Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
One of the keys to reducing the potential spread of flammable
and combustible fires is to provide adequate containment. All storage
tanks should be surrounded by storage dikes or containment systems.
Correctly built and installed dikes will contain spilled liquid. Spilled
flammable and combustible liquids that are contained are easier to man-
age than those that have free run of the workplace. Additionally, prop-
erly installed dikes can prevent environmental contamination of soil
and groundwater.
In summary, the plant's workers, supervisors, and safety person
must be prepared for fire and its consequences. It is important for the
plant to maintain a fire prevention strategy that will ensure that work
areas are clean and clutter free. Workers must know how to handle and
properly store chemicals. Workers must know what they are expected to
do in case of a fire emergency. Workers must know how and whom to call
when fire occurs, and they must be thoroughly trained in fire prevention
and emergency response procedures.
1.13.9 laboratory safety (29 Cfr 1910.1450)
Wastewater treatment plant laboratories function to perform pro-
cess-control tests for permit compliance. The size of the laboratory gen-
erally depends on the size of the plant. For example, some plants are
satellite treatment works within a larger sanitation district. In this case,
each individual plant usually has a laboratory designed specifically to
handle the work required to meet compliance and perform testing cri-
teria for the plant. On a larger scale, the main laboratory of a sanitation
district usually conducts testing for the entire organization; it augments
and refines site testing.
No matter the size of your particular wastewater treatment labora-
tory, safety plays a key role in maintaining worker well-being and com-
pliance with applicable health, safety, and environmental standards.
Wastewater treatment laboratories are expected to comply with 29 CFR
1910.1450, which mandates development of a chemical hygiene plan
(CHP). Additionally, wastewater treatment laboratories must comply
with the requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); with Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act (SARA) rules and regulations; and with rules
and procedures set by the state water control board or other local envi-
ronmental agencies.
The wastewater treatment plant safety person should ensure that
the laboratory has a safety program. The goal of the laboratory safety
program is multifaceted, as it should protect laboratory workers, others
who may be exposed to hazards from the laboratory, and the environ-
ment. The hazards associated with laboratories are not unlike other
work areas. Common injuries that occur in these laboratories are cuts,
burns, slips, and falls; however, because there is a constant exposure to
potentially dangerous substances, all personnel that work in the labo-
ratory must be instructed as to proper laboratory methods and safety
precautions.
