# Emergency Action Plan and Safety Precautions

Emergency Action Plan

**Summary Action Plan**

+---------------+--------------------------+---------------------------+
| **Facility    | ## Example Dairy         |                           |
| Name**        |                          |                           |
+---------------+--------------------------+---------------------------+
| **Emergency   | ## Ambula                |                           |
| Numbers**     | nce, Fire, Police -- 911 |                           |
|               |                          |                           |
| **\*\*        | ## Cow man County Dispa  |                           |
| \*911\*\*\*** | tch Center: 505-384-2705 |                           |
|               |                          |                           |
|               | ## S                     |                           |
|               | heriff Dept. : Cow man C |                           |
|               | ounty- 1-800-225-6395 or |                           |
|               |                          |                           |
|               | ## 384-2704              |                           |
|               |                          |                           |
|               | ##                       |                           |
+---------------+--------------------------+---------------------------+
| ## Non-Emer   | **State Police**         | **505/832-4491**          |
| gency Numbers |                          |                           |
|               | **Sheriff Dept.**        | **505/384-1217**          |
|               |                          |                           |
|               | **Spill Recovery**       | **505/392-7469 or         |
|               |                          | 505-827-9329**            |
|               | **Spill Reporting**      |                           |
|               |                          | **505/392-7469 or         |
|               | **Farm Personnel**       | 505-827-9329**            |
|               |                          |                           |
|               | -                        | **505/**                  |
|               |                          |                           |
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|               | ```                      |                           |
|               | -                        |                           |
+---------------+--------------------------+---------------------------+
| ## Recov      | ## Heavy equipment is    | **Type of equipment       |
| ery Equipment |  located on the Farm at  | includes large farm       |
|               | various staging location | tractor with portable     |
|               | s within ½ mile or close | pump (pto driven), 5      |
|               | r to the Dairy facility. | front end loaders, road   |
|               |                          | grader, backhoes and      |
|               |                          | dozers.**                 |
+---------------+--------------------------+---------------------------+
| ##            | **Spills from            |                           |
|  Action Plan  | Containment Structures:  |                           |
|               | In the event of such     |                           |
|               | failure, containment of  |                           |
|               | the spill will be        |                           |
|               | addressed by properly    |                           |
|               | draining the structures, |                           |
|               | with effluent allowed to |                           |
|               | evaporate or be applied  |                           |
|               | to cropland fields.      |                           |
|               | Structures will then be  |                           |
|               | repaired or replaced     |                           |
|               | according to a certified |                           |
|               | engineering design.**    |                           |
+---------------+--------------------------+---------------------------+
|               | **Spills during Pumping: |                           |
|               | In the event of such     |                           |
|               | failure, containment of  |                           |
|               | the spill will be        |                           |
|               | addressed by             |                           |
|               | constructing a dike (an  |                           |
|               | earthen embankment)      |                           |
|               | around the spill.        |                           |
|               | Effluent will be allowed |                           |
|               | to evaporate or be       |                           |
|               | pumped into a transport  |                           |
|               | tanker for delivery to   |                           |
|               | the storage lagoon.      |                           |
|               | Structures will then be  |                           |
|               | repaired or replaced     |                           |
|               | according to a certified |                           |
|               | engineering design.**    |                           |
+---------------+--------------------------+---------------------------+
|               | **Spills during          |                           |
|               | Transport: In the event  |                           |
|               | of such failure,         |                           |
|               | containment of the spill |                           |
|               | will be addressed by     |                           |
|               | constructing a dike      |                           |
|               | around the spill,        |                           |
|               | ceasing the transport of |                           |
|               | the effluent, and allow  |                           |
|               | the effluent to          |                           |
|               | evaporate or be pumped   |                           |
|               | into a transport tanker  |                           |
|               | for delivery to the      |                           |
|               | storage lagoon.          |                           |
|               | Structure or equipment   |                           |
|               | will then be repaired or |                           |
|               | replaced accordingly.**  |                           |
+---------------+--------------------------+---------------------------+

