site specific health and safety plan rhema grace …ewb-uaa.org/projects/rhema_grace/documents/phase...

SITE SPECIFIC HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN

RHEMA GRACE ORPHANAGE TIKO, CAMEROON

ASSESSMENT AND PHASE II IMPLEMENTATION

ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS – UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE WEST COAST TAC

8/1/11 – 8/16/11

This document has been approved by: _______________________________ Jarrod Nelson Project Lead _______________________________ Nancy Hibbert Project Mentor _______________________________ Chuck Stilwell Project Mentor _______________________________ Ed Hall EWB-UAA Health & Safety Committee Advisor _______________________________ Tim Samuelson Health & Safety Officer _____________________________ David Rieken EWB-USA Health & Safety Committee Representative

Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Site Description and Background 1.2 History of Prior Activities at Rhema Grace Orphanage 1.3 Contractors and Other Parties

2.0 ORGANIZATION AND COORDINATION 2.1 Key Project Personnel 2.3 Team Member Responsibilities

3.0 TASK DESCRIPTIONS 4.0 TASK SAFETY AND HEALTH RISK ANALYSES 5.0 COMMUNICATIONS

5.1 Onsite Communications 5.2 Offsite Communications

6.0 PROTOCOLS TH 01 Noise and Hearing Conservation TH 02 Inclement Weather TH 03 Heat Stress TH 05 Foot Care TH 08 Manual Lifting and Handling of Heavy Objects TH 09 Rough Terrain TH 10 Housekeeping TH 11 Structural Hazards TH 12 Remote Areas TH 14 Traffic and Vehicles TH 16 Working at Elevation and Fall Protection TH 17 Ladders TH 20 Demolition TH 22 Electrical Safety TH 23 Hand and Power Hand Tools TH 24 Hand and Emergency Signals TH 26 Biological Hazards TH 27 Hazardous Materials TH 29 Falling Objects, Punctures and Abrasions

7.0 TRAINING 7.1 Pre-Mobilization Training 7.2 On-site Training

8.0 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 8.1 Rational for Use 8.2 Criteria for Selection 8.3 Listing by Task

9.0 SITE CONTROL MEASURES 9.1 Exclusion Zones 9.2 Site Hygiene

10.0 MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS 10.1 Medications and Vaccinations 10.2 Location of and person responsible for First Aid Kit(s)

10.3 Exposure/Injury/Medical Support (on-site and off) 10.4 Medical Treatment Facilities

11.0 POST-MOBILIZATION REPORTING 11.1 System to capture and report project-related injury and illness 11.2 Participant Signatures

ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Site Map Attachment B: Area Map Attachment C: Directions and Map to Medical Treatment Facility Attachment D: Task Hazard Analyses Attachment E: Blank Incident Report Form & Root Cause Analysis Attachment F: Personal Health Checklists Attachment G: Emergency Contact Information Form Attachment H: Copies of Training Certificates Attachment I: Required Medical Kit Contents Attachment J: Emergency Contact Card Attachment K: Personal Protective Equipment Analysis Attachment L: Material Safety Data Sheets Attachment M: Potential Venomous Snakes and Insects Attachment N: Task Hazard Management Strategies

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Site Description and Background

The Rhema Grace Orphanage is a non-profit foundation established in 2002. It has been located in Quarter 20 of Ombe, near Tiko, Cameroon, for the past 3 years after relocating from their original facility in Limbe (see Appendices A and B). Quarter 20 is the newest quarter of Ombe, and we refer to the quarter as a village. The village that the orphanage is located in consists of one street off of the main road. The street consists of the orphanage, a few school rooms, and many houses where the villagers live. Engineers Without Borders – University of Alaska Anchorage (EWB-UAA) chapter plans to install a rain water capture system on two buildings at Rhema Grace Orphanage as well as flood control system, and a generator on which to run lights and a water pump. The orphanage has a borehole that was constructed two years ago by a Rotary club from Spain, which was previously working with the orphanage. To pump water from the borehole into the water storage tank, the orphanage was provided a generator and a backup generator which both run on diesel fuel. The borehole water is expensive for the orphanage to pump, so they use it only for drinking. Water for all the rest of the needs of the orphanage is taken out of a stream running behind the orphanage property. The orphanage has recently had new latrines built. These are connected to the water system and they have working showers and toilet facilities. However, due to the high cost of pumping water out of the borehole the children still bathe in the stream and they rinse the toilets with stream water rather than running the faucets that are connected. The rain water capture system would supply water primarily for cleaning. Around fifty-two children currently live at the orphanage. The children range in age from one-year-old to twenty-one years old. The orphanage owner and manager, Mercy, is the only adult that lives at the orphanage with the children. She has employees and volunteers, many of whom are very involved with the orphanage and care deeply for the children. These employees have formed a committee, and its members include: Mercy, Alan, Mary, and two of the older orphans, Gloria and Donna. Mercy also employs teachers.

1.2 History of Prior Activities at Rhema Grace Orphanage

In August 2010, three student members of EWB-UAA and two advisors traveled to Rhema Grace Orphanage to implement a wood burning cook stove and to perform additional assessment, including the community's water usage and needs, availability and costs of material and services, ownership, sustainability, community health, and the completed stove. The 2010 water and community assessment was the second assessment trip for EWB-UAA and was performed concurrently with the construction of a new wood cook stove at the same location.

1.3 Contractors and Other Parties

EWB-UAA does not plan to hire any local contractors for the construction phases of this year’s project. A local driver will be hired who will provide transportation for the group between Douala, Tiko, and Limbe. Residents of the orphanage will assist the travelers in construction of the site drainage system.

2.0 ORGANIZATION AND COORDINATION

2.1 Key Project Personnel

Title Name Email Phone Chapter Project Lead Jarrod

Nelson [email protected] (907) 654-0044 EWB-UAA

President Kris Homerding

[email protected] (907) 947-2260 EWB-UAA

Mentor Chuck Stilwell

[email protected] (406) 491-1129 EWB-SCA

Mentor, Health and Safety Officer

Nacy Hibbert

[email protected] (907) 360-3279 EWB-SCA

Faculty Advisor Updal Dutta [email protected] EWB-UAA EWB-UAA Health and Safety Commity Advisor

Ed Hall [email protected] (907) 222-7612 EWB-UAA

Health and Safety Officer, Education Lead

Tim Samuelson

[email protected] (907) 306-7000 EWB-UAA

NGO/Community Contact

Mercy Beyang

(237)75.21.41.13 Rema-Grace Orphanage

2.2 Health and Safety Personnel

Postion Name Email Phone Chapter Health and Safety Officer #1

Nancy Hibbert [email protected] (907) 360-3279 EWB-SCA

Health and Safety officer #2 tbd

EWB-USA Health and Safety Chapter

David Rieken EWB-USA

Contact

U.S. Check-In Contact Updal Dutta [email protected] (907) 786-1952 EWB-UAA

2.3 Team Member Responsibilities

We will typically have 3-4 groups completing separate tasks during this trip. Our goals are to build the rain catchment system, a site drainage and erosion control system, complete a public health assessment, and complete an assessment of the orphanage’s need for a new generator. Tasks for the groups will be divided along these lines for the most part though much of the labor needed to construct the drainage system will be done by residents of the orphanage and will only require one traveler to supervise. During the generator assessment a local electrician that EWB-UAA will hire will perform any necessary electrical work. Procurement of building materials in Douala will be done primarily by Nancy Hibbert. Mercy Beyang will assist so that more reasonable prices can be negotiated. On the first day of construction the entire team may help with site organization and material staging. Patsy Peschel will primarily be working on the community health assessment. A 521 pre-assessment report will be submitted June 19, 2010 with this plan.

3.0 TASK DESCRIPTIONS For more information, please see Attachment D. Detailed descriptions regarding

tasks to be performed for the assessment components will be included in the forthcoming 521 document.

3.1 Site Drainage and Erosion

Task Number Task Description Required Tools and Materials 1 Obtain estimated gravel quantities on-site

2 Obtain culverts, shovels, pick axes, and wheelbarrows in local community

3 Dig Swale 1 Shovels, pick axes, and wheelbarrows

4 Line Swale 1 with 4-10” rock Shovels, pick axes, and wheelbarrows

5 Dig Swale 3 near Boys Dormitory Shovels, pick axes, and wheelbarrows

6 Use overburden from Swale 1 and 3 to backfill base of the Boys Dormitory

Shovels, pick axes, and wheelbarrows


8 Prepare Swale 2 for installation of Culverts Shovels, pick axes, and wheelbarrows

9 Add 4 inches of 1” minus gravel to Swale 2 Shovels, pick axes, and wheelbarrows

10 Install Culverts, fill swale with specified material, and construct path using removed material

Shovels, pick axes, and wheelbarrows

11 Dig Swale 4 near Boys Dormitory Shovels, pick axes, and wheelbarrows


3.2 Rain Catchment System

Task Number Task Description Required Tools and Materials 1 Acquire all materials necessary for construction

2 Build form and rebar mat for both catchment systems

Plywood, Rebar, Saw, Level

3 Pour concrete Shovel, Buckets, Cement, Rock, Eye Bolts

4 Hang gutters Ladder, Hammer, Nails, Gutters, Mesh

5 Assemble first flush and runoff system PVC piping, PVC Glue, Saw

6 Secure tank to foundation Straps 4.0 TASK SAFETY AND HEALTH RISK ANALYSES

4.1 Preliminary Evaluation The anticipated tasks and associated hazards are listed in the attached Task Hazard Analysis, Attachment D. A brief summary of tasks and associated general hazards are further defined in the following table. This analysis forms the basis for health and safety planning and preparations. It is also the primary basis for execution of the plan in the field, but recognizes that additional may be encountered in the field that will require modification to the plan by the HSO.

TASKS

Task HAZARD CARTEGORY

Chemical Biological Physical

Travel to/from site x x

Eating/Drinking on site x

Staking out/assessing site x x Acquire all materials necessary for construction x Build form and rebar mat for foundation x x

Pour concrete x x x

Hang gutters x x Assemble first flush and and runoff system x x

Secure tank to foundation x x Obtain estimated gravel quantities on-site x Obtain culverts, shovels, pick axes, and wheelbarrows in local community x Dig Swale 1 Line Swale 1 with 4-10” rock x x Dig Swale 3 near Boys Dormitory x x Use overburden from Swale 1 and 3 to backfill base of the Boys Dormitory x x Line Swale 3 with 2-4” rock x x Prepare Swale 2 for installation of Culverts x x Add 4 inches of 1” minus gravel to Swale 2 x x Install Culverts, fill swale with specified material, and construct path using removed material x x

Dig Swale 4 near Boys Dormitory x x Line Swale 4 with 2-4” rock x x

4.2 Security

As of April 9. 2011, the ISOS rating for Cameroon is Medium. The ISOS summary of risks is as follows: "The security risks are highest in the main cities of Yaoundé, Douala and Bamenda because of the high incidence of petty and violent crime, including armed robbery and carjackings. Other threats to travellers include criminal activities, intimidation by the security forces, road accidents, militia/insurgents, and civil unrest. Currently there are no suspected transnational terrorist groups operating in Cameroon. A recent dispute with Nigeria over control of the Bakassi peninsula, which is located next to the country's border with Nigeria along the Gulf of Guinea, is largely resolved and unlikely to affect travellers. A Nigerian-Cameroonian border commission agreement in 2003 to return 33 villages from Nigeria to Cameroon in the Lake Chad border area eased security concerns in the region, though local tensions persist." ISOS also provides these details about Douala: "There is a high risk of opportunistic and violent crime in Douala. Foreign nationals are advised to exercise heightened caution in suburbs such as Akwa, New Bell, Bonamoussadi, Bassa and Bepanda, where residential burglaries and car theft are common. Visitors should minimise travel at night. Travellers are likely to be stopped at police checkpoints and their baggage is likely to be scrutinised at Douala Airport (DLA) by customs officials seeking bribes. Personnel should keep their travel documents safe because of widespread document fraud." The US State Department provides this relevant security information about Carmeroon: "Crime is a serious problem throughout Cameroon that increased in some areas of the country in 2010. U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling in Cameroon. Internet-based crime based in Cameroon is escalating rapidly, and U.S. citizens, including insurance companies and other institutions, should be extremely skeptical of any financial transactions that involve sending money for goods or services. Crimes against property, such as carjacking and burglaries, have often been accompanied by violent acts and have resulted in fatalities. All foreigners are potential targets for theft with possible attendant violence. Armed banditry has been a problem throughout all ten regions in Cameroon. "There have been a number of criminal incidents involving public transportation. Taxis can be dangerous, and U.S. Embassy personnel are not permitted to use taxi cabs in Cameroon. Taxis in Cameroon function

more like the U.S. bus system, with drivers stopping along the road to pick up additional passengers as long as there is space left in the vehicle. Taxi drivers and accomplices posing as passengers often conspire to commit serious crimes including rape, assaults and robberies. If you must use a taxi, it is better to hire a private taxi, ideally a driver who you know, for your exclusive use for a particular trip, rather than share a taxi. Taxi passengers should be particularly vigilant at night. U.S. Embassy personnel are not permitted to use taxi cabs in Cameroon."

4.2 Chemical Hazards

The most significant chemical hazard at the project site will be the mixing of Portland cement concrete. PVC cement will also be used in the construction of the first flush and runoff system. Proper skin and respiratory protection will be used as listed in Attachment N. See Attachment N for relevant task management strategies. Please see attachment L for MDSD chemical information for Portland cement and PVC cement.

4.3 Biological Hazards Water-borne and food-borne diseases are a concern; as a result the EWB team will ensure that food and water are transported to the site from established safe sources. Steps taken to minimize risk are discussed in section 10.0 Medical Considerations. See Attachment N for relevant task management strategies.

4.4 Physical Hazards Physical hazards exist in every significant phase of the project, from traveling on foot and in a rented van to and from the project site, to all construction phases. Snakebites are also a concern in the area. In the event of a snakebite, the HSO will follow Red Cross Wilderness First Aid procedures and ensure that medical attention in Douala is received as soon as possible. The team will focus on minimizing exposure to snakes and other wild animals by remaining in populated areas and by avoiding animals that exhibit threatening behavior to the best of our ability. Chemical and physical means will be used to reduce exposure to mosquitoes. See Attachment N for relevant task management strategies and Attachment M for venomous snake information.

5.0 COMMUNICATIONS 5.1 On site Communications

Hazard management strategy TH 26 “Hand and Emergency Signals” will be followed at all times through the on-site project implementation process. The project team will at all times possess a satellite phone at the project site. The numbers of the group’s driver, the hotel, relevant health care providers, and the chapter advisor will be programmed into each. The team also intends to bring a set of 2-way radios for distance

communication among the group. Each team member will carry a laminated, wallet-sized emergency communication card with them at all times. See Attachment J for more information.

5.2 Off-site Communications • NAME OF TRANSLATORS: Nancy Hibbert, Mercy Beyang Note that most children and caregivers at Rhema Grace Orphanage are fluent in English. • NGO CONTACT: Mercy Beyang • MEANS OF COMMUNICATION AVAILABLE:

Satellite phone, 2-Way Radio, if possible we would purchase “pay as you go” cell phones.

• LOCATION OF PHONE: Satellite phone with one of the project mentors or project lead at all times; cellular phone with project mentors • SPECIAL DIALING/OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: None • RELEVANT PHONE NUMBERS:

U.S. Embassy (Yaoundé): (237) 2220-1500 U.S. Embassy Branch Office (Douala): (237) 3342-5331 Mercy Beyang: (00237)75.21.41.13 International SOS Emergency Line (London): +44-208-762-

8008 (EWB-USA membership number 11BCPA000270) • EMAIL: Internet will be available at internet cafés or hotels. Travelers will send email updates to Jarrod Nelson, Kris Homerding, and Updal Dutta whenever possible. • MEDICAL RESPONSE: No reliable medical response has been identified. • FIRE RESPONSE: None (within responding distance of the project site) • POLICE: None (within responding distance of the project site) • LOCAL MEDICAL CLINIC/NEAREST TRAINED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL:

Polyclinic Bonanjo (hospital). Rue Charles de Gaulle , Douala Tel: (237) 342 1780 Dr. Thierry Noel

Polyclinic Soppopriso BP 486 Douala

Tel: (237) 73342-1391 5.3 U.S. Check in Contact

The US Check-In Contact is Updal Dutta. He will be contacted at least every three days via satellite phone or email and given a personnel count. Internet access is not available on site so daily communication may not be possible. If the team fails to make contact, and he is unable to reach the team via satellite phone or email within 24 hours, he will contact the EWB-USA

Emergency number.

6.0 PROTOCOLS TH 01 Noise and Hearing Conservation Noise protection in the form of earplugs will be required for all operators and those in close proximity of high decibel power tools, such as circular saws. Exposure to noise will occur mainly during construction. For detailed information, see Attachment N. TH 02 Inclement Weather Inclement weather exists in the form of hot humid weather and the potential for torrential rainfall. Wide brimmed hats, plenty of hydration, and light colored loose clothing are recommended for participants. The risk of heavy rainfall is minimal due to work occurring in the dry season, however light rainstorms are common. Umbrellas should be acquired in Douala. Shelter is available in the orphanage’s common room for moisture sensitive equipment. For detailed information, see Attachment N. TH 03 Heat Stress Bottled water will be purchased in bulk to provide for multiple days. If bottled water is not available, team members will use alternate water purification methods (e.g. iodine, filtration, etc.). Ample shade will be available for workers to take breaks from the heat. Lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing will be recommended. Sunburn affects a body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages the skin. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels) 30 minutes prior to going out are all recommended to combat heat stress and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. For detailed information, see Attachment N.

TH 05 Foot Care Steel-toed boots will be required for the construction site. When performing duties such as assessment away from the construction site, sturdy shoes or hikers will be required. Socks made specifically for comfort and breathability will also be highly advised. For detailed information, see Attachment N.

TH 08 Manual Lifting Proper lifting techniques will be discussed ahead of time, and sturdy gloves for protection will be available for a variety of tasks. Heavy lifting of material and rock for the site drainage system will be completed by the orphanage under supervision of EWB-UAA. For detailed information, see Attachment N. TH 09 Rough Terrain

All team members will be fit enough to traverse rough terrain and have appropriate footwear to do so. For detailed information, see Attachment N. TH 10 Housekeeping All team members will be expected to keep their personal spaces at the hotel free of clutter. Everyone will participate in grounds keeping of the site at the end of the day and work such as sawing, stacking, or nailing will be limited to designated areas away from main thoroughfares. For detailed information, see Attachment N. TH 12 Remote Areas Due to the remote nature of the site, everyone is required to travel in groups, if possible with an interpreter and with one of the team’s mobile phones. Everyone must inform the Project Mentor and Project Manager before leaving the vicinity of the site. For detailed information, see Attachment N. TH 13 Working over or near water The shallowness of the water in the vicinity of the site in the dry season limits the associated risk to exposure to parasites and diseases. No direct contact with the water will be allowed and when work is required near the lake but waterproof boots will be worn at all times. For detailed information, see Attachment N.

TH 14 Traffic and Vehicles Roadway work will not be an issue, and materials will generally be delivered to the project site instead of retrieved by the team. A local driver is essential for dealing with officials at army and police roadblocks, which are common on all routes. Business visitors should stop at roadblocks and keep travel documents at hand at all times. Luggage may be searched and bribes are occasionally demanded. Comply with any demands if a situation becomes threatening. In the event that a traffic ticket is issued, request the ticket in writing to be paid the nearest police station. Major roads are in good condition, but other roads often have potholes and uneven surfaces. Driving at night is not recommended. Many people are killed each year on Cameroon's roads because of poor driving standards and a lack of safety awareness. Many cars, including taxis, often lack basic safety equipment, such as seatbelts and lights. Carjacking is an increasing problem on rural routes, particularly on the road between Douala and Yaoundé. Armed robbery is a problem in the north near the Chadian border. For detailed information, see Attachment N.

TH 16 Working at Elevation and Fall Protection Workers will be at elevations of up to 10’ to install the rain capture apparatus. Harness and lanyard will be used by anyone at these elevations. Safety measures will be implemented as depicted in the construction drawings. For detailed information, see Attachment N.

TH 17 Ladders All ladders will be inspected and used as described by the guidelines in “TH 17

Ladders.” For detailed information, see Attachment N. TH 18 Shoring and Trenching The installation of the site drainage system will require digging. All necessary digging in the construction of swales and installation of culverts will be done by hand with the use of pick axes and shovels. All participating individuals will receive safety training on how to avoid injury while digging and will use safety equipment such as gloves and sturdy shoes. No underground utilities are present at the site. For detailed information, see Attachment N. TH 23 Hand and Power Hand Tools Likely hand and power tools will include hammers, circular and handsaws, drills, pick axes, and shovels. All personnel using these will have proper training in the inspection and use of these tools, including the use of hearing protection, gloves, safety glasses and any other PPE that would be appropriate. For detailed information, see Attachment N.

TH 24 Hand and Emergency Signals In the event that team members cannot communicate vocally, hand and emergency signals will be used. For detailed information, see Attachment N.

TH 26 Biological Hazards Biological hazards include waterborne and food-borne illnesses and parasitic infections. All food and water will be obtained from previously verified “safe” sources at the hotel, restaurants and markets. Uncooked and “washed” food items such as salads and water with ice should be avoided. Direct contact will be avoided at all times will any untreated water source including streams. The tap water at the hotel is treated and is safe for bathing and washing but direct ingestion should be avoided, as the actual quality is unknown. Minor injuries should be treated carefully to prevent infection. Bottled water is readily available. Recommended immunizations protect against many vaccine preventable diseases that occur in Cameroon including yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, and tetanus. For detailed information, see Attachment N.

TH 27 Hazardous Materials Those working on mixing concrete will wear N100 disposable masks and have adequate gloves and clothing to protect them from silica. For detailed information, see Attachment N. TH 29 Falling Objects, Punctures and Abrasions Hardhats, closed-toed shoes and sturdy pants are required for those working on the construction site. No open shoes, shorts, or sandals are allowed at the construction site. For detailed information, see Attachment N.

6.1 Emergency Response Plans Designated Meeting Point

The designated meeting point for all team members in the event of an emergency will be the Rema-Grace Orphanage. This is the site of the project as well as where the travelers will be staying for the majority of the trip. Air Ambulance Service Air ambulance service available through ISOS. The closest response center is London and their phone number is 44-208-762-8008. EWB-USA's membership number is 11BCPA000270.

7.0 TRAINING

7.1 Pre-Mobilization Training Nancy Hibbert, project mentor and HSO, has completed the requirements for CPR, AED, and Basic First Aid for the Community and Workplace as well as Wilderness First Aid. Relevant certifications are listed in Attachment H. A health and safety workshop was led by Eh Hall, the Health and Safety advisor, on March 29, 2011 and will follow up with health and safety information closer to the travel date. Travelers are also encouraged to participate in EWB-USA webinars on health and safety. Travelers will be trained on the Task Hazard Protocols listed in section 6.0 by Tim Samuelson before departure.

7.2 On-site Training

The HSOs will hold daily safety meetings every morning (at the same time) at the project site prior to the commencement of activities. Team members will be reminded to take anti-malarial drugs during this meeting. All relevant hazards potentially encountered over the course of the day will be identified and management strategies will be discussed.

8.0 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Required PPE will include hardhats, gloves, earplugs/ear muffs, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, harness & lanyard, and N100 masks. 8.1 Rationale for Use

This project is an active construction project and will be treated as such. Harness and Lanyards will be used for fall protection. Hard hats, earplugs and steel-toed or sturdy hiking boots will be used to provide additional protection from construction hazards. Provisions for rinsing eyes will be made available on site.

8.2 Criteria for Selection Construction gloves will be used when working with materials. Steel-toed books, safety glasses, and long pants are required during all phases of construction.

8.3 Listing by Task

Hardhats, gloves and safety glasses will be worn while on the construction site regardless of activities.

9.0 SITE CONTROL MEASURES 9.1 Exclusion Zones

Cement mixing zone: Only personnel required for the mixing process with appropriate PPE will be allowed in this zone. Special attention will be paid to TH27. For detailed information, see Attachment N.

9.2 Site Hygiene

A materials storage area will be designated during the first day at Rhema Grace Orphanage and kept neat throughout the duration of the project. Food will be stored in a sealed container in another designated location. Team members will be reminded of the importance of good hand-washing practices throughout the stay. Special care will be taken to follow the recommendations of TH 10. For detailed information, see Attachment N.

10.0 MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS

10.1 Medications and Vaccinations All travel team members are advised to obtain a physical prior to departure, obtain information and medication for malaria prophylaxis, and take it as advised prior to, during and after project travel. Members are also required to fill out a personal health and emergency contact form listing medical conditions, treatments, location of medications, and relevant contact information. Recommended vaccinations according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) include: Yellow fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Polio, Tdap (current), and Meningococcal vaccination is recommended during outbreaks or for travel during the dry season (December to June). The EWB team will travel in August 2011 which is not during the dry season. Medical services in this country may be strained or overwhelmed during an influenza pandemic wave. Travelers, especially those at higher risk for severe disease, should consider vaccination for pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2011 prior to departure. In addition, a post trip health assessment is recommended for all travelers 2-4 months after return from the trip. All general information regarding possible adverse health effects from the trip will be submitted to EWBUSA by the Health and Safety leads to aid in future trip preparations. Management Strategies are available in Attachment N.

10.2 Location of and person responsible for First Aid Kit(s) At all times there will be a minimum of (1) HSO at the project site. The HSO shall maintain the first aid kit. All team members should know where the first aid kit(s) are. Each separate group should have a first aid kit. The contents of the first aid kit will be based on the EWB-USA requirements. See attachment I.

10.3 Exposure/Injury/Medical Support (on-site and off) Minor injuries, such as abrasions, will result in on-site treatment by qualified first aid responders. Significant injuries will result in transportation to the nearest qualified medical clinic. In-country clinics should be avoided if the team member is stable. Necessary medical information will be obtained from the Personal Health Checklists completed by all team members. See attachment F for a sample Personal Health Checklist.

