510 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 1-8

Sections

Chapter 6: Hazardous or Toxic Agents and Environments

This chapter focuses on managing hazards related to hazardous or toxic agents and environments, emphasizing the importance of identifying, evaluating, and controlling exposure to these risks in the workplace.

Two workers in full PPE by hazardous chemicals tanker

This chapter focuses on managing hazards related to hazardous or toxic agents and environments

It outlines the need for daily inspections of accessways, regular ladder inspections based on manufacturer guidelines, and stringent checks on personnel hoists and elevators as per industry standards to ensure safety.

The chapter underscores the necessity of comprehensive training for employees on hazard communication, thermal stress management, and dealing with specific dangers such as lead, asbestos, and harmful plants or animals.

It also highlights the critical role of industrial hygienists in assessing job site hazards and implementing appropriate safety measures. The emphasis is on preventive measures, proper equipment handling, emergency preparedness, and adherence to established safety standards to minimize health risks and ensure a safe working environment.

6.1. References.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 6-1.

6-1. References.

a.  ACGIH, Threshold Limit Values (TLV) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) (https://www.acgih.org/publications/)  (6-1.a)

b.  American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), Indoor Air Quality (https://www.aiha.org/public-resources/air-quality)  (6-1.b)

c.  ANSI/ ASA S2.70, Measurement and Evaluation of Human Exposure to Vibration Transmitted to the Hand (https://webstore.ansi.org/)  (6-1.c)

d.  ANSI/ASA S2.73, Mechanical Vibration and Shock – Hand-Arm Vibration – Measurement and Evaluation of the Vibration Transmissibility of Gloves at the Palm of the Hand (https://webstore.ansi.org/)  (6-1.d)

e.  ANSI/ASSP Z9.4, Abrasive-Blasting Operations - Ventilation and Safe Practices for Fixed Location Enclosures (https://webstore.ansi.org/) (6-1.e)

f.  ANSI/ISEA Z358.1, Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment (https://webstore.ansi.org/)  (6-1.f)

g.  AR 50-6, Chemical Surety
(https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN32351-AR_50-6-000-WEB-1.pdf)  (6-1.g)

h.  AR 385-10, The Army Safety and Occupational Health Program (https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/AR.aspx)  (6-1.h)

i.  DA Pam 40-501, The Army Hearing Program (https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/PAM.aspx)  (6-1.i)

j.  DA Pam 40-503, The Army Industrial Hygiene Program (https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/PAM.aspx)  (6-1.j)

k.  DoDI 6055.11, Protecting Personnel from Electromagnetic Fields (https://www.esd.whs.mil/directives/issuances/dodi/)  (6-1.k)

l.  DTR 4500.9-R, chapter 204 Hazardous Material (https://www.ustranscom.mil/dtr/part-ii/dtr_part_ii_204.pdf)  (6-1.l)

m.  EM 385-1-80, Ionizing Radiation Protection Manual (https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/EngineerManuals/EM_
385-1-80.pdf?ver=9Z52MMPJXnB7-Q07cylPQQ%3d%3d)  (6-1.m)

n.  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program)  (6-1.n)

o.  EPA IAQ Management Checklist (https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-08/documents/mgmtlist.pdf) (6-1.o)

p.  ER 385-1-11, Industrial Hygiene Program (https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=WNgg7LkTXZ4%3d& tabid=16441&portalid=76&mid=43546) (6-1.p)

q.  ER 385-1-96, USACE Ergonomic Program Policy (https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=13AXVgmz5Vs%3d& tabid=16441&portalid=76&mid=43546) (6-1.q)

r.  International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 5349, Mechanical Vibration (https://www.iso.org/standards.html)  (6-1.r)

s.  ISO 8662, Hand-Held Portable Power Tools – Measurement of Vibrations at the Handle (https://www.iso.org/standards.html)  (6-1.s)

t.  NFPA 400,  Hazardous Materials Code (https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and- standards/detail?code=400)  (6-1.t)

