M4L8SaftyIssue

Module IV

Lesson Eight: Stormwater Sampling Plan

Sampling Related Health and Safety Issues

Stormwater sampling activities may occur when the sampling environment and/or stormwater discharges create hazardous conditions. Hazardous conditions associated with sampling include:

Hazardous weather conditions (e.g., wind, lightening, flooding, etc.)
Sampling in confined spaces (e.g., manholes)
Hazards associated with chemicals
Biological hazards (e.g., rodents and snakes)
Physical hazards (e.g., traffic, falling objects, sharp edges, slippery footing, and the potential for lifting injuries from opening or removing access panels and manhole covers, etc.)

It is essential that sampling personnel be aware of these hazards. Sampling personnel should be trained to evaluate potentially hazardous situations and develop ways for handling them. Since sampling hazards can be life threatening. Safety should be the primary consideration in sampling. Samples should never be collected in a way that compromises the safety of the field sampling worker.

In cases where a physical hazard such as a trip hazard or when sampling near deep water bodies, samplers should work in pairs. Do not wade in water where the estimated depth in feet times the velocity in feet per second is equal to or greater than 8, as swift currents can lead to drowning accidents. Be aware of the slip hazard common near the banks of water bodies and decide whether a bank is too steep to negotiate safely. Safety comes down to individual judgment. A worker should never put him/herself in a position considered to be unsafe.

This page only outlines general health and safety issues and concerns. Additional references should be consulted for more specific guidance to avoid adverse health and safety situations.