10.4 Medical Treatment Facilities There is no public ambulance service near the project site. The standard of public medical care is poor. Hygiene standards are low, and shortages medications and other supplies occur frequently. Moderate and serious medical cases are likely to require international evacuation. Blood supplies in Cameroon are UNSAFE as they are not adequately screened. The blood supply is unreliable. If blood is required, evacuation to Abidjan is necessary. Care is slightly better in larger cities. In Douala and Yaoundé, use one of the private clinics that provide 24 hour service and emergency care. Doctors are trained in European or Cameroonese universities. All doctors speak French, and many speak English. Most other medical staff, including nurses, speak French only. There is an acceptable clinic in Douala that can provide 24-hour emergency care, outpatient GP and specialist services. It can also manage patients prior to out-of-country evacuation. Outpatient care is provided by family practitioners or specialists. All doctors can admit patients to hospital or clinics and manage their care.

10.5 Incident Report The form in Attachment E will be completed within 24 hours of any incident. The incident will be reported to Dave Rieken at the earliest possible time via telephone or email.

LOCAL MEDICAL CLINIC/NEAREST TRAINED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL: Polyclinic Bonanjo (hospital) Rue Charles de Gaulle , Douala Tel: (237) 342 1780 Dr. Thierry Noel Polyclinique Soppopriso BP 486 Douala Tel: (237) 73342-1391

11.0 POST-MOBILIZATION INCIDENT REPORTING

11.1 System to capture and report project-related injury and illness The documents in Attachment E will be completed within 24 hours of any incident and an HSO on site will communicate with David Rieken, EWB-

USA Health & Safety Representative, as soon as possible. Weekly or daily reports will be submitted to David Rieken as required until the incident is deemed resolved.

12.0 PARTICIPANT SIGNATURES I have read and understand the specific concerns for the project site as well as the necessary measures to ensure a safe and health work environment. ____________________________ Jarrod Nelson, Project Lead ____________________________ Chuck Stilwell, Project Mentor ____________________________ Nancy Hibbert, Project Mentor, Health and Safety Officer ___________________________ Kris Homerding, President ____________________________ Tim Samuelson, Health & Safety Officer

ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Site Map and Coordinates Site Map

Area Site Coordinates:

Attachment B: Area Map

Attachment C: Directions and Map to Medical Treatment Facility

Attachment D: Applicable Task Hazard Analyses

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Travel to/from site X X X X X X X X XEating/drinking on site X X X X X X

Staking out/assessing site X X X X X X X X X X X

Obtain estimated gravel quantities on-site

X X X X X X X X X X X

Obtain culverts, shovels, pick axes, and wheelbarrows in local community

X X X X X X X X X

Dig Swale 1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Line Swale 1 with 4-10” rock

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Dig Swale 3 near Boys Dormitory


Use overburden from Swale 1 and 3 to backfill base of the Boys Dormitory




Prepare Swale 2 for installation of Culverts


Add 4 inches of 1” minus gravel to Swale 2


Install Culverts, fill swale with specified material, and construct path using removed material


Dig Swale 4 near Boys Dormitory




Acquire all materials necessary for construction

X X X X X X X X X

Build form and rebar mat for both catchment systems

X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Pour concrete X X X X X X X X X X X X

Hang gutters X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Assemble first flush and runoff system

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Secure tank to foundation X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Scheduled Tasks

Individual Hazards

Tasks

Hazard Category

Routine Tasks

Attachment E: Blank Incident Report Form & Root Cause Analysis

Attachment F: Personal Health Checklists

Attachment G: Emergency Contact Information Form

Attachment H: Copies of Training Certificates

Attachment I: Required Medical Kit Contents

604 - Medical Kit Contents

Number in Kit: Item: 1 Site Specific Health and Safety Plan

Page one is the Emergency Contact Page, laminated and printed on brightly colored paper The personal medical checklists should be placed in a sealed envelope immediately following the Emergency Contact Page, or the location of the Checklists should appear here. HSOs must return the checklists to their owners at the end of the trip.

1 A field manual of first aid can be very useful for rapid reference. One recommended book is: “The Field Guide of Wilderness and Rescue Medicine” by Jim Morrissey and David Johnson *

1 Small notebook and pen/pencil for recording vital signs

2 Safety glasses (for bloodborne pathogens)

2 CPR face shields or (even better) pocket mask

1 box Sterile and non-sterile gloves, 1 box or a minimum of 12 pairs

1 box Antiseptic wipes or “baby wipes” - 1 box

1 bottle Alcohol-based gel hand cleanser - 1 bottle

12 Providone Iodine swabs

1 bottle Antibacterial soap

1 bottle Hydrogen peroxide

1-3 bottles Sterile Eye Wash. Opened bottles should be replaced at the start of every trip. 3 bottles recommended for those doing concrete work or working with chemicals.

1 Cold pack – 4 in. x 5 in

3 Extra soft toothbrush for cleaning wounds

1 tube Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, Bacitracin, or generic equivalent) - 1 tube

1 Topical over the counter anesthetic (Anbesol or Chloraseptic spray) Fouille First Aid Ointment if you can get it.

1 box Band-Aid assortment; and Blister dressings (Bandaid blister, moleskin, etc. Choose bandaids with elasticized cloth that stay on for days. Plastic ones don't last as long.

3 Absorbent compress or Trauma Dressings ~ 32 sq. in. (81.3 sq. cm.) with no side smaller than 4 in. (10 cm)

1 Adhesive tape, 5 yd. (457.2 cm) total

6 Burn treatment, 0.5 g (0.14 fl. oz.) applications

4 Triangular bandages, 40 in. x 40 in. x 56 in. (101 cm x 101 cm x 142 cm)

2 Roller bandage - 4 in. (10 cm)

1 Roller bandage - 2 in. (5 cm)

1 Ace Wraps – try to get a few sizes of these

1 box Sterile gauze pads, 4x4”

1 box Non adherent dressing (Telfa), 4x4”

1 Roll of Coban wrap (a.k.a. Vet Wrap)

2 Scissors, one pair of trauma shears for slicing bandages and cutting clothing, and one small pair (like iris shears) for cutting more delicate things like skin

2 Tweezers, one small for pulling splinters and stingers, and a broader tip with grippers for picking rocks out of wounds.

Small box Safety pins of various sizes

1 Thermometer

1 Ziplock bag containing a clean XL t-shirt. Can be cut up for bandages, used as a sling, or put on a patient for modesty.

2 of each

Extra syringes/needles of varying sizes (for local physician to use if a member of the team is taken to a local medical facility. Team members should a v o i d using local syringes or needles whenever possible. (If supply is a problem, advise reusing needles in the same person. This is reasonably safe - we don't in medicine but most diabetics do. They get dull after a while, but the risk of infection is very small compared to using needles in many developing world clinics.) Needles: 20g x 1", 22g x 1" Syringes: 3 ml, 5 ml, (20 ml for irrigation of wounds) 18g and 20g IV catheters and/or butterfly needles

1 Portable water filter, such as the ceramic type with the 0.2 pm filter. Three stage MSR or PUR water filters are probably the best. If the water is clear, the new light sterilizers work. *

1 Emergency Dental Kit (Cavit if you can get it) *

1 Stethoscope *

1 Four inch SAM splint * 1 Finger splint * 1 box each Mylanta

Pepto Bismol (upset stomach) Imodium tablets (diarrhea) Cimetidine * (heartburn) Dramamine (Motion sickness pills are also useful in vomiting illnesses and much safer than what might be given at the local clinic) Benadryl or generic diphenhydramine, 25 mg capsules (allergies) Tylenol (500 mg tablets) (mild pain relief/fever reduction) Ibuprofen (200 mg tablets) (anti-inflammatory/pain relief) Aspirin (heart attacks)

Appropriate to trip duration and number of travelers

Primatene Mist (asthma)*

Steroid cream for rashes

Powder (Monkeybutt) for chafes *

Antifungal cream *

Antiyeast tablets or cream for women *

NeoSynephrine nasal spray (decongestant)*

Sodium tablets (heat cramps) *

Small hard candies like Jolly Ranchers or LifeSavers (must contain sugar – for diabetics) * Iodine tablets OR chlorine tablets with neutralizer for disinfecting water *

1 ft square of muslin cloth for filtering sediment from water before disinfection *

Up to 1/day Gatorade packets for dehydration

* optional components Notes: 1. This list can and should be customized to your site, and optional components are marked by *. 2. The first aid kit should be repacked, inventoried and restocked before every trip. 3. Antibiotics are not on this list, but travelers can generally get a personal prescription for Cipro or other antibiotics from their primary care physician or a travel medicine specialist. 4. Those with a history of asthma/allergies are advised to investigate a prescription for epinephrine (Epipen) 4. EWB-USA volunteers are not permitted to provide medical treatment or medicines beyond first aid to locals unless they are licensed to do so. 5. Most of the equipment can be purchased from the drug store. For more specialized items or prepackaged kits, here are some online vendors:

www.conterra-inc.comFirst Aid Packs and Bags www.adventuremedicalkits.comComplete First Aid Kits www.helenbacfirstaid.comComplete First Aid Kits www.mooremedical.comFirst Aid Supplies www.boundtree.comFirst Aid Supplies

Attachment J: Emergency Contact Card

Front:

Back:

Traveler name Passport number: Emergency Contact in U.S.: Blood type: Know allergies: Medication schedule (including malaria prophylaxis):

ISOS Emergency: +33 155-633-155 EWB-USA Membership No.: 11BCPA000270 Cell Phone 1: Cell Phone 2: Satellite Phone: Mercy Beyang: (237) 7521-41-13 US Embassy in Cameroon: (237) 3342-53-31 Dr. in Douala: (237) 73342-1391

ATTACHMENT K: PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT ANALYSES

Attachment L: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Anticipated Chemicals: Portland Cement shall be used when mixing concrete for the foundations of the rainwater catchment systems. Exposure to Portland cement could occur during the mixing of concrete or thereafter in the pouring, leveling, and setting. Standard Clear PVC Solvent Cement shall be used when constructing the rainwater catchment system. Exposure to PVC Solvent Cement could occur during the construction or thereafter. Portland Cement General Information: MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS) FOR PORTLAND CEMENT (Complies with OSHA and MSHA Hazard Communication Standards, 29 CFR 1910.1200and 30 CFR Part 47) CEMEX, INC. CEMEX CALIFORNIA CEMENT LLC VICTORVILLE CEMENT PLANT 16888 NORTH "E" STREET VICTORVILLE, CALIFORNIA 92394-2999 Section 1 - IDENTIFICATION Supplier/Manufacturer Emergency Contact Information CEMEX, Inc. (619) 381-7600 CEMEX California Cement LLC Victorville Cement Plant 16888 North "E" Street Victorville, California 92394-2999 Chemical name and synonyms Product name Portland Cement (CAS #65997-15-1) "CEMEX Type I/II" "CEMEX Type III" “CEMEX Type II/V” "CEMEX Type V" "CEMEX Block" "CEMEX Class G" Chemical family Formula Calcium salts. 3CaO.SiO2 (CAS #12168-85-3) 2CaO.SiO2 (CAS #10034-77-2) 3CaO.Al2O2 (CAS #12042-78-3) 4CaO..Al2O3Fe2O3 (CAS #12068-35-8) CaSO2.2H2O (CAS #13397-24-5) Other salts: Small amounts of MgO, and trace amounts of K2SO4 and Na2SO4 may also be present. Section 2 - COMPONENTS Hazardous Ingredients Portland cement clinker (CAS# 65997-15- 1) - approximately - 93.5-96.0 % by weight ACGIH TLV-TWA (2000) = 10 mg total dust/m3

OSHA PEL (8-hour TWA) = 50 million particles/ft3 Gypsum (CAS# 7778-18-9) - approximately - 4.0-6.5 % by weight ACGIH TLV-TWA (2000) = 10 mg total dust/m3 OSHA PEL (8-hour TWA) = 15 mg total dust/m3 OSHA PEL (8-hour TWA) = 5 mg respirable dust/m3 Respirable quartz (CAS# 14808-60-7) – greater than 0.1% by weight ACGIH TLV-TWA (2000) = 0.05 mg respirable quartz dust/m3 OSHA PEL (8-hour TWA) = (10 mg respirable dust/m3)/(percent silica + 2) Trace Ingredients Trace amounts of naturally occurring chemicals might be detected during chemical analysis. Trace constituents may include up to 0.75% insoluble residue, some of which may be free crystalline silica, calcium oxide (Also known as lime or quick lime), magnesium oxide, potassium sulfate, sodium sulfate, chromium compounds, and nickel compounds. Section 3 - HAZARD IDENTIFICATION Emergency Overview Portland cement is a light gray powder that poses little immediate hazard. A single short-term exposure to the dry powder is not likely to cause serious harm. However, exposure of sufficient duration to wet portland cement can cause serious, potentially irreversible tissue (skin or eye) destruction in the form of chemical (caustic) burns. The same type of tissue destruction can occur if wet or moist areas of the body are exposed for sufficient duration to dry portland cement. Potential Health Effects Relevant Routes of Exposure: Eye contact, skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion. Effects Resulting from Eye Contact: Exposure to airborne dust may cause immediate or delayed irritation or inflammation. Eye contact by large amounts of dry powder or splashes of wet portland cement may cause effects ranging frommoderate eye irritation to chemical burns or blindness. Such exposures require immediate first aid (see Section 4) and medical attention to prevent significant damage to the eye. Effects Resulting from Skin Contact: Discomfort or pain cannot be relied upon to alert a person to hazardous skin exposure. Consequently, the only effectivemeans of avoiding skin injury or illness involves minimizing skin contact, particularly with wet cement. Exposed persons may not feel discomfort until hours after the exposure has ended and significant injury has occurred. Dry portland cement contacting wet skin or exposure to moist or wet portland cement may cause more severe skin effects including thickening, cracking or fissuring of the skin. Prolonged exposure can cause severe skin damage in the form of (alkali) chemical burns.

Some individuals may exhibit an allergic response upon exposure to portland cement, possibly due to trace elements of chromium. The response may appear in a variety of forms ranging from a mild rash to severe skin ulcers. Persons already sensitized may react to their first contact with the product. Other persons may first experience this effect after years of contact with portland cement products. Effects Resulting from Inhalation: Portland cement may contain trace amounts of free crystalline silica. Prolonged exposure to respirable free silica can aggravate other lung conditions and cause silicosis, a disabling and potentially fatal lung disease. Exposure to portland cement may cause irritation to the moist mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory system. It may also leave unpleasant deposits in the nose. Effects Resulting from Ingestion: Although small quantities of dust are not known to be harmful, ill effects are possible if larger quantities are consumed. Portland cement should not be eaten. Carcinogenic potential: Portland cement is not listed as a carcinogen by NTP, OSHA, or IARC. It may however, contain trace amounts of substances listed as carcinogens by these organizations. Crystalline silica, a potential trace level contaminate in Portland cement, is now classified by IARC as known human carcinogen (Group I). NTP has characterized respirable silica as "reasonably anticipated to be [a] carcinogen". Medical conditions which may be aggravated be, inhalation or dermal exposure: Pre-existing upper respiratory and lung diseases. Unusual (hyper) sensitivity to hexavalent chromium (chromium+6) salts. Section 4 - FIRST AID Eyes Immediately flush eyes thoroughly with water. Continue flushing eye for at least 15 minutes, including under lids, to remove all particles. Call physician immediately. Skin Wash skin with cool water and pH-neutral soap or a mild detergent. Seek medical treatment in all cases of prolonged exposure to wet cement, cement mixtures, liquids from fresh cement products, or prolonged wet skin exposure to dry cement. Inhalation of Airborne Dust Remove to fresh air. Seek medical help if coughing and other symptoms do not subside. Ingestion Do not induce vomiting. If conscious, have the victim drink plenty of water and call a physician immediately. Section 5 - FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA Flash point .....................................None LowerExplosive Limit.......................None

Upper Explosive Limit......................None Auto ignition temperature.........Not Combustible Extinguishing media........................Not Combustible Special fire fighting Procedures.........None Hazardous combustion products.....None Unusual fire and explosion hazards...None Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES Collect dry material using a scoop. Avoid actions that cause dust to become airborne. Avoid inhalation of dust and contactwith skin. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as described in Section 8. Scrape up wet material and place in an appropriate container. Allow the material to "dry" before disposal. Do not attempt to wash portland cement down drains. Dispose of waste material according to local, state and federal regulations. Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE Keep portland cement dry until used. Normal temperatures and pressures do not affect the material. Promptly remove dusty clothing or clothing which is wet with cement fluids and launder before reuse. Wash thoroughly after exposure to dust or wet cement mixtures or fluids. Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION Skin Protection Prevention is essential to avoiding potentially severe skin injury. Avoid contact with unhardened portland cement. If contact occurs, promptly wash affected area with soap and water. Where prolonged exposure to unhardened portland cement products might occur, wear impervious clothing and gloves to eliminate skin contact. Wear sturdy boots that are impervious to water to eliminate foot and ankle exposure. Do not rely on barrier creams: barrier creams should not be used in place of gloves. Periodically wash areas contacted by dry portland cement or by wet cement or concrete fluids with a pH neutral soap. Wash again at the end of work. If irritation occurs, immediately wash the affected area and seek treatment. If clothing becomes saturated with wet concrete, it should be removed and replaced with clean dry clothing. Respiratory Protection Avoid actions that cause dust to become airborne. Use local or general exhaust ventilation to control exposures below applicable exposure limits. Use NIOSH/MSHA approved (under 30 CFR 11) or NIOSH approved (under 42 CFR 84) respirators in poorly ventilated areas, if an applicable exposure limit is exceeded, or when dust causes discomfort or irritation. (Advisory: Respirators and filters purchased after June 10, 1998 must be certified under 42 CFR 84.) Ventilation Use local exhaust or general dilution ventilation to control exposure within applicable limits. Eye Protection Where potentially subject to splashes or puffs of cement, wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles. In extremely dusty

environments and unpredictable environments wear unvented or indirectly vented goggles to avoid eye irritation or injury. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with portland cement or fresh cement products. Section 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL, PROPERTIES Appearance.............Gray Powder Odor.............................No distinct odor Physical state...........Solid (powder) pH (in water).................12 to 13 Solubility in water...Slightly soluble (0.1 to 1.0%) Vapor pressure.............Not applicable Vapor density..........Not applicable Boiling point...................Not applicable (i.e., > 1000 C) Melting point...........Not applicable Specific gravity (H20 = 1.0).......3.15 Evaporation rate......Not applicable Section 10 - STABILITY AND REACTIVITY Stability Stable. Conditions to avoid Unintentional contact with water. Incompatibility Wet Portland cement is alkaline. As such it is incompatible with acids, ammonium salts and phosphorous. Hazardous decomposition Will not spontaneously occur. Adding water produces (caustic) calcium hydroxide Hazardous Polymerization Will not occur. Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION For a description of available, more detailed toxicological information contact the supplier or manufacturer. Section 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Ecotoxicity No recognized unusual toxicity to plants or animals Relevant physical and chemical properties (See Sections 9 and 10.) Section 13 - DISPOSAL Dispose of waste material according to local, state and federal regulations. (Since portland cement is stable, uncontaminatedmaterial may be saved for future use. Dispose of bags in an approved landfill or incinerator. Section 14 - TRANSPORTATION DATA Hazardous materials description/proper shipping name Portland is cement is not hazardous under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Hazard class Not applicable Identification number Not applicable. Required label text Not applicable. Hazardous substances/reportable quantities (RQ) Not applicable.

Section 15 - OTHER REGULATORY INFORMATION Status under USDOL-OSHA Hazard Communication Rule, 29 CFR 1910.1200 Portland cement is considered a "hazardous chemical" under this regulation, and should be part of any hazard communication program. Status under CERCLA/SUPERFUND 40 CFR 117 and 302 Not listed. Hazard Category under SARA(Title III), Sections 311 and 312 Portland cement qualifies as a "hazardous substance" with delayed health effects. Status under SARA (Title III), Section 313 Not subject to reporting requirements under Section 313. Status under TSCA (as of May 1997) Some substances in portland cement are on the TSCA inventory list. Status under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act Portland cement is a "hazardous substance" subject to statutes promulgated under the subject act. Status under California Proposition 65 This product contains up to 0.05 percent of chemicals (trace elements) known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. California law requires the manufacturer to give the above warning in the absence of definitive testing to prove that the defined risks do not exist. Section 16 - OTHER INFORMATION Prepared by Kevin Keegan Director - Health and Safety CEMEX, Inc. Houston, Texas Approval date or Revision date Approved: August, 1997 Revised: March, 2001 Other important information Portland cement should only be used by knowledgeable persons. A key to using the product safely requires the user to recognize that portland cement chemically reacts with water, and that some of the intermediate products of this reaction (that is those present while a portland cement product is "setting") pose a more severe hazard than does dry portland cement itself. While the information provided in this material safety data sheet is believed to provide a useful summary of the hazards of portland cement as it is commonly used, the sheet cannot anticipate and provide the all of the information that might be needed in every situation. Inexperienced product users should obtain proper training before using this product. SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, CONCERNING THE PRODUCT OR THE MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS THEREOF FOR ANY PURPOSE OR CONCERNING THE ACCURACY OF ANY

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY CEMEX, Inc. except that the product shall conform to contracted specifications. The information provided herein was believed by CEMEX, Inc. to be accurate at the time of preparation or prepared from sources believed to be reliable, but it is the responsibility of the user to investigate and understand other pertinent sources of information to comply with all laws and procedures applicable to the safe handling and use of product and to determine the suitability of the product for its intended use. Buyer's exclusive remedy shall be for damages and no claim of any kind, whether as to product delivered or for non-delivery of product, and whether based on contract, breach of warranty, negligence, or otherwise shall be greater in amount than the purchase price of the quantity of product in respect of which damages are claimed. In no event shall Seller be liable for incidental or consequential damages, whether Buyer's claim is based on contract, breach of warranty, negligence or otherwise. In particular, the data furnished in this sheet do not address hazards that may be posed by other materials mixed with portland cement to produce portland cement products. Users should review other relevant material safety data sheets before working with this portland cement or working on portland cement products, for example, portland cement concrete. Standard Clear PVC Solvent Cement General Information: MSDS No: CAR010C5 Issue Date: 25 Aug. 2005 Page: 1 of 5 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET SECTION 1 PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION Trade Name: CARLON ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS STANDARD CLEAR PVC SOLVENT CEMENT Product Numbers: VC9961P, VC9962, VC9963, VC9964, VC9963C, VC9965C Product Use: Cement for PVC Plastic Pipe Formula: PVC Resin in Solvent Solution Synonyms: PVC Plastic Pipe Cement Firm Name & CARLON ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS c/o OATEY CO. 4700 West 160th Street Mailing Address: P.O. Box 35906 Cleveland, Ohio 44135, U.S.A. http://www.oatey.com Oatey Phone Number: (216) 267-7100 or (800) 321-9532 Emergency Phone For Emergency First Aid call 1-303-623-5716 COLLECT. For Numbers: chemical transportation emergencies ONLY, call Chemtrec at 1-800-424-9300. Outside the U.S. 1-703-527-3887. Prepared By: Corporate Director – Safety and Environmental Compliance Preparation Date: August 25, 2005 SECTION 2 COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS: %wt/wt: CAS NUMBER: ACGIH TLV TWA: OSHA PEL TWA: OTHER: Tetrahydrofuran 30 - 65% 109-99-9 50 ppm(skin) 200 ppm 25 ppm (Mfg) 100 ppm STEL Methyl Ethyl Ketone 10 - 30% 78-93-3 200 ppm 200 ppm None

300 ppm STEL Acetone 10 - 20% 67-64-1 500 ppm 1000 ppm None 750 ppm STEL PVC Resin 10 - 20% 9002-86-2 10 mg/m3 15 mg/m3 None (Non-hazardous) Cyclohexanone 7 - 13% 108-94-1 20 ppm(skin) 50 ppm None 50 ppm STEL Amorphous Fumed Silica 1 - 5% 112945-52-5 10 mg/m3 None None (Non-hazardous) Established SHA Hazard Classification: Flammable, irritant, organ effects O SECTION 3 HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION Emergency Overview: Clear liquid with an ether-like odor. Extremely flammable liquid and vapor. Vapors may cause flash fire. May cause eye and skin irritation. Inhalation of vapors or mist may cause respiratory irritation and central nervous system effects. Swallowing may cause irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and kidney or liver disorders. Aspiration hazard. May be fatal if swallowed. Symptoms may be delayed. SECTION 4 FIRST AID MEASURES CALL 1-303-623-5716 COLLECT Skin: Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Wash all exposed areas with soap and water. Get medical attention if irritation develops. Remove dried cement with Oatey Plumber's Hand Cleaner or baby oil. Eyes: If material gets into eyes or if fumes cause irritation, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water until chemical is removed. If irritation persists, get medical attention immediately. Inhalation: If symptoms of exposure develop, remove to fresh air. If breathing becomes difficult, administer oxygen. Administer artificial has stopped. Seek immediate medical attention. respiration if breathingIngestion: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Rinse mouth with water. Never give anything by mouth to a person who is unconscious or drowsy. Get immediate medical attention by calling a Poison Control Center, or hospital emergency room. If medical advice cannot be obtained, then take the person and product to the nearest medical emergency treatment center or hospital. MSDS No: CAR010C5 Issue Date: 25 Aug. 2005 Page: 2 of 5 SECTION 5 FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES Flashpoint / Method: 0 - 5 Degrees F. (-18 - -15 Degrees C / PMCC Flammability: LEL = 1.8 % Volume, UEL = 11.8 % Volume Extinguishing Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam to extinguish fire. Cool fire Media: exposed container with water. Water may be ineffective as an extinguishing agent. Special Fire Firefighters should wear positive pressure self-contained Fighting breathing apparatus and full protective clothing for fires in Procedure: areas where chemicals are used or stored Unusual Fire and Extremely flammable liquid. Keep away from heat and all

