Anticipate exposure to fresh crude oil, benzene, dispersant
Air sampling data indicate need for use
Symptoms or health effects reported
Full facepiece elastomeric with Combo OV/P100.
Off shore:
Burning oil
VOCs, smoke, soot, partially oxidized fuel, metals (V, Cr, Ni); CO, CO2, and NOx; Fire hazards
When:
Wind shifts put workers in plume
Air sampling data indicate need for use
Symptoms or health effects reported
In conjunction with an escape plan:
Flame-resistant clothing; NIOSH-approved escape respirator; need OV and particle (P100 or HE) protections.
For continuing operations:
Flame resistant clothing; Hooded PAPR or Full facepiece or half facepiece with goggles. Need OV and particle (P100 or HE) protections.
Off shore:
Not burning oil
VOC
When:
Air sampling data indicate need for use
Symptoms or health effects reported
Half facepiece elastomeric with OV cartridge.
Shoreline and marsh
Oil mist, tar and surface contamination
When:
Visual observation of oil mist
Pressure washing in progress
Symptoms or health effects reported
P100 if oil mist present (e.g. from pressure washing).
Eye and skin protection needed.
Remove symptomatic patients for medical evaluation
Decontamination of PPE, vessels, and equipment (e.g., booms)
Oil mist, tar and surface contamination
When:
Visual observation of oil mist
Pressure washing in progress
Use P100 if oil mist present (e.g. from pressure washing).
Eye and skin protection needed.
Decontamination of Wildlife
Spray from struggling birds; ammonia, injury hazards from pecking and talon scratches; VOCs
When:
Visual observation of oil mist
If wildlife heavily coated with fresh crude oil.
Protective gown, gloves, and face shields.
If potential crude oil exposure, use half facepiece with OV cartridge.
*Abbreviations: CO = carbon monoxide; CO2 = carbon dioxide; Cr = chromium; HE = high efficiency; Ni = nickel; NOx = oxides of nitrogen (e.g. nitric oxide or nitrogen dioxide); OV = organic vapor; P100 = NIOSH-approved particulate filtering respirator that is strongly resistant to oil and filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles; PAPR=Powered Air-Purifying Respirator; PPE = personal protective equipment; V = vanadium; VOCs = volatile organic compounds.
Page last reviewed: May 15, 2018 (archived document)
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