Health and Safety Plan in Handling PCB Contaminated Components

Transcription

1 Health and Safety Plan in Handling PCB Contaminated Components Radio Station DYVS (TRANSMITTING SITE) Far East Broadcasting Co. Km. 7, Brgy. Pahanocoy, Bacolod City Eric Jude Bomban Pollution Control Officer DYVS Radio 1233 Bacolod City Mary Grace Visitacion Station Manager DYVS Radio 1233 Bacolod City

2 1. HEALTH EFFECTS Exposure to PCB s can occur by splashing of liquid on to either eyes or skin. Skin contact may result in irritation, skin rash and brown-grey pigmentation. In addition vapors can be inhaled. PCB s are readily absorbed through the skin and can lodge in body fat leading to health problems affecting skin and liver. PCB s are classified as probably carcinogenic to humans. When PCB s are exposed to heat, they may form dioxins which are extremely hazardous and may lead to dizziness, nausea, eye irritation, bronchitis, liver problems and chloracne (a severe form of acne due to exposure to chlorine containing compounds) and death. In addition they are nonbio degradable and thus may persist in the environment for long periods and bio-accumulate in the food chain. PCB enters the body by inhalation of vapors or dust containing PCB, by absorption through the skin or by ingestion through eating or smoking with contaminated hands and transferring to the mouth. It is mainly staffs that have the potential for exposure to PCB s when performing maintenance duties on transformers and electrical components containing PCB material. All staff should be trained prior to working on equipment where PCB s are known/likely to be present.

3 2. REGULAR INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR THE PCB CONTAMINATED COMPONENTS 2.1 Inspection will be done once every month to all decommissioned PCB contaminated parts in the storage area and the in-service components installed in the transmitters. Check the total number of parts in the inventory and record the status of each component in accordance to the visual inspections that may show any of the following physical manifestations: a. Check for any irregularity to the shape of the component. b. Look for any sign of oil leak. c. Look for any discoloration of the metallic enclosure due to corrosion. 2.2 Any observed physical manifestation from above qualifies the components/s to possible PCB leak in the days to come. It is therefore required to secure the part/s in accordance to the disposal procedure in section 7 of this paper. 3. PROPER HANDLING AND STORAGE OF PCB CONTAMINATED PARTS The chart below serves as guide in the regular inspection of the stored PCB contaminated parts.

4 4. RECORDING The record of each PCB contaminated part will serve as the history of each of the component. Written reports will be submitted to the Station Manager for notification and will be the basis of action whenever necessary. Refer to the document DYVS OFFICIAL AND FINAL PCB INVENTORY LIST for the inspection record form. 5. ELEMENTS OF THE WORKPLACE SAFETY 5.1 Personnel Safety Procedure Occupation Hygiene Principles Make every effort to keep the hazardous chemical contained and enclosed. Have a controlled area where PCB may be handled sign and restrict access. All personnel should avoid all body contact with wastes. Wear full body protective work clothing. Educate all the staffs about the hazards of PCB chemical. Correct use of Personal Protective Equipment and correct practices.

5 Any cuts or small abrasions must be protected with waterproof dressing beneath the protective clothing Use good work practices at all times. Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by PCB should change into clean clothing promptly. Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. Do not eat, smoke, or drink where PCB are handles, processed, or stored, since the chemicals can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. Any normal clothing which accidentally comes into contact with wastes must be removed for disposal with other contaminated materials. On completion of work involving the wastes each person must wash hands and face before eating, drinking or using any toilet facilities. On skin contact with Polychlorinated Biphenyls. Immediately wash (using soap) or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the work shift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted PCB, Whether or not known skin contact has occurred. 5.2 Personal Protective Equipment In addition to good work practices it is necessary for workers to use personal protective equipment. As mentioned above the major routes of exposure are by inhalation and skin absorption Gloves The gloves should be impermeable to PCB and unaffected by contact. The most suitable types are: Butyl rubber Neoprene rubber Nitrile rubber The final selection criteria should be on fit, dexterity, snag resistance and price. The gloves should be worn outside the overall sleeves.

6 If there is a tendency for the gloves and sleeves to separate and there is risk of skin contact, then can be held together with masking tape. Gloves should be removed carefully to avoid contamination of the unprotected hand. Gloves should be disposed if they are damaged Overalls Overalls are the primary means of skin protection. The overalls shall be used when attending an emergency situation such as PCB spillage. These overalls have reasonable snag and tear resistance, however if they become torn then a cheap protective apron should be worn it is not expected that this will be a problem during the planned work. The overalls should be disposed of if they become damaged or contaminated Undergarments It is recommended that undergarments are worn by workers, primarily for comfort. These should be inexpensive light weight loose fitting shorts, shirts and socks Respirators Training in the use or the respirators must include cleaning, fit testing, changing filters, and general care and inspection Foot Covering Since there is a combine risk of physical injury and chemical contamination it is necessary to use steel cap safety boots and chemical protection. Boot covers should be disposed of when damaged Eye Protection The workers involve in emergency situation should wear an eye protection it must have eye protection in the form of wrap around safety glasses (UVEX) or goggles. 5.3 First Aid Procedures

7 5.3.1 Eyes immediately irrigate with water for at least fifteen minutes and obtain medical attention Skin immediately remove any contaminated clothing and wash affected skin with soap and water, or an industrial cleaner If swallowed wash out mouth several times with clean water, give water to drink and obtain medical attention If inhaled move to fresh air and obtain medical attention.