EES-1

HAZARD CONTROL PLANS

AND

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

FOR

FIELD WORK

DECEMBER 1999

APPROVED:

GROUP LEADER:

M. James Aldrich Date

EES-1

HAZARD CONTROL PLANS AND

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

FOR FIELD WORK

Page

SECTION I. General 1

A. Purpose 1

B. Hazards Associated with Field Work 1

C. Compliance 1

D. Field Work with Others 1

SECTION II. ROUTINE DOMESTIC FIELD WORK 2

A. Activities Prior to Departure 2

1. Prepare a Hazard Control Plan 2

2. Equipment 3

3. Training 3

B. Activities During Routine Domestic Field Work 4

1. Remote Areas 4

2. Buddy System 4

3. Changes in Itinerary or Points of Contact 4

4. Check-In Schedule and Local Contacts 4

5. Return Procedure 4

C. Vehicles 5

1. Scheduling 5

2. Local Usage 5

3. Care and Maintenance 5

4. Fueling 5

5. Seat Belts 5

6. Fire Precautions 6

7. Vehicle Breakdowns 6

8. Vehicle Accidents 6

D. Emergency Actions 6

1. Verification 6

2. Forms 6

3. Notification 6

SECTION III. FOREIGN AND MEDIUM RESIDUAL RISK DOMESTIC FIELD WORK 7

A. Activities Prior to Departure 7

1. Forms 7

2. Contents of the Plan 7

B. Activities During Field Work 8

1. Changes In Plans 8

2. Other Activities 8

SECTION IV. NEVADA TEST SITE (NTS) AREA FIELD WORK 8

A. Activities Prior to Departure 8

1. NTS Safety Procedures 8

2. Forms 8

B. Activities During Field Work 8

1. Check-In Procedure 8

2. Other Activities 8

APPENDICES: A. EES-1 Field Operations Plan (Routine Domestic Work)

B. EES-1 Field Operations Plan - Foreign or Hazardous Domestic (Example)

C. Missing Person Information

D. Remote Area Operations (Nevada Test Site and Adjacent Areas)

Annex 1 Safety Checklist for NTS/Nevada Remote Area Projects

REFERENCES:

EES Division Hazard Control Plan for Field Operations, December 1998.

American Geological Institute, 1992, Planning for Field Safety, 197p.

Craighead, F. C., Jr. and J. J. Craighead, 1984, How to Survive on Land and Sea, revised by

R. E. Smith and D. S. Jarvis, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD, 412p.

Los Alamos National Laboratory Incident Reporting Process, LIR201-00-04.0, 4 p.

Los Alamos National Laboratory, Safe Work Practices, LIR300-00-01.1, 10 p, 6 Oct 99.

Los Alamos National Laboratory, Documentation of Safe Work Practices, LIR300-00-02.1, 10p, 6 Oct 99.

SECTION I. GENERAL

A. Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to EES-1 personnel on the preparation of Hazard Control Plans (HCPs) for field work and standard operating procedures during the conduct of field operations to maximize the safety of EES-1 employees involved in field work. It supplements the EES Division HCP for Field Operations by providing specific Safe Work Practices requirements for EES-1 personnel.

B. Hazards Associated with Field Work

Many times field work is done under conditions in which accidents or serious problems are likely to occur if proper precautions are not taken. These conditions could result from one or more of the following: operations in remote areas; the presence of poisonous insects/snakes or large animals that may attack humans; hazardous terrain; sudden, unexpected changes in the weather; heat or cold exposure; vehicle breakdown; electrical storms; drilling operations; illness; and other conditions encountered in the field.

Because potentially hazardous conditions and emergencies may occur in the field, the requirements and procedures outlined in Sections II, III, and IV, must be followed by all EES-1 employees and associated personnel. The Group Leader will review each field work HCP to evaluate its completeness, the hazards identified, and the hazard controls. The majority of the field activities performed by EES-1 personnel are routine in that they involve normal activities associated with geologic studies (collecting rock samples, geologic mapping, and the like) where the hazards are those a hiker or backpacker would be exposed to. The residual risk associated with such work is typically minimal. Higher risk field work includes operations that involve exposure to hazards where detailed HCPs and more robust emergency response procedures are required. Examples of higher risk activities are geothermal or CSDP coring operations where heavy equipment, high temperatures, or toxic gases are present; sample collections in active volcanic areas; and operations in foreign countries. The Group Leader will authorize all field operations plans with minimal to low residual risk. The EES Division Director will authorize all field work with medium residual risk and all field work in foreign countries regardless of the residual risk level.