Emergency action plans are required to meet current animal waste
management regulations. Develop an emergency action plan for your waste
handling system. This plan will be implemented in the event that wastes
from your operation are leaking, overflowing, or running off the site.
Example Dairy will call before the problem leaves the dairy. You should
NOT wait until wastes reach surface waters or leave your property to
consider that you have a problem. You should make every effort to ensure
that this does not happen. This plan should be available to all
employees at the facility, as accidents, leaks, and breaks could happen
at any time. Example Dairy will: (1) stop the release of wastes; (2)
assess the extent of the spill and note any obvious damages; (3) contact
the appropriate agencies; and (4) implement procedures to rectify the
damage and repair the waste management system.

1.  **Stop the release of wastes**. Depending on the situation, this may
    or may not be possible. Suggested responses to several problems are
    listed below:

    *a. Lagoon or slurry basin overflow -* possible solutions are:

-   add soil to berm to increase elevation of dam

-   pump wastes to fields at an acceptable rate

-   stop all additional flow to the structure (waters, flushing system,
    etc.)

-   call a pumping contractor

-   make sure no surface water is entering storage structure

> ^*\**^ *Note: These activities should be started when your lagoon
> level has exceeded the temporary storage level*.

b.  *Runoff from waste application field* actions include:

-   immediately stop waste application

-   create a temporary diversion or berm to contain the waste in the
    field

-   incorporate waste to reduce further runoff

-   evaluate and eliminate the reason(s) that caused the runoff

-   evaluate the application rates for the fields where runoff occurred

c.  *Leakage from the waste distribution system:*

-   pipes and sprinklers -- actions include:

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-   stop recycle (flushing system) pump

-   stop irrigation pump

-   close valves to eliminate further discharge

-   separate pipes to create an air gap and stop flow

-   repair all leaks prior to restarting pumps

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-   flush system, houses, solids separators -- actions include:

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-   stop recycle (flushing system) pump

-   stop irrigation pump

-   make sure no siphon effect has been created

-   separate pipes to create an air gap and stop flow

-   repair all leaks prior to restarting pumps

d.  *Leakage from base or sidewall of lagoon or earthen storage
    structure*. Often these are seepage rather than flowing leaks-
    possible action:

-   dig a small well or ditch to catch all seepage, put in a submersible
    pump, and pump back into lagoon

-   if holes are caused by burrowing animals, trap or remove animals and
    fill holes and compact with a clay type soil

-   other holes may be likewise temporarily plugged with clay soil

> ^*\**^ *Note: Problems with lagoons and earthen storage structures
> require the consultation of an individual experienced in the design
> and installation of lagoons for permanent repair measures.*

1.  **Assess the extent of the spill** and note any obvious damages.

    a.  *Did the waste reach any surface waters?\
        *

    b.  *Approximately how much was released and for what duration?\
        *

    c.  *Any damage noted, such as employee injury, fish kills, or
        propertydamage?\
        *

    d.  *Did the spill leave the property?\
        *

    e.  *Does the spill have the potential to reach surface waters?\
        *

    f.  *Could a future rain event cause the spill to reach surface
        waters?\
        *

    g.  *Are potable water wells in danger (either on or off the
        property)?*

2.  **Contact appropriate agencies**

    During normal business hours, call your NMED office; after hours,
    call this emergency number:505-827-9329. Your phone call should
    include: your name, facility, telephone number, the details of the
    incident from item 2 above, the exact location of the facility, and
    the location or direction of movement of the spill, weather and wind
    conditions, what corrective measures have been undertaken, and the
    seriousness of the situation.

    *a. If spill leaves property or enters surface waters, call local
    EMS.*

    *b. Instruct EMS to contact local Health Department.\
    *

    *c. Contact CES, local SWCD office, and local NRCS office for
    advice/technical assistance*.

    *d. If none of the above works, call 911 or the Sheriff's Department
    and explain your problem to them. Ask them to contact the agencies
    as listed above.*

    3**. Implement procedures** as advised by NMED and technical
    assistance agencies to rectify the damage, repair the system, and
    reassess the waste management plan to keep problems with release of
    wastes from happening again.

