Hazard Types (HT) Job Task: Geoprobe® Operations

1. Toxic Chemic 15. Fall (Slips/Trips) Job Frequency/Duration: CRITICAL TO SAFETY (CTS)
2. Flammable Chemicals 16 Fall (To a Different Level) 10 – 12 weeks per year
Risk Estimation Matrix
3. Corrosive Chemicals 17. Excavation (Collapse) Tools Used: SEVERITY OF HARM
4. Environmental 18. Fire, Heat, Thermal, Cold Geoprobe® Equipment Probability of
Occurrence of Harm Catastrophi
5. Explosion (Chemical Reaction) 19. Noise Serious Moderate Minor
c
6. Explosion (Over pressurization) 20. Radiation VERY LIKELY Extreme High High Medium
PPE Used
7. Mechanical/Vibration (Ionizing/Non-Ionizing) Leather Gloves LIKELY High High Medium Low
8. Electrical (Shock, Short Circuit) 21. Visibility Hard Hat UNLIKELY Medium Medium Low Negligible
9. Electrical (Fire) 22. Weather Steel-toed Boots REMOTE Low Low Negligible Negligible
Hi-vis Clothing/and or reflective
10.Electrical (Static, ESD) 23. Caught (In, On, Between) vests
11.Electrical (Loss of Power) 24. Struck (By, Against) * High = CTS tasks should receive engineering controls prior to assigning administrative or
Safety Glasses
PPE controls.
12.Ergonomic (Overexertion) 25. Driving Hearing Protection
Tyvak or latex boot covers as
13. Ergonomic (Human Error) 26. Confined Space
needed
14. Vibration 27. Other

Job Description: Personnel utilize Geoprobe® to conduct sampling operations to substantiate releases to the environment.

Step Potential Check

# Procedures (LOP Procedure Step) Hazards HT CTS Recommended Safe Practice PPE
-Equipment & - Use remote for operation of Geoprobe® during
supplies loading / unloading on trailer; awareness of personnel /
loading/unload equipment movement.
ing; struck by -Use mechanical equipment for lifting whenever possible.
equipment, - Use the buddy system when lifting heavy tools and
potential pinch supplies. Leather Gloves
1 Mobilization/Demobilization - Equipment loading points & 12, 23, 24 Low - Use proper lifting techniques, i.e., bending at knees, & Steel Toed
obstructions; keeping your back straight, keeping the load close to your Boots
- Heavy lifting; body, and using your legs.
dropped - Stretch / warm-up before heavy lifting.
objects.

