Site Preparation
Time and effort must be spent in preparing a site for the cleanup activity to ensure that response operations go smoothly and that worker safety is protected. Site preparation can be as hazardous as site cleanup.
Time and effort must be spent in preparing a site for the cleanup activity.
Therefore, safety measures should be afforded the same level of care at this stage as during actual cleanup. Steps in the site preparation process include the following:
- Construct roadways to provide ease of access and a sound roadbed for heavy equipment and vehicles.
- Arrange traffic flow patterns to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Eliminate physical hazards from the work area as much as possible, including:
- ignition sources in flammable hazard areas
- exposed or ungrounded electrical wiring, and low overhead wiring that may entangle equipment
- sharp or protruding edges, such as glass, nails, and torn metal, which can puncture protective clothing and equipment and inflict puncture wounds
- debris, holes, loose steps or flooring, protruding objects, slippery surfaces, or unsecured railings, which can cause falls, slips, and trips
- unsecured objects, such as bricks and gas cylinders, near the edges of elevated surfaces, such as catwalks, roof tops, and scaffolding, which may dislodge and fall on workers
- debris and weeds that obstruct visibility
- Install skid-resistant strips and other anti-skid devices on slippery surfaces. Construct operation pads for mobile facilities and temporary structures.
- Construct loading docks, processing and staging areas, and decontamination pads.
- Provide adequate illumination for work activities. Equip temporary lights with guards to prevent accidental contact.
- Install all wiring and electrical equipment per the National Electric Code.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-3. Eliminating physical hazards on site, arranging traffic patterns, and constructing roadways are all part of the _____ phase of site control.
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