Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
3.9. SAFETY
At this time information is collected that is based on the initial survey and history and
needed for safety in the field during sampling. Safety procedures, safety training,
emergency numbers, and development of a chemical hygiene plan all need to be
completed. Sources of safety clothing and equipment need to be located and appropriate
orders placed for needed equipment. Arrangements also need to be made for the safe
storage and transport of samples and equipment.
Sampling is not a casual activity. This is true even if there is no expectation of
encountering dangerous chemicals. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts (with stomach
covered), socks, boots, and hats are always required. Apparel covering less of the body is
not acceptable during sampling. The two most important pieces of safety equipment for
sampling are safety glasses or goggles and gas mask. Sufficient numbers of safety
goggles must be available at all times. All persons present during sampling must wear
safety goggles whether or not they are actually doing any sampling. Gas masks should be
kept nearby at all times in case they are needed. If significant contamination is present,
other appropriate apparel (e.g., coveralls, gloves, boots) also needs to be available.
If the contamination is dangerous, toxic, or corrosive, additional safety precautions,
such as fully protective clothing (including coveralls, boots, full face shields, respirators,
and gloves that are not only chemical-but also abrasion-resistant) must be used. Detailed
arrangements need to be made for decontamination of workers and others visiting the
field. Arrangements can thus be made at the field office for changing out of coveralls,
boots, or boot covers when leaving. The field office should have a wash area for hands
and face, including an eye wash station and an emergency shower in which workers
massively covered with contamination can be washed. This is essential because such
contamination must not be taken off the field and certainly not into a hospital!
All workers need to be constantly reminded to wash when leaving a contaminated
field. This means both hands and face. (This assumes that these are the only two body
surfaces exposed during sampling.) This also means that washing is required even if
protective face shields and gloves have been worn, because hands pick up food, and
contaminants on the hands can enter the body via the mouth [11].
3.10. SAMPLE CONTAINERS
Arrangements for obtaining a stock of the proper sample containers need to be made at
this juncture. Sample containers can be constructed from glass, cloth, paper, and plastic
in many different forms. Just as the sampler composition needs to be considered in
sampling, so does the sample container. Sample containers must be compatible with the
sample and not decompose, add to, or subtract from the sample components of interest.
Many companies sell specially cleaned and treated sample containers. In some cases
these are vials, which may come with a bar code containing a lot number and serial
number already on them. Usually these are glass bottles or vials with screw tops,
including a liner. The liner can be a simple rubber material or it may be a rubber backed
 
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