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fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness,
paralysis, and, rarely, death.
The West Nile Virus incubation period is from 3-15 days.
If you have any questions or to report any suspicious symptoms, contact the HSM or DSC.
2.4.6 Fire Ant Bites
Fire ants are common in the southern U.S. These insects typically build mounds on the land surface
that are usually easy to identify. Avoid disturbing these mounds. A bite from a fire ant can be
painful but rarely is life threatening. However, it is possible that the bite could cause an allergic
reaction. If bitten, check for symptoms of an allergic reaction such as weakness, nausea, vomiting,
dizziness, or shortness of breath. If symptoms appear, seek medical attention
2.4.7 Alligators
Alligator habitat includes large shallow lakes, marshes, ponds, swamps, rivers, creeks, and canals
in fresh water. Smaller alligators eat insects, snails and small fish. Larger alligators eat fish, birds,
turtles, snakes, and mammals. Adults range in size from six to fourteen feet, and up to 600 pounds.
Alligators do attack people. There is an average of over 12,000 alligator complaints a year, with
about four attacks on people a year.
Most attacks happen when they have been fed by humans or when they are defending their nests.
To be safe, there are precautions to take. One, do not feed alligators. Second, never approach an
alligator. Third report nuisance alligators to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife Fisheries,
Alligator Program at (504) 568-5885.
Never kill, harass, molest, or attempt to move the animal. State law prohibits such actions, and the
potential for being bitten or injured by a thrashing alligator is high. Feeding alligators is a violation
of state law and that by feeding alligators; people create problems for others when the alligators
loose their natural fear of people. American alligators are listed by the federal government as
threatened due to the similarity in appearance to the endangered American Crocodile. It is illegal
to feed, tease, harass, molest, capture, or kill alligators. Violations or suspicious activity should be
reported.
2.4.8 Bloodborne Pathogens
(Reference CH2M HILL SOP HSE&Q-202, Bloodborne Pathogens)
Exposure to bloodborne pathogens may occur when rendering first aid or CPR, or when coming
into contact with landfill waste or waste streams containing potentially infectious material.
Exposure controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) are required as specified in CH2M
HILL SOP HSE&Q-202, Bloodborne Pathogens. Hepatitis B vaccination must be offered before the
person participates in a task where exposure is a possibility.
• To eliminate or minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens, observe the following
engineering and work practice controls, recommended vaccinations, and personal protective
equipment.
2.4.8.1 Training and Medical Requirements
• All employees covered by this section must complete CH2M HILL’s 1-hour bloodborne
computer-based training module annually.
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