The emergency action plan must include provisions for emergency
spreading or transfer of waste from all waste storage structures in the
system. This may include emergency pumping or spreading (to prevent
overtopping of a storage structure) during periods when the soil or crop
conditions are not conducive to normal spreading or application. NMED
must be contacted for guidance to land apply waste in this instance. You
should consider which fields are best able to handle the waste without
further environmental damage. Application rates, methods, and minimum
buffer distances must all be addressed. If transferring waste to another
location for application, consider the limitations that may be involved
with the transfer of waste to that site and application considerations
at that location.

The emergency action plan should also include phone numbers for fire,
ambulance, law enforcement, spill recovery, spill reporting, farm
personnel; recovery equipment -- what is available and where; and an
action plan for spills from containment structure, spills during
pumping, and spills during transport.

The emergency action plan should be available and understood by all
employees at the facility. The main points of the plan (order of action)
along with the relevant phone numbers should be posted by all telephones
at the site. A copy should also be available in remote locations or
vehicles if the land application sites are not close by the facility
office. It is the responsibility of the owner or manager of the facility
that all employees understand what circumstances constitute an imminent
danger to the environment or health and safety of workers and neighbors.
The employees should be able to respond to such emergencies and notify
the appropriate agencies of conditions at the facility.

Safety Precautions

Accidents and injuries don't just happen, they are caused. Behind every
accident is a chain of events that leads up to an unsafe act, unsafe
conditions, or a combination of both. Safety in the workplace should be
everyone's concern. Communication between supervisors and employees
generates ideas and safety awareness that leads to accident prevention.
Safety programs, safety manuals, and safety meetings are essential in
providing the lines of communication that lead to a safe, accident-free
workplace.

 

Dangerous Gases

Dangerous situations can be associated with five main gases that are
produced in livestock and poultry buildings and manure storage
structures. These gases are listed in Table 1 along with some of their
characteristics. All of these are colorless.

  ---------------------- ------------ ------------- -----------------------------
  **Table 1.                                        
  Characteristics and                               
  Effects of Gases                                  
  Produced in Livestock                             
  Buildings and Manure                              
  Storage Structures**                              

  **Gas**                **Odor**     **Density**   **Health Effects**

  Ammonia (NH~3~)        Pungent      Lighter\      Irritation to eyes and nose.
                                      than air      Asphyxiating at high levels.

  Carbon Dioxide (CO~2~) None         Heavier\      Drowsiness, headache. Can be
                                      than air      asphyxiating.

  Carbon Monoxide (CO)   None         Heavier\      Headache, chest pains,
                                      than air      potential for problems with
                                                    developing fetuses. Can be
                                                    asphyxiating.

  Hydrogen Sulfide       Rotten-egg   Heavier\      TOXIC: causes headache,
  (H~2~S)                smell        than air      dizziness, nausea,
                                                    unconsciousness, death.

  Methane (CH~4~)        None         Lighter\      Headache, asphyxiant,
                                      than air      explosive in 5% to 15%
                                                    mixture methane with air.
  ---------------------- ------------ ------------- -----------------------------

\</div\>

Ammonia

Ammonia (NH~3~) is released from fresh manure and urine and during
anaerobic decomposition. Ammonia levels tend to be high in buildings
where manure is not regularly and thoroughly removed. Examples include
buildings with litter, solid floors, or scrapers where manure is spread
over the floor. Heated floors can increase ammonia release. Furthermore,
when pH levels are higher than 8.0, ammonia is more susceptible to being
released. Ammonia is very soluble in water, therefore liquid manure
systems tend to release less ammonia. Building ventilation also affects
ammonia levels in the air.