u.  TB MED 507, Heat Stress Control and Heat Casualty Management (https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/TB_Cal.aspx) (6-1.u)

v.  TB MED 508, Prevention and Management of Cold Weather Injuries (https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/TB_Cal.aspx) (6-1.v)

w.  TB MED 577 NAVMED P-5010-10/AFMAN 48-138_IP, Sanitary Control and Surveillance of Field Water Supplies (https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/TB_Cal.aspx) (6-1.w)

x.  TG 277, Industrial Hygiene Public Health Army Mold Remediation Guidance (https://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHC%20Resource%20Library/TG277FINAL28Feb2019.pdf
)  (6-1.x)

y.  TG 278, Industrial Hygiene Public Health Mold Assessment Guide (https://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHC%20Resource%20Library/TG278.pdf)  (6-1.y)

z.  OSHA Instruction CPL 2.86, Memorandum of Understanding between the OSHA and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (1989) (https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/directives/cpl-02-00-086)  (6-1.z)

aa.  UFGS 02 82 00, Asbestos Remediation (https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/dod/unified- facilities-guide-specifications-ufgs/ufgs-02-82-00)  (6-1.aa)

bb.  UFGS 02 83 00, Lead Remediation (https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/dod/unified- facilities-guide-specifications-ufgs/ufgs-02-83-00)  (6-1.bb)

cc.  29 CFR 1910, General Industry (https://www.osha.gov/laws- regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910)  (6-1.cc)

dd. 29 CFR 1910.94, Ventilation (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022- title29-vol5/pdf/CFR-2022-title29-vol5-sec1910-94.pdf) (6-1.dd)

ee. 29 CFR 1910.134, Respiratory Protection https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title29-vol5/pdf/CFR-2022-title29-vol5- sec1910-134.pdf)  (6-1.ee)

ff.  29 CFR 1910 Subpart H, Hazardous Materials (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title29-vol5/pdf/CFR-2022-title29-vol5- part1910-subpartH.pdf)  (6-1.ff)

gg. 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title29-vol6/pdf/CFR-2022-title29-vol6- part1910-subpartZ.pdf) (6-1.gg)

hh. 29 CFR 1915 Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title29-vol7/pdf/CFR-2022-title29-vol7- part1915-subpartZ.pdf) (6-1.hh)

ii.  29 CFR 1926.62, Lead (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title29- vol8/pdf/CFR-2022-title29-vol8-sec1926-62.pdf)  (6-1.ii)

jj.  29 CFR 1926.64, Process Safety Management for Highly Hazardous Chemicals (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title29-vol8/pdf/CFR-2022-title29-vol8- sec1926-64.pdf)  (6-1.jj)

kk.  29 CFR 1926.65, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title29-vol8/pdf/CFR-2022-title29-vol8- sec1926-65.pdf)  (6-1.kk)

ll.  29 CFR 1926 Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title29-vol8/pdf/CFR-2022-title29-vol8- part1926-subpartZ.pdf) (6-1.ll)

mm.  40 CFR 61 Subpart M, National Emission Standard for Asbestos (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2011-title40-vol8/pdf/CFR-2011-title40-vol8- part61-subpartM.pdf) (6-1.mm)
nn. 40 CFR 141, National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2015-title40-vol23/pdf/CFR-2015-title40- vol23-part141.pdf)  (6-1.nn)

oo. 40 CFR 302, Designation, Reportable Quantities, and Notification (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title40-vol30/pdf/CFR-2020-title40- vol30-part302.pdf)  (6-1.oo)

6.2. Definitions.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 6-2.

6-2. Definitions.

