions

Thought Questions (you do not need to respond):

Who is permitted in the Contamination-Reduction Zone?

OLTrain

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