Carbon Dioxide

Death of animals in closed confinement buildings following a
ventilation-equipment failure (such as a power failure) is due in part
to excessive carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide (CO~2~) is released by
unvented heaters, through livestock respiration and manure
decomposition. In fact, most of the gas in bubbles coming from stored
manure or lagoons is CO~2~. Vigorous agitation of stored manure can also
release a large amount of carbon dioxide in a short time period.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) can cause workers to develop headaches and
experience chest pain. Pregnant women should be aware of the potential
health hazard this gas poses to a developing fetus. Carbon monoxide is
rare in confinement buildings, but can accumulate in areas with poor
ventilation such as swine farrowing rooms and nursery buildings.
Evidence of carbon monoxide overexposure among livestock may first
appear as aborted litters and stillbirth. The main sources of CO are
heaters (LP-fired, radiant brooder, or space).

Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen Sulfide (H~2~S) is the most toxic gas generated from the
storage liquid manure storage. Exposure to 200 ppm for an hour can cause
headaches and dizziness; 500 ppm for 30 minutes can cause severe
headaches, nausea, excitement, or insomnia. High concentrations of 800
to 1,000 ppm can cause immediate unconsciousness and death through
respiratory paralysis unless the victim is moved to fresh air and
artificial respiration is immediately applied. Be aware even the
characteristic rotten-egg smell of hydrogen sulfide does not give
adequate warning. The sense of smell is rapidly fatigued by the gas and
high concentrations do not give a proportionately higher odor intensity.
Also note that dangerous concentrations can be released by agitation of
stored liquid manure. Concentrations reaching 200 to 300 ppm have been
reported in buildings a few minutes after starting to pump waste from a
storage pit and can be as high as 800 ppm during vigorous agitation.

Methane

Methane (CH~4~) is a product of manure decomposition under strict
anaerobic conditions, such as those found in an anaerobic or biogas
digester. It is insoluble in water, lighter than air, and thus will
accumulate in stagnant air corners in the top of enclosed pits or
buildings. Methane is not toxic, but at high concentrations may cause an
asphyxiating environment. Methane concentrations in confinement housing
is normally well below the levels that may be explosive. However,
explosions attributed to methane have occurred around manure storage
pits.

First Aid for Victims of Manure-Gas Asphyxiation

1.  Do not attempt to rescue a victim from a hazardous gas situation
    unless you are protected with a supplied air-breathing apparatus.

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1.  Have someone telephone for an emergency medical (rescue) squad,
    informing them there is a \"victim of toxic gas asphyxiation.\"

2.  If the victim is free from the immediate area of danger and there is
    no personal threat to life, check for breathing (with the victim on
    his/her back). If there is no breathing, give four quick breaths and
    check for a pulse.

-   *If there is a pulse*, continue mouth-to-mouth breathing every 5
    seconds (12 per minute).

-   *If there is no pulse*, start CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation)
    immediately.

Training courses for rescue breathing and CPR are available through
local Red Cross and Cooperative Extension Service centers. These courses
provide the training and practice necessary to perform CPR.

 

Effect of Air Quality on Human Health

Health problems associated with poor air quality include coughing,
phlegm production, wheezing, chest tightness, headaches, shortness of
breath, eye irritation, sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion.
Problems are usually greater the more time a worker spends in the
presence of the contaminant and the greater the concentrations of
airborne contaminants. In addition, some people are more susceptible
than others.

Health problems may be chronic (lasting a long time) or acute (severe
but short term). Since chronic and acute problems can be mistaken for
other health problems, such as the flu or allergies, the work
environment is often overlooked as a cause of the symptoms and
precautions are therefore not taken. Table 2 lists some symptoms swine
facility workers in Iowa have experienced as the result of poor air
quality in the swine houses.

  ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
  **Table 2. Health Symptoms of Iowa    
  Swine Facility Workers**              

  **Symptom**                           **Prevalence (percent)**

  Cough                                 67

  Sputum or phlegm                      56

  Scratchy throat                       54

  Runny nose                            45

  Burning or watery eyes                39

  Headaches                             37

  Chest tightness                       36

  Shortness of breath                   30

  Wheezing                              27
  ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------

Safety Precautions with Manure Storage

You should consider safety when constructing, operating and managing
animal waste management systems. The following major safety points
should be considered when installing and operating manure equipment,
structures, or systems:

1.  Do not enter a manure pit unless following procedures for entering a
    confined space.

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1.  When agitating a manure storage structure, always have at least one
    additional person available to seek help if trouble occurs.