Explosion sources of ignition including sparks, flames, lighted Hazards: cigarettes and pilot lights. Containers may rupture or explode in the heat of a fire. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to a remote ignition source and flash back. This product contains tetrahydrofuran that may form explosive organic peroxide when exposed to air or light or with age. Hazardous Combustion will produce toxic and irritating vapors including Decomposition carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen chloride. Products: SECTION 6 ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES Spill or Remove all sources of ignition and ventilate area. Stop leak if it Leak can be done without risk. Personnel cleaning up the spill should Procedures: wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including respirators if vapor concentrations are high. Soak up spill with an inert absorbent such as sand, earth or other non-combusting material. Put absorbent material in covered, labeled metal containers. Prevent liquid from entering watercourses, sewers and natural waterways. Report releases to authorities as required. See Section 13 for disposal information. SECTION 7 HANDLING AND STORAGE Handling: Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Avoid breathing vapors or mists. Use with adequate ventilation (equivalent to outdoors). Wash thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink or smoke in the work area. Keep product away from heat, sparks, flames and all other sources of ignition. No smoking in storage or use areas. Keep containers closed when not in use. Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials. Keep containers closed when not in use. Other: "Empty" containers retain product residue and can be hazardous. Follow all MSDS precautions in handling empty containers. Do not cut or weld on or near empty or full containers. SECTION 8 EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION Ventilation: Open doors & windows. Provide ventilation capable of maintaining emissions at the point of use below recommended exposure limits. If used in enclosed area, use exhaust fans. Exhaust fans should be explosion-proof or set up in a way that flammable concentrations of solvent vapors are not exposed to electrical fixtures or hot surfaces. Respiratory For operations where the exposure limit may be exceeded, a NIOSH Protection: approved organic vapor respirator or supplied air respirator is recommended. Equipment selection depends on contaminant type and concentration, select in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134 and good industrial hygiene practice. For firefighting, use self-contained breathing apparatus. Skin Rubber gloves are suitable for normal use of the product. For long Protection: exposures chemical resistant gloves may be required such as

4H(tm) or Silver Shield(tm) to avoid prolonged skin contact. MSDS No: CAR010C5 Issue Date: 25 Aug. 2005 Page: 3 of 5 SECTION 8 (Continued) Eye Safety glasses with sideshields or safety goggles. Protection: Other: Eye wash and safety shower should be available. SECTION 9 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES Boiling Point: 151 Degrees F / 66 Degrees C Melting Point: Not Applicable Vapor Pressure: 145 mmHg @ 20 Degrees C Vapor Density: (Air = 1) 2.5 Volatile Components: 81-85% Solubility In Water: Negligible pH: Not Applicable Specific Gravity: 0.94 +/- 0.01 @ 20 Degrees C Evaporation Rate: (BUAC = 1) = 5.5 - 8.0 Appearance: Clear Liquid Odor: Ether-Like Will Dissolve In: Tetrahydrofuran Material Is: Liquid SECTION 10 STABILITY AND REACTIVITY Stability: Stable. Conditions To Avoid: Avoid heat, sparks, flames and other sources of ignition. Hazardous Combustion will produce toxic and irritating vapors Decomposition including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen Products: chloride. Incompatibility/ Oxidizing agents, alkalis, amines, ammonia, acids, chlorine Materials To Avoid: compounds, chlorinated inorganics (potassium, calcium and sodium hypochlorite) and hydrogen peroxides. May attack plastic, resins and rubber. Hazardous Will not occur. Polymerization: SECTION 11 TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION Inhalation: Vapors or mists may cause mucous membrane and respiratory irritation, coughing, headache, dizziness, dullness, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. High concentrations may cause central nervous system depression, narcosis and unconsciousness. May cause kidney, liver and lung damage. Skin: May cause irritation with redness, itching and pain. Cyclohexanone may be absorbed through the skin causing effects similar to those listed under inhalation. Eye: Vapors may cause irritation. Direct contact may cause irritation with redness, stinging and tearing of the eyes. May cause eye damage. Ingestion: Swallowing may cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Aspiration during swallowing or vomiting can cause

chemical pneumonia and lung damage. May cause kidney and liver damage. Chronic Prolonged or repeated overexposure cause dermatitis and damage Toxicity: to the kidney, liver, lungs and central nervous system. Toxicity Data: Acetone: Oral rat LD50: 5,800 mg/kg Inhalation rat LC50: 50,100 mg/m3/8 hours Cyclohexanone: Oral rat LD50: 1,620 mg/kg Inhalation rat LC50: 8,000 ppm/4 hours Skin rabbit LD50: 1 mL/kg Tetrahydrofuran: Oral rat LD50: 1,650 mg/kg Inhalation rat LC50: 21,000 ppm/3 hours Methyl Ethyl Ketone: Oral rat LD50: 2,737mg/kg Inhalation rat LC50: 23,500mg/m3/8 hours Skin rabbit LD50: 6,480 mg/kg MSDS No: CAR010C5 Issue Date: 25 Aug. 2005 Page: 4 of 5 SECTION 11 (Continued) Sensitization: None of the components are known to cause sensitization. Carcinogenicity: None of the components are listed as a carcinogen or suspect carcinogen by NTP, IARC or OSHA. The National Toxicology Program has reported that exposure of mice and rats to tetrahydrofuran (THF) vapor levels up to 1800 ppm 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for their lifetime caused an increased incidence of kidney tumors in male rats and liver tumors in female mice. The significance of these findings for human health is unclear at this time, and may be related to "species specific" effects. Elevated incidences of tumors in humans have not been reported for THF. ACGIH has classified cyclohexanone (CYH) and tetrahydrofuran as “A3,” Confirmed Animal Carcinogens with Unknown Relevance to Humans. Mutagenicity: Cyclohexanone has been positive in bacterial and mammalian assays. Acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and tetrahydrofuran are generally thought not to be mutagenic. Reproductive Cyclohexanone and methyl ethyl ketone have been shown to cause Toxicity: embryofetal toxicity and birth defects in laboratory animals. Acetone and tetrahydrofuran have been found to cause adverse developmental effects only when exposure levels cause other toxic effects to the mother. Medical Persons with pre-existing skin, lung, kidney or liver disorders Conditions may be at increased risk from exposure to this product. Aggravated By Exposure: SECTION 12 ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION This product is not expected to be toxic to aquatic organisms. Cyclohexanone: 96 hour LC50 values for fish is over 100 mg/l. Tetrahydrofuran: 96 hour LC50 fathead minnow: 2160 mg/L. Methyl Ethyl Ketone: 96 hour LC50 for fish is greater than 100 mg/L. Acetone: 96 hour LC50 for fish is greater than 100 mg/L. VOC This product emits VOC's (volatile organic compounds) in its use. Information: Make sure that use of this product complies with local VOC emission regulations, where they exist. VOC Level: 600 g/l per SCAQMD Test Method 316A.

SECTION 13 DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS Waste Disposal: Dispose in accordance with current local, state and federal regulations. RCRA Hazardous Waste Number: U002, U057, U159, U213 EPA Hazardous Waste ID Number: D001, D035, F003, F005 EPA Hazard Waste Class: Ignitable Waste. Toxic Waste (Methyl Ethyl Ketone content) MSDS No: CAR010C5 Issue Date: 25 Aug. 2005 Page: 5 of 5 SECTION 14 TRANSPORT INFORMATION DOT Less than 1 Liter (0.3 gal) Greater than 1 Liter (0.3 gal) Proper Shipping Name: Consumer Commodity Adhesives Hazard Class/Packing Group: ORM-D 3, PGII UN/NA Number: None UN1133 Hazard Labels: None Flammable Liquid IMDG Proper Shipping Name: Adhesives Adhesives Hazard Class/Packing Group: 3, II 3, II UN Number: UN1133 UN1133 Label: None (Limited Quantities Class 3 (Flammable are excepted Liquid) from labeling) 2004 North American Emergency Response Guidebook Number: 127 or 128 SECTION 15 REGULATORY INFORMATION Hazard Category for Section Acute Health, Chronic Health, Flammable 311/312: Section 302 Extremely This product does not contain chemicals regulated Hazardous Substances (TPQ): under SARA Section 302. Section 313 Toxic Chemicals: This product contains the following chemicals subject to SARA Title III Section 313 Reporting requirements: Chemical CAS # % by wt. Methyl Ethyl Ketone 78-93-3 10-30% CERCLA 103 Reportable Spills of this product over the RQ (reportable Quantity: quantity) must be reported to the National Response Center. The RQ for the product, based on the RQ for Tetrahydrofuran (65% maximum) of 1,000 lbs, is 1,538 lbs. Many states have more stringent release reporting requirements. Report spills required under federal, state and local regulations. California Proposition 65: This product contains trace amounts of chemicals known to the State of to cause cancer. Under normal Use conditions, exposure to these chemicals at levels above the State of California “No Significant Risk Level” (NSRL) are unlikely. Oatey strongly encourages the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilation guidelines noted in Section 8 to minimize exposure to these chemicals.

TSCA Inventory: All of the components of this product are listed on the TSCA inventory. Canadian WHIMS Classification: Class B, Division 2; Class D, Division 2, Subdivision B. This product has been classified in accordance with the hazard criteria of the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) and the MSDS contains all the information required by the CPR. SECTION 16 NFPA and HMIS: NFPA Hazard Signal: Health: 2 Flammability: 3 Reactivity: 1 Special: None HMIS Hazard Signal: Health: 2* Flammability: 3 Reactivity: 1 PPE: G Disclaimer: The information herein has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, up-to-date, and is accurate to the best of our knowledge. However, Oatey cannot give any guarantees regarding information from other sources, and expressly does not make warranties, nor assumes any liability for its use.

Attachment M: Potential Venomous Snakes and Insects (None for Cameroon) From the Armed Forces Pest Management Board Living Hazards Database

Atheris broadleyi

Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Atheris squamigera

Common Names: Cameroon bush viper

Description

A medium-sized, "rough-scaled" true viper (adder) of varied colors & patterns. Very similar to "A. squamigera".

Habitat

Found mainly in forest margins. Reported only from Cameroon (East Province).

ActivityandBehavior

Mainly arboreal & usually nocturnal, but may bask in the sun occasionally, & sometimes hunts for small animal prey near or on the ground. See Atheris squamigera.

VenomCharacteristics

Not much known, but mainly hemotoxic.

Atheris chlorechis

Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Atheris chloroechis, A. squamiger chlorechis, A. polylepis, Echis chloroechis, Toxicoa chloroechis, Vipera chlorechis, V. chloroechis

Common Names: Western bush viper

Description

Medium-sized arboreal adder, adults usually 45-55 cm long (max. 70+ cm), w/ 25-36 midbody dorsal rows of keeled scales. Body usually uniform pale-green above, darkening a little on sides & toward tail. Belly paler green. Tail long, strongly prehensile. Young usually w/ tail tipped w/ sulphur-yellow.

Habitat

Mainly found in green shrubs & foliage fairly near ground in west African rainforests. Limited to tropical & subtropical western African countries (mainly from Guinea eastward to Ghana).

Activity and Behavior

Strongly arboreal (within 1-2 m of ground), but rarely hunts small rodent prey at ground level. Mainly nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dusk & dawn), but may bask in sun. Ovoviviparous w/ usually 6-9 young/ litter.

Venom Characteristics

Not well known, but venom likely hemotoxic, although no record of human bites. No known specific antivenom currently produced.

Atheris squamigera

Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Atheris anisolepis, A. burtoni, A. laeviceps, A. lucani, A. polylepis, A. proximus, A. squamiger, A. s. anisolepis, A. s. squamigera, A. s. robustus, Echis squamigera, Poecilostolus burtonii, Toxicoa squamigera

Common Names: African bush viper, Rough-scaled bush viper, Leaf Viper, Rankschuppige Buschviper

Description

Adults usually 40-60 cm long (max. 80 cm). Body color varies from dusky pale green to olive, to olive brown, or reddish brown. Belly pale yellow; sometimes pale green, & often thickly spotted w/ black. Some specimens w/ pale yellow crossbands. Scales keeled & their tips usually projecting away from the body, giving the snake a "rough," rasp-like appearance.

Habitat

Mainly found in rain forests, open woodland bordering forests, & swamps. Often persist in hedge rows & other bushes long after deforestation. Found in several central African countries, typically in habitats like those along the river Gabon.


Arboreal, often climb to heights of 6 m (20 ft.) or more. Usually nocturnal; may bask in sun during the day. Commonly forage for small rodent prey at ground level. Females usually bear litters of 5-8 live young, each about 6 inches long.


Venom not well studied, but likely hemotoxic. Bites rare, but at least one human fatality reported. No specific antivenom currently produced, but good paraspecific neutralization has been reported.

Atractaspis aterrima

Identification

Family: Atractaspididae

Scientific Names: Atractaspis bibroni, A. rostrata

Common Names: Mole viper, Erdviper

Description

Medium-sized, slender, fast-moving burrowing asp, adults usually 30-50 cm long (max. about 70 cm). Body black, blackish-gray or blackish-brown, cylindrical, w/ small dark eyes, set well forward on head. Tail short, ends abruptly in a little spine, 19-21 (rarely 23) midbody dorsal scale rows, scales smooth.

Habitat

Found in very wide variety of habitats; dry savannah, moist savannah, & forests; from Senegal & the Gambia east to Zaire & Uganda (a disjunct population reported from Tanzania).


Fossorial (live mainly under ground), mainly nocturnal, may be active above ground after rain. If disturbed, usually try to get away, but if cornered, form a curious croquet hoop-shaped loop w/ head against ground. May wind body into coils & lash & jerk back-&-forth, may release a distinctive-smelling chemical from their cloaca which is highly repellent to other snakes. Eat other available lizards, other snakes, & rodents. Oviparous w/ unknown clutch size.


Not much known. Other closely-related species have strong cardiotoxic venom w/ possible additional neurotoxic factors. No human bites, envenomations, or fatalities documented, so far (but potentially lethal).

Atractaspis bibronii

Identification


Scientific Names: Atractaspis bibroni, A. bibronii bibronii, A. b. katangae, A. b. rostrata, A. coarti, A. irregularis var. bibronii, A. katangae, A. rostrata,

Common Names: Bibron's burrowing asp, Southern burrowing asp, Mole viper

Description

Medium-sized, slow-moving, rather thick snake (big adults often quite stout), w/ 21-23 midbody scale rows, average 30-50 cm. long (max. 70 cm). Body cylindrical w/ smooth, shiny scales, neck not obviously narrowed, tail very short & ends abruptly in a small spine. Body may be brown, purplish-brown, grey or blackish, scales usually have a purplish sheen. Belly brownish, white or pale w/ dark blotches. Pale color may go up 2-3 scale rows on sides & onto upper labials.

Habitat

Usually found burrowing in loose soil or organic debris in semi-desert, savannah & woodlands. Widely distributed in subtropical southeastern Africa, from Namibia east to northern half of South Africa, north to southeastern Zaire, eastern Tanzania & coastal Kenya, just reaching the southern end of the Somali coastline. There are isolated records of collections from adjacent countries to the north & south of its main range.


Mainly nocturnal, burrowing, & may move about above ground at night. Bites are most often due to rural persons stepping on, or a sleeping person rolling onto, one of these snakes at night. Snake handlers are bitten fairly often by these because they have a very thick, strong neck, very smooth scales & are hard to hold firmly. This species is responsible for a large number of bites to humans, mainly in rural areas at night.


Pure venom is straw-yellow & very viscous. Highly toxic, but usually injected in very small amounts. Apparently related to mammalian endothelins & functions as a dramatic cardiotoxin. No known currently available antivenom is effective against the venom of any of the mole vipers which belong to this genus.

Atractaspis congica

Identification


Scientific Names: Atractaspis congica congica, A. c. leleupi, A. c. orientalis

Common Names: Eastern Congo burrowing asp

Description

Medium-sized, stocky, adults avg. 30-45 cm (max. about 55 cm), dorsal scales smooth, in 19-23 dorsal midbody rows. Body usually uniform purple-brown to black. Belly lighter, may be whitish. For generalized description of a closely related species, See Atractaspis bibronii.

Habitat

Found mainly in forests & moist savannahs from the mouth of the Zaire River & northeastern Namibia south & east to Angola & northern Zambia. Also, See Atractaspis bibronii.


Not much known. Probably mainly fossorial, nocturnal (active after rains), & generally slow moving. Probably oviparous (w/ <10 eggs/ clutch), & probably eat avaialble lizards, other snakes, & small mammals. For information about a closely-related species, See Atractaspis bibronii.


Not much known, but probably contains mainly cardiotoxic factor(s). Bites & envenomation of humans not well documented, no confirmed human fatalities due to bites from this species. For information about a related species, See Atractaspis bibronii.

Atractaspis corpulenta

Identification


Scientific Names: Astractaspis corpulenta corpulenta, A. c. kivuensis, A. c. leucura, A. leucura, A. corpulentus, Brachycranion corpulentum

Common Names: The Fat burrowing asp, Mole viper

Description

Medium-sized, stocky snake, w/ smooth dorsal scales, in 23-29 midbody rows. Body dark brown, slatey-gray or black. Belly lighter, nearly white. Occasional specimens from its western African range (Ivory Coast, Ghana) may have a white tail tip. Gray individuals may have a bluish sheen to their scales. For information on a closely-related species, See Atractaspis bibronii.

Habitat

Found mainly in forested areas from Liberia east to Ghana, reappears along the Dahomey gap in Nigeria, east to northeastern Zaire. Also See Atractaspis bibronii.


Not much known. Probably mainly fossorial (burrowing), active above ground after rains, generally slow-moving but can strike quickly (sideways & backward) if disturbed or stepped on. Probably oviparous w/ few eggs/ clutch; & probably eats availaable lizards, other snakes, & small mammals. For behavior of a closely-related species, See Atractaspis bibronii.


The few reported envenomations by this species have involved only pain, local swelling, fever, & lymphadenopathy. Also See Atractaspis bibronii.

Atractaspis dahomeyensis

Identification


Scientific Names:

Common Names: Dahomey burrowing viper, mole viper

Description

Juveniles are very thin, but big adults can be very stout. Average 29-35 middorsal scale rows. Dark brown, grey, pinkish-grey, or black in color, paler below. One albino specimen recorded from Ghana. Also See Atractaspis bibronii.

Habitat

Found in savannahs from southwestern Camaroon west and north through Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, northwestern Ivory Coast, southwestern Burkina Faso, & south-central Mali. Also recorded from western Mali & northern Guinea, & one record from a forest in Ivory Coast. Also See Atractaspis bibronii.


Not much known, but probably mainly fossorial, active above ground after rains, & mainly nocturnal. Probably oviparous (w/ small No. of eggs) & eats available lizards, other snakes, & small mammals. See Atractaspis bibronii.


In a series of envenomations in Nigeria, victims had pain at the bite site, developed local swelling which reached its maximum within 24 hrs., & usually resolved within 5 days. Some victims had swollen, tender lymph nodes & mild fever, but no necrosis was noted. Also See Atractaspis bibronii.

Atractaspis microlepidota

Identification


Scientific Names: Atractaspis microlepidota andersonii, A. m. magrettii, A. m. microlepidota, A. andersonii, A. magrettii, A. micropholis, A. phillipsi

Common Names: Small-scaled burrowing asp, mole viper, jilbris, "the snake of 7 steps", "father of 10 minutes"

Description

One of biggest burrowing asps, adults avg. 30-80 cm long (max. 1.1 m), big individuals remarkably stout. Dorsal scales smooth & in 25-37 midbody rows. Body shiny black, purplish-black, deep grey, or very dark brown body (rarely w/ white tail tip), may be irridescent gray below w/ very short, broad head.

Habitat

Found mainly in semi-desert & dry savannahs of the sahel; from Senegal & Mauritania to Chad, southern & northeastern Sudan, & low elevation regions of Ethiopia, Somalia, & Kenya. Not yet reported from Tanzania but very near. Also known from southwestern Arabian penninsula & Sinai. Reportedly fairly common in parts of its range (esp. in eastern Africa).


Nocturnal & fossorial (burrowing), but not well known. Relatively fast moving at night & active on top of ground after rains. Strikes quickly, to one side & backwards, if disturbed, restrained or stepped on. Oviparous w/ 8 eggs laid by a captured female. Eats available lizards, other snakes, & other small animals.


Not very well known, has cardiotoxic factor(s) & causes symptoms similar to those caused by venom of related species; local pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, & diarrhoea. Venom glands very long, extend 8-12 cm into the snake's neck, bite reported to usually yield rather low volume of venom. Many serious envenomations of humans; at least 3 human fatalities documented. For a similar species, See Atractaspis bibronii.

Atractaspis reticulata

Identification


Scientific Names: Atractaspis heterochilus, A. reticulata brieni, A. r. heterochilus, A. r. reticulata

Common Names: Reticulate burrowing asp, mole viper

Description

Large burrowing asp, moderately-thick body, w/ smooth dorsal scales in 21-23 (rarely 19) midbody rows; adults avg. 60-90 cm long (max. 114 cm). Body usually brown or grey w/ most dorsal scales pale-edged, giving it a reticulated (net-like) appearance. For other general characters of a closely related species, See Atractaspis bibronii.

Habitat

Found mainly in forests of central Africa, from southern Cameroon to eastern Zaire, south to northern Angola, w/ isolated records from Ghana & Nigeria. For additional details of typical local habitats of a related species, See Atractaspis bibronii.


Probably mainly nocturnal & fossorial (burrowing), but very little known for this species. Probably oviparous w/ small clutch size (fewer than 10 eggs) & probably eats available lizards, other snakes & other small animals. For some general behavioral information on a related species, which is likely to be applicable to this species, See Atractaspis bibronii.


No data available, but probably similar to other species in this genus. For generalized information, See Atractaspis bibronii.

Bitis arietans

Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Bitis arietans arietans, B. a. somalica, B. lachesis, Echidna arietans, Vipera arietans

Common Names: Puff adder, Gemeine Puffotter

Description

Adults usually 60-100 cm long (max. 190 cm); thick, heavy body, color varies from bright yellow to light yellow, yellow-brown, orange-brown, light brown, or gray, usually patterned w/ darker chevrons. Belly yellowish-white to gray w/ black blotches. Head flat, much wider than neck; scales small, keeled, overlapping. Some males from highlands of eastern Africa brightly colored & patterned.

Habitat

Most widely distributed venomous snake in Africa; encountered almost anywhere, at both low & high elevations, except for rain forests & extreme desert conditions. Found mainly in savannah or open grassland including areas w/ scattered scrubby bushes, from sea level to 3,500 m elevation.


Both diurnal & nocturnal, often basks in early morning or late afternoon; terrestrial but may climb sturdy bushes to bask. Usually sluggish; relies on camouflage to escape detection. Bad-tempered & excitable; when disturbed, makes long deep hissing noise. May move rapidly, coil into "S-shape" & strike suddenly & swiftly, but does not hold on. Eats small rodents, birds, amphibians & sometimes other snakes.


Many serious bites reported annually; only a small portion are fatal. Venom has potent cytotoxin, attacking tissue & blood cells. Symptoms often include extreme pain w/ swelling & large blisters in region of the bite.

Bitis gabonica

Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Bitis gabonica gabonica, B. g. rhinoceros, B. rhinoceros, Cerastes nasicornis, Chlotho rhinoceros, Echidna gabonicus, E. rhinoceros, Urobelus gabonicus, Vipera rhinoceros

Common Names: Gaboon viper, Gaboon adder, Gabunviper

Description

Heavy, thick body, adults average 1.2-1.5 m long (max. 2.0 m), & weigh 8.5 kg. Head up to 12.5 cm wide, fangs up to 55 mm long, w/ 2 horn-like knobs on top of snout. Beautifully marked; w/ complex pattern of cream, purple, brown, & pink. Head white or cream above, w/ thin dark line down middle, an obvious dark-brown triangle from each eye down & backward to upper labials. Belly buff-colored w/ dark grey blotches. Has 28-41 midbody scale rows, most dorsal scales keeled.

Habitat

Generally found in tropical rain forests & immediate environs. Sometimes persist in deforested areas. Well camouflaged; blends in w/ leaf litter of forest floor. Widely distributed in central, eastern & southern Africa; w/ a subspecies noted for its long nasal horn restricted to western Africa.


Nocturnal. May be found basking in patch of sunlight on forest floor, but more likely to be half-buried in leaf litter. Usually slow-moving & does not flee when approached. Makes very loud hissing noise when disturbed. Strikes only as last resort or if stepped on.


Longest fangs of any snake species in the world, often 40 mm long (max. 55 mm), which enable it to inject massive amounts of potent cytotoxic venom deep into a victim. Venom also contains cardiotoxins that possess neurotoxic properties which may be more dangerous than the cytotoxins.

Bitis nasicornis

Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Cerastes nasicornis, Clotho nasicornis, Coluber nasicornis, Echidna nasicornis, Vipera hexacera, V. nasicornis

Common Names: Rhinoceros viper, River Jack, Nashomviper

Description

Large, stout, w/ a narrow flat triangular head w/ small keeled scales. Adults average 60-90 cm long (max. 150 cm), 31-43 midbody scale rows. Background color varies; patterned w/ various geometric shapes in pale blue, red, lemon yellow, green, purple, white, & jet black. Head blue or green w/ distinctive black arrow mark, belly dirty-white to dull green w/ lots of black & grey blotches.

Habitat

Found mainly in rain forests, swamps, marshes, & floodplains; river, stream, & lake shores. Seldom goes into woodlands. Well camouflaged among fallen leaves of forest floor. Sometimes tolerated by Kenyan villagers as it resides in roofs of their huts.


Mainly nocturnal, partially aquatic, climbs well; often basks in shrubs & trees. Usually lethargic & slow to strike even in self-defense. Makes loud hissing noise if provoked, but usually is reluctant to strike.


Few bites of humans recorded; however, venom highly cytotoxic. May cause massive swelling & tissue necrosis. Tissue necrosis resulting in amputation has been reported.

Boiga blandingii

Identification

Family: Colubridae

Scientific Names: Dipsas blandingii, D. fasciatus, D. globiceps, Disas valida, Toxicodryas blandingii

Common Names: Blanding’s tree snake, Blanding’s cat snake, Blanding's broad-headed snake

Description

Large, stocky, rear-fanged tree snake w/ thin neck, short, broad, flattened head & prominent yellowish to brown eyes set well forward, w/ vertical pupils. Adults usually 1.4-2.0 m long (max. 2.8 m). Two basic color patterns: Glossy black above - yellow below; or brown, grey or yellow-brown above - yellow-brown below. Large, velvety dorsal scales in 21-25 rows at midbody. Usually males are black, females & juveniles brownish, some w/ irregular blackish bars.

