Safety Awareness for Responders to Hurricanes: Protecting ... · Protecting Yourself . While Helping Others. August 2007. WoRkER EducAtIoN & tRAININg PRogRAm. This book is provided

National Institute of Environmental Health SciencesHurricane Response Orientation

Safety Awareness for Responders to Hurricanes:

Protecting Yourself While Helping Others

WoRkER EducAtIoN & tRAININg PRogRAmAugust 2007

This book is provided by:

This booklet was developed by the National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training. The National Clearinghouse is funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences’

Worker Education and Training Program. The National Clearinghouse is operated under NIEHS contract 273-05-C-0017 by MDB, Inc.

http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp

WoRkER EducAtIoN & tRAININg PRogRAm

NIEHS Hurricane Response Orientation

1

Hazardstable of contents

Workers’ Rights ................................................ 2

Introduction ..................................................... 3

Incident Command System .........................4 Protect Yourself ........................................... 6 Emergency in Field ..................................... 7 Physical Environment ................................. 8Hazards ............................................................. 9

Traumatic Stress ......................................... 9 Heat Stress ................................................ 13 Sunburn ..................................................... 14 Eye Injuries ................................................ 15 Too Much Noise ........................................ 16 Breathing Dust .......................................... 17 Debris & Unstable Work Surfaces ........... 18 Handling Sharp Objects ........................... 19 Standing Water.......................................... 20 Examples of Chemicals Released ............ 21 Potential Chemical Exposures ................. 22 Driving and Traffic Issues ......................... 23 Electrical Lines .......................................... 24

Carbon Monoxide ..................................... 25 Ladders ...................................................... 26 Chain Saws ................................................ 27 Confined Spaces ....................................... 28 Structural Integrity .................................... 29 Heavy Equipment ..................................... 30 Mold ........................................................... 31 Trench Foot ................................................ 33 Blood-borne Disease ................................ 34 Handling Bodies ........................................ 35 Food-borne Disease .................................. 36 Water-borne Disease................................. 37 Poisonous Plants....................................... 38 Insects and Insect-borne Diseases .......... 39 Animals and Animal-borne Diseases ...... 40 Snakes and Other Reptiles ....................... 41Other Protective Measures ........................... 42

Credits ............................................................ 43

Why This Book Was Created ......................... 44

Table of Contents



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Wor

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Workers’ RightsEmployers and workers have responsibilities under the OSH Act.

• The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires that employers provide a safe and healthful workplace free of recognized hazards and follow OSHA standards. Employers’ responsibilities also include providing training, medical examinations and recordkeeping.

• Workers must follow the employer’s safety and health rules and wear or use all required gear and equipment; follow safe work practices for your job, as directed by your employer; report hazardous conditions to a supervisor; and report hazardous conditions to OSHA if employers do not fix them.



3

HazardsIntroduction



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Incident Command• IncidentCommandprovidesastructuretopromoteeffectivecoordination

among responders.

• Allowsforanintegratedorganizationalstructurenothinderedbyjurisdictional boundaries.

• Has5organizationalfunctionstoallowforamanageablespanofcontrol:

–Command

–Operations

–Planning

–Logistics

–Finance and Administration

• SafetyispartoftheCommandfunction.

Inci

dent

com

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COMMAND STAFF

Incident Commander

Safety Information

Liaison

Operations Planning Logistics Finance and Administration

Incident Command System Structure

Incident comm

and System Structure



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•DuringtherecoveryfromhurricaneKatrina,“thebiggestissuehasbeeninjuries—lacerations, falls, and trips.” (NIOSH)

•Becarefulwalkingoverandhandlingdebristhatiscoveredwithwaterdueto increased risk of slips, trips and falls.

•Remaincurrentwithtetanusvaccination.

•Ifyouwillbeperformingdirectpatientcareorotherwiseexpectedtohavecontact with bodily fluids, get the Hepatitis B vaccine series.

•Avoidcontactwithstagnantwater.

–Washandsanitizeimmediatelyifexposed

•Considersteeltoe/shankfootwearifavailable.

•Usedurablegloveswhenhandlingdebris.

•Usehearingprotectionfornoisyenvironments.

•Knowyourmedicines,allergies,andbloodtype.

If in doubt, contact your supervisor!

Protect Yourself

Prot

ect Y

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Emergency in the Field•Notifyyoursupervisorortheincidentcommanderaboutallinjuries

sustained at your site.