2.  Properly designed and operated ventilation systems can reduce the
    concentration of gases within the building, thereby improving animal
    performance.

3.  When possible, construct lids for manure pits and tanks. Keep these
    lids in place. If an open, ground-level tank or pit is necessary,
    build a fence around it and post with \"Keep Out\" and \"Danger
    Manure Storage\" signs.

4.  Get help before attempting to rescue livestock that have fallen into
    a manure storage structure.

5.  Build railings along all walkways or piers of open manure storage
    structures.

6.  Permanent ladders on the outside of above-ground tanks should have
    locked entry guards or the ladder should not be able to be reached
    from the ground.

7.  Never leave a ladder standing against an above-ground tank.

8.  Construct permanent ladders on the inside wall of all pits and
    tanks, even if covered. Use noncorrosive material to prevent
    deterioration of the ladder.

9.  Fence in earthen storage ponds and lagoons, and erect signs:
    \"Danger Manure Storage.\" Additional precautions include a minimum
    of one lifesaving station equipped with a reaching pole and a ring
    buoy on a line.

10. All push-off platforms need a barrier strong enough to stop a
    slow-moving tractor.

11. If possible, remove animals from buildings before agitating manure
    stored in in-house pits. Otherwise:

    a.  if the building is mechanically ventilated, turn fans on full
        capacity before starting agitation, or

    b.  if the building is naturally ventilated, do not agitate unless
        there is a brisk breeze. Watch animals closely when beginning to
        agitate, and turn off the pump at the first sign of trouble.

12. If manure storage is outside the livestock building, use a water
    trap or other device to prevent gases from the storage structure
    from entering the building.

13. During agitation, if an animal becomes affected by toxic gases, do
    not try to rescue it. You might become a victim of toxic gases. Turn
    off the agitation pump, ventilate the building, and do not enter the
    building until gases have had a chance to escape.

14. Don't smoke, weld, or use an open flame in confined, poorly
    ventilated areas where methane can accumulate. Electric motors,
    fixtures, and wiring near manure storage structures should be kept
    in good condition to prevent a spark from igniting the methane.

15. Keep all guards and safety shields on all mechanical equipment such
    as pumps, manure spreaders, and irrigation equipment.

Vehicle Safety

Only employees with a current, valid NM driver's license should drive
vehicles. In the case of specialized vehicles, only trained operators
should operate the vehicles. The driver of the vehicle should inspect
the vehicle prior to operating it.

1.  All vehicles should be operated within the legal speed limit at all
    times or at a lower speed where conditions warrant.

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1.  Vehicles should not be used to transport unauthorized personnel.

2.  The driver should be familiar with the capacity and required
    clearances for safe use of the vehicle.

3.  Vehicle windshields and windows should be kept clear of
    obstructions.

4.  Objects or persons being transported should be located so that they
    do not obstruct the driver's view.

5.  Always know the proper operating procedures for each piece of
    equipment used.

Heavy Equipment Vehicles

1.  Make sure that the air brake system (if present) has reached
    operating pressure before driving the vehicle.

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1.  Make sure everyone is clear of the vehicle before starting. Slight
    steering movement can occur as the engine starts causing machine
    movement.

2.  Stay clear of the engine when it is running. Work on the engine only
    when it is off.

3.  Do not move the steering wheel until everyone is clear of the
    vehicle.

Power Take-Off (PTO)

1.  Refer to the safety section of owner's manual.

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1.  Stay clear of rear of vehicle during operation.

2.  Do not wear loose fitting clothing, scarves, or jewelry that could
    get caught in the PTO.

3.  Tie back long hair.

Hydraulic Systems

1.  Do not open pressurized lines. Hydraulic fluid can cause severe
    burns, eye injury, or skin irritation.

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1.  Search for leaks in the line using a piece of cardboard or wood, not
    your hands.