Habitat

Primarily found in forested areas, also found in thick woodland/forest-savanna, wooded valleys in grassland, & along gallery forest in savanna areas. Has been reported from a broad band of central Africa, from Guinea in the west to western Kenya & northern Angola. Sometimes enters houses to catch roosting bats.


Nocturnal; rests in leaf clumps, tree hollows, etc., during the day. Mainly arboreal, can climb to 30 m in large trees, but will descend to the ground to cross open spaces & roads. When threatened, it may inflate its body, flatten its head, raise its body in "C-shaped" coils & make bluffing strikes which are seldom on target. Lays 7-14 eggs (20 x 40 mm)/ clutch, eats birds, arboreal lizards, bats & rodents.


Apparently neurotoxic (causing myoneural dysfunction), but not well characterized; No specific antivenom is currently produced & no commercial antivenom is known to be effective. This species will often bite repeatedly, in rapid succession, when threatened. Has caused locally painful bites, but no documented fatalities of humans.

Boulengerina annulata

Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Boulengerina annulata annulata, B. a. stormsi, B. stormsi, Naja annulata

Common Names: Ringed water cobra, banded water cobra, Wasserkobra

Description

Large, relatively slender cylindrical Elapid snake, adults usually 1.4-2.2 m long (max. 2.7 m), w/ 21-23 midbody dorsal scale rows. Body glossy brown, grayish brown, or reddish brown, w/ pale belly (may be yellowish or orange in some specimens); often w/ black bands either all along body or just on front half. Tail usually glossy black. Relatively small eyes w/ round pupils, head short & broad. Head scales black-edged in subspecies "stormsi".

Habitat

Usually found in or very near water; most common along lowland forested, bushy or wooded banks of lakes, rivers, & streams. Range includes most of Congo River basin & some forested areas north & west of that. Occasionally goes out onto open beaches or sandbars.


Reportedly active in day & night. Aquatic (at least semi-aquatic), a good swimmer but often basks in low trees & shrubs. Recorded to dive to 25+ ft. deep & to remain submerged 10+ min. Nonaggressive, but when confronted, rears head & spreads narrow "hood." Oviparous (clutch size not reported), & preys mainly on available fish (& sometimes amphibians).


Not well known, probably mainly neurotoxic. No specific antivenom currently produced against this species.

Causus lichtensteinii

Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Aspidelaps lichtensteinii, Dinodipsas angulifera, Heterodon lichtensteinii

Common Names: Forest night adder, Lichtenstein's night adder

Description

Small, medium-built night adder, adults usually 30-55 cm long (max. 70 cm). Body usually olive-green, sometimes w/ indistinct dark blotches, bars or chevron markings along its back, distinct white, forward-pointed V-shaped mark atop its neck; short, blunt tail. Head pointed & tip up-turned. Dorsal scales velvety, slightly-keeled, in 15 midbody rows. Belly yellowish, cream or pearly. Juveniles often darker above & below.

Habitat

Found mainly in forests & woodlands of southeastern Africa, from Sierra Leon east to Ghana, in Nigeria east to western Kenya, south to northern Angola, w/ isolated records from Sudan, Zaire, Zambia.


Mainly terrestrial but climbs into low bushes, mainly nocturnal but often active by day & at twilight, oviparous (4-8 eggs/ clutch). Preys mainly on frogs & toads.


Not much known, but probably mainly hemotoxic. Not considered lethal to man. No known antivenom currently produced.

Causus maculatus

Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Causus rhombeatus (in part), Distichurus maculatus

Common Names: Spotted night adder, West African night adder

Description

Small, stout adder, w/ short head, adults usually about 50 cm long; body usually grayish, brownish, or olive green w/ darkish rhomboidal marks along dorsum. Dorsal scales velvety, weakly-keeled, in 17-22 midbody rows, sometimes w/ a dark vertebral line. Top of head & neck have a large, dark-edged forward-pointing V-shaped mark. Rarely w/ no dorsal markings in light colored, sandy areas. Snout pointed & up-turned. Belly white, cream or pinkish-grey, may have faint thin darker cross-bars.

Habitat

Found in very wide variety of habitats in a band across western & central Africa; from forest to savanna to semi-desert. Present from senegal east to central Chad, southeast to Zaire, northeast into SE Sudan, & the low country & river gorges of SW Ethiopia, then southwest to northern Angola.


Mainly nocturnal but sometimes active in day or at dusk, & mainly terrestrial but may climb low bushes, sometimes basks in sun. When threatened, inflates body & hisses loudly, not agressive but will bite quickly if further molested. Oviparous w/ 6-20 eggs/ clutch reported. Prey mainly on available frogs, lizards, & sometimes small mammals or birds.


Not well known. Mainly hemotoxic, w/ possible cytotoxic factors. Bites generally cause immediate local pain, at least limited local swelling, sometimes fever, & painful regional lymphadenopathy. Second most common cause of snake-bite mortality in Senegal. No known antivenom currently produced.

Causus resimus

Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Causus jacksoni, Heterophis resimus

Common Names: Green night adder, Grune Nachtotter

Description

Small, fairly stout-bodied adder, adults usually 30-60 cm long (max. 75 cm); body usually vivid green (rarely darker forest green, or brown, in some western specimens) w/ indistinct dorsal bars or chevrons, dorsal scales weakly-keeled, w/ a velvety sheen, in 19-21 midbody rows. Hidden scale edges vivid bluish, & show when body is inflated. Very pretty snake. Chin & throat yellow, belly yellowish, cream or pearly, tongue pale blue & black.

Habitat

Found mainly in moist, warm, low-lying areas from sea level up to 2,000 m elevation. Also known from high grassland, wooded hills & valleys in western Kenya & Uganda; can be found along rivers that run through semi-desert, swamps, coastal scrubland, sugar cane plantations & rocky river gorges within its range. Fond of old quarries & borrow pits near roads, where shallow pools attract its amphibian prey. Overall distribution rather disjunct.


Mainly nocturnal but active in day & basks in sun. Mainly terrestrial but often climbs low bushes & swims rather often (& swims very well). Oviparous w/ 4-12 eggs/ clutch laid by captured specimens. Preys mainly on frogs & toads. Defensive behavior similar to that of related species of night adders. See Causus bilineatus.


Not well known, but mainly hemotoxic w/ some cytotoxic fator(s). Envenomation usually results only in local pain, swelling, & sometimes lymphadenophy. Not considered lethal to humans. No known antivenom currently produced.

Causus rhombeatus

Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Sepedon rhombeatus

Common Names: Common night adder, Rhombic night adder, Krotenotter

Description

Small, stout-bodied adder w/ dark, forward-pointing V-shaped mark atop its head, adults usually 30-60 cm long (max. 90 cm); body varies from gray to olive to pinkish brown; patterned w/ gray, black, or brown rhombs, chevrons or spots (may be white-edged). Dorsal scales weakly-keeled, velvety, in 15-23 midbody rows. Belly usually gray, but may be cream or yellow. Sometimes w/ dark brown vertebral stripe. Has limited ability to change color from brownish to greenish, or vice versa.

Habitat

Found mainly in open woodland, grassland, & savanna near streams, marshes, or other damp areas. Fairly wide-spread in south-central & southeastern Africa.


Mainly nocturnal & terrestrial, but spends much time basking during day &/or sheltered in trash piles, rock crevices, & other hiding places. Generally inoffensive & docile, seldom attempts to bite except under extreme provocation. When threatened, often flattens its body, hisses & "puffs", then may raise the front part of its body in an S-shaped loop. May flatten its neck, extend its tongue & move toward intruder (cobra-like). Oviparous (clutch size not reported, but probably usually <10 eggs.)


Venom mildly cytotoxic (may also have a mild hemotoxic factor) & generally not very dangerous, but may cause acute discomfort. Envenomation usually results only in local pain, swelling, & lymphadenophy (rarely local tissue necrosis) at bite site. No reliable reports of fatalities. No known antivenom currently being produced.

Dendroaspis jamesoni

Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Dendraspis angusticeps, D. jamesoni, D. jamesonii, D. neglectus, D. welwitschii, Dendroaspis jamesoni jamesoni, D. j. kaimosae, Dinophis fasciolatus, Elaps jamesoni

Common Names: Jameson's mamba, Jameson-Mamba

Description

Large, slender, w/ narrow head, smooth, narrow scales, adults usually 1.5-2.2 m long (max. 2.5 m); usually dull-green above, pale-green below; scales narrowly edged w/ black; w/ 15-17 midbody dorsal scale rows. Overall color becomes darker toward tail. Long thin tail all black (or w/ "netlike" yellow & black pattern in some populations). Eyes rather small (vs. large eyes in boomslangs).

Habitat

Tropical rain forest regions, woodlands, & sometimes isolated patches of thick vegetation w/ one or more trees. Found throughout equatorial tropical forest belt of central & western Africa, from Kenya to Ghana & south to Angola & Burundi.


Arboreal & mainly diurnal, very active & agile, but sometimes descend to the ground. If cornered, it spreads a hood or inflates its throat. Seldom aggressive, but will defend itself if cornered or persistently molested. Oviparous (clutch size not reported) & mainly eats available rodents &/or birds.


Not well studied. Mainly contains very potent neurotoxins, may also contain some hemotoxic or myotoxic factors. This species is common throughout its range, but bites of humans are rare. Human fatalities have been reported, & seriously envenomated humans may need ventilation support in addition to antivenom therapy.

Dendroaspis polylepis

Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Dendraspis angusticeps, D. polylepis, Dendroaspis polylepis antinori, D. p. antinorii, D. p. polylepis

Common Names: Black mamba

Description

Large, active, slender, semi-arboreal, adults usually 2.2-2.7 m long (max. 3.5 m). May be brown, olive brown, dark olive, greenish brown or dark blackish gray; w/ long, narrow head & 23-25 (rarely 21) midbody dorsal scale rows, scales smooth (may have purplish "bloom"). Belly cream, ivory or pale green. Mouth blue-gray to blackish inside. Has a pair of fixed upper front fangs.

Habitat

Found most commonly (rather wide-spread) in well-wooded low-lying savannahs of southern & eastern Africa, especially in area of rocky outcroppings, but not in true grassland, rain forest, or desert. Also frequents abandoned termite mounds, mammal burrows, & even thatched roofs; usually found at <1,500 m elevation.


Mainly diurnal & mainly terrestrial, but also climbs trees rapidly & agilely in search of prey or shelter. Usually shy & elusive; moves off rapidly at first sign of danger. If cornered, may raise forepart of body from ground & spread narrow hood. If intruder persists, it can strike a long way out & up. Extremely fast, largest poisonous snake in Africa. Oviparous, 6-17 eggs/ clutch, eats various prey, mainly small mammals, birds, & other snakes.


Most dreaded African venomous snake; few people survive its bite unless antivenom administered promptly. Vemon very potent neurotoxin & cardiotoxin, death usually due to respiratory failure. Can deliver a large amount (10 times estimated human LD50)

in 1 bite. Envenomations w/ symptoms showing within 1 hour are serious. Usually starts w/ tightening of chest & throat muscles, then gradual paralysis of facial muscles.

Dispholidus typus

Identification

Family: Colubridae

Scientific Names: Bucephalus capensis, B. typus, Dispholidus typus kivuenis, D. t. punctatus, D. t. typus

Common Names: Boomslang, Grune Boomslang

Description

Large, rather slender, rear-fanged tree-snake, adults usually 1.2-1.5 m long (max. 2+ m). May be black to drab olive-brown, to almost all green; no blotches or distinct spots, juveniles change color (becoming darker & duller) as they become adults. Sexes often different colored. Short stubby head & enormous emerald-green eyes. Scales strongly keeled & overlapping, look like they are in 17-21 diagonal (angled) midbody dorsal rows.

Habitat

Most common in most kinds of wooded habitats; dry woodlands, thorn scrub, savannahs, & swamps bordering or close to streams, rivers, & lakes. Found throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa except continuous rain forests of the Congo basin or true deserts. Reported from


Mainly diurnal, strongly arboreal, spends most of time in trees & shrubs. Notably nonaggressive & shy; quickly retreats if surprised. If cornered, inflates neck to more than twice usual size showing bright yellow or orangish skin beneath. Oviparous, usually lay up to 25 eggs in moist rotting logs on the ground. Prey mainly on tree lizards, birds & eggs, & sometimes arboreal rodents & bats. Do not attempt to constrict prey.


Very potently hemotoxic; can cause severe bleeding internally, within critical organs, & from mucous membranes. Human deaths reported in as short as 3-5 days.

Echis ocellatus

Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Echis carinatus ocellatus, E. c. pyramidum

Common Names: West African carpet viper

Description

Small, stout-bodied carpet viper, adults usually 30-50 cm long (max. 65 cm). Body usually brown or gray or shades in between, w/ heavily-keeled scales in 27-34 midbody dorsal rows. Usually one of 2 different conspicuous dorsal patterns:a series of dark irregular crossbars on lighter background or a series of pale saddles w/ darker interspaces, belly lighter.

Habitat

Mainly found in Savanna, well-wooded areas, & edges of forests. Likmited to western Africa.


Mainly terrestrial, occasionally climbs into low bushes to avoid hot or wet surfaces. Moves rather quickly. Mainly nocturnal; most active during first few hours of darkness. Hides in holes, under logs, rocks, & brush piles during daytime. Not aggressive unless disturbed. Oviparous w/ usually 6-20 eggs/ clutch. Eats varied prey, including available small mammals, birds, arthropods, lizards, amphibians, & other snakes.


Important cause of snakebite accidents & fatalities almost everywhere it is found; venom highly toxic to man. Venom primarily hemotoxic; internal & external hemorrhages common. Envenomation usually causes pain & swelling at bite site

Elapsoidea guentheri

Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elapechis guntheri, E. hessii, Elapsoidea decosteri scalaris, E. guentheri, E. guntherii, E. hessei, E. loveridgei scalaris, E. sundevallii decosteri, E. s. guntherii

Common Names: Gunther's (African) garter snake

Description

Small glossy, moderately stout snake, cylindrical body, fairly short tail, smooth scales in 13 parallel midbody dorsal rows, adults usually 30-50 cm long (max. 62 cm); head short, bullet-shaped, eyes set well forward, w/ round pupils; body black w/ 18-24 white to light gray-white crossbands which fade & darken w/ age.

Habitat

Found mainly in woodland, moist savannah mosaic & sometimes dry savannah woodlands. Found in Dem. Republic of Congo (Zaire) & northern Angola, fron sea level to 1,500 m elevation; also in Zambia & Zimbabwe, & possibly northern Mozambique.


Terrestrial, mainly nocturnal, & fairly slow-moving. Usually hides in holes underground cover or in logs during the day. Inoffensive, allows itself to be handled but if teased or molested, may flatten & inflate its body, lift its front half off the surface & jerk side-to-side, may bite if restrained.


Not much known, but probably neurotoxic. Seldom bite humans, no serious envenomations nor deaths of humans reported as caused by this species.

Elapsoidea laticincta

Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elapechis laticinctus, Elapsoidea sundevallii laticincta

Common Names: Werner's (African) garter snake

Description

Small, cylindrical, glossy snake (neither fat nor thin), w/ short head, dark eyes set well forward on bullet-shaped head, smooth scales in 13 midbody dorsal rows, adults usually 25-40 cm long (max. 55 cm); body black or dark brown, w/ 8-17 pale brown to reddish-brown cross bands (may look like paired, fine, pale bands in older individuals). Juveniles more brightly colored. Fixed upper front fangs.

Habitat

Mainly found in savannah & woodlands, but up to forest edge, known from forest-savannah mosaic in Bangangai, Sudan. Limited to several sub-Saharan countries in central Africa, north of the equator.


Mainly terrestrial, mainly mainly nocturnal, becomes active at dusk. Slow-moving, docile, will not bite if handled, unless seriously molested & restrained. If irritated, may flatten or inflate its body, or lift front half of its body off the ground & jerk from side to side. Oviparous (typical clutch size not known); main prey probably smooth-bodied lizards, frogs, & even other snakes.


Not much known, probably neurotoxic, like other Elapids.

Elapsoidea semiannulata

Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elapechis boulengeri, E. guentheri, E. sundevallii, Elapsoidea boulengeri, E. decosteri moebiusi, E. d. huilensis, E. guntherii, E. moebiusi, E. semiannulata boulengeri, E. s. moebiusi, E. s. semiannulata, E. sundevallii guentheri, E. s. moebiusi, E. s. semiannulata

Common Names: Half-banded (Africa) garter snake

Description

Small, moderately stout, glossy, dark snake; adults usually 30-50 cm long (max. 70 cm); body black, short tail, fixed front fangs, smooth-scaled, 13 longitudinal midbody dorsal scale rows. Young individuals have 8-24 distinct narrow white or yellow crossbands which fade w/ age, at about 20 cm long, bands become pale grey & fade, very dark adults may be hard to ID.

Habitat

Found in a wide range of woodlands, savannahs & forest clearing edges. Two distinctly separated populations; one from the western-most African coast eastward through northwestern Uganda; the other from the western coast of Angola eastward to the eastern coasts of Tanzania, Zimbabwe & South Africa.


Terrestrial, burrowing, mainly nocturnal, more active just after a rain. Hides in holes, underground cover or under logs in daytime. Inoffensive, can be handled, but may flatten & inflate body if molested, & may even bite if restrained too much. May lift front half of body & jerk body sideways. Eats mainly other snakes, lizards, frogs, & occasionally rodents.


Not much known, probably neurotoxic, but few reported bites of humans, & none of those reported to result in serious bite effects or envenomations of humans, so far.

Naja haje

Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Coluber candidissimus, C. haje, Cerastes candidus, Naja haje anchietae, N. h. arabica, N. j. haje, N. h. legionis, N. h. var. viridis, Vipera haje

Common Names: Egyptian cobra, African banded cobra, banded cobra, brown cobra, Cleopatra's asp, Arabian cobra

Description

Big, thick-bodied cobra, w/ broad head & fairly large eyes, adults usually 1.3-1.8 m (max. 2.5 m); body usually yellow-gray to brown or blue-black, but extremely variable. Belly yellowish w/ dark blotches. Most specimens have dark brown or black band across throat (ventral).

Habitat

Various habitats: flat land, scrubby bushes, grass clumps, irrigated fields, rocky hillsides, old ruins; may hide in old termite mound or rodent burrow; often near villages. Found at sea level to 1,600 m elevation. Not found in rain forests or extreme desert conditions. Geographically widespread in Africa & southern Arabian peninsula.


Nocturnal; emerges at dusk, often seen basking in sun near a retreat in early morning. Often occupies abandoned rodent burrows or termite mounds. While not overtly aggressive, if molested, it will rear & spread an impressive hood up to 12 cm wide. Can bite, & sometimes spreads hood, without rearing. Preys mainly on small mammals.


Venom mainly neurotoxic, affecting nerves controlling respiratory muscles, & possibly w/ cardiotoxins. Untreated cases may die of respiratory failure, sometimes within 5 hrs. Large volume of venom available, & w/ relatively large fangs, it can produce serious envenomation. Many human bites & fatalities annually.

Naja kaouthia

Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Naja kaouthia kaothia, N. k. suphanensis, Naja naja kaothuia, N. n. sputatrix, Naja tripudians var. fasciata [ Note: Naja naja siamensis has reportedly been used to refer to this species (instead of the actual species, Naja siamensis) in some past toxicological literature. ]

Common Names: Monocellate cobra, monacled cobra, Monokelkobra, Thai cobra

Description

Adults exceed 1.5 m long (max. 2.2+ m). Color & pattern varies widely. Body usually yellow, yellow-tan, brown, greenish brown, olive, or black; may show alternate wide & narrow transverse dark bands. Dorsal side of hood often w/ white annular marks like a pair of (or single) monacle or spectacles.

Habitat

Occurs in virtually all habitats except dense forests; frequently occurs in cities and villages. Most common cobra in much of Southeast Asia; mainly from sea level to 700 m elevation.


Most active at twilight, but may bask in sun during day. Shelters in areas such as rock piles, termite mounds, fallen logs, mammal burrows, & building foundations. Does not "spit" venom at aggressor. Eats a wide range of prey, from lizards to mammals & birds. Oviparous w/ 8-45 eggs/ clutch.


Contains potent neurotoxin & cytotoxin. Pain & swelling at bite site often followed by blistering & extensive necrosis. Neurotoxic symptoms may include ptosis, drowsiness, dysphagia, dysphonia, & generalized weakness. High mortality rate following envenomation.

Naja melanoleuca

Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Aspidelaps bocagii, Naja annulata (in part), Naja haje var. leucosticta, N. h. var. melanoleuca, Naja melanoleuca aurata, N. m. melanoleuca, N. m. subflava

Common Names: Forest cobra, Black-and-white-lipped cobra, White-lipped cobra, Schwarzweisse Kobra

Description

Large, fairly slender cobra, adults usually 1.5-2.0 m long (max. 2.7 m), w/ 19 midbody dorsal scale rows. Background color usually glossy black, dark gray or dark brown above; belly creamy white to yellow, often w/ darker blotches.

Habitat

Found mainly in tropical rain forest & subtropical forest areas; seldom found far from water. Fairly widespread along (near) rivers & surface waters throughout central & western Africa.


Mainly nocturnal & terrestrial (maybe semi-aquatic) Very active snake, climbs & swims well. May forage (hunt) on overcast days. Equally at home in trees, on ground, or swimming in lakes or rivers. When disturbed, rears to a great height; usually more than two-thirds of body raised off ground.


Bites of humans reported infrequent, venom highly neurotoxic; human fatalities have been reported. Considered by many to be one of the most dangerous (to humans) snakes in West Africa, partly due to its aggressive behavior, rapid movement, rather large size, & potent venom.

Naja nigricollis

Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Naja mossambica nigricincta, Naja nigricollis atriceps, N. n. nigricollis, N. n. nigricincta , N. n. occidentalis, N. n. woodi, N. n. var. crawshayi, Naja woodi

Common Names: Black-necked spitting cobra, western barred spitting cobra, black spitting cobra, Afrikanische Speikobra

Description

Medium to large cobra, adults usually 1.0-1.5 m long (max. 2.8 m). Body color highly variable, ranging from pinkish-tan in some geographical areas to uniformly black in others, most forms have 1 red(ish) & 1 black band across the underside (venter) of their throat. Dorsal scales smooth, w/ 17-25 rows at midbody. All-black & red-black specimens have been collected in some areas.

Habitat

Found mainly in moist or dry savanna or sahel, where they shelter in abandoned termite mounds, rodent burrows, or hollow trees. Widespread across many countries in central & southern Africa.


Generally nocturnal (or crepuscular), juveniles often active during day. Mainy terrestrial, but fairly good swimmers & climbers. Oviparous, usually 8-20 eggs/ clutch. Prey on a wide variety of animals, including toads, chickens (often raid chicken runs), other birds &/or eggs, small mammals, & lizards.


Venom primarily cytotoxic, causing serious local tissue damage. Large specimens can "spit" venom as far as 3 m, usually aiming at intruders' eyes (or heads). Venom does not affect unbroken skin, but can cause great pain & possible tissue destruction in the eyes.

Paranaja multifasciata

Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Naia multifasciata, Paranaja multifasciata anomala, P. m. duttoni, P. m. multifasciata

Common Names: Burrowing cobra, many-banded cobra, many-banded burrowing snake

Description

Small, stout cobra, w/ fairly large eyes, adults usually 50-70 cm long (max. 80 cm). Has relatively large fangs. Head short, flattened, & slightly distinct from body, chin & belly totally cream colored (turn pale yellow-brown w/ age). Body moderately slender; smooth scales, 15-17 midbody dorsal rows, individual dorsal body scales nearly all cream on their front half, black on back half. Dorsal scales darken w/ age, become all dark brownish or blackish; tail short, no obvious hood.

Habitat

Mainly found burrowing in loose sandy soil & forest floor debris; in forests, well-wooded savannahs, or forest edges in west-central Africa, mainly in the drainage area of the Zaire River.


Not much known, but probably mainly fossorial (burrowing), probably mainly diurnal, often coming out onto the surface of the forest floor after rains. Moves fairly quickly. Oviparous (clutch size not reported). Probably preys on lizards & other snakes.


Not much known, but venom probably mildly neurotoxic. Although no bites or envenomations of humans reported for this species, it has relatively very long (for its body size) fixed front fangs, & must be regarded as potentially dangerous. No known antivenom currently produced.

Pseudohaje goldii

Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Naia goldii, N. guentheri

Common Names: Gold’s tree cobra, Gold's forest cobra, Gold's false cobra, tree cobra, African tree cobra

Description

Big, shiny, thin-bodied tree cobra, adults usually 1.5-2.2 m long (max. 2.7 m). Body uniformly glossy black, cylindrical, tail long & thin ending in a spike; ventral surface yellow, w/ no crossbars; 15 (rarely 17) midbody dorsal scale rows. Head fairly short & conspicuously barred on lateral surfaces; eyes very large & prominent, w/ round pupils.

Habitat

Found mainly in forest or thick woodland, usually near rivers, may extend into riverine forests. Mainly in forested equatorial African countries.


Arboreal & mainly nocturnal; spends most of time in trees, moving gracefully & rapidly. Usually forages (hunts) in trees or brush along banks of rivers/ streams. Rarely encountered. Preys mainly on arboreal mammals & descends to ground to prey on terrestrial amphibians. Oviparous, w/ usually 10-20 eggs/ clutch. Flattens its neck into slight hood if threatened & may use tail spike to defend itself if restrained.


Venom has extremely potent neurotoxins; an untreated bite (w/ envenomation) by a large specimen could be human lethal. No specific antivenom currently produced, but effectiveness of paraspecific antivenoms has been claimed. Bites &/or envenomations of humans not well documented.

