Measures for the employee against exposure to hazardous substances through burnt plastic sockets

Effective date: To be determined

Before you begin

• Be alert to changes in the ground surface, such as tiles which have moved.  This may indicate a burnt plastic socket in the ground.
• When approaching the work place and at the beginning of the excavation works, use a calibrated measuring instrument in order to measure in all cases the concentrations of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and carbon monoxide (CO).
• Measure the concentration of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and carbon monoxide  (CO) with a tester, proceed only if the values are under the threshold values:
  • HCN: 0.9 ppm - 1 mg/m3 for an 8 hour exposure period, short duration exposure (TGG-15 min.) is 9 ppm – 10 mg/m3
  • CO: 25 ppm - 29 mg/m3, short duration exposure is 100 ppm.

During the work

• In addition to the required company clothing, use the following personal protective equipment: 
  • safety shoes or boots
  • Work gloves
• Work as much as possible with the wind at your back.
• During the work activities continue to measure with a measuring instrument. This is located in the breathing zone.
• Stop the work activities if the measuring instrument gives a signal.  Threshold values are exceed. Wear a full face mask with B2 P3 filter and continue work activities.
• If the measured value is under the threshold value you can remove the full face mask. 
• Do not eat, drink or smoke in the work place.
• Wash your hands, arms and face when you stop working.

When the work is finished

• Confirm that there are no further poisonous vapours coming from the defective socket which has been excavated before you remove it to the vehicle. That is why you should first leave a defective socket to be blown by the wind.  Pack this socket in a refuse sack and seal it tightly
• Dispose of the filter used as hazardous waste.