•Forminorinjuries:

–Applybuddycare/firstaid

–Seek a first aid station or clinic

•Forseriousinjuries:

–Go to local hospital

–Call911(Knowyourexactlocation)

Emergency in the Field



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Physical Environment•Theland:

–Mostly flat, coastal, some areas at or below sea level

•TheClimate(June–November):

–High Humidity

–High Temperatures

–Potential for additional storms and lightning

Phys

ical

Env

ironm

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Hazard: Traumatic Stress•Paceyourselfandtakefrequentrestbreaks.

•Watchoutforeachother.Co-workersmaynotnoticeahazardnearbyorbehind.

•Beconsciousofthosearoundyou.Responderswhoareexhausted,feelingstressed or even temporarily distracted may place themselves and others at risk.

•Maintainasnormalascheduleaspossible:regular eating and sleeping are crucial.

•Makesurethatyoudrinkplentyoffluidssuchaswaterorsportsdrinks.



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Hazard: Traumatic Stress (continued)•Wheneverpossible,takebreaksawayfromtheworkarea.Eatanddrinkin

the cleanest area available.

•Recognizeandacceptwhatyoucannotchange—thechainofcommand,organizationalstructure,waiting,equipmentfailures,etc.

•Giveyourselfpermissiontofeelrotten:Youareinadifficultsituation.

•Recurringthoughts,dreams,orflashbacksarenormal—donottrytofightthem. They will decrease over time.

•Communicatewithyourlovedonesathomeasfrequentlyaspossible.



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Hazard: Traumatic Stress (continued)What you can do at home:

•Reconnectwithfamily,spiritual,andcommunitysupports.

•Considerkeepingajournal.

•Donotmakeanybiglifedecisions.

•Spendtimewithothersoralonedoingthethingsyouenjoytorefreshandrecharge yourself.

•Beawarethatyoumayfeelparticularlyfearfulforyourfamily.Thisisnormaland will pass in time.



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Hazard: Traumatic Stress (continued)What you can do at home:

•Rememberthat“gettingbacktonormal”takestime.Graduallyworkbackintoyour routine. Let others carry more weight for a while at home and at work.

•Beawarethatrecoveryisnotastraightpathbutamatteroftwostepsforward and one back. You will make progress.

•Yourfamilywillexperiencethedisasteralongwithyou.Youneedtosupporteach other. This is a time for patience, understanding, and communication.

•Avoidoveruseofdrugsoralcohol.Youdonotneedtocomplicateyoursituation with a substance abuse problem.



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HazardsHazard: Heat StressHeat stroke is a killer

•Drinkplentyoffluids,sportsdrinksifavailable.

•Knowthesignsofheat-relatedillnesses.

•Monitoryourselfandcoworkers,usethe buddy-system.

•Blockoutdirectsunorotherheatsources.

•Usecoolingfans/air-conditioningandrestregularly.

•Wearlightweight,light-colored,loose-fittingclothes.

•Avoidalcohol,caffeinateddrinks,orheavymeals.

•Seekmedicalattentionforsymptomsof: –Extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)

–Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)

–Rapid, strong pulse

–Throbbing headache

–Dizziness

–Nausea

•Takeshelterinshadedareasandloosenorremoveexcessprotectiveclothing if feasible.



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Hazard: Sunburn•Preventoverexposingskinandeyestosunlightandwind.

•Usesunscreenandlipbalm.

•Useprotectiveeyewear.

•Limitexposure.

Sunburn reduces responder readiness and increases the likelihood of skin cancer.



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Hazard: Eye InjuriesEye injuries can be caused by dust, flying debris, contaminated liquid, and welding flash.

•Usesafetyglasseswithsideshieldsasaminimum. An eye wear retainer strap is suggested.

•Considersafetygogglesforprotectionfromfinedustparticlesorforuseover regular prescription eye glasses.

•OnlyuseprotectiveeyewearthathasanANSIZ87markonthelensesorframes.

•Lightfromaweldingtorchcancausesevereburnstotheeyesandsurrounding tissue. Any worker using a welding torch for cutting needs, or anyone working near a welding torch, should use special eye wear for protection from welding light.



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Hazard: Too Much Noise•Usehearingprotectionwhenevernoisyequipmentisused.

–Examples:gaspoweredsawsorheavyconstructionequipment

•Hearingprotectionwillpreventtemporaryhearinglossthatcaninterferewhen listening for cries, moans, and other sounds from victims buried in the rubble.



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Hazard: Breathing Dust Containing Asbestos, Silica and Other Toxins•Protectyourselffrombreathingdust,itcancontain

toxic materials.