Awareness of surroundings/work area; keep Leather Gloves

Slip, Trips,
2 Mobilization/Demobilization 15, 16 Low staging/loading/unloading area organized with clear paths and Steel Toed
Falls
to vehicle(s)/trailer(s) Boots
Stay alert, be aware of traffic around you. Obey all
Driving to and from the field site traffic laws, reduce speed for inclement weather
Motor Vehicle None
3
Accident
21, 22 Low conditions; not texting while driving; hands-free
cellular set-up, or preferably, stop at appropriate
location to make phone calls and check messages.
Increase stopping distance if you have a heavy
trailer load. Be aware of restricted vision with a tall
trailer. Suitable training and/or experience for
Unsecured or
13, 21, 22, 24, towing trailer; pre-trip check of trailer/hitch for
4 Towing and Trailering improperly Low None
25 road-worthiness; spare tire & jack present and
secured load.
functional; all equipment & materials stowed &
secured. Ensure all items are secured and will not
become untied or bounce of trailer.
 Complete trailer pre- check of lights, tire pressure,
5 Hitching/unhitching 23, 24 Low None
Proper use of power equipment, e.g., chain saw, requires Safety Glasses
appropriate experience and/or training; implement traffic & steel toed
Brush & Site
control measures if/as needed. boots. Hearing
Clearing, work
PPE & hard hat
on/near
may be required.
roadway;
6 Site Set Up/Prep 12, 8 Low
potential injury
Hi-vis clothing
from
and/or reflective
equipment/ter-
vests if on/near
rain/traffic
roadway/traffic
area
Call before you dig! Before proceeding with any
subsurface investigation call 811 or visit
www.call811.com to get connected with local one call
Underground
7 Site Set Up/Prep 8 Low center for the state where project activities will occur. As above
Utilities
Underground utilities, if present, will be marked by the
service. ALSO, contact city utilities, sometimes street
lights/ water line is not identified by one call.
Ground Use suitable equipment and/or proper lifting techniques to
8. Site Set Up/Prep Obstructions, 12 Low remove obstructions(s) prior to positioning Geoprobe®. As above
if present
Overhead Evaluate clearance to overhead obstruction(s); maintain
9. Site Set Up/Prep obstructions/ 8 Low adequate clearance from electrical wires. As above
utilities
10. Geoprobe® Operation – General Precautions Injury during 1, 4, 7, 12, 13, Medium - Entry to work zone only by authorized personnel During
Geoprobe® 14, 19, 22, - Stay alert, observant, and maintain effective Geoprobe®
Operation 23,24 communications between all team members on-site. operation, the
- No work will occur during electrical storms. following eye,
- Read all safety tips in the Geoprobe® Owner’s Manual. ear, foot and
-Operator should have copy of owner’s manual and site head protection
safety plan near Geoprobe®. are required:
- Air monitoring may be required on site dependent on Safety glasses,
contaminants present. This should be covered in Site hearing
Health and Safety Plan. protection,
-Untrained personnel should be assisted / trained by a safety-toed
qualified operator. boots, and hard
-ALWAYS know the location of buried or underground hat must be
utilities and services BEFORE pushing tools at any job worn during
site. Geoprobe®
-Heed all CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER decals operation.
posted on the machine.
-In the event of a problem, the operator should release all Leather gloves
control levers and hit the kill switch. The spring-loaded should be worn
levers will automatically return to the neutral position and when handling
machine operation will cease. metal tooling.
-Do not wear loose clothing while operating this machine. For the safety
Severe injury can result if clothing becomes entangled in boots, a sturdy,
moving parts. over-the-ankle
- Operating controls and gauges should be kept free of pair is
debris, grease, oil, etc. recommended.
- Familiarize site personnel with location of Geoprobe®
Emergency Kill switch button, in case of emergency. Tyvek® or latex
- Do not make modifications or add attachments to this boot covers may
machine which are not approved by Geoprobe® Systems. be needed /
 - Avoid hydraulic fluid leaks. Pressurized fluid may be
injected into the skin resulting in serious bodily injury. desirable if site
is contaminated
and/or muddy
Hi-vis clothing
and/or reflective
vests if on/near
roadway / traffic
area