Thelotornis kirtlandii

Identification

Family: Colubridae

Scientific Names: Dryiophis kirtlandii, Leptophis kirtlandii, Oxybelis kirtlandii, O. violacea, O. lecomptei, Tragophis rufulus, Thelotornis kirtlandi kirtlandi, Thelotornis kirtlandi oatesi

Common Names: Bird snake, twig snake, forest vine snake, forest twig snake, Lianennatter, Vogelnatter, Graue Baumnatter

Description

Long, very thin tree snake, adults usually 1.0-1.5 m long (max. 1.7 m). Body ashy-gray to pinkish-brown above; uniform or w/ poorly distinguished blotches & crossbands anteriorly, 17 midbody dorsal scale rows, belly paler. Large fixed rear fangs. Long, flat head & eyes w/ horizontally elongated pupils. Top of head usually solid green, but has turned to solid brown in some captive specimens exposed to strong bright sun.

Habitat

Mainly found in forest & thick woodland, but also in moist savannah & extensive reedbeds. Seems most common around natural glades. Often found in & around farmland, parks, & gardens within forests. Distibuted in several equatorial central African countries.


Arboreal; intricate coloration & pattern make it almost invisible when in trees or shrubbery. Usually timid; seldom bites unless strongly provoked, then makes spectacular display w/ greatly (vertically) inflated neck before striking. Eats mainly lizards, birds, & sometimes other snakes. Catches & usually consumes prey while hanging from a bush or tree. Oviparous, w/ usually 4-12 eggs/ clutch.


Venom mainly hemotoxic; few bites, fewer significant envenomations, & no deaths of humans known to have been caused by this snake.

Attachment N: Task Hazard Strategies

TH 01 Noise and Hearing Conservation 1 of 1

TH 01 NOISE AND HEARING CONSERVATION

General Information

Noise is defined as unwanted sound. Noise can cause:

• sudden traumatic temporary or permanent hearing loss,

• long term-slowly occurring sensory-neural and irreversible hearing loss,

• disruption of communication,

• masking of warning devices and alarms,

• increased stress levels and

• effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

The goal of this operating practice is to reduce and potentially eliminate hazardous levels of noise exposure.

Some of the sources of hazardous noise are demolition operations and construction, drills, hammer blows, compressed air tools and heavy equipment. Examples of approximate noise levels from various activities are as follows:

Rock Drilling up to 115 dBA Lawn Mower up to 96 dBA Chain Saws up to 125 dBA Workshop Tools up to 96 dBA

Abrasive Blasting up to 110 dBA Food Blender up to 90 dBA Heavy Equipment 95 to 110 dBA Vacuum Cleaner up to 88 dBA

Demolition up to 117 dBA Sewing Machine up to 73 dBA Needle Guns up to 112 dBA Electric Can Opener up to 77 dBA Riveter/Chipper up to 120 dBA Dishwasher up to 72 dBA

Conversational Speech 60 dBA Air Conditioner up to 68 dBA Leaf Blowers up to 112 dBA Washing Machine up to 72 dBA

Procedure

Hearing protection devices are strongly recommended in any noisy environment, but are mandatory in the following situations:

• The eight hour average may equal or exceed 90 decibels.

• Any noise equal to greater than 110 decibels impact, continuous or intermittent.

• Any noise preventing normal vocal discussion between two individuals at arm’s length distance (“arms-length rule”) will dictate the need for hearing protection.

Not all hearing protection devices have the same noise reduction rating (NRR). Most EWB activities will require not more than 25 dBA noise reduction, but it is recommended that the chapters purchase 29-33 dBA earplugs in bulk. EWB volunteers shall wear their earplugs when exposed to loud noise, and it recommended that extra earplugs be brought to the site and shared with in country partners, particularly those operating heavy equipment.

Initial and daily on site briefings by the site Health and Safety Officer should address the effects of noise on hearing.

• The purpose of hearing protection, advantages, disadvantages, attenuation of various types, and the selection, fitting, use, and care of protectors.

• Recognition of hazardous noise.

References

29CFR 1910.95

TH 02 Inclement Weather 1 of 2

TH 02 INCLEMENT WEATHER

General Information

Inclement weather can be encountered on any trip and in any part of the world. Hazards related to inclement weather can be anything from heat or cold stress, wetness, to more direct weather hazards such storms and floods. Virtually every task can be affected by inclement weather. Hot weather (ambient temperatures over 70°F), cold weather (ambient temperatures below 40°F), rain, snow, ice, flooding and lightning are examples of inclement weather that may be hazardous or add risk to work activities. Heat stress and cold stress are covered under separate hazard analyses.

Recognition and Risk Assessment

Heat, rain, cold, snow, ice, flooding and lightning are natural phenomena that complicate work activities, and add or increase risk. The potential for physical hazards must be considered for tasks that expose personnel to inclement weather. Seasonal considerations must be made during project planning. Site assessment trips may require a visit during the rainy season to collect data and information specific to rainy season conditions. Construction projects should not be planned during the local rainy season, as it will be likely that work will be severely hindered by the weather. In any season, proper research into the local climate and predicted weather of the location to be visited should be conducted, and plans should be made according to the likelihood of encountering inclement weather.

INFORM workers when weather conditions exist or are predicted that may pose an increased risk daily, or as conditions arise. Each worker must evaluate the risk associated with his or her work and be actively alert to these hazards. All personnel should be alert to changing weather conditions. Any site worker may stop work if safety procedures are not followed or the risk is too great.

Hot, dry weather increases risk of soil drying, erosion, and dust dispersion. Hot weather will increase pressure on, and the rate of volatilization of contents in closed containers such as gasoline and solvent containers, thereby potentially increasing the risk of exposure to toxic, flammable, or explosive atmospheres. Such containers shall be kept in shady, cool and dry locations, but not inside living quarters.

Rain and wet conditions increase slipping and tripping hazards, braking distances of vehicles, and the potential for slippage and handling difficulties for tools and heavy equipment. Rain fills holes, obscures trip and fall hazards, and increases risk of electrical shock when working with electrical equipment. Changes in soil conditions caused by rain can impact trenching and excavating activities, creating the potential for quicksand formation, wall collapse, and cave-in. Vehicles become stuck in mud, and tools and personnel can slip on wet surfaces. Rain and wet conditions may decrease visibility.

In some areas, heavy rain can produce flooding and flash flooding. If the work area is located along a mountainous stream or wash, ask the local partners about the frequency of the area flooding during storms. Flash floods can occur even in dry washes, and rain only needs to be falling upstream of the worksite – not necessarily at the worksite. Any team member can halt work and evacuate the work area if the threat of flash flooding becomes apparent.

Cold, wet weather can cause icing of roadways, driveways, parking areas, general work places, ladders, stairs, and platforms. Ice is not always as obvious to see as snow or rain, and requires special attention, especially when driving or walking.

Lightning represents a hazard of electrical shock that is increased when working in flat open spaces, elevated work places, or near tall structures or equipment. Lightning can cause grass and forest fires.

Snow and ice increase the risk of accidents such as slipping when walking, climbing steps and ladders, or working at elevation, and the risk of accidents when driving vehicles or operating heavy equipment. Heavy snow and ice storms may cause electric lines to sag or break, and the use of electrical equipment in snow increases the risk of electric shock. Snow can hide potholes and mud, which can result in vehicles getting stuck or persons falling when stepping into hidden holes. Snow also may cover water, drums or other containers, sharp metal objects, debris, or other objects that can cause falls or punctures.

No work shall be conducted over ice. Under no circumstances should EWB personnel operate motor vehicles such as cars or trucks on ice.

Cold weather affects vehicle operation by increasing difficulty in starting and braking. Ice, frost, and snow can accumulate on windows and reduce vision.

TH 02 Inclement Weather 2 of 2

Protection Programs

PPE must be stored in a dry location, out of the sun, and maintained in proper working order.

Stairs, ladders, elevated workplaces, and scaffold platforms must be kept free of mud, ice, and snow.

Using a walking stick or probe to test footing ahead of persons walking where there is standing water, snow, or ice to protect the walker against stepping into potholes or onto puncture hazards, or other potential structurally unsound surfaces.

When puddles or snow may obscure potholes, puncture hazards, or buried containers, or other potential structurally unsound surfaces walk the work area or intended travelway prior to using vehicles or equipment in off-road work.

Arrange to have winches, come-alongs, or other mechanical assistance available when vehicles are used in areas where there is increased risk of getting stuck. Cable or rope and mechanical equipment used for pulling stuck vehicles must be designed for the purpose of sufficient capacity for the load, and be inspected regularly and before use to ensure safety. Manually pushing stuck vehicles is to be avoided.

Prior to working in areas or beginning projects during times when there is an increased likelihood of lightning or the potential for lightning striking personnel, steps must be taken to predict the occurrence of lightning strikes, including:

• Check with local project partners to determine if there is any pattern or noted conditions that predict lightning or if there are structures that are prone to lightning strikes.

• Monitor weather reports.

• Noting weather changes and conditions that produce lightning.

• Stop work in open areas, around drill rigs or other structures that may attract lightning, on or in water and in elevated work places when lightning strikes are sighted or thunder is heard near a work site.

• Ensuring all personnel are provided with safe areas of refuge. Keep personnel from standing in open areas, under lone trees, or under drill rigs.

TH 03 Heat Stress 1 of 2

TH 03 HEAT STRESS

General Information

Personnel performing tasks in high temperature environments including during hot weather, near radiant heat sources, in high humidity, in contact with hot objects, while wearing protective clothing or equipment or tasks requiring strenuous activity have a high potential for inducing heat stress. Heat stress is a factor for while working in tropical climates, working in full sun or in closed spaces. Examples of physical reactions to excessive heat may be mild such as fatigue, irritability, anxiety and decreased concentration or dexterity or they could be as severe as brain damage or fatality.

Procedure

In the planning stages of a project, the potential for heat stress must be considered as a physical hazard in the site-specific Health and Safety Plan.

The HSO must inform the team members with regards to the symptoms and hazards of heat stress. All site team members must be aware of the symptoms in both themselves and their fellow team mates.

Susceptibility to Heat stress is affected by several interacting factors including, but not limited to, age, obesity, physical condition, substance abuse, personal protective equipment worn, and environmental conditions (temperature, shade, and humidity). The site personnel must be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat stress and take adequate rest breaks and proper aid as necessary.

The best approach is preventive heat stress management. Team members drink about 16 ounces of water before beginning work, and continue to hydrate throughout the day and after the work day is over. One-half to one quart of liquid per hour in high heat conditions is advised. The body’s normal thirst mechanism is not sensitive enough to ensure body fluid replacement; therefore, pre- and post-work fluid intake is necessary. Under heavy work and heat conditions, the body may lose up to 2 gallons of fluids per day. In order to prevent heat stress symptoms, the individual must ensure replacement of this moisture.

Bottled or otherwise safe drinking water should be stored in a cool location known to team members. Provide a shaded area for rest breaks. Discourage the intake of caffeinated drinks during work hours. Monitor for signs of heat stress.

Team members should maintain a balanced diet including lightly salted foods to maintain electrolyte balance. If utilizing commercial electrolyte mixes, double the amount of water called for in the package directions. Indications are that “full-strength” preparations taken under high heat stress conditions may actually decrease the body’s electrolytes.

Acclimate team members to site work conditions by slowly increasing workloads, i.e., do not begin work activities with extremely demanding tasks. In extremely hot weather, conduct field activities in the early morning and evening.

Adequate shelter should be made available to protect personnel against heat and direct sunlight, which can decrease physical efficiency and increase the probability of heat stress.

Good hygienic standards must be maintained by frequent showering and changes of clothing. Clothing should be permitted to dry during rest periods. Persons who notice skin problems should immediately consult medical personnel.

Common Heat Stress Disorders and Treatment

Heat Rash, also known as prickly heat may occur in hot, humid environments where sweat is not easily removed from skin surfaces by evaporation. It is aggravated by chafing clothes. It can be severe enough to impede a team member’s ability to perform work tasks or to tolerate heat and can be extremely uncomfortable making sleep difficult. It can also be complicated by infection.

Symptoms include mild red rash, especially in areas of the body that come into contact with clothing or protective gear.

Treatment consists of providing body powder to help absorb moisture and decrease chafing. Heat rash can be prevented by resting in a cool place allowing skin to dry.

TH 03 Heat Stress 2 of 2

Heat Cramps are caused by inadequate electrolyte intake or when large amounts of water are consumed without replacing the body’s salt loss causing the blood to thin to the point where it seeps into active muscle tissue.

Symptoms include acute painful spasms of voluntary muscles, particularly in the abdomen and extremities or in tired muscles, those being used for working. Cramps may occur during or after working hours.

Treatment consists of taking liquids by mouth or saline solution intravenously for quicker relief if medically determined to be required. Move the victim to a cool area and loosen clothing. Lightly salted water or sports drinks diluted with water are best.

Heat Exhaustion results from loss of fluid through sweating, not drinking enough fluids or not taking in enough salt. It is less dangerous than heat stroke but must be treated.

Symptoms include profuse sweating and extreme weakness, fatigue, giddiness, nausea or headache. The skin is pale or flushed, clammy and moist and body temperature is normal or slightly elevated. The victim’s pulse is weak and rapid and breathing is shallow. A headache, vomiting and dizziness may also occur.

Treatment consists of moving the victim to a cool place, air conditioned if possible, and give an electrolyte solution or water, 1 to 2 cups immediately and again every 20 minutes. They should rest with head lower than the feet to prevent shock and consult a physician, especially in severe cases.

Heat Stroke is the most serious reaction to heat stress and is caused by a failure of the body’s core temperature regulation mechanism. Sweating stops and the body can no longer rid itself of excess heat. The body’s temperature rises so high that brain damage or death can result if the person is not cooled quickly.

Symptoms include red, mottled or bluish, hot, dry skin, nausea, dizziness, confusion, extremely high body temperature (106°F or higher), rapid breathing, rapid pulse, convulsions, unconsciousness or coma. A decreased interest in drinking fluids may occur.

Treatment – Remove the victim from the source of heat and cool quickly. Soak the victim in cool (not cold) water, soak his or her clothing or sponge the body with cool water to bring body temperature below 102°F, fan vigorously. Do not give the victim coffee, tea or alcoholic beverages. Prompt first aid cooling can prevent permanent injury to the brain and other vital organs. Obtain immediate medical help.

TH 05 Foot Care 1 of 1

TH 05 FOOT CARE

General

Safety-toe footwear will be required when conducting construction activities. For site assessments and other work where the risk of injury to the foot is low, sturdy hiking boots are required. The HSO will be responsible for communicating the footwear requirement to the project team.

Under both hot and cold stress conditions, feet that become wet and are allowed to remain wet can lead to serious problems. Wet feet can create an environment for the growth of microorganisms, which may produce infections such as athlete’s foot or yellow, crumbly, thick toenails (toenail fungus). Symptoms include swelling, tingling, itching, and severe pain. These may be followed by more severe symptoms including blistering, death of skin tissue, and ulceration.

Procedure


The potential for wet feet must be considered as a physical hazard during the planning stages of the project. Risk assessment can be accomplished in part in the development stages of a project by listing in the Health and Safety Plan (HASP), the most likely task where wet feet may occur. These tasks could include wading in streams, or working during rainy conditions. The HSO must make decisions on the proper safety procedures and recommend them during the tailgate safety meetings. The HSO should also remind his or her team members to bring appropriate footwear with them on the trip.

Prevention and Protection Program

Prevention methods are required when work is performed in wet conditions or when conditions result in sweating, causing the feet to become and remain wet.

• Keep your feet clean and dry.

• Use foot talc or powders and sprays specifically designed for wet feet problems.

• Change your shoes and socks often to help get rid of wet feet problems.

• Rotate your shoes (especially athletic or walking shoes) on a regular basis to help you treat wet feet.

• Change removable insoles frequently so they can dry out.

• If it is warm, wear sandals during leisure time to let your feet dry out.

• Do not wear 100% cotton socks. Wear socks that specifically provide cool comfort – such as socks made with synthetic or silk fibers – to keep feet ventilated and help treat wet feet.

TH 08 Manual Lifting and Handling of Heavy Objects 1 of 2

TH 08 MANUAL LIFTING AND HANDLING OF HEAVY OBJECTS

General Information

Improper lifting can result in cuts, pinches, crushing, and serious injury to back, abdomen, arm and leg muscles, and joints. Even relatively light objects, lifted improperly, can contribute to injury.

Splinters, slivers, and sharp edges on objects to be lifted can result in cuts. Heavy objects can pinch or crush fingers, toes, arms, and legs between the object and nearby objects (e.g., walls, tables, counters, or railings).

Muscle and joint injuries occur when objects to be lifted are too heavy or awkward, are lifted improperly, or in areas where access is restricted.

Nerve and Joint damage can result from lifting tasks which are awkward and repetitive, even if involving only light objects.

Procedure

The need for manual lifting must be identified as a physical hazard when project tasks specifically require manual handling or use of heavy equipment, and the following safe lifting techniques must be instituted.

Before lifting or carrying a heavy object, consider the following:

• Weight of object. Unless involved in weight training, recommended safe lifting weights for an average man or woman are 50 and 35 pounds, respectively. Test the weight by lifting one of the corners. If it is too heavy or an awkward shape, stop and get help.

• Contact hazards. Check each object before lifting for presence of splinters, slivers, sharp edges or parts, cracks and loose joints, and signs of biological hazards such as spiders and scorpions.

• Area in which lifting is to be done. Check for pinch points such as other objects close by and ensure there is room for safe lifting.

• Size and shape of object. Large and oddly shaped objects are more difficult to lift, even within safe weight limits, due to imbalanced center of gravity. Lifting a large object may result in the object blocking your view

• Distance you will have to carry the load

• Route to be travelled. Check walking and working surfaces for slip and trip hazards, note ramps, changes in level of elevation, and ladders or stairways that need to be negotiated.

• Breaking the load down into smaller parts

• Wearing gloves to get a better grip and protect your hands

• Avoid contact with, or cover cracks or loose joints to reduce hazards of pinching.

• Avoid reaching as you lift.

• Keep objects close to the body.

• Know your lifting limitations, and get help if uncertain that you can lift safely.

To lift square or rectangular objects:

• Set feet firmly, placing one foot alongside the load and the other slightly behind the load.

• Bend your knees. Bending your knees is the single most important thing you can do when you lift moderate to heavy objects. Squat down like a weightlifter, bend your knees, keep your back in its natural arch, and let your legs do the lifting. Your leg muscles are much more powerful than the smaller muscles in your back.

• Tighten your stomach muscles. Tight abdominal muscles increase intra-abdominal pressure and help to support the back.

• Grasp one of the top corners away from the body and the opposite bottom corner closest to the body.

• Tilt the object slightly away from the body, tilt forward at the hips, keep the back straight and tuck in the chin.

• Straighten the legs, keeping the spine straight, pull the object into the body and stand up slowly and evenly without jerking or twisting. Keep your head up, and look straight ahead.

• If turning or change of direction is required, turn with feet without twisting the torso and step in the direction of travel

TH 08 Manual Lifting and Handling of Heavy Objects 2 of 2

• To set an object down, reverse the sequence, and plan your release. Once the load is where you want it, release your grip. Never release your grip until the load is secure. Keep the load close.

For odd-shaped objects, the only modification needed should be hand-hold position. When two or more persons are lifting, have a plan and a set of signals so lifting occurs simultaneously.

Do not carry objects in a manner which obstructs vision in the line of travel.

Carrying the load:

• Your nose and your toes should always be pointing in the same direction. Any sudden twisting can result in taking out your back.

• Rest if you fatigue. Set the load down and rest for a few minutes.

Using trolleys and lifting aids:

• Push rather than pull. It is easier and safer to push than to pull. You can use your body weight to assist when pushing.

• Keep close to the load and lock your arms. Try not to lean over, and keep your back in its natural arches.

• Use both hands. Carts are easier to push and control using both hands.

• Use tie-downs, if necessary, to secure the load.

Manual Handling of Heavy Objects

Manual maneuvering or handling of heavy objects without actually lifting is often required. Manual handling of heavy objects, even when not actually lifting, can pose the same hazards as lifting including cuts, pinches, bruises, crushing, muscle and joint strain, and contact with biological hazards.

Mechanical equipment or assistance such as dollies, carts, come-alongs or rollers are to be used whenever possible. Mechanical assistance must be of proper size, have wheels sized for the terrain, and be designed to prevent pinching or undue stress on wrists. Objects to be moved must be secured to prevent falling and properly balanced to prevent tipping.

The minimum protection for manual handling is heavy cotton or leather gloves, and reinforced-toe boots.

Properly trained personnel may roll heavy objects with a round. Rolling must be controlled by chutes, tag-lines, or other means of limiting acceleration. Use of the legs for pushing and tag-line control of rolled objects must be stressed.

Flat, square, or rectangular objects are most easily handled using make-shift rollers or skids to break the friction with the resting surface and pushing, using the legs.

TH 09 Rough Terrain 1 of 1 Revised: 17 December 2007

TH 09 ROUGH TERRAIN

General

Physical hazards associated with rough terrain include vehicle accidents, falling, slipping, and tripping. Falling is a potential hazard when working near mountain cliffs or steep inclines. Steep surfaces covered with heavy vegetation and undergrowth create tripping hazards. Heavy or downed vegetation can hide holes or breaks in the terrain, which increase risk of falls or vehicle accidents.


Rough terrain complicates work activities and adds to or increases the risk. In the planning stages of a project, rough terrain must be considered as a physical hazard. Risk assessment is usually accomplished from site history information (i.e., site topography) and onsite by the HSO.

Hazard Prevention and Protection Programs

The site crew should be alert and observe terrain while walking to minimize slips and falls. Boots that are ankle high or higher should be worn to provide additional support and stability. Vehicle drivers and passengers should wear seatbelts at all times. Fall protection is required when there is a potential for falls.

Personnel should maintain a high level of physical conditioning due to increased body stress and exertion. Personnel should be aware of potential hazards and ensure the availability of first aid supplies and knowledge of the location of the nearest medical assistance.

TH 10 Housekeeping 1 of 1

TH 10 HOUSEKEEPING

General Information

Hazards associated with poor housekeeping include slips, trips, falls, punctures, cuts, and fires.

Procedure

Poor housekeeping can be prevented by following the steps described below:

1. Designate and plan a materials storage area.

2. Accumulation of flammable and combustible liquids on floors, walls, and other areas, is prohibited. All spills of flammable and combustible liquids must be cleaned up immediately. Combustible waste such as soiled rags and paper is to be stored in a safe place (such as a covered metal container) until disposal.

3. All stairways, passageways, and access-ways shall be kept clean and free of obstructions at all times.

4. Loose or light material should not be left on roofs or surfaces that are not enclosed, unless safely secured.

5. Tools, materials, extension cords, hoses, or debris are to be used, disposed of, and stored so as not to cause a tripping or other hazard.

6. Tools, materials, and equipment subject to displacement or falling should be adequately secured.

7. Empty bags that contained cement or other dust-producing materials should be kept in tight containers until disposal.

8. Protruding nails in scrap boards, planks, and timbers should be removed, hammered in, or bent over flush with the wood, unless placed in containers or trucks for removal.

9. Form and scrap lumber and debris should be cleared from work areas, passageways, and stairs in and around building storage yards and other structures.

10. All storage and construction sites should be kept free of the accumulation of combustible materials.

11. All materials should be maintained in neat stockpiles for ease of access. Aisles and walkways should be kept clear of loose materials and tools.

12. Trash, brush, long grass, or other combustible material must be kept away from flammable and combustible materials.

TH 12 Remote Areas 1 of 1

TH 12 REMOTE AREAS

General Information

A Remote area is any area that requires a significant amount of travel to get to a village and/or a medical clinic. No EWB personnel shall be in remote areas alone. Some means of communicating shall be available to people working remotely. EWB personnel shall be aware of when their radios are out of range with other volunteers, and a relay system should be set up to ensure contact with the HSO at all times. Teams working remotely from the rest of the project team should walk to where they are within radio range of other group members and check in periodically. Working in a remote area magnifies the risk of any health or injury due to the difficulties of getting help. Biological risks, heat and cold stress, rough terrain, slips trips and falls, and inclement weather are all hazards related to remote areas.

Procedure

Particular precautions should be taken to prevent the following exposures when working in remote areas.

• Irritant and toxic plants such as poison ivy and thorny plants that may cause allergic reactions.

Wear long-sleeved clothing and slacks to minimize contact with irritant and toxic plants and to protect against insect bites. Carry Benadryl and if appropriate other first aid supplies for personnel with known allergic reactions

• Surfaces covered with heavy vegetation and undergrowth that present tripping and falling hazards due to holes or depressions that are not easily visible.

Be alert and observe terrain while walking to minimize slips and falls. Wear ankle-high (or higher) boots for increased traction, support, and stability.

• Back strain due to carrying materials or equipment.

Use proper lifting techniques to prevent back strain.

• Native wildlife such as rodents, ticks, spiders, scorpions, and snakes that can present the possibility of bites and associated reactions and diseases.

Avoid wildlife when possible. In case of an animal bite, perform first aid and seek medical attention immediately.

Wear long-sleeved clothing and slacks to minimize contact with irritant and toxic plants and to protect against insect bites. Carry Benadryl and if appropriate other first aid supplies for personnel with known allergic reactions

Perform a tick check after leaving a wooded or vegetated area.

• Structurally unsound buildings that pose overhead hazards.

Avoid buildings that are not structurally sound.

• Heat/cold stress

Implement heat and/or cold stress management techniques such as shifting work hours, fluid intake, and monitoring employees, especially high-risk workers.

• AT ALL TIMES:

Make sure that the project HSO and project manager know your location and estimated return time.

Maintain an adequate and fully stocked first aid kit.

Maintain communications capability. Carry a radio, and check in periodically with the other team members.

Maintain adequate supplies of drinking water and food.

Keep a current map of the work area, if available.

TH 13 Working over or near water 1 of 1

TH 13 WORKING OVER OR NEAR WATER

General Information

Working over or near water can present and magnify hazards in the form of drowning, working at elevation, electrocution, inclement weather and cold stress.

Procedure

There will be no horseplay or other unsafe acts that could cause injury to personnel while working over or near water.

Safety nets must be provided when workplaces are more than 25 feet above the ground or water surface, or other surfaces where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch platforms, temporary floors, safety lines, or safety belts are impractical. If such conditions are expected, contact the H&S committee for support in the use of safety nets.

