Site Characterization

Instructional Goal:Upon completion of this topic the participant will better understand the need to identify and evaluate various types of hazards using the processes of site characterization and to see the importance of information documentation.

Site Characterization

• Project Team Leader is responsible for site characterization and assessment.

• Information provided is needed to identify site hazards and select worker protection methods.

• Site Characterization is a continuous process.

SITE CHARACTERIZATION PHASES

• Off-Site Survey

• On-Site Survey

• On-Going Monitoring

Off-Site Characterization

• interviews/records research

• perimeter reconnaissance

Interview/Records Research

• location of site• description of activity at the site• previous surveys• meteorological data• geologic and hydrologic data

Interview/Records Research

terrain pathways of dispersion habitation and population centers;

populations at risk accessibility by air and roads present status of response and

who has responded

Perimeter Reconnaissance

Involves?

Visual Observations

review historical and current aerial photos note any labels or markings note any deterioration of containers note biological indicators note unusual conditions

Develop a Site Map

monitor ambient air at site perimeter

note unusual odors

collect and analyze samples

Monitor Ambient Air

Soil and/or Water Samples

Collect and analyze off-site samples

•Soil•Drinking Water•Ground water•Surface water

Site Safety Plan

The Off-Site Survey is used to develop a Site Safety Plan.

The Site Safety Plan outlines what must be accomplished and prescribes procedures to ensure the health and safety of the entry team.

On-site Survey

Verifies and supplements the information provided by the Off-Site Survey

On-site Survey

The Entry Team must

monitor air for IDLH conditions

monitor for ionizing radiation

visually check for dangerous conditions

The On-Site Survey

if NO IDLH conditions or other dangerous conditions are found.

continuescontinues

On-Site Survey

Conduct further air monitoring as Conduct further air monitoring as necessary!necessary!

note any safety hazards or indicators of potential exposure

note all types of containers (any labels or markings) and their condition

note physical properties of materials

On-Site Survey

note land features

identify natural wind barriers

determine potential pathways of dispersion

locate buried waste or contaminant plumes by using remote sensing if possible

On-Site Survey

Collect and analyze samples from the site

Air Ground Water Soil (surface and

subsurface) Standing pools of liquids,

streams and ponds Storage containers

On-going Monitoring

site activities and weather conditions change

can be conducted by using a combination of methods stationary sampling equipment personnel monitoring devices periodic area monitoring

Reassessment Indicators

a new work phase change

of season of weather in job tasks during a work

phase in levels of contamination

Good Documentationwill ...

ensure accurate communication

ensure quality of data collected

provide reasons for safety decisions

support possible legal actions

What types of documents need to be controlled?

Logbook

Controlled Documents

logbooks field data

records graphs photos sample labels chain-of-

custody forms

analytical records

samples to identify biologic, pathologic and radiological hazards

What processes can be implemented to control data?

Logbook

Document Control

• Numbering each document• Keeping a document inventory• Collecting all documents at the

end of each work period• Make sure that all information

written in waterproof ink• Placing all documents in a

secured central file after completed