2.  If anyone is injured by hydraulic fluid, administer first aid, then
    contact a physician.

3.  Stay clear of leaky hydraulic lines.

 

Electrical Safety

All employees must lock-out/tag-out any piece of equipment they are
working on where the unexpected energization, startup, or release of
stored energy could occur. In case of electrocution, turn off power to
the electrical source or use an insulated implement, such as a piece of
wood, to separate the victim from the source. Do not attempt to pull a
victim away from the electrical source with your bare hands.

Responsibilities of the Site Supervisor

The following should be the responsibility of the site supervisor:

1.  Establish and supervise an accident prevention program and a
    training program that is designed to improve the skills and
    competency of all employees in the field of occupational safety and
    health.

2.  Conduct preliminary investigations to determine the cause of any
    accident that results in injury. The results of this investigation
    should be documented for reference.

3.  Establish and maintain a system for maintaining records of
    occupational injuries and illnesses.

4.  Provide new employees with a safety orientation on the special
    hazards and precautions of any new job.

5.  Conduct job briefings with employees before starting any job to
    acquaint them with unfamiliar procedures.

6.  Issue necessary safety equipment and manuals.

7.  Conduct periodic group safety meetings with all employees.\
    \
    The Safety Program should include:

-   procedures for reporting injuries;

-   procedures for reporting unsafe conditions or practices;

-   use and care of personal protective equipment;

-   proper actions to be taken in the event of emergencies;

-   identification of hazardous gases, chemicals, or materials; and

-   instructions on safe use of hazardous gases, chemicals, or materials
    and emergency procedures following exposure.

First Aid Training

There should be a person available at all times with first aid
training in:

-   bleeding control and bandaging

-   artificial respiration, including mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

-   poisons

-   shock, unconsciousness, stroke

-   burns

-   sunstroke, heat exhaustion

-   frostbite, hypothermia

-   strains, sprains, hernia

-   fractures, dislocations

-   bites, stings

-   transportation of the injured

-   specific health hazards likely to be encountered by co-workers

There should be adequate, readily available first aid kits and supplies
on site. Emergency telephone numbers must be posted by telephones.

Eyewash

Suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body
should be provided in areas where the eyes or body of any person may be
exposed to injurious chemicals and materials.

 

Responsibilities of the Employer\
(Safe Place Standards)

The following are the responsibility of the *employer*:

1.  The employer should furnish to each of his employees a workplace
    free from recognized hazards that may cause serious injury or death.

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1.  The employer should furnish and use safety devices and practices
    that are reasonably adequate to render the employee workplace safe.
    The employer should do everything reasonably necessary to protect
    the life and safety of employees.

2.  No employer should require an employee to be in any workplace that
    is not safe.

 

Responsibilities of the Employee

The following are the responsibility of the *employee*:

1.  Each employee should keep themselves informed of the contents of the
    appropriate sections of this manual and any other safety manual
    provided by the employer and apply it to their work.

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1.  Each employee should perform their duties so as to provide safety to
    themselves and other employees.

2.  An employee should request instruction from the site supervisor if
    there is a question as to the safe performance of an assigned task.

3.  Each employee should wear clothing that is suitable for the
    job performed.

4.  Each employee is responsible to report to the site supervisor any
    unsafe condition, acts, or hazards.

5.  Each employee should wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Employees should use the appropriate personal protective equipment, or
protective devices, provided for their work. Before starting work, these
items should be inspected by the employee to ensure that they are in
safe operating condition. These items include, but are not limited to:

-   Hard hats should be worn when appropriate.

-   Hearing protection should be used, as needed, to reduce noise levels
    when working around generators and heavy equipment.

-   Eye protection should be worn when operating shop tools, and when
    working around chemicals.

-   Safety belts/seat belts should be worn at all times in vehicles.

-   Approved welding goggles or helmets and gloves should be worn while
    welding, cutting, or both. Fasten clothing around the neck, wrists,
    and ankles.