C. Compliance

The Group Leader and supervisors have the responsibility of ensuring compliance with the procedures specified in this HCP; however, every individual conducting field work is ultimately responsible for his or her own safety.

D. Field Work with Others

Group members who are to perform field operations for other Laboratory organizations, federal or state government agencies, or private industries will adhere to the ES&H plan of that organization, a copy of which will be furnished to the Group Leader prior to commencing the work. The employee and Group Leader will review the plan and ensure that no Laboratory ES&H precautions have been overlooked or negated. If the organization does not have an ES&H plan, the employee will furnish a document that describes what they will be doing and the system in effect to protect them. Employees and other EES-1 personnel are reminded that safety is their responsibility and that any concerns they may have should be brought to the attention of the Group Leader. The Group Leader will not allow employee participation if the plan or document does not sufficiently cover ES&H issues.

SECTION II. ROUTINE DOMESTIC FIELD WORK

A. Activities Prior to Departure

The following actions must be taken before leaving to work in the field:

1. Prepare a Hazard Control Plan

a. Field workers will prepare a field hazard control plan (Type 1 or Type 2) in accordance with LIR300-00-01.1 (Safe Work Practices) and LIR300-00-02.1 (Safe Work Practices Documentation) as specified in Figure 1 (and a Missing Person Form if required), and submit it to the Group Office Administrator for the Group Leader's review and approval prior to leaving for the field. For projects that require frequent, repeated local trips to the same destination/site and hazards, submit a field HCP the first time out and during subsequent trips simply note on the sign-out board in the Group Office that a plan is on file. All persons doing local field work will sign out on the sign-out board in the Group Office and erase their name from the board when they return.

The Personal Information form with the General, Physical Description, and Outdoor Experience Sections completed must be on file in the Group Office (Appendix C).

Figure 1. Field HCP and buddy system requirements. (HCP = Hazard Control Plan; MPF = Missing Persons Form; NTS = Nevada Test Site; YM = Yucca Mountain). "Local" refers to Los Alamos County and nearby areas.

c. Persons working in remote domestic areas and all foreign areas will complete the Missing Persons Information form and attach it to the field HCP (Appendix C), Parts 1, Area; 2, Equipment Carried; and 3, Clothing).

d. Field workers at the NTS will prepare a routine domestic HCP (assuming the residual risk is minimal or low) and follow the procedures of Remote Area Operations (Nevada Test Site and Adjacent Areas) (Appendix D) and complete a "Safety Checklist for NTS/Nevada Remote Area Projects" (Appendix E). These should be submitted as shown on the distribution list at the bottom of the Safety Checklist form. See Section IV.

2. Equipment

Ensure the Government vehicle is equipped with the following items:

A Guide to Your Interagency Fleet Management System Vehicle

General Services Administration Motor Vehicle Accident Reporting Kit

Fire extinguisher

First aid kit

Jack

Cellular phone

Shovel

Spare tire

Survival kit

Windshield scraper

Personal vehicles need to be equipped with the same set of equipment as Government vehicles plus a cellular phone when working outside Los Alamos County.

When working in remote areas or foreign countries field workers will check out from the Group Office Administrator a survival kit (vehicle size, small pack size, or hypothermia kit) before going into the field.

3. Training

Each EES-1 employee (see Section I, B) who participates in field work must have first aid and CPR. Arrange for training by calling ESH-13 at 7-0059. In addition, the Group Leader may require survival training for participants in operations in remote areas where medical or emergency assistance is not readily available or in extreme weather conditions. Planning for Field Safety and How to Survive on Land and Sea are good books on this subject and are available in the Group Office. Additionally, as a minimum, each employee will be familiar with this document and the following:

a. EES-1 Group ES&H Plan, Dec 99

b. LIR201-00-04.0, Los Alamos National Laboratory Incident Reporting Process, 10 Feb 97

c. LIR300-00-01.1, Safe Work Practices, 6 Oct 99

d. LIR300-00-02.1, Documentation of Safe Work Practices, 6 Oct 99

As applicable and appropriate, each employee will be familiar with "A Guide to Your Interagency Fleet Management System Vehicle" (located in the glove compartment of each Government vehicle).

B. Activities During Routine Domestic Field Work (Other than the NTS)

1. Remote Areas

Field crews should exercise due caution when working in remote areas. Good work habits, as set forth in training, and accepted field procedures should be followed to ensure safe operations and the best chance of dealing with any emergencies should they arise. A primary concern for remote area operations is communication both for routine matters and emergencies (see below). Workers should be as self sufficient as possible. The proper clothing, equipment, and survival gear that is essential to a safe operation are the responsibility of each field worker.