•Ifindoubtaboutrespirators,seeyoursupervisor.

•AnN-95orgreaterrespiratorisacceptableformostactivities, including silica and Portland cement dust.

•Ifasbestosispresent,useahalf-maskelastomericrespirator with N,R, or P-100 series filters.

•Ifairbornecontaminantsarecausingeyeirritation,full-facerespiratorswithP-100organicvapor/acidgas(OV/AG)combinationcartridgesshouldbeused.

•Makesureyouarefit-testedforarespirator;itmustfitproperlytoprotectyou.

•Doapositiveandnegativesealcheckeverytimeyouwearyourrespiratorand wash it at least once a day.

•Surgicalmasksshouldnotbeusedbecausetheydonotprovideadequateprotection.

N-95 Respirator



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Hazard: Piles of Debris and Unstable Work Surfaces•Don’twalkonsurfacesyouaren’tsurearestable.

•Useotherwaystogettoworksurfaces,suchasbuckettrucks.

•Erectscaffoldingonstablesurfacesandanchorittostablestructures.

•Wearprotectiveequipmentprovided,includingsafetyshoeswithslipresistant soles.

•Usefallprotectionwithlifelinestiedofftosuitableanchoragepoints,including bucket trucks, whenever possible.



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Hazard: Handling a Variety of Sharp, Jagged Materials•Wearpersonalprotectiveequipment,includinghardhats,safetyshoes,eye

glasses, and work gloves.

•Immediatelycleanoutallopenwoundsandcutswithsoapandcleanwater.Apply an antibiotic ointment to discourage infection. Contact a doctor to find out whether more treatment is needed (such as a tetanus shot). If a wound getsred,swells,oroozes,seekimmediatemedicalattention.

•Makesurethatyouhaveanup-to-datetetanusshot(withinthepast10years).



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Hazard: Standing Water•Thereareusuallyelevatedlevelsofcontaminationassociatedwithraw

sewageandotherhazardoussubstancesinfloodwaters.

•TheEPAadvisesthathumancontactwithwatershouldbeavoided.

•Workersshouldwearwadersandwaterproofgloveswhencomingintocontact with flood water.

•Ifclothescomeintocontactwithfloodwater,washtheminwateranddetergent separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.

•Ifskincomesintocontactwithfloodwater,washthoroughlywithsoap and water.

•Ifyouhaveanyopencutsorsoresthatwillbeexposedtofloodwater,keepthem as clean as possible by washing them with soap and applying an antibiotic ointment to discourage infection.

•Makesurefloodwaterdoesnotgetinyourmouth.



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Hazard: Examples of Chemicals Released Following Hurricane Katrina•ChlorinetankfoundindowntownGulfport,MS.

•78,000barrelsofoilreleasedattwospills.

•Diesel,gasoline,motoroil,chlorine,liquidoxygen, medical waste and corrosives have been found by crews.

•22,000facilitiesintheareahaveundergroundfuel tanks.

•Industrialandhouseholdproductsinallsizesand quantities.



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Hazard: Potential Chemical ExposuresSymptoms:Eye,nose,throat,upperrespiratorytract,andskinirritation;flulikesymptoms;difficultybreathing;fatigue;lossofcoordination;memorydifficulties;sleeplessness;mentalconfusion.Chroniceffectsdependontheextent and the duration of exposure.

•FireFighting:UseSelfContainedBreathingApparatus(SCBA)withfullfacepiece in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.

•Entryintounknownconcentration:UseSCBAgear.

•Rescueoperationswithvaporspresent:Usegasmaskwithfrontmountedorganicvaporcanister(OVC)oranychemicalcartridgerespiratorwithanorganic vapor cartridge, if enough breathing air is present.

•Dustyenvironments:UsecombinationHEPA/OrganicVaporCartridge.



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Hazard: Driving and Traffic Issues•Non-operatingtrafficcontrolsignals.

•Avoidwashedoutsectionsofroad,debrisand/orpotholes.

•Landmarksandstreetsignsmaybemissingsoknowwhereyouaregoingbefore you go there.

•Puddlesmayhidehazardsandittakesverylittlewatertocausehydroplaning and loss of control.

•Drivedefensively.

•Bepreparedfordelays.

• Watchforconstructionvehicles,flaggers,andoverloadedvehicles.



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Hazard: Electrical, Overhead Power Lines, Downed Electrical Wires, Cables

•Treatallpowerlinesasenergizeduntiltheyhave beende-energizedandtested.

