Section 113. ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FUNDAMENTALS

1. Section 113. ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FUNDAMENTALS

2. Define the following terms: HAZMAT - Hazardous Material (HM) Defined as a material having one or more of the following characteristics: Flashpoint below 200oF (93.3°C) closed cup, or is subject to spontaneous heating or is subject to polymerization with release of large amounts of energy when handled, stored, and shipped without adequate control. Threshold limit value below 1000 ppm for gases and vapors, below 500 mg/m3 for fumes, and below 30 mppcf for dusts. Single oral dose which will cause 50 percent fatalities to test animals when administered in doses of less than 500 mg per kilogram of test animal weight.

3. (a) HAZMAT - Hazardous Material (HM) cont. • Strong oxidizing or reducing agent. • Causes first degree burns to skin in short time exposure or is systematically toxic by skin contact. • In the course of normal operations, may produce dusts, gases, fumes, vapors, mists, or smokes with one or more of the above characteristics. • Produces sensitizing or irritating effects. • Radioactive. • Has special characteristics which in the opinion of the manufacturer could cause harm to personnel if used or stored improperly.

4. (b) HAZWASTE - Hazardous Waste (HW) Any discarded or abandoned hazardoussubstance as defined in 40 CFR 261 or applicable state regulations where the state has been granted enforcement authority by EPA. It may include any discarded liquid, semisolid, solid, or containerized gaseous material.

5. (c) Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) OSHA Form 174 or an equivalent form containing the identical data elements, must be used by manufacturers of chemical products to communicate to users the chemical, physical, and hazardous properties of their product to comply with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200.

6. (d) Authorized Use List (AUL) • Maintain AUL for all HM allowed for use in the activity. • AUL must include the stock number and item name for stock numbered items purchased via the stock system, or the product name and manufacturer name as they appear on the product label/material safety data sheet (MSDS) for items not purchased via the stock system. • In addition, the AUL must identify the processes(es) for which each HM is allowed to be used.

7. Explain the general procedures to be followed when a HAZMAT spill is discovered. Spill response procedures have been divided into nine phases: • Discovery and Notification. • Initiation of Action. • Evaluation. • Containment and Damage Control. • Dispersion of Gases/Vapors. • Cleanup and Decontamination. • Disposal of Contaminated Materials. • Certification for Re-entry. • Follow-up Reports.

8. State the PPE required when handling HAZMAT/HAZWASTE. The best means of protecting personnel from hazard exposure in the workplace is to eliminate the hazard. When this is not possible, engineering controls shall be the method of choice to eliminate or minimize hazard exposure in the workplace. When neither of these methods can be employed, activities shall implement a personal protective equipment (PPE) program to reduce or eliminate personnel exposure to hazards.

9. Basic PPE Program Requirements Activity shall assess workplaces to determine if hazards are present that necessitate the use of PPE. If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, activities take the following actions: • Select, and have each affected employee use, the types of PPE that will protect the affected employee from the hazards. • Communicate selection decisions to each affected employee. • Document that hazard assessment has taken place with a written certification.

10. Equipment Specifications and Requirements Activities shall only use those items that have been recognized and approved. This approval can be met through the use of: • Federal specifications • American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifications • Recognized approval authority, such as Underwriter's Laboratories (UL), Factory Mutual (FM), or American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).

11. Eye and Face Protection • Employees shall wear approved eye and face protection when there is a reasonable probability that wearing such equipment will prevent injury. They shall use eye protection at all times in a designated eye hazard area. • Flying particles and chips; splashes from liquids such as acids, caustics and solvents; and operations that generate hot slag or molten metal, welding glare, etc., can cause eye and/or face injury. • The activity shall provide the required approved protective equipment and enforce usage.

12. Respiratory Protection • Activities shall provide appropriateequipment to personnel, such as employees, inspectors and visitors who must enter an area where the use of respiratory protection is required. These personnel shall use this equipment regardless of stay time. • The respiratory protection program manager (RPPM) shall maintain a listing of employees that require respiratory protection and shall authorize those employees to wear respiratory protective equipment. The activity shall provide appropriate respiratory protection equipment to these individuals.

13. Respiratory Protection (cont.) • Activities shall fit test, issue and train personnel to wear respirators and ensure personnel are medically qualified. The only exception is for escape-only respirators. The Navy does not require medical approval for visitors and personnel not assigned to the work areas where activities provide escape-only respirators for potential emergencies. However, they shall be briefed in the use of the escape respirator and shall be escorted at all times by activity personnel who are trained in the use of the respirator and who can guide and assist them in emergencies.

14. Head Protection • Helmets and hats for the protection of Navy employees from the impact of falling and flying objects and from limited electric shock and burn shall meet the specifications of reference • Employees shall wear head protection at all times in a designated hardhat area.

15. Foot Protection • Foot and toe hazardous operations are those which have a high incidence of, or potential for, foot or toe injuries. Examples of trades or ratings generallyassociated with foot or toe hazardous operations are construction, materials handling, maintenance, transportation, ship repair and operation, aircraft overhaul and repair and explosives manufacturing and handling. Employees shall wear foot and toe protection at all times in a designated foot hazard area.

16. Hand Protection • Activities shall select, provide and require appropriate hand protection whenever employees’ hands are exposed to, or are likely to be exposed to, such hazards as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasion; punctures; chemical irritants; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.

17. Electrical Protective Devices • Navy activities shall provide appropriate rubber protective equipment for electrical workers who perform work on energized or potentially energized electrical systems. • Equipment shall conform to references: American Society for Testing and Materials.

18. Questions