2. Buddy System

Field work shall be conducted in teams of two or more persons. Use of this "buddy system" is mandatory unless the field worker is in two-way radio (or telephone) contact with a base station and has established a regular check-in schedule (at least every other day, unless a different schedule is established and approved by the Group Leader in advance). If work is being performed locally along a well maintained and frequently traveled federal, state, or county road (such as collecting samples at road cuts or from springs or streams along roadways), the buddy system or a radio is not required. Field trips connected with professional meetings, DOE briefings, student training, and the like where most participants are from industry, universities, or other organizations are not considered field work.

3. Changes in Itinerary or Points of Contact

Advise the Group Office of any changes in itinerary or points of contact before they occur.

4. Check-in Schedule and Local Contacts

Check in with the Group Office on the schedule outlined in the field work HCP. Whenever possible this will be every other day. If possible, inform someone locally each day (such as a motel employee) where you will be working and the time you expect to return. After each day's field work, let this person know when you have returned. Provide the contact with the telephone number of the Group Office, the home telephone numbers of the Group Leader and Deputy Group Leader, and the non-work hours number of the Emergency Management and Response Office (7-6211). Make arrangements for the contact to call one of those numbers if you do not return or report in within two (2) hours of your expected return time.

5. Return Procedure

Upon returning from field work, notify the contact person you designated on the field work HCP (this will normally be your supervisor) of your return. If during work hours, also notify the Group Office. When you realize that you are going to miss your estimated time of arrival (ETA) by more than two hours, call the Group Office or your contact to revise your ETA, if possible. If you do not return within two hours of your ETA, your contact person must notify the Group Leader or Deputy Group Leader, who will take action as outlined in Section D below. If the Group Leader or Deputy Group Leader cannot be located, the contact person must notify the Division Office or the Emergency Management and Response Office (7-6211).

C. Vehicles

1. Scheduling

Use of Group vehicles is coordinated by the Group Office Administrator with priority to members of EES-1. Four-wheel drive vehicles should be used for off road travel in rough or sandy terrain and during inclement weather. Use of private vehicles is allowed if all safety and equipment requirements outlined in this SOP are met.

2. Local Usage

All Group vehicles are available for local use. The Group Office Administrator has a calendar in the Group Office on which vehicle reservations are recorded.

3. Care and Maintenance

If any defects that need repair are observed, notify the Group Office Administrator. When problems develop with Government vehicles outside Los Alamos County, follow A Guide to Your Interagency Fleet Management System Vehicle in the vehicle glove compartment.

4. Fueling

All vehicles will be returned with the gas tank at least one-half full. When gassing up use the U.S. Government Fleet Credit Card in the key holder and get a receipt for reimbursement that shows the license plate number and mileage. See the Quick Reference Guide To: Fueling GSA Vehicles in the glove compartment for detailed instructions. FILL WITH REGULAR UNLEADED FUEL ONLY at self-service pumps. If you fill a Government Vehicle with premium gasoline, you have to pay for it. Check the oil and water on each fill up.

Make sure that the following information is clearly noted on the credit card sales tickets:

Date

Quantity of Fuel Purchase

Other Items Purchased, such as oil

Odometer Reading

Type of Fuel

Total Cost

Signature

When using your own vehicle, get receipts for gas and oil purchases.

5. Seat Belts

All persons in the vehicle must be in a seat and wearing a seat belt while on Laboratory business, whether in a Government or private vehicle.

6. Fire Precautions

Fire prevention/precautions must be taken when traveling off the road. Each vehicle must carry a fire extinguisher and shovel.

7. Vehicle Breakdowns

In the event of a breakdown in a Government vehicle, follow the appropriate instructions outlined in A Guide to Your Interagency Fleet Management System Vehicle in the vehicle glove compartment. For repairs costing more than $100.00 authorization must be obtained from the Maintenance Control Center at 1-888-622-6344. If traveling in a private vehicle, follow standard procedures of the private sector.

8. Vehicle Accidents

In the event you are in an accident in a Government vehicle, follow the instructions in the GSA Motor Vehicle Accident Reporting Kit found in the glove compartment.

D. Emergency Actions

When a field worker has not returned or reported in within two (2) hours of the expected time, the Group Leader or Deputy Group Leader or responsible manager shall:

1. Verification

Verify, insofar as possible, the known circumstances and conditions of the field worker's absence.

