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670 8-hour HAZWOPER Refresher for Cleanup Operations
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Detailed Site Evaluation

Immediately after initial site entry, OSHA 1910.120(c) requires that a qualified person conduct a more detailed evaluation of the site.

A man, wearing a blue hard hat and a green safety vest talks into a 2-way radio. He has blue ear protection around his neck and is standing next to a number of pipes.
Qualified person in the process of performing a detailed site evaluation.

The evaluation must include:

  • the location and size of the site,
  • site topography,
  • site accessibility by air and roads,
  • pathways for hazardous substances to disperse,
  • a description of employee duties, and the time needed to perform a task, and
  • the present status and capabilities of the emergency response teams.

Additional requirements of the site characterization include:

  • PPE to be used during initial site entry;
  • exposure monitoring for ionizing radiation and other IDLH conditions; and
  • risk identification based on the presence and concentrations of hazardous substances and communication of the risks to those employees who will be working on the site.

After work begins, continued air monitoring, evaluation of conditions, hazard analysis, and application of exposure controls must be accomplished to maintain up-to-date site characterization.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-5. When must a qualified person conduct a more detailed evaluation of a hazardous waste site?