•Verifyingthatalineisnotenergizedmaynotensureyour safety. Lines on both the load and supply side of the work area must be grounded. Grounding is necessary to protectyoufromthehazards of feedback electrical energy from a secondary power source, such as a portable generator.

•Usegroundfaultcircuitinterrupters (GFCI).



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Hazards

Hazard: Carbon Monoxide From Gasoline- or Propane-Powered Generators, Heavy Equipment, and Tools

Symptoms:Headache,dizziness,drowsiness,ornausea;progressingtovomiting, loss of consciousness, and collapse, coma or death under prolonged or high exposures.

!Carbon Monoxide has no warning properties; it is a colorless, odorless gas!

•UseCO2 warning sensors when using or working around combustion sources.

•Shutoffengineimmediatelyifyoubegintodevelopsymptomsandgetfresh air.

•Donotusegasolinegeneratorsorportablefueldriventoolsinconfinedspaces or poorly ventilated areas.

•Donotworkinareasnearexhaust(CO2 poisoning even occurs outdoors if engines generate high concentrations of exhaust gases near workers).



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Hazard: LaddersLadderscancreateafallinghazard.Makesureyourladderissecure:

•Inspectladderforcracks,brokenordefectiveparts

•Avoidelectricalwireswhenplacingladder

•Positionladderata75degreeangletoextendatleast 3 feet above the landing

•Avoidplacingonunevenorunstableterrain

•Donotapplymoreweightontheladderthanitisdesigned to support



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Hazard: Operating a Chain Saw•Operate,adjust,andmaintainthesawaccordingtomanufacturer’sinstructions

provided in the manual accompanying the chain saw.

•Properlysharpenchainsawbladesandproperlylubricatethebladewithbarand chain oil. Additionally, the operator should periodically check and adjust the tension of the chain saw blade to ensure good cutting action.

•Choosethepropersizeofchainsawtomatchthejob,andincludesafetyfeatures such as a chain brake, front and rear hand guards, stop switch, chain catcher and a spark arrester.

•Weartheappropriateprotectiveequipment,includinghardhat,safetyglasses,hearing protection, heavy work gloves, cut-resistant leg wear (chain saw chaps) that extend from the waist to the top of the foot, and boots which cover the ankle.

•Avoidcontactwithpowerlinesuntilthelinesareverifiedasbeingde-energized.

•Alwayscutatwaistlevelorbelowtoensurethatyoumaintainsecurecontrolover the chain saw.

•Bystandersorcoworkersshouldremainatleast2treelengths(atleast150feet)away from anyone felling a tree and at least 30 feet from anyone operating a chain saw to remove limbs or cut a fallen tree.



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Hazard: Confined SpacesThe following must be done before you enter a confined space. Your supervisormust:

•Makesureyouandtheattendantaretrained

•Ventilateandmonitorforhazardousconditions

•Lockoutortagoutallpowerequipmentinthespace

•IssueappropriatePPE,possiblyincludingself-containedbreathingapparatus (SCBA)

•Establishbarrierstoexternaltrafficsuch as vehicles and pedestrians

•Provideladdersorsimilarequipmentfor safe entry and exit in the space

•Providegoodcommunicationsequipment and alarm systems

•Haverescueequipmentandtrainedrescue personnel nearby



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Hazards

Hazard: Structural Integrity•Donotenterastructurethatshowsindication

of being unsafe such as walls with large cracks, shifting, or partial collapse.

•Considerenteringthestructureduringdaytimeespecially if it is without electricity and you have no lights.

•OSHArequireswallsorfloortobeshoredorbracedbeforedemolitionifworkers are within the structure.

•Donotcutorremoveanystructureorloadsupportingmembersonanyfloor until all stories above have been demolished and removed.

•Determineifanyhazardoussubstanceshavebeenanywhereonthepropertyincluding pipes and tanks.

•Ensureappropriateutilitieshavebeennotifiedpriortoenteringandstartingdemolition work.

•Leavethestructureifunusualsounds(indicationofshifting)orsmells(possible gas leak) are noticed.



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Hazard: Heavy Equipment, Including Cranes, Bucket Trucks, Skid-Steer Loaders

•Operateequipmentcorrectlyandsafely.

•Stayawareoftheactivitiesaroundyou.

•Donotexceedtheloadcapacityofcranesand other lifting equipment.

•Donotwalkunderorthroughareaswherecranes and other heavy equipment are being used to lift objects.

