Site Evaluation & Control

Evaluating sites that contain or could contain hazardous materials or potentially hazardous conditions is crucial to the safety of employees and the successful implementation of a Safety and Health Program. Employers are responsible for ensuring that site evaluations are completed by a trained professional who can identify hazards and determine the most efficient and safest ways to protect their employees.

The OSHA standard requires that a trained professional must conduct an initial investigation and evaluation of an uncontrolled hazardous waste site before any workers can enter the site. This evaluation should include all suspected conditions that could put the health and safety of employees at risk. This preliminary evaluation should include the following:

• Location and size of the site
• Topography of the site
• Accessibility to and from the site, such as airways and roadways
• Pathways for hazardous substances to disperse
• Descriptions of worker duties
• Time needed to complete specific tasks
• Status and capabilities of current emergency response teams.

Once the preliminary investigation and evaluation of the site has been completed, employers must ensure that a site control program is in place. This site control program should include monitoring the activities of workers and the movement of equipment to ensure that employees are not exposed to hazardous waste materials or dangerous conditions. The employer must periodically reevaluate the site, as conditions and work operations may change. The site control program should contain the following information:

• Site map
• Site work zones
• Site communication
• Safe work practices
• Name, location, and telephone number of the nearest medical assistance group or facility

To further enforce safety measures, OSHA requires the use of a "buddy system," wherein two employees partner to monitor one another during on-site operations for the purpose of mutual safety. The buddy system is designed to aid in the rescue of an employee who may become unconscious, trapped, or seriously injured while working on site. Per OSHA requirements, only one worker may enter a specific dangerous area at one time, so that if he or she is in a dangerous situation, the other employee can request help.

To learn more about Hazardous Waste visit our Hazardous Waste Safety Online Training web page.