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662 HAZWOPER for General Site Workers III
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662 HAZWOPER for General Site Workers III

Types of Hazards

Natural Hazards

Although not a hazardous substance release, natural hazards can present the need for emergency response. The table below describes potential natural hazards.

Hazard Description Considerations/Precautions Possible Needs
Poisonous Insects
(Bees, Spiders, Scorpions, etc.)
  • Medical attention in close proximity
  • Allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock) can be deadly
  • All persons allergic to insects should be identified and required to carry the appropriate medication.
Nearby medical facility
Ice packs
Bee sting kit if workers are allergic
Long-sleeved shirt (heavy)
Gloves and boots
Snake Bites
  • Can cause severe reactions, including death
  • Ask person to lie down and keep him/her calm; elevated heart rates speed the distribution of venom.
  • Avoid all contact with snakes.
  • Wear heavy-duty PPE.
 Nearby medical facility
Heavy duty gloves
Calf-high boots
Gloves and boots
Animal Bites
(Foxes, Dogs, Raccoons, Bats, etc.)
  • Rabies may infect any warm blooded animal.
  • Rabies is a deadly condition with a mortality rate of almost 100% if medical attention is not administered.
 Provide immediate medical attention for a bite by a wild animal.
Poisonous Plants
  • Never ingest plants at a work site
  • Eliminate contact with the skin by wearing long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and gloves.
  • Never burn plants.
  • Wash with mild soapy water to remove oily plant residue.
  • Cover all abrasions and scratches to eliminate entrance-ways for infection.
 Long-sleeved shirt
Long pants
Gloves
Soap and water solution
Pathogenic Agents
  • Avoid contact with local surface waters, especially if there is a potential that the water receives untreated sewage.
  • Wear protective clothing and equipment if exposure is expected.
  • Wash thoroughly if contact is made with skin.
 Protective clothing (e.g., tyvek suit)
Rubber boots
Rubber gloves
Dust/mist respirator
Soap and water solution
Heat Stress
  • Work during cooler hours if possible
  • Provide shading of the work area.
  • Take more frequent breaks
 Nearby medical facility
Change of clothing
Water hose
Ice vests (optional)
Cold Stress
  • Wear heavy clothing: a hat, gloves, and boots.
  • Eliminate contact with water.
  • Do not take drugs that restrict blood flow.
  • Work in a sheltered area if possible.
  • Maintain a high-calorie intake.
 Nearby medical facility
Warm clothing
[CONTENT]

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-9. What should a person do after being bitten by a venomous snake?

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