Asbestos air sampling results, Sep 26 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document PEP hax:2r2-rzy-bir» UCt 1 Ui f-ii

Eoiilcoa Associates, luc. PrcUwioary Report > H&S Evalnailon NYPD - Fresh Kills LaadflU Page 3

3. We were told by many that personnel working in the raking and sieving operations were required to wear respirators for dust. Wc could not determine who made this directive, nor could we find a plan or report that detailed these requirements. Regardless of who made the call or the rationale behind it, the NYPD has accepted it and mandated for NYPD personnel that respirators and personal protective equipment (PPE - disposable coveralls, gloves, hardhats) are required for those Jobs associated with raking, sorting and handling debris. I 4. Respirators are being handed out by Federal OSHA personnel to whoever walks I in the tent and requests one. It appears that many different manufacture types and sizes of respirators arc available reflecting probable donations or supply I actualities, The OSHA personnel provide basic instruction on how to assemble and put-on (don) the respirator and instruct individuals on performing a positive I and negative fit check. They did however, give respirators to individuals who I were obviously unqualified to wear respirators and who would not pass even the most rudimentary respirator fit check. Many of these individuals had fall or pgrtia£^8£ds4)>&f would make the rcspiratorjtsdess^r asbestos or respirable dust. Upon further evaluation, it was determined that few individuals were fit- tested, had been given adequate training, had medical clearance to wear a respirator, nor met raany of the basic good practice or requircraenia for using respiratory protection.

5. Handwritten results from an EPA logbook taken on 22 and 23 September showed LEL (lower explosive limit) reading in supply tents ranging up to 14%. These results were made available to the NYPD during the evaluation on 27 September. This indicates that there may be a potential for the collection of landfill gas in 5*" confintsd areas causing a potential for a flash fire if the concentration is sufficient and there is a source of ignition.

6. Direct reading instrument results, taken by Eniilcott on 27 September for vapors and gases associated with the landfill did not show that diese gases were a health exposure concern to the workers onsite at the time of our visit Further qualitative testing would substantiate this finding. There is no current qualitative sampling being conducted by the £FA or PHS for vapors and gases associated with the landOll. I I 7. The EPA has developed a Fresh Kill Landfill Site Safely Plan dated 20 Sept, 01 which covers ESF-iO I, EPA an^ USCG Personnel only. The EPA did tell I Emilcott that they had a written air-sampling program that addresses our questions on exposure assessment They did not have a copy of Ibis plan on site I and told us they would email it to us ASAP. Wc have not received thia plan to I date. Neither of these plans cover NYPD personnel, I I r I I I NYC-WTC_000150215