Watercraft will only be operated by trained personnel or competent in-country partners. Personnel are discouraged from jumping to or from any craft which is not secured, and from jumping between craft when a gangplank should be used. Fall protection should be provided when working over or near water where there is a potential for falling or slipping into the water.

USCG-approved personal flotation devices PFDs shall be available to persons working over or near water, and worn when the risk of drowning is present. PFDs should be designed to float unconscious or helpless persons face up. Prior to and after each use, PFDs and life preservers shall be inspected for defects which would alter their strength or buoyancy (e.g., rips, tears, holes). All defective units shall be removed from the site and replaced. Defective units will not be used.

Working where there is a clear potential for drowning should be avoided wherever possible. If it cannot be avoided, personnel must wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) or buoyant work vests. PFDs should be designed to float unconscious or helpless persons face up. The vests should be inspected before each use, and if damaged taken out of circulation. Life saving ring(s) shall also be available at the spacing of every 200 feet. Precautions should be taken to prevent falling from the work platform in the form of railings and toe boards. Personnel should tie off to a safety line. In areas subject to tidal flow or rising water levels, the HSO will monitor the water level to ensure that employees will not be trapped in a work area by the water.

USCG-approved life rings (rope attachment not required) and ring buoys (rope attachment required) should have attached at least 90 feet of 3/8-inch solid braid polypropylene rope or equal. The life rings or ring buoys shall be readily available for emergency rescue operations. Distance between ring buoys shall not exceed 200 feet. One ring buoy or life ring shall be provided on each lifesaving skiff.

At least one lifesaving skiff shall be immediately available at locations where employees are working over or adjacent to water. Personnel trained in launching and operating the skiff shall be readily available during working hours. Skiffs shall be kept afloat or ready for instant launching. At a minimum, skiffs shall be equipped as follows:

• Four oars (two if the skiff is motor powered).

• Oarlocks attached to gunwales or the oars.

• One ball-pointed boat hook. One ring buoy with 90 feet of 3/8-inch solid braid polypropylene rope or equivalent line attached.

• PFDs equalling the skiff rating for the maximum number of personnel allowed on board.

• First aid kit.

The maximum number of passengers and weight that can safely be transported shall be posted on all launches, motorboats, and skiffs. This number shall not be exceeded and in no case shall the number of passengers (including crew) exceed the number of PFDs aboard. Outboard motors and skiffs shall meet the minimum flotation requirements of the USCG. A certification tag affixed to the hull is satisfactory evidence of compliance. An efficient whistle or signal device shall be provided on all powered vessels to give signals required by the navigation rules applicable to the waters on which the vessel is operated.

TH 14 Traffic and Vehicles 1 of 1

TH 14 TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES

General

Traffic presents hazards in two ways: 1) when site workers are working close to roadways, the potential exists to be hit by oncoming traffic, and 2) driving to, from, and on the site poses a potential accident hazard.

Procedure

Risk assessment can be accomplished in the development stages of a project by listing in the Health and Safety Plan the most likely traffic hazards that may occur. The HSO must make decisions on the proper safety procedures and recommend them to the Site manager.

Roadway workers should be aware of their location in reference to roadways and avoid working close to traffic. Workers near roadways must wear reflective vests.

The following guidance should be used in planning work that will be adjacent to or within roadways. In all cases, the local police department or transportation department must be consulted in order to comply with applicable requirements.

When open highway conditions prevail on approach to the work site, advance warning signs should be placed approximately 1500 feet in advance of the condition to which they are calling attention. Where a series of advance warning signs are used, the warning signs nearest the work site should be placed approximately 500 feet from the point of restriction, with additional signs at 500- to 1000-foot intervals. On expressway and limited access facilities, the advance warning distance should be increased to one-half mile or more; on city streets, where more restrictive conditions generally prevail, advanced warning should appear on the approach to the work area. Signs in the immediate vicinity of the work may be placed at closer spacings.

Flag persons may be required to control the speed of nearby traffic. Lights should be provided to mark flag person stations and barricading at night. Barricading is extended to the point where it is visible to approaching traffic.

Drivers will be licensed, regardless of whether they are operating on or off public highways. Drivers shall be familiar with laws governing traffic in localities in which they will operate. All traffic rules and regulations, and all traffic control signs and devices should be obeyed. All operators are required to stay within posted speed limits at all times.

Drivers are required to make a daily inspection of their vehicles. The check should include steering, brakes, mirrors, lights, horn, tires, and windshield wipers. Drivers should be required to report all defects, and repairs should be made promptly.

Off-highway operation may require extra precautions to prevent shifting of load when crossing rough terrain.

Trucks should be backed under the direction of a signal person if the operator does not have a clear view of the area to the rear of the vehicle.

Operators should immediately report any damage or failure of parts and accessories to the HSO. It is advantageous to have road flares, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment on the vehicle at all times.

Passengers are required to ride within the space provided, never on running boards, fenders, bumpers, or atop cabs. Personnel are not allowed to ride on the outside or back (such as in the bed of a pickup truck) of vehicles.

Materials loaded should be within the safe weight limit for the truck, and should not project beyond the truck body. While being loaded, truck wheels should be properly blocked. Trucks operated on public highways should conform to weight and clearance limitations of bridges, power lines, overhead structures, and other restrictions.

Vehicles should not be fuelled from open cans or by other makeshift methods, as there is great danger of flash fire from hot engines.

Engines should be shut off while fuelling.

TH 16 Working at Elevation.Fall Protection 1 of 3

TH 16 WORKING AT ELEVATION/FALL PROTECTION

General Requirements listed in this procedure are general requirements for ensuring safe elevated work. Should use of these guidelines be impractical or create a greater hazard, then assess the task and conditions to select alternative hazard control measures. The HSO must approve alternative fall control measures prior to beginning work. Other Task Hazards that are related to Working at Elevation are Ladders,

This procedure does not apply to emergency response activities such as emergency rescue where compliance is not feasible or increases the overall hazard associated with the response.

Procedure

Work performed at elevation where there is a risk of injury due to falls, will be performed in accordance with the following general guidelines;

1. Where appropriate, equipment required to safely work at elevation shall be procured prior to travel, and personnel will be trained in the use of the equipment.

2. Permanent working platforms shall be mitigated by the installation of guardrails, walls or other barriers. 3. Exposure to fall hazards shall be managed by reducing the number of workers exposed, relocating

equipment/work area, and by choice of appropriate equipment such as hoisting, scaffolding, ladders, etc. 4. Equipment (ladders, body harnesses, lanyards, etc.) shall be visually inspected by trained workers or the

HSO prior to each use. Defective equipment shall be tagged and immediately removed from service. The Project Manager shall be notified so that replacement equipment can be procured where necessary.

Should the use of scaffolds or stationary work platforms be deemed necessary, a Health and Safety professional shall be contacted prior to travel.

The structural integrity of any roof where work is to be performed shall be inspected by a qualified person in concert with the HSO prior to allowing the workers to access the roof.

Workers performing inspection or investigation activities on low-pitched roofs with a ground- to-cave height greater than 6 feet shall be protected from falling at unprotected sides or edges by maintaining a minimum distance of 6 feet from the edge. Workers within 6 feet of an unprotected edge shall be protected by using a body belt and restraining line or a body harness with lanyard and/or lifeline.

NOTE: A body belt shall not be used as a fall arresting device. Body belts may be used in conjunction with a restraint line to prevent a worker from being exposed to a fall hazard.

Workers on a roof 6 feet or more from the ground to eaves and with a pitch of greater than three in twelve without a parapet (roof edge wall) shall be protected by the use of personal fall protection consisting of a body harness and lanyard or lifeline.

Workers accessing elevated structures (i.e., radio towers, meteorological towers, and water towers) shall be provided with and use fall protection equipment at all times while on these structures.

A safety harness with appropriate lanyard and/or lifeline shall be used where workers are subject to a fall of 4 feet or greater unless otherwise allowed (i.e., roof work and construction activities must be protected at 6 feet or above and work from incomplete scaffolds must be protected at 10 feet or above). A safety belt may be used as a fall restraint device (i.e., a safety belt with a restraint line may be used to prevent a worker from reaching the edge of a platform or roof; a safety harness with lanyard and/or lifeline shall be used if the worker could fall over the edge).

Body belts (safety belts) may only be used in conjunction with a restraint line to prevent a worker from reaching the edge of a roof/elevated platform. Body belts shall not be used as part of a fall arrest system.

The harness, lanyard, and lifeline assembly shall be installed to prevent a worker from free falling for more than 6 feet or striking a lower surface or object before the fall is arrested. This is especially important when utilizing shock-absorbers which can elongate as much as 3-1/2 feet during the shock-absorption process.

Personal fall protection equipment (harnesses, lanyard, lifelines, etc.) subjected to an arresting fall or a shock load shall not be reused.


Fall arrest systems shall be tested as complete systems. Only components that are fully compatible with one another shall be used together.

Anchorage used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment shall be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per worker attached. Anchorage for suspended platforms (i.e. two point suspended scaffold) shall be independent of any anchorage being used to support or suspend the platform from which work is being performed. Anchorage points for positioning devices which automatically limit free fall distances to 2 feet or less shall be capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of a worker’s fall or 3000 pounds, whichever is greater.

Definitions/Acronyms

Anchorage Point: A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or deceleration devices. Anchorage shall be capable of supporting at least 5000 pounds per worker attached (3000 pounds if positioning devices are used which automatically limit free fall distance to 2 feet or less), or shall be designed, installed, and used as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least 2, under the supervision of a qualified person.

Body Belt (safety belt): A strap with means for securing it around the waist or body and for attaching it to a restraint line. Body belts shall not be used as part of a fall arrest system.

Body Harness: A design of straps secured to the worker in a manner so as to distribute the arresting forces over the thighs, shoulders and pelvis with provisions for attaching a lanyard, lifeline, or deceleration device.

Deceleration Device: Any mechanism, such as a rope grab, rip-stitch lanyard, specially-woven lanyard, tearing or deforming lanyards, automatic self-retracting lifelines/lanyards, etc., which serves to dissipate a substantial amount of energy during a fall arrest, or otherwise limit the energy imposed on a worker during fall arrest.

Fall Restraint: Systems, fixtures, and/or devices that limit the motion of workers to prevent falling from elevated work areas.

Guardrail System: A vertical barrier, normally consisting of, but not limited to, an assembly of top rails, mid-rails, toeboards, and posts, erected to prevent personnel from falling to a lower level.

Lanyards: A minimum of one-half inch diameter nylon or equivalent rope fastened to a safety belt or harness with a snap or shock absorber on the free end a maximum length to provide protection against a fall of no greater than 6 feet and capable of supporting a minimum of 5000 pounds.

Lifeline: A flexible line for connection to an anchorage (fixed support) at one end to hang vertically, or to stretch horizontally between two anchorage points, that serves as a means of connecting other components of the fall protection system. Vertical lifelines shall be capable of supporting a minimum of 5000 pounds.

Parapet: A low wall at the edge of a roof or balcony. Parapet must be a minimum of 39 inches in height and capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point on the wall to be considered as adequate fall protection.

Positioning Device System: A body belt or body harness system rigged such that an employee cannot fall more than 2 feet, and is secured to an anchorage capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of an employee’s fall or 3,000 pounds, whichever is greater.

Restraint Line: A line from an anchorage or between anchorage to which a worker is secured in such a way as to prevent the worker from walking or falling off an elevated work surface.

Rope Grab: A deceleration device, which travels on a lifeline and automatically, by friction, engages the lifeline and locks so as to arrest the fall of an employee. A rope grab usually employs the principle of inertial locking, cam/level locking, or both.

Safety Monitoring System: A safety system in which a qualified person monitors the safety of all workers on an elevated work surface, and warns them when it appears to the monitor that they are unaware of the hazard or are acting in an unsafe manner. The qualified person shall be on the same elevated surface and/or within visual sighting distance of the workers, and must be close enough to verbally communicate with the workers.

Scaffold: Any temporary elevated platform and its supporting structure used for supporting workers/material.


Self-retracting lifeline/lanyard: A deceleration device containing a drum-wound line which can be slowly extracted from, or retracted onto, the drum under slight tension during normal employee movement, and which, after onset of a fall, automatically locks the drum and arrests the fall.

Snaphook: A connector comprised of a hook-shaped member with a normally closed keeper, or similar arrangement, which may be opened to permit the hook to receive an object and, when released, automatically closes to retain the object. Snaphooks shall be the locking type with a self-closing, self- locking keeper which remains closed and locked until unlocked and pressed open for connection or disconnection.

Warning lines: A rope, wire, or chain, and supporting stanchions erected on low pitched roofs/work platforms to warn workers that they are approaching an unprotected roof side or edge, and which designates an area in which work may take place without the use of guardrail, body belt, or safety net systems.

TH 17 Ladders 1 of 1

TH 17 LADDERS

General Information Ladders used on EWB projects are likely to be procured or borrowed while in the region where the project is being implemented. These ladders are not likely to conform to any US standard. However, any ladder used shall be inspected prior to use and unsafe ladders will not be used.

Portable Ladders must be examined for defects prior to use. Examination shall include, but not be limited to the following items. Where deficiencies are found, repairs shall be made prior to use. If repairs can not be made a new ladder shall be procured.

1. Joints between steps or rungs are tight.

2. Hardware and fittings are secure, and rivets are not sheared.

3. Rungs are not loose, cracked, bent, or dented, are free of slivers or splinters, and are treated to prevent slipping.

4. Side rails are not cracked, bent, or dented and are free of slivers.

5. Safety feet are in good condition, or the bottom of the ladder is in otherwise safe condition.

6. Rope on extension ladders is in good condition.

7. Metal bearings (e.g., locks, wheels, pulleys) are lubricated.

Ladders must be set on a flat, dry, firm surface with both handrails in contact with an upper support which is sufficiently strong and rigid.

Straight ladders must have secure footing provided by a combination of safety feet, top of ladder tie-offs and mud sills, or a person holding the ladder to prevent slipping.

When middle or top sections of sectional ladders are used as bottom sections, they must have safety feet.

The ratio of the distance to the foot of a ladder from the base of the vertical plane to the height of the vertical plane when the ladder rests on the top of the vertical plane shall be no more than 1:4 and no less than 1:3 (e.g., 1 foot out from a wall for every 4 feet up the wall to the point where the ladder rests against the wall).

The handrails of a straight ladder must extend at least 36 inches above the landing.

Straight ladders may not be lashed together to make sectional ladders.

Metal ladders must not be used near electrical conductors.

Workers must use both hands, and must face the ladder when ascending and descending.

No more than one person may use a straight portable ladder at a time.

Standing on the top rung/step or above the manufacture’s safe indication is prohibited.

Ladders should be positioned so workers do not have to lean more than half of their body beyond (outside of) either handrail.

The area around and under the ladder shall be clean and free of any debris that a person could fall upon.

Ladders must not be placed in front of doors that open toward the ladder unless the door is locked and the person(s) using the ladder has the key, the door is blocked open and other persons are warned of the presence of the ladder, or a guard is posted at the door.

Ladders must be stored in a manner not to damage or stress the ladder. Ideally, ladders should be hung from a side rail in an area where sunlight or extremes in temperature or humidity will not affect them.

Ladders must never be used as scaffolding, storage racks, or shelves.

Fixed Ladders shall be inspected before use according to steps 1-5 above.

TH 18 Shoring and Trenching 1 of 4

TH 18 SHORING AND TRENCHING (EXCAVATIONS)

General Information This procedure identifies the basic requirements for the protection of personnel working in and around excavations and trenches, including identification of hazards, classification of soils, protective systems, and inspections. Trenching and excavation work will be done in substantial conformance with this procedure, and with 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Subpart P (Excavations).

Excavation and trenching activities are intrinsically dangerous and result in a high incidence of injury and death even in the US. As a general rule, EWB personnel should not be directly involved in excavation and trenching activities. If excavation and trenching activities are required for the project, their nature and extent must be identified as soon as possible, including during the assessment phase. Such project elements should be highlighted to EWB Project Managers, EWB Health and Safety personnel, and the professional advisor. Inadequate planning and preparation for shoring and trenching are appropriate justification to postpone or terminate a project. It should be recognized that the likely absence of well trained and equipped emergency and rescue personnel to respond to the entrapment of personnel raised the likelihood that an incident could be fatal. For these reasons, such activities warrant particular attention.

Procedure Any shoring trenching and excavation activities, including details of the health and safety plan elements, must be described in the final project presentation to the TAC.

The responsibilities of the personnel involved in any trenching and excavation work are:

• Project HSO: Responsible for determining whether EWB personnel will be involved in trenching and excavation activities, and, if so, identifying and checking the qualifications of the competent person whom they designate for excavation or trenching activities at their project site.

• Competent Person: For the purpose of this procedure, the competent person is one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings, or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees and who has authorization to take prompt corrective actions to eliminate them. The competent person in excavations must have knowledge of regulatory requirements (to be generally adhered to even though located outside of US) and the necessary technical skills (e.g., soils classification, use of protective systems) to implement this operating practice and address any necessary concerns or requirements. The competent person must be an EWB professional member with expertise and experience in geotechnical engineering and earthwork related construction.

The competent person may be the project HSO or other EWB site person. The competent person must be identified in writing and understand the role and responsibilities of the competent person. Their credentials must be approved in advance by the EWB national office (Health and Safety personnel).

CONTROLS

Prior to and during any excavation activity the project HSO and the Competent Person must evaluate the site for known or potential hazards. Potential hazards affecting trench safety can include the following:

• Excess water from rainfall, snow melt or frozen soils, temperature extremes affecting soil moisture content.

• Previous excavation area (requires Type C soils classification). • Depth of excavation (influences soil stability by increased weight. Average soils weigh approximately

110 pounds per cubic foot). • Surcharge loads (e.g., evaluate location of buildings, spoils piles, poles, pavement, tanks, other

structural objects). • Location of personnel and equipment. • Vibration by equipment, traffic, railroads, explosives, etc. • Undermining of structures. • Duration of exposure (limit the time-frame of the excavation to the minimum possible).


Prior to excavation or trenching, any utilities in the area must be located. The known or estimated location of utilities should be marked or staked for identification purposes. Workers and equipment operators must also be aware of overhead utilities.

When excavation operations approach the estimated location of underground installations, the exact location is to be determined by safe and acceptable means. The stability of adjacent structures is to be assured in any event (whether persons will enter an excavation or not).

All surface encumbrances that are located to create a hazard to employees shall be removed or supported, as necessary. Structures near the excavation shall be underpinned or provided with a support system to prevent collapse.

BEFORE ENTERING THE TRENCH: A checklist or site-specific form will be developed by the competent person; and completed by the competent person each day and as needed throughout the duration of the work. The project HSO and competent person shall ensure that monitoring and inspections are performed periodically to verify compliance.

The competent person shall classify the type of soil using at least one visual and one manual test in accordance with 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, Appendix A. The tests shall be documented, including the date(s) of the tests, type of tests, any instrumentation used for testing, location of the excavation tested, the results of the tests and type of soil (A, B, C, or stable rock) indicated by the test, and the name of the person performing the tests.

Soil analysis and testing is not necessary if the excavation will be sloped to an angle of one and one half horizontal to one vertical (1-1 /2H:1 V) and/or protective systems will be employed which follow the regulatory criteria for Type C soils. A default classification as Type C soils must be made in this event.

The competent person must test the atmosphere in any excavation greater than four (4) feet in depth where the potential exists for a known or potential hazardous atmosphere (e.g., landfills, spills, oxygen deficient environments) before personnel are allowed to enter the excavation. Emergency rescue equipment shall be provided and will be readily available, properly functioning, and attended by qualified personnel when hazardous atmospheric conditions exist or may develop. The competent person or the project HSO will determine whether an excavation less than 4 feet deep requires monitoring.

WHILE THE EXCAVATION IS OPEN underground installations shall be protected, supported or removed as necessary to safeguard employees.

A barricade or other suitable warning system shall be used to alert the public, workers, equipment and vehicle operators of an excavation’s location if the edge of the excavation is not readily apparent. If the edge of an excavation is adjacent to a public roadway or an area of high volume site traffic it shall have a suitable barricade installed along the exposed side of the route. Appropriate barricades shall not interfere with placing overburden a safe distance from the excavation.

Workers at the edge of the excavation must be minimized. Based upon the hazard evaluation, fall protection in the form of harnesses and lifelines, may be required if workers must observe activities at the edge of an excavation greater than 6 feet deep.

Lighting for excavations and barricades during nighttime or low visibility situations must be considered.

All shafts, pits, wells, etc., where no work is being performed shall be covered with material of sufficient strength to support foreseeable loads, or shall have protection installed around the perimeter, or shall be backfilled.

Walkways and bridges with guardrail systems shall be provided where people or equipment are required or permitted to cross over excavations.

Personnel in or near excavations or trenches shall not be permitted to work in the immediate vicinity of excavation equipment nor to work under loads handled by such equipment. Workers shall not be allowed to work above other personnel in the excavation unless the lower workers are adequately protected.

Workers shall not be allowed to work in excavations where water has accumulated or is accumulating unless adequate precautions have been taken. Diversion ditches, dikes, or other means shall be used to prevent surface water from entering an excavation and to provide drainage to the adjacent area. Pumps, if used to control water accumulation, must be monitored continuously.


Only authorized personnel are allowed within excavations. The number of workers within an excavation must be maintained to the minimum necessary. Any necessity for EWB personnel to enter excavations is prohibited unless approved in advance by national EWB staff (Health and Safety personnel) based on detailed prior planning.

A ladder, stairway, ramp or other means of exiting excavations 4 feet-deep or more will be provided for employees within 25 feet of lateral travel of any location within the excavations. Ramps used for employee access or egress must be sloped to allow the employee to walk in an upright manner without assistance. Ramps for equipment access or egress must be designed by a registered US Professional Engineer (P.E.).

Spoils and other materials are to be placed at sufficient distance from the edge of the excavation to prevent excessive loading on the face of the excavation. In no event is any material to be placed closer than two (2) feet from the edge.

Personnel will be evacuated from any excavation when the walls show signs of distress and personnel are potentially impacted.

Protective Support Systems

Persons in an excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with the following. Exceptions to the requirement for employee protective systems include; excavations entirely in stable rock and excavations which are less than 5 feet deep and examination by the competent person provides no indication of a potential cave-in. Protective system options include:

• Proper sloping or benching of the sides of the excavation. Follow specific requirements of 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, specifically 1926.652.

• Supporting the sides of the excavation with a properly designed and installed shoring or shielding system (e.g., hydraulic shoring, trench jacks, air shores, or trench boxes/shields).

Follow specific requirements of 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, specifically 1926.652.

Protective systems outlined within the OSHA standard are minimum requirements. In the event soil conditions change, reinspect the system. Additional cut backs on the slope angle may be necessary based upon conditions encountered.

No protective system is necessary when the competent person has determined that the excavation is made entirely in stable rock or that the excavation is less than 5 ft in depth and there is no indication of a potential cave-in.

Protective support systems for use in excavations greater than 20 feet in depth must be designed by a Registered US Professional Engineer.

INSPECTIONS

The competent person must inspect the excavation and the adjacent area frequently for possible cave-ins, for failure of protective systems and equipment, for hazardous atmospheres, or for other hazardous conditions. Inspections are also required after any occurrence that could increase the potential hazard to employees. Natural events, such as rain, or man-made events, such as blasting, are examples. All inspections shall be documented.

During inspections, danger signs that should be evaluated can include the following:

• Bulges in the side walls. • Cracks running parallel to the excavation edge. • Material sloughing into the excavation. • Exposed utilities. • Loose chunks of the excavation edge or lip breaking up. • Rocks, or refuse from earlier work or any other material that could fall from the excavation walls. • Undermined structures, poles, or trees. • Water seepage. • Spoils piles or other materials too close to the excavation edge.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:


The site specific Health and Safety Plan must indicate names and phone numbers for any potentially affected utility (e.g., phone, gas, electric, pipelines, public works, etc.).

If a utility is damaged due to the excavation operation, and damage has occurred, operations are to cease. Personnel are to relocate to a safe location until the hazard has been resolved. The owner of the utility and any other necessary emergency resources are to be contacted immediately.

In the event of a trench failure with subsequent personnel entrapment the following procedures should be followed:

• Immediately contact the local rescue agency listed in the Health and Safety Plan. Give the agency the exact location, number of victims, trench measurements and any special hazards encountered.

• Keep all life-support and de-watering systems operating. • Clear workers away from the excavation. • Shut down any heavy equipment nearby. • Be prepared to meet and brief rescue personnel. • Never attempt to dig out victims with heavy equipment.

Records Reports Notifications:

The following records shall be maintained in the project files:

• Excavation inspection records. • Soil classification test records. • Evaluations of need to stabilize adjacent structures. • Structural ramp designs. • Approved tabulated data used for protective systems. • Protective system designed by a P.E.

TH 23 Hand and Power Hand Tools 1 of 1

TH 23 HAND AND POWER HAND TOOLS

General Information Hand and sometimes power hand tools will be the most common implements used on EWB projects. Improper selection and/or use of tools can increase the likelihood of injury and damage to property. A general premise to follow is to select (and have available on site) the right tool for the job and then use it correctly. Related work activities to be considered include: noise protection, inclement weather, confined space entry, hot work, lifting and handling of heavy objects, housekeeping, heavy equipment operations, utilities, and electrical safety.

Procedure DO:

• Obtain training and practice in working with the tools that will be utilized onsite. • Keep all hand tools will be in good repair and use only for the purposes for which they were designed. • Keep guards in place during operation on all power tools designed to accommodate them. This includes

contractor supplied equipment. Guards and safety devices must remain in place on power tools unless removed according to manufacturer’s instruction for maintenance by a competent person and must be replaced before use. Belts, gears, shafts, drums, flywheels, chains or other rotating, reciprocating, or moving parts exposed to worker contact, or representing other hazards, must be guarded.

• Use proper PPE when operating power tools or hand tools that may produce projectiles, cuts or abrasions, dusts, fume, mists, or light, or which pose a risk of harm to arms, legs, or feet if dropped.

• Inspect and test power tools and determine that they are safe for operation prior to use. Continued periodic inspections will be made to ensure safe operating condition and proper maintenance.

