DOE 2000. - Waste Isolation Pilot Plant - U.S. Department of Energy

WIPP RH PSAR DOE/WIPP-03-3174 CHAPTER 7
Periodic inspections of work and storage areas are performed to evaluate safe work conditions, proper
storage, and effectiveness of engineering controls.
7.2.3.4 Air Monitoring
7.2.3.4.1 Non-radioactive Air Contaminants
WP 12-IH1828 14 implements the WIPP Air Quality Monitoring Program. To ensure compliance with
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit values (TLV),
administrative or engineering controls are determined and implemented whenever possible. When such
conditions are not feasible to achieve full compliance, protective equipment and/or protective measures
are used to keep employee exposures to air contaminants within prescribed limits. Any equipment and/or
technical measures used must be approved by WIPP IS&H personnel.
When necessary, IS&H monitors or tests the air in areas where hazardous chemicals are stored, and in
areas where workers may be exposed to concentrations of airborne fumes, mists, or vapors. All surveys
are recorded; records contain the location, time, job description, or occurrences that may be associated
with the contaminants and instruments used. All available inventories, reports and monitoring data are
available to the Health Services personnel in order to assist the medical monitoring program.
In the WIPP Underground, airborne concentrations of mists, fumes, or vapors will be monitored and
sampled as needed, or upon request, by suitable devices such as Draeger pumps or other portable grab
sample monitors. If relevant air concentrations are found in excess of the TLVs, immediate corrective
actions will be taken as determined by IS&H, and the air will be periodically tested until in compliance.
Air quality monitoring equipment is calibrated per manufacturers’ recommendations, with an accurate
record kept of pre-calibration conditions of the instrument. Functional tests are performed daily.
Competency of individuals required to use air monitoring equipment is verified. Functional testing
competency requires a formal training program.
7.2.3.4.2 Diesel Emissions
Vehicle emissions of Underground equipment are periodically monitored in accordance with
WP 12-IH.02, Industrial Hygiene Program, 2 to assure the health and safety of personnel. Incomplete
combustion of diesel fuels causes contaminants of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen
dioxide. The air in the Underground is periodically monitored for these contaminants, to ensure
compliance within TLV limits. Vehicles are checked for carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide
emissions after preventive maintenance checks and during scheduled overview inspections.
7.2.3.5 Workplace Monitoring
IS&H surveys are a means of evaluating and maintaining a safe and healthful workplace. Examples of
items surveyed are drinking water potability; local exhaust ventilation systems; and chemical, physical,
and biological hazards. Sampling of the environment involves calibration of equipment, actual sampling,
and recording the results in terms of the actual stress. Surveys are conducted in accordance with the
WIPP Industrial Hygiene Program. 2
7.2-4 January 22, 2003