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The elements of the site control program are as follows:
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:
An initial site map should be prepared before site entry and updated regularly to show:
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:
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:
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:
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.
The elements of the site control program are as follows:
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:
An initial site map should be prepared before site entry and updated regularly to show:
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:
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:
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:
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.