• Ensure that electric powered tools shall be double-insulated or grounded in general accordance with 29 CFR 1926.404.

• Ensure that rotating or reciprocating portable power tools have a constant pressure switch that will shut off the power when the tool is released by the operator. A portable power tool may have a lock-on control provided turn-off can be accomplished by a single motion of the same finger or fingers that turned it on.

• Hydraulic fluid used in powered tools will retain its operating characteristics at the most extreme temperatures to which it will be exposed.

• Use nonconducting hoses having adequate strength for the normal operating pressures for all hydraulic or pneumatic tools that are used on or around energized lines or equipment should have.

• Ensure that extension cords: o Should meet Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or other rating criteria according to OSHA. o Use will be limited to essential tasks. o Should be tested for continuity before each use and should be connected to grounded outlets, or ground

fault current interrupters must be used. o Must be inspected daily for loose insulation, broken or missing plugs, bared wires, or other hazards. o Grounding of outlets used for portable tools should be confirmed before use. o Must not be allowed to become tripping or slipping hazards. o Must not be used for lifting or tying off, and shall be disconnected by pulling on the plug.

DO NOT:

• Issue or use unsafe hand tools. Wrenches with sprung jaws, where slippage could occur, shovels and hammers with loose handles, and wooden handled tools with cracks or splinters are examples of unsafe hand tools.

• Keep in service tools having defects that will impair their strength or render them unsafe. • Throw or drop tools or materials from one location to another, or from one person to another. • Use sparking tools in locations where sources of ignition may cause a fire or explosion. • Exceed manufacturer’s safe operating pressures for hydraulic hoses, valves, pipes, filters, and other fittings. • Wear loose and frayed clothing, dangling jewelry, rings, chains, and wrist watches while working with any

power tool or machine. Long hair will be tied back or otherwise secured. Appropriate PPE must be worn, such as face and eye protection, head protection, hearing protection, protection from abrasion (such as gloves and long sleeved shirts/trousers), foot protection, etc.

TH 24 Hand and Emergency Signals 1 of 1

TH 24 HAND AND EMERGENCY SIGNALS

General Information Hand and emergency signals will be required when the ability to vocally communicate is lost. The likelihood of needing emergency signals is likely to be slim but may be necessary in the event of a storm, natural disaster, or security situation. Hand signals are more commonly needed when other sounds drown out the voice, or if persons communicating are out of vocal distance, but have visual contact.

Hand Signals SIGNAL MEANING

Hands on top of head Need assistance

Grip partners’ wrist or place both hands around partners’ arm Leave area immediately

Thumbs up OK; I’m all right

Thumbs down No; Negative

Hand gripping throat cannot breath, out of air

Pointed finger on extended arm Look in that direction

Wave hands over head from side to side Attention; Stand-by for next signal

Swing hand from direction of person receiving signal to directly overhead and through in circle Come here

Clenched fist of extended arm Stop Motion

Draw index finger across front of throat Shut off engine; cut off power

Emergency Signals SIGNAL MEANING

One long sound of emergency alarm signal Emergency situation, face safety watch and watch or listen for directions

Pause; followed by a number of short sounds, 1, 2, 3 or 4 Evacuate to the pre-designated emergency meeting place indicated by the number of sounds

TH 26 Biological Hazards 1 of 4

TH 26 BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS

General Information Team members may encounter biological hazards that include: animals, insects, molds and fungus, plants and etiological agents (infectious diseases).

Procedure The HSO will be responsible for researching and relating to team members information regarcing the biological hazards that are likely to be encountered in the region of travel. The HSO shall provide current information including any recent advisories posted by the Center For Disease Control (CDC). Current information can be found on the CDC’s travel website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx

Some team members may be sensitive to certain hazards because of allergies or other reasons. Any known allergies should be reported to the HSO prior to travel and any appropriate and addition first aid supplies must be carried to the site, and be used by trained personnel.

The following is a list of commonly encountered biological hazards. In addition to this sheet, the HSO must attach the detailed hazard descriptions that can be found on the CDC’s website, for the location of travel, including any recent or emerging health risks. It is highly recommended that each team member visit a travel clinic before travelling.

Bloodborne Pathogens

During the administration of first aid, personnel can be exposed to blood or blood-containing fluids infected with Bloodborne Pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that may be present in human blood and may cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Anyone administering first aid must take the “universal precaution” of assuming that any blood-containing fluid, person bleeding, or equipment contaminated with blood are infected with both viruses. Protection involves use of personal protection such as gloves, gowns, eye shields, surgical masks, one- way valve rescue breather devices. It also involves training, disinfectants, and decontamination.

Endemic Biological Hazards

An important part of health and safety planning and protection includes identifying and understanding local flora and fauna. Animals, insects, molds and fungus, and poisonous plants vary from site to site, and their likelihood of causing harm also varies. Risk assessment and protection protocol determinations include knowing the how, where and what of hazardous types of plants, animals, insects, or molds and fungus.

Biological Agents: A source of biological hazard for EWB workers is poor sanitation. Waterborne and foodborne diseases can be a problem if adequate precautions are not taken. Examples of waterborne diseases are cholera, typhoid fever, viral hepatitis, salmonellosis, bacillary dysentery, and amoebic dysentery. In some locations, it may be necessary to transport water and food to the site. The food and water must be handled properly and come from an uncontaminated source.

The response team must also avoid creating any sanitation problems by making sure that properly designed lavatory facilities are available at the work site

Tetanus is another form of biological hazard encountered on hazardous materials sites. Workers must be careful to avoid puncture hazards, wear appropriate protective clothing, and have current tetanus inoculations.

Animals represent hazards because of their poisons or venoms, size and aggressiveness, diseases transmitted, or the insects they may carry.

Poisonous snakes are common around the world. The major variables are the likelihood of encounter and the type of snake likely to be encountered. Encounters with snakes may be caused reaching into holes, or just walking through high grass and other dense vegetation, swampy areas, or on rocks.

Key factors to working safely include being alert, using care when reaching into, around, or moving objects, and being familiar with the habits and habitats of snakes in the vicinity of a work site.


A snake bite warrants medical attention after administration of proper first aid procedures.

Many villages where EWB works will have several dogs that are kept hanging around the village. They are usually semi-domesticated, but they should not be mistaken as the sort of pets that are typically encountered in the US. They can become pack oriented, aggressive, and represent serious risk of harm to unprotected workers.

Rabies varies from area to area as do the animals most likely to be rabid. Rabies is a viral infection most often transmitted by bites of animals infected with the virus. Skunks, raccoons, foxes, and bats are wild animals most frequently found to be infected with rabies; however, any warm blooded animal can be infected. Squirrels, groundhogs, horses, cattle, and rabbits have been tested positive for rabies. Dogs and cats are frequently rabies-infected if not immunized.

Rabies infection is not always apparent. Signs to look for in wild animals are over aggressiveness or passivity. Spotting animals which are normally nocturnal (active at night) during the day and being able to approach them would be an example of unusual behavior. Finding a bat alive and on the ground is abnormal. The best precaution, however, is to observe wild animals from a safe distance, even if they are injured. Avoid dogs and cats that you do not know.

If bitten by an animal you suspect is infected with rabies, immediately wash the bite area with soap and water, then disinfect with 70% alcohol and seek medical attention for follow-up.

Contact the local authorities as soon as possible. If feasible, try to keep the animal under surveillance so that the local authorities will be able to capture it. Avoid being bitten again or contacting the mouth or any saliva of the animal.

Rabies is preventable, even after being bitten if treatment is begun soon enough. Getting prompt medical attention and confirming the rabies infection of an animal are very important. Rabies is not curable once symptoms or signs of rabies appear.

Hantavirus is associated with rodents, especially the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculanis) as a primary reservoir host. Hantavirus has resulted in numerous deaths in the southwestern U.S. The CDC is concerned that the virus may have been distributed over a larger geographic area than originally suspected. The Hantavirus can be transmitted by infected rodents through their saliva, urine, and feces. Human infection may occur when infected wastes are inhaled as a result of aerosols produced directly from the animals. They also may come from dried materials introduced into broken skin or onto mucous membranes. Infections in humans occur most in adults and are associated with activities that provide contact with infected rodents in rural/semirural areas.

Hantavirus symptoms begin with one or more flu-like symptoms (i.e., fever, muscle aches, headache, and/or cough) and progresses rapidly to severe lung disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital. Personnel involved in work areas where rodents and the presence of the Hantavirus are known or suspected will need to take personal protective measures and to develop an expanded site safety plan.

For workers and facilities in rural/semirural areas the following risk-reduction strategies are appropriate:

• Eliminate rodents and reduce availability of food sources and nesting sites used by rodents. • Store trash/garbage in rodent-proof metal or thick plastic containers with tight lids. • Cut all grass/underbrush in proximity to buildings. • Prevent rodents from entering buildings (e.g., use steel wool, screen, etc., to eliminate openings).

Insects spread many diseases including those borne by ticks: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme Disease; fleas: Plague; and mosquitoes: Malaria, Yellow Fever, Dengue West Nile Virus and Arboviral Encephalitides.

It is important to note that animals may be hosts for insects which may spread diseases. Ticks carrying Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are found on grass, but may be carried on animals. Bubonic plague, which has emerged in parts of Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona, is associated with fleas found on prairie dogs.

A sensitivity reaction is one of the more dangerous and acute effects of insect bites or stings. It is the most common cause of fatalities from bites, particularly from bees, wasps, and spiders. Anaphylactic shock due to


stings can lead to severe reactions in the circulatory, respiratory, and central nervous system. This can also result in death.

Team members travelling to the work site must be questioned regarding their known allergic reaction to insect bites. Anyone knowingly allergic should be required to know how to use and carry two response kits. First aid providers must be instructed on how to use the kit also. The kit must be inspected to ensure it is current.

Benadryl or similar antihistamine should be brought to the site along with the medical supplies. Benadryl can slow allergic reactions, and keep any resulting swelling manageable until more sophisticated remedies can be accessed.

Administer first aid and observe persons reporting stings for signs of allergic reaction, such as unusual swelling, nausea, dizziness, and shock. At the first sign of these symptoms, take the individual to a medical facility for attention.

Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by the bite of a deer tick. It is prevalent across the U.S. and other countries. Not all ticks transmit Lyme Disease. Ticks must be attached for several hours before Lyme Disease can be transmitted. Being bitten by a tick does not mean you will get Lyme Disease.

To protect against Lyme disease wear light-colored, tight-knit clothing. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants with pant legs into shoes or boots. Wear a hat and use insect repellent containing DEET (follow manufacturer’s instructions for use). Check yourself daily for ticks after being in grassy, wooded areas.

If bitten remove the tick immediately with fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull gently but firmly without twisting or crushing the tick. Wash your hands and dab the bite with an antiseptic. Save the tick in a jar in some alcohol. Label the jar with the date of the bite, the area where you picked up the tick, and the spot on your body where you were bitten. Monitor the bite for any signs of infection or rash. If the victim becomes ill while still in country on the project, and must go to a medical facility, bring the tick along. If the victim does not become ill before leaving the country, destroy the tick, but complete an notice of incident form and document the information on the form.

Early Signs are expanding skin rash, flu-like symptoms during summer or early fall that include chills, fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, stiff neck, aching joints, and muscles, fatigue. Later signs include nervous system problems, heart problems, arthritis, especially in knees.

Plague continues to be a risk in many areas around the world. Plague is transmitted by fleas, and is commonly found in fleas living on rodents. Antibiotics can be used to treat the Plague, and without these the infected person can become ill and die. Symptoms include swollen and painful lymph glands as well as flue like symptoms and the history of exposure to rodents and/or fleas. Risk of exposure is reduced by avoiding rodents and keeping the work and living spaces rodent free.

Malaria can only be avoided by not being bitten by mosquitoes. Preventative measures are the most important line of defence. Use of insecticide containing DEET and mosquito nets are highly recommended. Anti-Malarial medications will prevent the continued development of malaria parasites in the blood. Medications shall be procured and the course started before entering the region, according to a doctor’s instruction. Different strains of malaria are prevalent in different parts of the world and it is imperative to procure the appropriate medication for the region of travel.

Yellow Fever is a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. Preventative measures are the most important line of defence. Use of insecticide containing DEET and mosquito nets are highly recommended. Vaccination is highly recommended for persons travelling to areas where Yellow Fever is a concern.

Dengue Fever is a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. Preventative measures are the most important line of defence. Use of insecticide containing DEET and mosquito nets are highly recommended. There is no vaccine for dengue fever.

Plants: Toxic effects from plants are generally caused by ingestion of nuts, fruits, or leaves. Personnel should also be concerned with plants like poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, which produce adverse effects from direct contact. The usual effect is dermatitis or inflammation of the skin. The protective clothing and decontamination procedures used for chemicals also reduce the exposure risk from the plant toxins. Risk can be reduced by cleaning the skin thoroughly with soap and water after contact.


Hepatitis B Virus: The term hepatitis simply means an inflammation of the liver. This condition can be caused by a wide variety of agents including medications, alcohol, toxic or poisonous substances, and infectious agents such as viruses. Hepatitis B, formerly known as “serum” hepatitis, is the only form of viral hepatitis that poses a significant occupational threat in the health care environment.

Symptoms: HBV is a disease that causes liver damage, the severity of which can range from mild or even unapparent to severe or fatal. Of the infected individuals, 6-10% will become HBV carriers. Carriers are at risk of developing chronic liver disease, including active hepatitis, cirrhosis and primary liver cancer. Carriers are also infectious to others (USHHS and NIOSH, 1989).

Sources of Infection: The Hepatitis B virus has been isolated from various body fluids including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, saliva, and serous fluid. Within the health care setting, however, Hepatitis B is thought to be transmitted primarily by percutaneous or permucosal blood through needle sticks or the splashing of blood or blood-tinged body fluids into the eyes or mouth.

Risk: There is a direct relationship between the likelihood of occupational Hepatitis B infection and the frequency of blood contact. Health care professionals (surgeons, operating room-staff; pathologists, and emergency room personnel) exhibit a high incidence of exposure to Hepatitis B infection. The frequency of blood contact determines the level of risk.

Protective measures against Hepatitis B infection include good hand washing practices, caution, and proper technique in the handling of the following potentially contaminated items: needles, sharps, supplies, and instruments. Excellent protective treatment for, or prevention of, this disease is afforded by both Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and by Hepatitis B vaccine. Either or both of these should be given as soon as possible after any documented exposure to blood (Johnson and Johnson, 1992).

Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS is a severe viral disease. AIDS severely affects the immune system and is characterized by a multitude of opportunistic infections. The AIDS virus is typical of most viruses. It cannot survive for any appreciable amount of time outside its human host. Its presence in the general environment is extremely unlikely and is limited to body secretions, primarily blood and semen. HIV is very susceptible to a large number of common household disinfectants since it is an unstable virus.

Risk - There is a common misconception that health care workers are at high risk for acquiring HIV infection through occupational exposure. Studies confirm the fact that this supposed risk is less than one percent. Of the thousands of health care workers in the U.S. and other parts of the world who have been exposed to HIV through patient contact, very few have developed subsequent infection. AIDS is a concern of immense proportion to the health care community. However, from an occupational health point of view there is little reason for undue concern regarding this virus.

Simple use of good personal hygiene, common sense, and the barrier techniques which are discussed in this operating practice will help to prevent health care workers from contracting HIV infection or any other serious illness in the workplace (Johnson and Johnson, 1992).

Th 27 Hazardous Toxic Materials 1

TH 27 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS The following is intended as a guide to familiarize you with the hazards of chemical products, and as such, cannot address every situation encountered by EWB teams. It is your responsibility to investigate the potential hazards and safe handling, use, storage, transportation, and disposal of ANY products that you will be using or may encounter during your project. Proper clothing and equipment must be used at any project site. Basic equipment includes steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and hard hats (look for ANSI approval on all these items) unless the EWB Health and Safety Committee grants an exception. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS F flammable (flammable or combustible liquids will burn, e.g., gasoline) A and C corrosive (damages living tissue, e.g., skin burns caused by hydrochloric acid) T toxic (harms living organisms, e.g., cancer caused by benzene) O or R reactive (uncontrolled chemical reaction with increases in temperature, pressure,

or gas evolution, e.g., hydroxylamine) General Exposures to hazardous (flammable, corrosive, toxic, or reactive) chemicals can potentially occur from materials purchased for use on a project (e.g., paints or pesticides), those found on-site (e.g., lead-based paints or asbestos), or those created during a project (e.g., phosgene created when welding is conducted in the presence of chlorinated hydrocarbons). Careful attention to project planning, site assessment, and protection of team members and partners can minimize the risk of exposures to hazardous materials. Chemicals may enter the body through ingestion (swallowing), inhalation, skin absorption, or injection (such as a needle stick or puncture wound). Good industrial hygiene1 practice dictates a “hierarchy of controls” to minimize exposures (decreasing levels of efficacy):

o Control at the source o Substitution o Mechanize the process o Isolate/enclose the process

o Control along the path of exposure o Local exhaust ventilation o General ventilation o Housekeeping

o Control at the worker o Worker education o Enclose the worker

1 Industrial hygiene is the science and art of anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of environmental factors arising in or from the workplace that may result in injury, illness, impairment, or affect the well-being of workers and members of the community.


o Personal protective equipment (PPE) Respirators, gloves, chemical protective clothing, eye and face protection

o Clean lunch / break room o Locker and change room o Lavatories o Clean change of clothing o Emergency eyewash and shower

Control at the source is more effective than the other two methods (along the path, at the worker) because it eliminates or reduces any hazard, rather than just placing a barrier between the worker and the hazard. Obviously, some of these controls make more sense in a traditional work place than on an EWB project site. For example, it’s going to be much easier to substitute a safer chemical (e.g., a lead-free, water-based paint) than to mechanize a process or to enclose a team member working on a task. However, by paying close attention to the project design, the site assessment, and site factors, by educating ourselves on hazardous chemicals, and by consulting experts when needed, we can all work together to minimize exposure of EWB team members and partners to hazardous materials. Project planning The initial application to EWB describing the goals and objectives and the specific methods and materials of your project should provide as much detail as possible. You should list all the products that you anticipate using in the project, including but not limited to paints, adhesives, solvents, pesticides, acids, bases, chlorine, and cement. You may not yet know all the chemicals projects you’ll be using, but by including all the activities you plan to conduct, it will be easier for the project reviewers to anticipate other kinds of chemical products which may be needed. Provide as much detail as possible on the PROJECT APPLICATION PAPERWORK. Extremely hazardous materials (including, but not limited to, cyanides, explosives, pyrophoric, or peroxide-forming chemicals) should NOT be used on any EWB project. Use of any extremely hazardous materials must be approved by the EWB Health & Safety Committee. Site Assessment One of the goals of your site assessment trip will be to learn as much as possible about the existing condition of the site, including the presence of any hazardous materials or dangerous conditions. These should be noted on your site assessment report. Also, if you encounter any materials which may pose a hazard, you’ll need to talk with your advisor about ways to avoid contact. For example, any hazardous materials stored at the site should be moved away from the area in which you’ll be working. If you anticipate welding on any painted surfaces which could contain lead-based paint, or conducting renovation, remodeling, or repair on any surfaces which may contain asbestos, it may be appropriate to take representative samples for laboratory analysis.2 Protection of Team Members and Partners A variety of methods will be needed to ensure that team members and partners are appropriately protected from hazards which may be discovered on-site. Planning and assessment can minimize, but not eliminate hazards. It will be necessary to remain alert at all times, whether conducting official project activities, or relaxing with your team members. Appropriate methods of protecting yourself from injury or illness may include personal protective equipment, avoiding hazards, and being sure that food and water are safe to consume. The general guidelines and information on hazardous materials which follow are

2 Appropriate protective equipment should be worn by persons taking any samples. Samples should be sealed and labeled for future analysis. Bulk samples of solvents, liquid paints, pesticides, etc., should NOT be returned to the United States for analysis, as doing so may violate international transportation laws.


designed to increase your awareness of potential hazards. If you become aware of additional hazards during your trip, please communicate this information to the EWB Health & Safety Committee so that we can incorporate it into future guidance. Some of the chemicals which may be purchased for an EWB project or which may be encountered on the site of an EWB project are toxic. EWB team members who may have potential exposure to these chemicals must receive special training prior to conducting field activities involving:

o Pesticides o Lead o Asbestos o Silica

General Guidelines for Handling Hazardous Materials

1. Obtain a manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each product that you’ll be using (possibly available on the Web). Become familiar with the contents and any safety procedures recommended by the manufacturer. The project Health & Safety Office (HSO) should carry a copy of the MSDS, and communicate important aspects to other team members during safety meetings.

2. Buy the smallest quantity of product required for the project. It may be “cheaper by the dozen,” but excess chemicals create storage and disposal problems. Don’t purchase a chemical until you have a plan for disposing or donating the excess to a responsible group.

3. If the MSDS or product label indicates any hazardous (flammable, corrosive, toxic or reactive) materials, consider the possibility of substituting products or processes:

a. Water-based paints, glues, or cleaners for solvent-based products b. Lead-free, cadmium-free for leaded paints or pigments, etc. c. Silica-free abrasive blasting materials (note: some countries prohibit the use of silica sand

for abrasive blasting) d. Non-asbestos insulating materials for asbestos-containing materials (ACM) e. Slurry, pelletized, or waxy materials instead of dry dusts or powders f. Painting with a brush rather than spray painting

4. Many operations can be made safer by handling materials in wet form rather than dry. 5. Try to work with the wind at your back to minimize inhalation of dusts, aerosols, etc. If you’re

working indoors with materials which are dusty or volatile, try to keep the doors and windows open.

6. Don’t ever work alone, but limit the number of people who may have potential exposure to chemicals. Make sure that the area is labeled so that people won’t enter unaware of potential hazards.

7. All containers must be properly labeled with contents. Try to avoid pouring chemicals from a large container into a small container, which must then be labeled and disposed. NEVER put chemicals into a container which is meant for storing or serving food.

8. Use of goggles, gloves, and aprons can reduce the risk of spilling or splashing chemicals on to skin or eyes. Contaminated clothing should be changed as soon as possible.

9. If a product comes into contact with skin or eyes, rinse immediately with clean water. An eyewash station (portable versions are available) with fresh, clean water must be available whenever corrosive chemicals (potential to injure the eyes) are in use. Eyes should be flushed for at least 15 minutes (which means that the eye wash station must contain sufficient water supply).

10. Choose gloves carefully, as various glove materials can protect against different chemicals. No one glove material can provide protection against all chemicals. For example, a nitrile glove is good protection against isopropanol, but is not a good choice for many of the degreasing solvents. PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) provides excellent chemical resistance to aromatic and chlorinated


solvents, but cannot be used in water or water-based solutions. Surgical gloves are very thin to allow for sensitive touch, but are not designed for chemical resistance. Gloves should be replaced after one use, or at the first sign of deterioration, damage, or after immersion in liquid chemicals, whichever comes first. Latex gloves may cause contact dermatitis. Users in hot and humid climates should be careful to keep their hands clean and dry to reduce the risk of skin problems.

11. Respiratory protective equipment comes in two basic categories: air supplying, and air purifying. Air-supplying respirators may provide clean breathing air from an air compressor, a remote air tank, or a tank carried by the workers (similar to but NOT the same as underwater SCBA). Air-supplying respirators are the only safe respiratory protection when people are exposed to highly contaminated and/or oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Use of air-supplying respiratory protection requires special training, and should NOT be used on any EWB project without special arrangements with the EWB Health & Safety Committee.

12. Air-purifying respirators remove contaminants from contaminated air by filters (dusts and other aerosols) and/or cartridges (gases and/or vapors). In a negative-pressure respirator, the air is pulled through the filter / cartridge by the breathing effort of the wearer. In a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), the air is supplied to the facepiece of the respirator by a small motor and fan. A positive-pressure respirator provides greater protection to the wearer than a negative-pressure respirator. (Users of PAPR may have glasses and/or facial hair.) A full-face respirator provides more protection than a half-mask respirator. Air-purifying respirators do NOT supply oxygen, and should not be worn in oxygen-deficient or highly contaminated atmospheres. Team members who will be wearing any respiratory protective equipment other than a disposable respirator should receive training prior to travel for the EWB project.

13. A respiratory protection program should be in place whenever a team will be relying on respiratory protective equipment. Provisions must be in place for training, selection (NIOSH approved respirators), use, inspection and repair, cleaning, storage, and medical evaluation of users. Keep in mind that any use of respiratory protective equipment places an additional strain on the user, particularly in hot and humid climates.

14. NEVER smoke, or allow others to do so, around hazardous materials. Keep ignition sources far away from flammable / combustible materials.

15. Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, or smoking. NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you NOT smoke while on an EWB project.

General Guidelines for Housekeeping 1. Keep all surfaces clean and free of chemicals (dusts or liquids). Avoid dry sweeping, dry dusting,

and the use of compressed air to clean surfaces. Whenever possible, wet wipe or mop surfaces. Wet wiping using the three-bucket method (NJ Department of Health and Senior Services) Prepare: --2 buckets with clean water

--Empty bucket for dirty cleaning solution --Container of cleaning solution

Pour cleaning solution onto clean cloth and wring excess into empty bucket. Wipe the dirty surface with the wet cloth. Pour additional cleaning solution on the cloth as needed, and wipe all surfaces to be cleaned, discarding cloths as they become dirty. To rinse, dip a clean cloth into the first rinse bucket and wring out. Wipe the work surface. Rinse the cloth in the first bucket, wring out, then repeat in the second bucket. Continue until all surfaces are rinsed. Change rinse water as needed. Wet mopping using the three-bucket method (NJ Department of Health and Senior Services) Assemble


--Bucket of cleaning solution --Mop and bucket for dirty rinse --Bucket for clean rinse Dip mop into cleaning solution, then wring excess solution into the mop bucket. Mop small areas until mop is dry. Slosh mop in clean rinse bucket and wring into mop bucket. Continue until area is clean. Follow the same procedure to rinse, except that the bucket of cleaning solution is exchanged for a second rinse bucket. Change rinse water as needed. General Guidelines for Spill Clean Up

1. Whenever hazardous chemicals will be used, you must determine in advance: a. To whom spills will be reported, and who will be responsible for spill clean up (e.g., team

members involved in the spill, a spill clean-up team, a contractor) b. How spills will be contained, and how team members will be decontaminated c. What equipment will be used, and which team members will be trained in its use d. What personal protective equipment will be needed e. The criteria for determining that the area is “clean” f. Disposal procedures (local or national requirements, good environmental practice) g. Medical surveillance of team members who have been exposed

2. Have a spill clean-up kit available whenever hazardous liquid products are used, and know how to use it.

3. Know where any used spill clean-up kit will be disposed. General Guidelines for Storing Hazardous Materials Storage of incompatible chemicals together can result in fire, explosion, or in a chemical reaction which generates toxic materials. The most likely of these is the storage of acids (especially oxidizing acids) with flammable solvents. Contact of a concentrated oxidizing acid with a flammable solvent may result in a fire or an explosion. The following material has been adapted from Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Environment, Health, & Safety Division, Chemical Hygiene and Safety Plan: Chemical Storage Guidelines (available at http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/chsp/html/storage.shtml). If you will be using hazardous chemicals on-site, it is your responsibility to thoroughly research the material safety data sheets (MSDS) for these specific chemicals, and to determine the safe storage procedures for those chemicals. NEVER mix chemicals or chemical waste without specific instructions to do so from a person knowledgeable in chemical hazards.

