J. J. Keller® Compliance Network Logo
Start Experiencing Compliance Network for Free!
Update to Professional Trial!

Be Part of the Ultimate Safety & Compliance Community

Trending news, knowledge-building content, and more – all personalized to you!

Already have an account?
FREE TRIAL UPGRADE!
Thank you for investing in EnvironmentalHazmat related content. Click 'UPGRADE' to continue.
CANCEL
YOU'RE ALL SET!
Enjoy your limited-time access to the Compliance Network!
A confirmation welcome email has been sent to your email address from ComplianceNetwork@t.jjkellercompliancenetwork.com. Please check your spam/junk folder if you can't find it in your inbox.
YOU'RE ALL SET!
Thank you for your interest in EnvironmentalHazmat related content.
WHOOPS!
You've reached your limit of free access, if you'd like more info, please contact us at 800-327-6868.
Site control program elements
  • The site control program must establish a site map, work zones, a buddy system, communications methods, safe work practices, and medical assistance procedures.

The elements of the site control program are as follows:

  • Site map
  • Site work zones
  • Buddy system
  • Communications
  • Safe work practices
  • Medical assistance

Site map

Site maps are created to show topographic features; prevailing wind direction; drainage patterns; hazards present; and locations of buildings, containers, pits, ponds, and tanks. Activities in which a site map can be helpful include:

  • Planning projects and work activities;
  • Assigning personnel;
  • Establishing access routes, evacuation routes, and problem areas;
  • Determining areas that require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE); and
  • Supplementing daily safety meetings.

An initial site map should be prepared before site entry and updated regularly to show:

  • Changes in site activities and operations,
  • Any onsite accidents or emergencies,
  • New hazards that are discovered,
  • New materials that are introduced,
  • Unauthorized entry or incidents of vandalism, and
  • Changes to weather patterns.

To show information without cluttering the map, overlays may be useful.

Site work zones

Refer to the More about site work zones section found elsewhere in this subject to learn about the three typical work zones at a site.

Buddy system

Workers in the Exclusion Zone (EZ) or any other hazardous areas must use the buddy system. When using the buddy system, employees are expected to:

  • Provide each other with assistance,
  • Observe each other for signs or symptoms of illness or injury,
  • Verify the integrity of one another’s PPE, and
  • Notify the Command Post Supervisor or others if an emergency develops.

Buddies enter the EZ through the access control point and must stay near to and in line of sight of each other, while in the EZ.

Communications

Two types of communications are needed for site control:

  • For internal communication between onsite employees, and
  • For external communication between onsite employees and offsite personnel.

Site personnel should be aware of the expectations for both internal and external communications.

Internal communication is used to inform workers of an emergency, to update personnel on safety information or changes in the work scope, and to help maintain control of the site. Both a primary and a backup means of internal communication should be set up and understood by all employees. It’s a good idea to establish a set of signals to be used only in emergencies.

Note that any communications used in potentially explosive atmospheres must be intrinsically safe.

Audible internal communications might include two-way radios, bells, whistles, sirens, megaphones, or an air horn. These communication methods could be impeded by background noise, respirators, and hoods. Therefore, when audible communication is difficult or impossible, visual communications might be preferred, such as hand signals, whole-body movements, lights, flares, or flags. In fact, flags also work great at providing visual awareness of workers in areas of poor visibility.

To allow them to identify each other, employees should mark their names on their protective clothing. Color-coding, numbers, or symbols can be added for long-distance identification.

Communication devices should be checked daily to ensure they are working properly.

Telephones (including landlines and cellphones) and radios are the primary means of external communication. A list of important phone numbers should be kept readily available. Site personnel may need to communicate externally to:

  • Coordinate emergency response efforts,
  • Report to management, and
  • Maintain contact with essential offsite personnel.

Medical assistance

The site manager should maintain and post the identification and location of the nearest medical facilities. This critical information should be posted near phones or other external communication devices.

Posted information may include names; addresses; phone numbers; maps; directions; and procedures for contacting the nearest area hospitals/clinics and emergency ambulance, fire, and police.

Before work commences at the site, staff at nearby medical facilities should be made aware of the types of activities that take place onsite and the hazards that are present.