Lifting and Carrying

Everyone should observe the following guidelines to avoid possible
injury when lifting and carrying objects:

-   Set your feet far enough apart to provide good balance and stability
    (approximately the width of your shoulders).

-   Get as close to the load as practical, bending your legs at the
    knees, and bending at the hips to keep your back as straight as
    possible.

-   Straighten your legs to lift the object, and at the same time bring
    your back to a vertical position.

-   When lifting an object with another person, be sure that both
    individuals lift at the same time and let the load down together.

-   Do not carry loads above people. Do not hoist, lower, or move any
    person with a crane by allowing them to stand on the hook, or by any
    nonapproved method.

-   Do not stand under a suspended load or boom unless the nature of the
    work requires it.

Personal Hygiene

Wastewater contains pathogens (disease-causing organisms). Hence, good
personal hygiene is very important!

1.  Keep your hands away from your nose, mouth, eyes, and ears to avoid
    ingestion of wastewater.

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1.  Nonpermeable gloves should be worn when handling any equipment
    covered with wastewater or residuals.

2.  Special care (e.g., protective, waterproof dressing) should be taken
    to keep any area of broken skin covered to avoid possible infection.
    If a worker suffers an injury which results in an open wound or
    laceration, they should be given a tetanus booster.

3.  Wash hands thoroughly with soap before smoking, eating, drinking, or
    after work.

4.  Work clothing should be changed and washed daily.

5.  If contact with wastewater does occur, wash the area thoroughly with
    water and soap. Sponge any cuts with an antiseptic solution and
    cover with a clean, dry gauze dressing and waterproof adhesive.

 

Immunization

Each facility may want to consult a physician or the local health
department to determine the need for immunizations for the employees
working at the site. Adult tetanus and diphtheria should be given
routinely every 10 years, or at shorter intervals when injury occurs.

 

Working in a Confined Space

A confined space is defined as a space that has limited means of entry
and exit, has an adequate size and configuration for employee entry, and
is not designed for continuous worker occupancy. Under new OSHA
regulations, there are certain confined spaces that require a permit for
entry. A permit-required confined space is defined as a confined space
that has one or more of the following characteristics:

1.  it contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;

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1.  it contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an
    entrant;

2.  it has an integral 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

3.  it contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

If a facility has permit-required confined spaces, to be in compliance
with the new OSHA regulations, a written confined space entry program
must be developed and implemented. Enclosed facilities which are used to
handle wastewater or wastewater solids, such as the tanks and/or tanker
trucks, would fall under the permit-required confined space regulations.
Do not enter a permit-required confined space without proper training,
equipment, and support personnel. (*The confined space regulations can
be found in the Code of Federal Regulations 29 CFR 1910.147.*)

When working in a space that does not require a confined space permit,
the following safety actions must be taken:

1.  Always assign a standby person to remain on the outside of the
    confined space. It is the standby person's responsibility to be in
    constant contact (visually, verbally, or both) with the workers
    inside the confined space as long as anyone is in the space.

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1.  Wear ear protection, as needed. Noise within a confined space can be
    amplified because of the design and acoustic properties of the
    space.

2.  Use only an air-supplying respirator, such as a self-contained
    breathing apparatus (SCBA) or a supplied-air respirator with an
    auxiliary escape-only SCBA in confined spaces where there is
    insufficient oxygen.

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Fire Prevention and Protection

It is important to be fire conscious in the outdoor environment.
Employees should be knowledgeable of the fire conditions at the site and
operate accordingly. Poor site maintenance, worn or defective electrical
systems, and welding and cutting may contribute to dangerous situations.
The following precautions should be observed:

1.  Do not smoke near equipment or fuel trailers. No open flame should
    be allowed near wastewater storage tanks. Combustible gases can
    accumulate and when vented to the surrounding area, may become
    explosive.

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2.  Do not tamper with or remove fire-fighting equipment from designated
    locations for purposes other than fire-fighting or rescue
    operations. Access to fire equipment should not be hindered. If fire
    extinguishers are used, they should be promptly recharged. Inspect
    fire extinguishers monthly to be sure they are in good operating
    condition.