•Donotclimbontoorrideloadsbeingliftedor moved.



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Hazard: MoldAfter hurricanes and floods, the water creates the perfect environment for mold to grow in homes and other buildings. Exposure to mold can cause wheezingandseverenasal,eyeandskinirritation.

•Avoidbreathingdust(fungalspores)generatedbywetbuildingmaterials.

•UseanN-95NIOSH-approveddisposablerespiratorasaminimumwhenworking with small areas of moldy or damp materials. More protection may be needed for extended work.

•Wearlongglovesthatreachthemiddle of your forearm. If you are using a disinfectant, a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC.Avoidtouchingmoldormoldyitems with your bare hands.



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Hazard: Mold (continued)•Weargogglesthatdonothaveventilationholes.Avoidgettingmoldormold

spores in your eyes.

•Considerdiscardingallwater-damagedmaterials.Articlesthathavevisiblemold should be thrown away. (When in doubt, throw it out.)

•Afterworkingwithmold-contaminatedmaterials,washthoroughly,including your hair, scalp, and nails.



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Hazard: Trench Foot (Immersion Foot)•Trenchfoot,alsoknownasimmersionfoot,occurswhenthefeetarewetfor

long periods of time. It can be quite painful.

•Symptomsincludeatinglingand/oritchingsensation,pain,swelling,coldand blotchy skin, numbness, and a prickly or heavy feeling in the foot. The foot may be red, dry, and painful after it becomes warm. Blisters may form, followed by skin and tissue dying and falling off. Obtain medical assistance as soon as possible.

•Topreventtrenchfoot,whenpossible,air-dryandelevateyourfeet,andexchange wet shoes and socks for dry ones.



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Hazard: Blood-borne Disease•Useimperviousgloveswhenhandlinghumanremains.

•Replaceglovesifpuncturedortorn.

•Donothandlehumanremainsifyouhaveskincutsorpunctures.

•Usegogglesorfaceshieldandmaskforhandlinghumanremains,recovering deceased. Make sure to cover your nose and mouth.

•Transporthumanremainsinclosed,leak-proof,labeledcontainers.



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Hazard: Handling Bodies of Victims•Thereisnodirectriskofinfectiousdiseasefrombeingnearhumanremains

for people who are not directly handling dead bodies.

•Humanremainsmaycontainblood-bornevirusessuchashepatitisvirusesandHIV,andbacteriathatcausediarrhealdiseases,suchasshigellaandsalmonella.

•Forpersonnelexposedtobloodandbodyfluids:

–Use gloves when handling bodies or body fluids

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

–Wash hands frequently

–Use body bags to reduce the risk of contamination



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Hazard: Food-borne Disease•Identifyandthrowawayfoodthatmaynotbesafetoeat:

–Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water

–Throw away food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture

–Throw away perishable foods (including meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been above 40° 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

•Storefoodsafely:

–While the power is out, keep the refrigeratorandfreezerdoorsclosedas 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



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Hazard: Water-borne DiseaseCommunicable disease outbreaks of diarrhea and respiratory illness can occur when water and sewage systems are not working and personal hygiene is hard to maintain as a result of a disaster.

•Localauthoritieswilltellyouiftapwaterissafe to drink or to use for cooking or bathing.

•Ifthewaterisnotsafetouse,followlocalinstructions to use bottled water or to boil or disinfect water for cooking, cleaning, or bathing.

•Washyourhandsoften.

•Becausesomewater-bornediseasescanbecontractedthroughcontactwith contaminated standing water, it is important to follow the guidelines outlinedintheStandingWaterHazardPage.

•IfyoudevelopahighfeverOR,nausea,vomiting,diarrhea,jaundiceorflu-like symptoms, seek medical attention immediately!



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Hazard: Poisonous Plants• Learntorecognizepoisonousplants:

–Poison Ivy

–Poison Oak

–Poison Sumac

•Useglovesandwearlongpantswhenpossiblycontactingpoisonousplants.

• Rubbingalcohol,ifusedimmediatelyuponexposure,mayremovetheoilyresin that causes the allergic reaction.

Clothes, shoes, and tools may become contaminated by coming in contact with

poisonous plants.



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Hazard: Insects and Insect-borne Diseases• Mosquitoes – Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as West Nile virus or

dengue fever. Use screens on dwellings, and wear long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts. Use insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin.

(Make sure you follow the directions written on the label.)