- The unit should only be driven when both outriggers are

fully raised.
- Do not drive with winch mast/probe cylinder extended;
be sure of overhead clearance before raising Geoprobe®
winch mast/probe cylinder.
-Use special caution when moving the Geoprobe® on/off
trailer/truck using ramps when wet or icy as it is
significantly easier for the tracks to slip under such
Injury during
conditions.
11. Geoprobe® Operation – Driving Geoprobe®dri 16, 24 Medium As above
-Lower engine speed to provide more precise control of
ving
the track assemblies when maneuvering the unit in close
quarters. USE caution as Geoprobe® tends to die if RPMs
are too low which allows unit to “free wheel” and roll.
- Do not attempt to drive the unit on slopes of more than
30 degrees. Always drive straight up or down steep
grades. Avoid sideslopes whenever possible. Continuous
operation should be limited to slopes of less than 20
degrees to avoid engine damage.
12. Geoprobe® Operation/Tool Handling – Pushing tools and/or Injury during 7, 14, 23, 24 Medium - Designate one person to operate the machine while As Above
auguring at the borehole location. Geoprobe® probing or auguring. This will avoid injuries from having
operation/tool someone unexpectedly engage the machine controls while
handling another person is working near the machine / tools.
-Operator must stand to the control side of the machine,
clear of the probe foot and derrick, while operating the
controls. Never reach across the probe assembly to
manipulate the machine controls.
- When using an assistant to assemble tool string, ensure
hands are clear when engaging tower on either the pull
cup or drive head.
- Ensure all personnel clear of all moving parts before
starting the Geoprobe®.
- Keep feet clear when lowering probe foot.
- Never place your hands on top of the tool string while
raising or lowering the GH60 hammer.
- Limit the rate at which the GH60 hammer is lowered
while advancing the tool string to avoid raising the probe
foot more than approximately 6 inches off of the ground
surface.
- Never move the probe assembly (swing, extend, fold,
etc.) or operate the tracks while anyone is in physical
contact with the tool string.
- When operating the unit on sloped surfaces, always
position the unit parallel with the slope. This provides the
greatest degree of stability and will limit shifting during
probing or auguring operations. Position the track-
mounted machine with the control panel upslope
whenever possible so the machine will roll away from the
 operator if it becomes unstable and moves unexpectedly.
- Do not extend the outriggers such that the tracks are
raised off of the ground more than one or two inches.
Raising the tracks several inches off of the ground surface
decreases the stability of the machine and provides no
operational advantage.
- Never raise the machine foot more than a few inches
from the ground surface with the probe cylinder and/or
winch mast fully extended. If the foot must be raised
significantly, first lower the hammer and winch.
-Use caution when probing on loose or soft surfaces.
Reduced weight on the tracks may allow the unit to shift
or slide under such conditions.
Always place the machine foot firmly on the ground when
pulling tools from the subsurface.
- When operating inside buildings consider diesel exhaust
and vent accordingly.
- Use mechanical equipment for lifting whenever
possible.
- Use the buddy system when lifting heavy tools and
Injury during
supplies.
Geoprobe®
Geoprobe® Operation/Tool Handling – On-going Operational - Use proper lifting techniques, i.e., bending at knees,
13. operation/tool 12, 24 Low
Support keeping your back straight, keeping the load close to your
and supply
body, and using your legs.
handling
- Stretch / warm-up before heavy lifting
- Rotating parts can cause serious injuries. - Shut off the
engine before attempting to clean or service the unit.
Exposure to - Wear PPE appropriate for the contaminant(s) of concern
contaminants (COC) and/or reagents that are present/used at the site.
during - Decon activities should only be conducted in designated
sample/equipm area with spill containment and/or proper drainage.
ent handling
and/or decon
As described in
operations;
14. Sampling & Geoprobe®/Equipment Decon 1, 4 Low Site Health and
exposure to
Safety Plan.
reagents during
sample
analysis/preser
vation; spray
or splash into
eyes
HAZARDS –NOTE ALL POTENTIAL HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
Physical Biological
thermal Agriculture CAFO fish farm animals
cold noise
stress
General Animals dogs feral animals snakes
explosion fire weather
spiders mosquitoes wasp/hornet
fatigue violence illness/injury Insects
bees
Radiation ionizing microwave light
Pathogens bloodborne sewage med/lab
traffic heavy equip forklift
Vehicles Other Biological: poisonous plants, domestic animals, scorpions
helicopter small aircraft Boat
sediment
rapid water open water Chemical
Boat Ops sampling
Containers ammonia chlorine other
diving electrofish
VOCs solvents fuel oils
comp gas electricity confined space
Industrial sewer landfill smoke/dust/fume
equip moving parts Wastes
metals PCBs paints/surfacing
Overhead obstruction falling objects
Particulates fibers diesel asbestos
roof scaffold ladder
Elevation Sampling acids bases
stairs catwalk
VOCs, SVOCs, pesticides, herbicides, radionuclide,
terrain debris slippery Other Chemicals: explosives, perchlorate; chemistry laboratories with
Slips/trips
trench pits/holes abandoned chemicals
Other physical hazards: UXO
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) REQUIRED (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) OTHER REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT/TRAINING
safety boots steel-toe boots shank dosimetry communication decon
Feet:
rubber boots waders Other: first aid kit fire extinguish flares
cut- chains/studs eye wash/shower
leather cotton
Gloves: resistant
chemical resist disposable .
safety vest pfd harness
Body: 24 hr HAZWOPER 40 hr HAZWOPER HAZWOPER Annual Refresher
tyvek sarnex-tyvek coveralls
TLD Program RPP Program Medical Surveillance
Eyes: safety glasses sunglasses goggles
st Other: 1) Defensive Driving; 2)Radiation Safety; 3)Boat
hearing 1 Aid/CPR
Head: hard hat respirator Operations Training
protection
COMMENTS:

Personnel may be potentially exposed to a wide variety of contaminants during Geoprobe® sampling activities. Personnel are exposed to hazardous noise when operating or being in the vicinity of this
type of sampling; however, exact sound levels are not known at this time. Personnel are required to wear ear plugs and/or muffs while working around hazardous noise sources. Employees engage in
field activities during all types of weather conditions, to include extreme heat and cold. Thermal stress is a viable hazard; therefore personnel must ensure adequate hydration and appropriate field gear
is worn while engaging in field activities. In addition, field acitivies are conducted on various terrain and in remote locations where pits, holes, and trenches are encountered. Personnel need to be
cognizant of their surroundings and take evasive actions to avoid contact with such hazards. Driving, trailer towing, ergonmics, lifting, slips, trips and falls are all identified hazards of this work.
REFERENCE PPE HAZARD ASSESSMENT FORM FOR SPECIFIC EXPLANATION OF HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS.

CERTIFICATION OF HAZARD ASSESSMENT

SUPERVISOR:       DATE: SAFETY/HEALTH REPRESENTATIVE:       DATE:

           
 Personal Protective Equipment Recommendations

Where engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or sufficient for controlling hazards,
PPE must be used to protect workers. The following PPE are recommended for the noted tasks above:
Eye and Face Protection
X Safety glasses with side shields Reflective goggles/face shield
Chemical splash goggles Cutting/brazing/welding eye protection
Face shield X Other: Sunglasses
Head Protection
X Hard hat Helmet, cowl, hood
Welding helmet/mask Other:
Foot Protection
X Steel-toed safety shoes/boots Other:
Chemical-resistant boots
Body Protection
Apron (splash, work) Head-reflective garments
Lab coat Sleeves (cut-resistant)
Other: Appropriate field gear for the
Coveralls (work, chemical-resistant) weather, to include rain gear
X X
Type chemical: Various (thermal/cold stress); USCG Personal
Type coverall: Tyvek/Sarnex Flotation Device (Type I, II, or III)
Respiratory Protection
Respirator Type of respirator: Full-face
Hand Protection
Rubber insulating gloves Rubber insulating sleeves
Other: Chemical Resistant Gloves (i.e.
Nitrile or Neoprene); Cut Resistant
X
Gloves (contact with plants); Leather
Rubber insulating hoods gloves
Other:
Reflective Safety Vest
Ear plugs and/or muffs
Sunscreen
Insect repellent

If needed, chemical resistant gloves must be selected based upon adequate breakthrough times for
specific chemicals of concern.
PPE Hazard Assessment Form
HEALTH AND SAFETY HAZARDS
Chemical Hazards Description/Mitigation
Personnel may be potentially exposed to a wide variety of hazardous materials during sampling
X Vapors/gases
activities
Personnel may be potentially exposed to a wide variety of hazardous materials during sampling
X Dusts/mists/fumes
activities
Personnel may be potentially exposed to a wide variety of hazardous materials during sampling
Liquid splash
activities

Contaminants on site may include but are not limited to, VOCs, SVOCs, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, fuel,
radionuclide, metals, and acids/bases. Personal air sampling data is not available to document potential inhalation
Comments:
exposures. Personnel are required to wear, at a minimum, Level D (tyvek or sarnex coveralls). If a higher level of
protection is warranted, this will be addressed in the Site Health and Safety Plan