a.  Abrasive Blasting.  The forcible application of an abrasive to a surface by pneumatic pressure, hydraulic pressure, or centrifugal force.  (6-2.a)

b.  Acclimatize.  The process or result of becoming accustomed to a new climate or to new conditions.  (6-2.b)

c.  Action Level. Action level means a concentration designated in 29 CFR 1910 for a specific substance, calculated as an eight (8)-hour time-weighted average (TWA), which initiates certain required activities such as exposure monitoring and medical surveillance. Usually the Action Level represents 1/2 of the OEL.  (6-2.c)

d.  Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM).  Any material containing more than 1% of asbestos.  (6-2.d)

e.  Chemical. Any substance or mixture of substances.  (6-2.e)

f.  Cold Stress. An umbrella term that refers to cold-related illnesses that occur when the body can no longer maintain its normal temperature.  These illnesses range from mild and treatable to permanent tissue damage and death.  (6-2.f)

g.  Competent Person (CP).  See paragraphs 1-2 or 2-2, as applicable.  (6-2.g)

h.  Exposure or Exposed.  When an employee is subjected in the course of employment to a chemical that is a physical or health hazard.  “Subjected” in terms of health hazards includes any route of entry (for example, inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or absorption). (6-2.h)

i.  Hazardous or Toxic Agent.  To include but not limited to, any substance defined as a hazardous substance under 29 CFR 1910.120 (29 CFR 1910 Subpart H), 29 CFR
1926.65, or 40 CFR 302, any chemical determined to be a hazard as specified in 29 CFR 1910.1200 to include gases, liquid vapors, mists, dusts, or fumes which have been identified as causing adverse health effects in exposed employees, noise and radiation where duration and quantity of exposure is capable of causing adverse health effects, or any agent pertaining to or that may cause poison, be poisonous, or harmful.  (6-2.i)

j.  Heat Stress. The net heat load to which a worker is exposed.  Physical exertion, environmental factors, and clothing worn all contribute to heat stress.  (6-2.j)

k.  High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter.  A filter capable of trapping and retaining at least 99.97% of 0.3 micrometer diameter mono-disperse particles.  (6-2.k)

l.  Industrial Hygienist (IH).  A scientist or engineer devoted to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, prevention, and control of those environmental factors or stresses arising in or from the workplace which may cause sickness, impaired health and well-being, or significant discomfort among workers or among the citizens of the community.  A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional credential for this vocation, which is governed by the Board for Global EHS (environmental, health and safety) Credentialing. (6-2.l)

m. Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL).  A generic term used to apply to all exposure limits, to include DoD standards such as military exposure guidelines, OSHA permissible exposure limits, ACGIH TLVs, NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits, and other exposure limits reviewed for potential use.  (6-2.m)

n.  Potable Water.  Water that meets the standards for drinking purposes of the state or local AHJ, or water that meets the quality standards prescribed by the U.S. EPAs National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR 141).  See also TB MED 577/NAVMED P-5010-10 and NAVMED P-5010-6.  (6-2.n)

o.  Regulated Area.  An area established by the employer to demarcate areas where airborne concentrations of contaminants exceed, or there is a reasonable possibility that they may exceed the OEL.  (6-2.o)

p.  Rest.  A period of time during which the person concerned is off duty, is not performing work, including administrative tasks, and is afforded the opportunity for uninterrupted sleep.  This does not include time for breaks, meals, to travel time to/from work.  (6-2.p)

q.  Safety Data Sheet (SDS).  A document that includes information such as the properties of each chemical, the physical, health and environmental health hazards, protective measures, and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical.  OSHA requires that SDS preparers provide specific minimum information as detailed in Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910.1200 (29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z).  (6-2.q)

r.  Thermal Stress.  Thermal stress includes both heat and cold stress.  These conditions arise when temperatures become too extreme for the body, resulting in a physical response.  (6-2.r)

s.  Threshold Limit Value (TLV).  Airborne concentrations of chemical substances and represent concentrations under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be
repeatedly exposed, day after day, over a working lifetime, without adverse health effects.  (6-2.s)

t.  Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature Index.  A measurement of environmental factors that correlate with human deep body temperature and other physiological responses to heat.  (6-2.t)

510 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 1 - 8

Chapter 6: Hazardous or Toxic Agents and Environments

6.1. References.

6-1. References.

6.2. Definitions.

6-2. Definitions.