• Fire Ants – Flood water will often destroy fire ant mounds and the fire ants will look for a new place to live (this can be indoors or outdoors). Fire ant bitesarepainfulandcauseblistersand/orsevereallergicreactionsinsomepeople. To avoid being bitten, stay alert for fire ants and stay away from them. Wear long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts to protect your skin. Treat stings with over-the-counter products that relieve pain and prevent infection. If chest pain, nausea, severe sweating, shortness of breath, swelling or slurred speech occurs following a sting, the person should be immediately taken to an emergency medical facility.

• Spiders – Depending on the area of the country black widow and brown recluse spiders maybe present. If you suspect being bitten by a venomous spider seek medical attention and bring in the spider if available for identification.



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Hazard: Animals and Animal-borne DiseasesFlood waters may have displaced wild and domestic animals. It will therefore not be uncommon to come into contact with animals you usually wouldn’t under normal circumstances. Dead and live animals can spread diseases such as Rat-Bite Fever and Rabies.

•Bewareofwildorstrayanimals.Avoidwildorstrayanimals.Calllocalauthorities to handle animals. Get rid of dead animals according to local guidelines. Wear proper protective clothing when handling carcasses.

•Avoidcontactwithratsorrat-contaminateddwellings.InadditiontoRatbitefever, contact with rodents, rodent droppings, and dead rodents may result in other infectious diseases. If you cannot avoid contact with rats, wear protective gloves, practice regular hand washing.

•Ifyoudogetbittenorscratchedbyananimal,seekmedicalattentionimmediately, even if it is a domestic animal.



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Hazard: Snakes and Other Reptiles•Beonthealertforsnakesswimminginthewatertogettohigherground

and hiding under debris or other objects. If you see a snake, back away from it slowly and do not touch it.

•Ifyouorsomeoneelseisbittenbyasnake:

–Remember the color and shape of the snake, which can help with treatment of the snake bite

–Keepthebittenpersonstillandcalm;thiscanslowdownthespread of venom if the snake is poisonous

–Seekmedicalattentionassoonaspossible;dial911orcalllocal Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

–Apply first aid if you can not get the person to the hospital right away

–Layorsitthepersondownwiththebitebelowtheleveloftheheart; tellhim/hertostaycalmandstill

–Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing

• Useappropriatetoolstomovedebrisandtoprobeareasthatmayharborsnakes, alligators or other threats.

• Wearhighbootsand/orsnakegaiters.



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Other Protective MeasuresKeyitemstohave:

•InsectrepellentwithDeetorPicaridin

•PPE–Forinformationonwhatequipmentyouneedforprotection,contactyour local OSHA office or NIOSH

•Personalfloatationdevice

•Earplugs

•Bottledwater

•Sunscreen

•RainGear

•PocketKnife(putinyourcheckedluggage)

For more information, call 1-800-321-OSHA or log onto www.osha.gov

othe

r Pro

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ive

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CreditsThispresentationwasadaptedfrom:

•NIOSHGuidecalled“SuggestedGuidanceforSupervisorsatDisasterRescueSites.”Moreinformationisavailableattheirsite:www.cdc.gov/niosh/emhaz2.html

•NIOSH“TraumaticIncidentStress:InformationforEmergencyResponseWorkers”, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/unp-trinstrs.html

•CDCEmergencyandPreparedness&Responsewebsite http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/

•U.S.ArmyCenterforHealthPromotionandPreventiveMedicinePowerPoint:http://usachppm.apgea.army.mil/hiomtb/content/Disaster_MTBs/HurricaneReliefResponse_09.05.ppt#691,1,PREFACE PRESENTATION

•OSHA’sHurricaneeMatrix:http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hurricane/index.html

credits



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Why this book was createdThis booklet was created by the National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training under a contract with the NIEHS Worker Education and Training Program (WETP). WETP has trained over a million emergency respondersandhazardouswasteworkerssince1987todotheirjobssafely.WETP is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services, which is a cooperating agency under the Worker Safety and Health Support Annex of the National Response Plan. The Annex was activated on September 11, 2005 inresponsetoHurricanesKatrinaandRita.Aspartofthecoordinatedfederaleffort, WETP created a booklet and a companion orientation briefing for responders. The booklet was updated in 2007 for future hurricane response activitiesandisavailableat:http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp.

Why

thi

s Bo

ok W

as c

reat

ed

Documents

Safety Awareness for Responders to Hurricanes: Protecting ... · Protecting Yourself . While Helping Others. August 2007. WoRkER EducAtIoN & tRAININg PRogRAm. This book is provided