Site Characterization

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. SITE CHARACTERIZATION PHASES • Off-Site Survey • On-Site Survey • On-Going Monitoring

4. Off-Site Characterization • interviews/records research • perimeter reconnaissance

5. Interview/Records Research • location of site • description of activity at the site • previous surveys • meteorological data • geologic and hydrologic data

6. 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

7. Perimeter Reconnaissance Involves?

8. Visual Observations • review historical and current aerial photos • note any labels or markings • note any deterioration of containers • note biological indicators • note unusual conditions

9. Develop a Site Map

10. Monitor Ambient Air • monitor ambient air at site perimeter • note unusual odors • collect and analyze samples

11. Soil and/or Water Samples Collect and analyze off-site samples • Soil • Drinking Water • Ground water • Surface water

12. 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.

13. On-site Survey Verifies and supplements the information provided by the Off-Site Survey

14. On-site Survey The Entry Team must • monitor air for IDLH conditions • monitor for ionizing radiation • visually check for dangerous conditions

15. The On-Site Survey continues if NO IDLH conditions or other dangerous conditions are found.

16. On-Site Survey Conduct further air monitoring as 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. Reassessment Indicators • a new work phase • change • of season • of weather • in job tasks during a work phase • in levels of contamination

21. Good Documentationwill ... • ensure accurate communication • ensure quality of data collected • provide reasons for safety decisions • support possible legal actions

22. Logbook What types of documents need to be controlled?

23. Controlled Documents • analytical records • samples to identify biologic, pathologic and radiological hazards • logbooks • field data records • graphs • photos • sample labels • chain-of-custody forms

24. Logbook What processes can be implemented to control data?

25. 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