Collect or develop the following information to the extent available:

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The site location and approximate size

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A description of the response activity and the job tasks to be performed

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The time needed to cover all planned activities

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The site's topography and all ways to access the site

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The current status and capabilities of any emergency response team assisting during an emergency

 

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The safety and health hazards expected at the site

 

•

The hazardous substances and health hazards at the site, including their chemical and physical properties

 

•

All hazardous substance dispersion pathways

 

•

An emergency response plan

Have a qualified person evaluate the preliminary site information to identify:

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Potential site hazards and risks

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The most appropriate methods to protect employees

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Conditions that have the potential to cause death or serious harm, including potential inhalation or skin absorption hazards that are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH)

 

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Examples include:

 

 

 

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Confined space entry

 

 

 

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Potentially explosive or flammable environments

 

 

 

■

Visible vapor clouds

 

 

 

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Areas where plants or animals have died

 

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Risks related to specific on-site hazardous substances and health hazards

 

 

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Examples include:

 

 

 

■

Exposures exceeding the permissible exposure limits (PELs) or published exposure levels

 

 

 

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IDLH concentrations

 

 

 

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Potential skin absorption and irritation sources

 

 

 

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Potential eye irritation sources

 

 

 

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Explosion sensitivity and flammability ranges

 

 

 

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Oxygen deficient atmospheres

Have a qualified person prepare an initial site characterization and analysis for the site to:

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Identify known and suspected health and safety hazards for the site

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Aid in selecting control methods to protect employees from site hazards

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Brief employees on site conditions before any work starts

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Initiate the site-specific health and safety plan (HASP)