2. Forms

Having verified the absence of a field worker, complete either the Missing Person Information Form or the Accident/Incident Alert: Request for Help Form, whichever is appropriate.

3. Notification

a. Notify the EES Division Office of the situation and provide a completed copy of the appropriate form mentioned in "2" above with a recommendation of the action to be taken. Generally, this recommendation will involve contacting the agency responsible for search and rescue in the state where the individual is missing. In New Mexico, the State Police are in charge of search and rescue. In most other states the responsibility is delegated to the local sheriff.

b. Notify S-8, Emergency Management and Response Office (7-6211).

SECTION III. FOREIGN AND MEDIUM RESIDUAL RISK DOMESTIC FIELD WORK

A. Activities Prior to Departure

The following actions must be taken before leaving for field work in a foreign country or before commencing a medium residual risk field operation:

1. Forms

A "Field Hazard Control Plan – Type 2 (see Appendix B) will be prepared by the participants as outlined in LIR300-00-02.1 and forwarded through the Group Leader or Deputy Group Leader to the EES Division Director allowing adequate time for review and approval before scheduled departure of any participants.

2. Contents of the Plan

The plan will include the following:

a. Location where field work is to be conducted

b. Dates of work and itinerary

c. Participant list

d. Project description

e. Hazards

Initial Risk

g. Hazard controls

h. Residual risk

i. Reporting procedures and check-in

Training requirements

Emergency plan

Contacts

Participants acknowledgement

Appendices as required: Map(s) delineating location of the work, permits, letter of introduction, etc.

References (as appropriate)

B. Activities During Field Work

1. Changes in Plan

The field work HCP will be followed by all participants. The project leader or principal investigator will notify the Group Office of any changes to the plan made in the field.

2. Other Activities

Items 1 through 4, Section II.B, Activities During Routine Domestic Field Work, by reference are made a part of this section.

SECTION IV. NEVADA TEST SITE (NTS) AREA FIELD WORK

A. Activities Prior to Departure

1. NTS Safety Procedures

Become familiar with the contents of Appendix D, Remote Area Operations (Nevada Test Site and Adjacent Areas). Must view the Safety and Security Briefing video available through DX Division.

2. Forms

Complete a Type 1 or 2 HCP as applicable, fill out the "Safety Checklist for NTS/Nevada Remote Area Projects" (Annex 1 to Appendix D), and attach a map showing the planned work location and give them to the Group Office Administrator with your travel request. The Group Office Administrator will fax the form and the map to the DX-4 office, with a copy to the Division ES&H Coordinator, the NTS/TPO, and the Group Leader.

B. Activities During Field Work

1. Check-in Procedure

Field workers at the Nevada Test Site will check in with the DX-4 operations office upon their arrival. The DX-4 office will be notified of any changes in itinerary and any emergency situations.

2. Other Activities

Items 1 through 3, Section II.B, Activities During Routine Domestic Field Work, by reference are made a part of this section.

APPENDIX A (Type 1 – Hazard Control Plan Outline for Field Work) to EES-1 HAZARD CONTROL PLANS AND STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR FIELD WORK

EES-1 TYPE 1 FIELD OPERATIONS HAZARD CONTROL PLAN

for Minimal to Low Residual Risk Domestic Field Work

Initial Risk ______________________ Residual Risk ______________________

Prepared by ____________________________ Phone No. __________________

1. PARTICIPANTS:

______________________________ ______________________________

2. DATE(S) OF FIELD WORK: __________________________________________

DESCRIPTION OF FIELD OPERATION: ____________________________________

______________________________________________________________

3. ITINERARY (Where will participants be and at approximately what times?) INCLUDE MAP(S) WITH LOCATIONS MARKED.

Location Date and Time

______________________________ ______________________________

4. HOW CAN PARTICIPANTS BE CONTACTED? _______________________________

5. WHO IS/ARE YOUR LOCAL CONTACTS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY? __________________

______________________________________________________________

PROCEDURE FOR CONTACTING: _______________________________________

______________________________________________________________

6. LIST ANY SIGNIFICANT HAZARDS THAT MAY BE ENCOUNTERED, CONTROLS, AND RESIDUAL RISK (attach Field Management Unit approvals to this form if applicable):

Hazard Control Residual Risk

________________________ ________________________ __________

7. VEHICLES TAKEN (description and license number): _________________________

______________________________________________________________

8. CHECK-IN SCHEDULE WITH GROUP OFFICE

Date and Time Date and Time

______________________________ ______________________________

9. ESTIMATED DATE AND TIME OF RETURN: ______________________________

10. PERSON YOU ARE TO NOTIFY WHEN YOU RETURN. (NOT Group Office staff). (If during

work hours, also notify Group Office.) _________________________________

(NOTICE: If contact person has not received a call two (2) hours after expected time of arrival, notify the Group Leader or Deputy Group Leader.)