1. Proper storage is required to avoid accidentally mixing incompatible chemicals. Chemicals must be sorted into hazard classes for storage. Store incompatible chemicals separately. Avoid mixing incompatible waste materials.

2. Hazardous chemicals must be stored in locked cabinets and/or storage rooms. The cabinet and/or room should be labeled.

3. When flammable liquids are in use, appropriate fire extinguishers must be available within the immediate area (but not inside the locked storage area).

4. In general, chemicals should be separated according to the following categories (see incompatibility chart below): o Solvents, which include flammable/combustible liquids and halogenated hydrocarbons

(e.g., acetone, benzene, ethers, alcohols) o Inorganic mineral acids (e.g., nitric, sulfuric, hydrochloric, and perchloric acids). o Bases (e.g., sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide) o Oxidizers o Poisons


o Explosives or unstable reactives, such as picric acid, should NOT be used on EWB projects.

5. Ensure that caps and lids on all chemical containers are tightly closed to prevent evaporation of contents. Store all hazardous liquid chemicals in drip trays that are chemically resistant.

6. Label all containers to which hazardous materials are transferred with the identity of the substance and its hazards. Be aware that different container materials have varying resistances to different chemicals.

7. Limit the amount of chemicals stored to the minimum required. 8. Avoid exposure of chemicals to heat or direct sunlight. This may lead to the deterioration of

storage containers as well as the degradation of the chemicals. 9. Flammable liquids in excess of 25 gallons (95 liters) must be stored in approved flammable

liquid storage containers. Store all flammables away from oxidizing acids and oxidizers. Keep away from any source of ignition: heat, sparks, or open flames.

10. Acids must be segregated from reactive metals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.; from flammables and combustible materials; from chemicals which could generate toxic or flammable gases upon contact, such as sodium cyanide, iron sulfide, calcium carbide, etc.; and from bases. Inorganic and organic acids must be separated.

11. Bases must be segregated from acids, metals, explosives, organic peroxides and easily ignitable materials.

The following incompatibility matrix contains examples of incompatible chemicals. It is not exhaustive; it is your responsibility to research the chemicals that you will be using on your EWB project.

Chemical Incompatibility Matrix

Acids, Inorganic

Acids, Oxidizing

Acids, Organic

Alkalis (Bases)

Oxidizers Poisons, inorganic

Poisons, organic

Water reactives

Organic solvents

Acids, Inorganic

X X

X X X X

Acids, Oxidizing

X X

X X X X

Acids, Organic

X X

X X X X X

Alkalis (Bases)

X X X

X X X

Oxidizers X X X X

Poisons, inorganic

X X X

X X X

Poisons, organic

X X X X X X

Water reactives

X X X X X X

Organic solvents

X X

X X X

X = Not compatible – do not store together General Guidelines for Disposing of Hazardous Materials

1. Know the country regulations for disposing of hazardous materials. 2. Consider neutralizing or stabilizing chemical products prior to disposal.


3. Consider options to disposal, such as donating leftover chemical products to another group which will use the chemical properly. Do NOT mix waste products together without specific instructions from a person knowledgeable in chemical hazards.

4. Purchase the smallest quantity possible, and be sure to label all containers properly.

Additional Information on Selected Toxic Materials This information is intended as a general guideline to toxic materials which may be encountered on your EWB project. It is your responsibility to research the activities which you will be conducting, determine the chemical products which you may be purchasing or which may be encountered or created on site, and determine the appropriate protective methods. The EWB Health & Safety Committee is always available to answer your questions and to provide additional information on potential hazards.

Th

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nd r

oden

ticid

es.

May

be

high

ly to

xic

thro

ugh

inge

stio

n, in

hala

tion,

eye

or

skin

con

tact

.

Sel

ect t

he s

afes

t pro

duct

whi

ch w

ill a

ccom

plis

h th

e ta

sk.

Wea

r pr

oper

pr

otec

tive

equi

pmen

t, in

clud

ing

glov

es, f

ace

shie

ld, a

pron

, boo

ts, e

tc.,

as a

ppro

pria

te.

Avo

id e

ye/s

kin

cont

act;

if co

ntac

t occ

urs,

imm

edia

tely

EP

A:

http

://w

ww

.epa

.gov

/pes

ticid

es/h

ealth

/saf

ely.

htm

Th

27 H

azar

dous

Tox

ic M

ater

ials

9

May

cau

se c

entr

al n

ervo

us e

ffect

s, li

ver

and/

or

kidn

ey d

amag

e, e

tc.

flu

sh w

ith c

opio

us a

mou

nts

of w

ater

and

see

k m

edic

al a

ttent

ion

if irr

itatio

n oc

curs

. D

o no

t ing

est.

If in

gest

ion

occu

rs, s

eek

med

ical

at

tent

ion

imm

edia

tely

. D

o no

t sto

re p

estic

ides

in c

onta

iner

s w

hich

co

uld

be m

ista

ken

for

food

con

tain

ers.

E

PA

adv

ises

that

pes

ticid

es m

ay b

e on

or

in p

lant

s, s

oil,

irrig

atio

n w

ater

, or

drift

ing

from

nea

rby

appl

icat

ions

. Was

h be

fore

eat

ing,

dr

inki

ng, u

sing

che

win

g gu

m o

r to

bacc

o, o

r us

ing

the

toile

t. W

ear

wor

k cl

othi

ng th

at p

rote

cts

the

body

from

pes

ticid

e re

sidu

es.

Was

hing

/sho

wer

with

soa

p an

d w

ater

, sha

mpo

o ha

ir an

d pu

t on

clea

n cl

othe

s af

ter

wor

k. W

ash

wor

k cl

othe

s se

para

tely

from

oth

er c

loth

es

befo

re w

earin

g th

em a

gain

(no

te:

this

may

req

uire

sto

ring

cont

amin

ated

clo

thin

g in

a p

last

ic b

ag).

Was

h im

med

iate

ly in

the

near

est c

lean

wat

er if

pes

ticid

es a

re s

pille

d or

spr

ayed

on

the

body

and

, as

soo

n as

pos

sibl

e, s

how

er, s

ham

poo,

and

cha

nge

into

cle

an c

loth

es.

Any

EW

B te

am m

embe

r w

ho m

ay b

e ex

pose

d to

pes

ticid

es o

n an

EW

B

proj

ect m

ust h

ave

spec

ial t

rain

ing

prio

r to

the

proj

ect a

ctiv

ities

.

Aci

ds /

Bas

es

May

cau

se s

erio

us d

amag

e to

eye

s, s

kin,

or

resp

irato

ry s

yste

m.

May

be

fata

l on

inge

stio

n or

in

hala

tion.

Pur

chas

e / u

se th

e lo

wes

t con

cent

ratio

n po

ssib

le to

acc

ompl

ish

the

task

.

Avo

id e

xpos

ure

to e

yes,

ski

n, a

nd r

espi

rato

ry s

yste

m.

If ey

e co

ntac

t oc

curs

, flu

sh w

ith c

opio

us a

mou

nts

of w

ater

and

see

k m

edic

al a

ttent

ion.

If

skin

con

tact

occ

urs,

flus

h w

ith c

opio

us a

mou

nts

of w

ater

and

see

k m

edic

al a

ttent

ion

if irr

itatio

n oc

curs

.

Do

not i

nges

t. N

ever

sto

re in

con

tain

ers

whi

ch c

ould

be

mis

take

n fo

r fo

od c

onta

iner

s.

Exa

mpl

es:

Sod

ium

hyd

roxi

de:

http

://w

ww

.cdc

.gov

/nio

sh/n

pg/n

pgd0

565.

htm

l H

ydro

chlo

ric a

cid:

ht

tp://

ww

w.c

dc.g

ov/n

iosh

/npg

/npg

d033

2.ht

ml

Chl

orin

e M

ay ir

ritat

e / d

amag

e th

e ey

es, s

kin,

and

re

spira

tory

sys

tem

.

It ha

s be

en u

sed

as a

poi

sono

us g

as in

war

fare

.

Acc

ordi

ng to

the

CD

C, c

hlor

ine

itsel

f is

not

flam

mab

le, b

ut it

can

rea

ct e

xplo

sive

ly o

r fo

rm

expl

osiv

e co

mpo

unds

with

oth

er c

hem

ical

s su

ch

as tu

rpen

tine

and

amm

onia

.

Acc

ordi

ng to

CD

C, l

eave

any

are

a w

here

the

chlo

rine

has

been

re

leas

ed a

nd g

et to

fres

h ai

r. G

o to

the

high

est g

roun

d po

ssib

le,

beca

use

chlo

rine

is h

eavi

er th

an a

ir an

d w

ill s

ink

to lo

w-ly

ing

area

s. I

f th

e ch

lorin

e re

leas

e w

as in

door

s, g

et o

ut o

f the

bui

ldin

g. If

you

thin

k yo

u m

ay h

ave

been

exp

osed

, rem

ove

your

clo

thin

g, r

apid

ly w

ash

your

en

tire

body

with

soa

p an

d w

ater

, and

get

med

ical

car

e as

qui

ckly

as

poss

ible

.

•

Rem

ovin

g an

d di

spos

ing

of c

loth

ing:

o

Q

uick

ly ta

ke o

ff cl

othi

ng th

at h

as li

quid

chl

orin

e on

it. A

ny

clot

hing

that

has

to b

e pu

lled

over

the

head

sho

uld

be c

ut o

ff th

e bo

dy in

stea

d of

pul

led

over

the

head

. If p

ossi

ble,

sea

l the

cl

othi

ng in

a p

last

ic b

ag. T

hen

seal

the

first

pla

stic

bag

in a

http

://w

ww

.cdc

.gov

/nio

sh/n

pg/n

pgd0

115.

htm

l ht

tp://

emer

genc

y.cd

c.go

v/ag

ent/

chlo

rine/

basi

cs/fa

cts.

asp

Th

27 H

azar

dous

Tox

ic M

ater

ials

10

seco

nd p

last

ic b

ag. R

emov

ing

and

seal

ing

the

clot

hing

in th

is

way

will

hel

p pr

otec

t you

and

oth

er p

eopl

e fr

om a

ny c

hem

ical

s th

at m

ight

be

on y

our

clot

hes.

o

If

you

plac

ed y

our

clot

hes

in p

last

ic b

ags,

info

rm e

ither

the

loca

l or

sta

te h

ealth

dep

artm

ent o

r em

erge

ncy

pers

onne

l upo

n th

eir

arriv

al. D

o no

t han

dle

the

plas

tic b

ags.

o

If

you

are

help

ing

othe

r pe

ople

rem

ove

thei

r cl

othi

ng, t

ry to

av

oid

touc

hing

any

con

tam

inat

ed a

reas

, and

rem

ove

the

clot

hing

as

quic

kly

as p

ossi

ble.

•

Was

hing

the

body

: o

A

s qu

ickl

y as

pos

sibl

e, w

ash

your

ent

ire b

ody

with

larg

e am

ount

s of

soa

p an

d w

ater

. Was

hing

with

soa

p an

d w

ater

will

he

lp p

rote

ct p

eopl

e fr

om a

ny c

hem

ical

s on

thei

r bo

dies

. o

If

your

eye

s ar

e bu

rnin

g or

you

r vi

sion

is b

lurr

ed, r

inse

you

r ey

es w

ith p

lain

wat

er fo

r 10

to 1

5 m

inut

es. I

f you

wea

r co

ntac

ts,

rem

ove

them

bef

ore

rinsi

ng y

our

eyes

, and

pla

ce th

em in

the

bags

with

the

cont

amin

ated

clo

thin

g. D

o no

t put

the

cont

acts

ba

ck in

you

r ey

es. Y

ou s

houl

d di

spos

e of

them

eve

n if

you

do

not w

ear

disp

osab

le c

onta

cts.

If y

ou w

ear

eyeg

lass

es, w

ash

them

with

soa

p an

d w

ater

. You

can

put

the

eyeg

lass

es b

ack

on

afte

r yo

u w

ash

them

. • I

f you

hav

e in

gest

ed (

swal

low

ed)

chlo

rine,

do

not i

nduc

e vo

miti

ng o

r dr

ink

fluid

s.

Asb

esto

s A

ccor

ding

to N

IOS

H, "

asbe

stos

" is

a g

ener

ic

nam

e gi

ven

to a

fibr

ous

varie

ty o

f six

nat

ural

ly

occu

rrin

g m

iner

als

that

hav

e be

en u

sed

for

deca

des

in th

e de

velo

pmen

t of t

hous

ands

of

com

mer

cial

pro

duct

s, in

clud

ing

insu

latio

n an

d fir

epro

ofin

g m

ater

ials

, aut

omot

ive

brak

es a

nd

text

ile p

rodu

cts,

and

cem

ent a

nd w

allb

oard

m

ater

ials

.

The

asb

esto

s m

iner

als

have

a te

nden

cy to

se

para

te in

to m

icro

scop

ic-s

ize

part

icle

s th

at c

an

rem

ain

in th

e ai

r an

d ar

e ea

sily

inha

led.

Per

sons

oc

cupa

tiona

lly e

xpos

ed to

asb

esto

s ha

ve

deve

lope

d se

vera

l typ

es o

f life

-thr

eate

ning

di

seas

es, i

nclu

ding

lung

can

cer,

mes

othe

liom

a,

and

asbe

stos

is.

The

re a

re n

o w

arni

ng s

ympt

oms

of a

sbes

tos

Avo

id w

orki

ng w

ith o

r di

stur

bing

asb

esto

s-co

ntai

ning

mat

eria

ls (

AC

M).

If

you

don’

t kno

w w

heth

er a

pro

duct

con

tain

s as

best

os, i

t is

best

to

assu

me

that

it d

oes

(incl

udin

g in

sula

tion,

pan

els,

tran

site

, etc

.) E

PA

re

quire

s sp

ecia

l tra

inin

g an

d lic

ensi

ng fo

r pe

rson

s in

volv

ed in

rem

oval

of

AC

M a

nd d

emol

ition

of b

uild

ings

that

con

tain

AC

M. W

hile

EP

A m

ay

not h

ave

juris

dict

ion

in th

e co

untr

y of

you

r E

WB

pro

ject

, it i

s hi

ghly

re

com

men

ded

that

you

follo

w E

PA

reg

ulat

ions

. P

eopl

e w

ho h

ave

had

this

trai

ning

will

kno

w h

ow to

enc

lose

pro

cess

es (

incl

udin

g us

e of

glo

ve

bags

), p

rope

rly h

andl

e w

et A

CM

, and

use

app

ropr

iate

per

sona

l pr

otec

tive

equi

pmen

t.

Any

EW

B te

am m

embe

r w

ho m

ay b

e ex

pose

d to

asb

esto

s on

an

EW

B

proj

ect m

ust h

ave

spec

ial t

rain

ing

prio

r to

the

proj

ect a

ctiv

ities

.

http

://w

ww

.cdc

.gov

/nio

sh/to

pics

/as

best

os/

http

://w

ww

.hse

.gov

.uk/

pubn

s/gu

idan

ce/a

serie

s.ht

m

Th

27 H

azar

dous

Tox

ic M

ater

ials

11

expo

sure

; it h

as n

o od

or a

nd is

not

irrit

atin

g to

br

eath

e.

Lead

N

IOS

H in

dica

tes

that

peo

ple

“can

be

expo

sed

to

lead

thro

ugh

inha

latio

n of

fum

es a

nd d

usts

, as

wel

l as

thro

ugh

inge

stio

n as

a r

esul

t of l

ead-

cont

amin

ated

han

ds, f

ood,

drin

ks, c

osm

etic

s,

toba

cco

prod

ucts

, and

clo

thin

g. F

urth

erm

ore,

w

orke

rs c

an ta

ke le

ad h

ome

on th

eir

clot

hes,

ski

n,

hair,

tool

s, a

nd in

thei

r ve

hicl

es, p

oten

tially

ex

posi

ng th

eir

fam

ilies

to h

arm

ful h

ealth

effe

cts.

Sym

ptom

s of

lead

poi

soni

ng in

clud

e w

eakn

ess,

ex

cess

ive

tired

ness

, irr

itabi

lity,

con

stip

atio

n,

anor

exia

, abd

omin

al d

isco

mfo

rt (

colic

), fi

ne

trem

ors,

and

wris

t dro

p. A

dditi

onal

ly, d

amag

e to

th

e ki

dney

s an

d th

e ne

rvou

s sy

stem

, ane

mia

, hig

h bl

ood

pres

sure

, im

pote

nce,

infe

rtili

ty, a

nd r

educ

ed

sex

driv

e ca

n al

so o

ccur

with

ove

rexp

osur

e to

le

ad. L

ead

pois

onin

g, n

euro

logi

cal e

ffect

s, a

nd

men

tal r

etar

datio

n ha

ve o

ccur

red

in th

e ch

ildre

n of

w

orke

rs e

ngag

ed in

the

occu

patio

ns m

entio

ned

abov

e.”

Acc

ordi

ng to

OS

HA

, in

cons

truc

tion,

“le

ad is

use

d fr

eque

ntly

for

roof

s,

corn

ices

, tan

k lin

ings

, and

ele

ctric

al c

ondu

its. I

n pl

umbi

ng, s

oft s

olde

r,

used

chi

efly

for

sold

erin

g tin

plat

e an

d co

pper

pip

e jo

ints

, is

an a

lloy

of

lead

and

tin.

Sof

t sol

der

has

been

ban

ned

for

man

y us

es in

the

Uni

ted

Sta

tes.

In a

dditi

on, t

he C

PS

C b

ans

the

use

of le

ad-b

ased

pai

nt in

re

side

nces

. Bec

ause

lead

-bas

ed p

aint

inhi

bits

the

rust

ing

and

corr

osio

n of

iron

and

ste

el, h

owev

er, l

ead

cont

inue

s to

be

used

on

brid

ges,

ra

ilway

s, s

hips

, lig

htho

uses

, and

oth

er s

teel

str

uctu

res,

alth

ough

su

bstit

ute

coat

ings

are

ava

ilabl

e.

Con

stru

ctio

n pr

ojec

ts v

ary

in th

eir

scop

e an

d po

tent

ial f

or e

xpos

ing

wor

kers

to le

ad a

nd o

ther

haz

ards

. …

Wor

kers

at t

he h

ighe

st r

isk

of le

ad e

xpos

ure

are

thos

e in

volv

ed in

:

A

bras

ive

blas

ting

and

Wel

ding

, cut

ting,

and

bur

ning

on

stee

l str

uctu

res.

Oth

er o

pera

tions

with

the

pote

ntia

l to

expo

se w

orke

rs to

lead

in

clud

e:

Le

ad b

urni

ng;

U

sing

lead

-con

tain

ing

mor

tar;

Pow

er to

ol c

lean

ing

with

out d

ust c

olle

ctio

n sy

stem

s;

R

ivet

bus

ting;

Cle

anup

act

iviti

es w

here

dry

exp

enda

ble

abra

sive

s ar

e us

ed;

M

ovem

ent a

nd r

emov

al o

f abr

asiv

e bl

astin

g en

clos

ures

;

Man

ual d

ry s

crap

ing

and

sand

ing;

Man

ual d

emol

ition

of s

truc

ture

s;

H

eat-

gun

appl

icat

ions

;

Pow

er to

ol c

lean

ing

with

dus

t col

lect

ion

syst

ems;

and

Spr

ay p

aint

ing

with

lead

-bas

ed p

aint

.”

Lead

is a

cum

ulat

ive

and

pers

iste

nt to

xic

subs

tanc

e an

d he

alth

effe

cts

may

res

ult f

rom

exp

osur

e ov

er p

rolo

nged

per

iods

.

Any

EW

B te

am m

embe

r w

ho m

ay b

e ex

pose

d to

lead

on

an E

WB

pr

ojec

t mus

t hav

e sp

ecia

l tra

inin

g pr

ior

to th

e pr

ojec

t act

iviti

es.

http

://w

ww

.osh

a.go

v/S

LTC

/lead

/in

dex.

htm

l ht

tp://

ww

w.o

sha.

gov/

Pub

licat

ion

s/os

ha31

42.h

tml

http

://w

ww

.cdc

.gov

/nio

sh/to

pics

/le

ad/

Sili

ca

Per

NIO

SH

, “A

t lea

st 1

.7 m

illio

n U

.S. w

orke

rs a

re

expo

sed

to r

espi

rabl

e cr

ysta

lline

sili

ca in

a v

arie

ty

of in

dust

ries

and

occu

patio

ns, i

nclu

ding

NIO

SH

sug

gest

s th

e fo

llow

ing:

•

Be

awar

e of

the

heal

th e

ffect

s of

bre

athi

ng a

ir th

at h

as s

ilica

dus

t in

http

://w

ww

.cdc

.gov

/nio

sh/to

pics

/si

lica/

Th

27 H

azar

dous

Tox

ic M

ater

ials

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Additional Information US Department of Labor, Occupational Health and Safety Administration. November 2006. Safety and Health Topics: Hazardous and Toxic Substances. Available at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardoustoxicsubstances/index.html . New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health, Occupational Health Service. October 2000. Controlling Chemical Exposure: Industrial Hygiene Fact Sheets. Concise guidance on 16 components of industrial hygiene controls. Available at http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/survweb/ihfs.pdf . Applicable OSHA Standards (Note: The occupational safety and health standards enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, are legally applicable only in an employer/employee relationship. These standards do, however, provide minimal guidelines for personal protective equipment in a variety of work sites.) General Industry Standards for Personal Protective Equipment (29 CFR 1910)

1910 Subpart G, Occupational health and environment control 1910.94, Ventilation 1910.95, Occupational noise exposure

1910 Subpart H, Hazardous materials 1910.120, Hazardous waste operations and emergency response

1910 Subpart I, Personal protective equipment 1910.132, General requirements 1910.133, Eye and face protection 1910.134, Respiratory protection 1910.135, Head protection 1910.136, Occupational foot protection 1910.137, Electrical protective devices 1910.138, Hand protection Appendix A, References for further information (Non-mandatory) Appendix B, Non-mandatory compliance guidelines for hazard assessment and personal

protective equipment selection 1910 Subpart J, General environmental controls

1910.146, Permit-required confined spaces 1910 Subpart Q, Welding, cutting, and brazing

1910.252, General requirements 1910 Subpart Z, Toxic and hazardous substances

TH 29 Falling Objects, Punctures and Abrasions 1 of 1

TH 29 Falling Objects, Punctures, Abrasions, Dust, and Noise (Personal Protective Equipment)

General Information

The requirement of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the project and for specific project tasks shall be evaluated during project planning, and specified in the site health and safety plan. Any PPE required shall be procured prior to travel. All EWB personnel shall comply with the PPE requirements specified in the health and safety plan. It is recommended that extra PPE be procured and offered to in country partners.

Procedure PPE is worn to protect personnel from many hazards, including:

• Falling Objects: Hard hats and safety boots with steel toe shall be required if project planning determines that the risk of objects falling on the head or feet is likely to be present. Nearly every task will pose a hazard of objects being dropped on the feet.

• Punctures: Knives or other sharp tools are commonly dropped, the likely landing location being the toes. Steel toed shoes should be worm to protect the feet. Eyes are also susceptible to punctures during many construction related tasks. Safety glasses shall be available and worn during all construction tasks.

• Abrasions: • Dust: The most common exposure to dust on EWB projects will be cement dust. Cement dust can pose

a serious health threat. Dust masks and safety glasses shall be worn when working with cement. Extra safety glasses and dust masks should be offered to in-country partners working with cement dust.

• Noise: Working with or around heavy equipment can pose a noise hazard. When working with heavy equipment is planned, ear plugs shall be available and worn.

• Special Tasks: Some specialized tasks such as working with lead containing materials will require additional training and PPE.

INFORM both workers and in-country partners about the PPE required for each task. CONTROLS: Workers must use ventilation and other methods, such as HEPA vacuums, to keep lead dust from getting airborne. Power tools such as grinders, abrasive wheels, and welding equipment must utilize ventilation systems in order to capture the lead dust. Whenever possible it is preferred to use the lowest energy possible to remove LBP coated areas, so cutting and grinding is better than hot work. After removal, areas must be thoroughly wet wiped prior to re-occupancy as lead exposure often occurs in small children by hand-to-mouth on common surfaces such as floors, soils and window sills. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: The least protective respirator that OSHA allows for lead work is an N100 half-mask with HEPA filters or an N100 disposable mask. Dust masks are NOT allowed. Powered, air-purifying respirators with hoods, such as the 3M GVP series, provide protection without needing a fit test (beards, glasses are okay).

• NOTE: Medical approval for respirator wearers should be included in physicals. PPE: Wear disposable (eg. Tyvek) clothing and thicker, protective, disposable gloves. PROHIBITED WORK PRACTICES: These activities create potentially high exposures: * Dry sweeping, dusting, shovelling or normal vacuuming of lead-containing material. * Using compressed air to clean surfaces contaminated with lead-containing dust. * Sanding and scraping large areas of LBP should be avoided, it’s easier to demolish.

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