Physical Hazards Description/Mitigation

Personnel may experience repetitive motions, frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying
of heavy objects; and prolonged awkward postures. Vibration and cold may add risk to these work
X Ergonomics conditions. The level of risk depends on the intensity, frequency, and duration of the exposure to
these conditions. Careful lifting techniques along with secure grips and packing at desk level or
higher will reduce potential exposures.
Employees engage in field activities during all types of weather conditions, to include extreme
X Heat —high temperatures heats. Thermal stress is a viable hazard; therefore personnel must ensure adequate hydration and
appropriate field gear is worn while engaging in field activities.
Employees engage in field activities during all types of weather conditions, to include cold weather.
X Cold —Cold temperatures Although field activities are performed in termperate climates, cold weather may be a potential
hazard. Appropriate field gear must be worn.
Although rare, employees may be exposed to a variety of electrical components while on-site.
X Electricity Personnel need to be cognizant of their surroundings and take evasive actions to avoid contact with
such electrical hazards.
Personnel are occasionally exposed to various sources of hazardous noise, to include various
X Noise industrial equipment. Personnel are required to wear ear plugs and/or muffs while working around
hazardous noise sources.
Slips/trips/falls are always probable conducting field visits, outside where pits, holes, and various
X Slips/Trips/Falls terrains are encountered. Personnel need to be cognizant of their surroundings and take evasive
actions to avoid contact with such hazards.
Personnel may climb units, greater than 4 feet above ground surface, to observe potential
deficiencies. Personnel climb stairways with approriate handrails and/or ladders affixed to various
X Elevation - Falls
units. Personnel must inspect stairways/walkways to ensure structural integrity and/or question site
personnel regarding structural stability prior to climbing. Personnel will not climb ladders.
Vehicular accidents and traffic are potential hazards encountered while driving to and from
municipal plants. In addition, personnel may ride as passengers in small boats. Personnel are
X Other
required to take Defensive Driving Training and Boat Operations Training. Personnel should also
receive a safety brief from the boat operator prior to riding onboard.
Biological Hazards Description/Mitigation
Employees may encounter a variety of insects and snakes while in the field. These include snakes,
X Animals/Insects mosquitos, bees, wasps, spiders, feral animals, scorpions, etc. Personnel need to be cognizant of
their surroundings and take evasive actions to avoid contact with such animals/insects.
Employees are often in remote locations, in which poison ivy and other infectious plants are
X Other present. Personnel must be trained to ensure they are aware of the surroundings and avoid plants to
prevent injury/iillness. Cut-resistant gloves should also be utilized to reduce potential exposures.

Completed by: ________________________________________ Date:________________

SHEMP Review________________________________________ Date:________________
References:

Job Hazard Analysis – Geoprobe, Patrick Mills, USGS, 7 Mar 2005,

<http://il.water.usgs.gov/proj/geoprobe/jhageoprobe1.htm>, Accessed 23 Jun 2010.

Geoprobe Systems®, Geoprobe® Safety Information, <http://www.geoprobe.com/service/safety.htm>,

Accessed 23 Jun 2010.

Why is it important to check underground utilities?

This meltdown could have been a serious tragedy for the probe machine operator. A main power line was
missed during the underground utility investigations, but wasn’t missed by this Macro-Core® sampler! The
cable was encountered about 5 feet below the surface, and luckily, no one was injured. The actual size of the
power line was unknown, but the line was being fed from one plant building to another, and was fed from a
distribution panel to a 2000 amp, 3-phase, sub-panel. The arcing did not trip a breaker ... it just arced/melted
the sampler.

Be safe at your job. Accidents are preventable; don’t overlook details that put you or your personnel in
danger. Replacement copies of your Geoprobe® owner’s manual can be ordered through Geoprobe®
Customer Service at 1-800-436-7762.