WTC emergency safety plan draft, Sept 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

World Trade Center Emergency Project Environmental, Safety, and Health Plan Draft - Revision A 30 September 2001

1.4.3 Biological Hazards

1.4.3.1 Bloodborne Pathogens: It is known that a great number of persons perished when the various buildings located in the WTC Complex collapsed. During the course of project a ctivities, it is p ossible t hat hum an remains in any variety of form and condition may be encountered. Only designated personnel are authorized to touch or handle human remains (typically. Fire Department and/or Emergency Medical Services personnel). It is also known that a Blood Bank was located in WTC-1. Subsequently, there is a potential for personnel picking up or handling debris to unknowingly contact blood or blood products that may be contaminated. Each contractor will need to ensure that appropriate gloves and an infectious disease program is established.

1.4.3.2 Bites and Stings: A majority of the WTC work will be conducted in outdoor areas and the potential for encountering venomous animals and insects (bees, spiders) as well as other biting, non- venomous animals (birds, rats) and insects (spiders, flies), does exist. Also, due to the West Nile Virus potential in the New York area, personnel are advise to use mosquito repellant (during appropriate season). Personnel will be advised to avoid crevices, shrubs, and other areas where these creatures may inhabit. Poor lighting in many indoor areas increases exposure potential. Individuals with allergies to wasps or bees must notify the appropriate contractor ES&H manager of their condition prior to working at the WTC Site.

1.4.3.3 Bird Droppings: Some structures at or around the WTC contain a significant amount of bird droppings. Inhalation or ingestion of bird droppings may result in several types of diseases, including psittacosis (a communicable disease, with symptoms including headache, nausea, chill and fever, and occasionally, respiratory illness) and histoplasmosis (a fungal disease caused by inhaling spores found in contaminated soils) with symptoms that include respiratory distress fever, chest pains, and a dry nonproductive cough. Work in structures containing a significant amounts of bird droppings may require the use of air-purifying respirator and disposable protective clothing.

1.4.4 Air Quality Hazards

Dust Control There is a constant potential for dust hazards at the WTC Project. Dust generated from equipment operations or wind-bome dust will be kept to a minimum and control measures outlined in the Dust Protection and Suppression Plan (Appendix B) for the WTC Project shall be followed.

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