Site Control Program - Buddy System

You learned about the buddy system in Key Terms and Definitions. The buddy system is in place for the majority of activities that take place in contaminated or hazardous areas.

The Access Control Point (where personnel enter the Exclusion Zone) is an ideal location for implementing and enforcing the buddy system. This is because all personnel who enter the contaminated area must pass through this control point. It allows the Project Team Leader (who is stationed in the CRZ) to check that the buddy system is in place.

A buddy should always be able to do the following:

• Give the partner needed assistance.
• Observe the partner for signs of chemical or heat exposure.
• Occasionally check if the partner's protective clothing is functioning properly.
• Alert the Command Post Supervisor or others if the partner needs emergency assistance.

Note that the buddy system may not adequately ensure that help will be provided in an emergency. When in the Exclusion Zone, workers must always be in line-of-sight contact or communications contact with the Command Post Supervisor (or otherwise designated backup person/personnel in the Support Zone).

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