11. CPR AND FIRST AID TRAINING STATUS OF PARTICIPANTS (To be competed by EES-1 ES&H Representative

Participant CPR First Aid Participant CPR First Aid

(Exp. (Exp. (Exp. (Exp.

Date) Date) Date) Date)

___________________ ____ ____ _________________ _____ _____

___________________ ____ ____ _________________ _____ _____

___________________ ____ ____ _________________ _____ _____

___________________ ____ ____ _________________ _____ _____

___________________ ____ ____ _________________ _____ _____

___________________ ____ ____ _________________ _____ _____

12. PARTICIPANT SIGN-OFF

______________________________ ______________________________

GROUP LEADER APPROVAL AND DATE ____________________________________

(Must be done BEFORE going into the field)

Cy: EES-1 ES&H File

Person to be notified upon return (Item 10 above)

APPENDIX B (Type 1 – Hazard Control Plan Outline for Field Work) to EES-1 HAZARD CONTROL PLANS AND STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR FIELD WORK

HAZARD CONTROL PLAN

EES-1 FIELD OPERATIONS

Project Title

Initial Risk: (Risk estimate*)

Reviewer(s): (Names*)

Work Permits: (Identify, if applicable*)

Residual Risk: (Risk estimate*)

Preparer: (Name and contact information*)

MANAGEMENT AUTHORIZATION:

I authorize the work in this hazard control plan to be performed and the workers to perform the work.

____________________________________ _____________

M. J. Aldrich, Group Leader EES-1 Date

____________________________________ _____________

C. W. Myers, DDEES Date

* Words in italics identify what must be included

PROJECT LEADER: Name

I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Description of work covered by the plan with sufficient detail for reader to readily understand context (i.e. terrain, weather, equipment, etc.) of the hazards and controls.

II. PROJECT LOCATION AND DATES:

List locations where and dates when work is to be conducted. Attach map(s) showing locations as exact as possible

III. PARTICIPANTS:

Names, organizations, and responsibilities of participants.

IV. SIGNIFICANT HAZARDS AND CONTROLS:

Identify all significant hazards and controls to achieve acceptable risk.

V. PROJECT KNOWLEDGE AND TRAINING:

Describe knowledge, skills, and training necessary to work safely. Give expiration dates of first aid and CPR training of each participant.

VI. RISK LEVELS:

Estimates of initial and residual risks per LIR300-00-01.1, Section 8.

VII. EMERGENCIES:

Actions to be taken in event of accidents, control failure, or other operational problems that pose a threat to the safety of the workers.

VIII. REPORTING PROCEDURES AND CHECK-IN:

Names, organizations, phone numbers, fax numbers, and e-mail addresses of the persons with whom the participants will be checking in each day. Give reporting schedule into EES-1 Group Office.

IX. LOCAL CONTACTS:

Names, organizations, phone numbers, fax numbers, and e-mail addresses where messages for participants can be left.

PARTICIPANT SIGN-OFF:

I have read and understand this hazard control plan.

Signature and date required for each participant.

APPENDIX C (Missing Person Information Form) to EES-1 HAZARD CONTROL PLANS AND STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR FIELD WORK

MISSING PERSON INFORMATION
1. AREA

Knowledge of area where working __________________________________________

Who in the group/Lab could be of assistance or is also familiar with the area?

__________________________________________________________________

2. EQUIPMENT CARRIED

Wallet ___ Credit cards ___ Compass ___ Survival kit ___ Knife/type ___

Map (description) _____________________________________________________

Food (indicate for how many days) _____ Water (indicate for how many days) _____

Camera(s) ____ Description (include LANL property number, if applicable) _________

__________________________________________________________________

Medications ____ Indicate what and why needed (e.g., if diabetic) _________________

__________________________________________________________________

Camping gear ____ Description ________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

3. CLOTHING WORN AND/OR CARRIED

Hat/Cap _____________________ Color _______ Material ______________

Coat/Jacket/Sweater _____________ Color _______ Material ______________

Shirt type ___________________ Color _______ Material ______________

Pants type ___________________ Color _______ Material ______________

Glove type ___________________ Color _______ Material ______________

Raingear (coat/poncho) __________ Color _______ Material ______________

Shoe/Boot type ________________ Color _______ Material ______________

Shoe size _____ Condition of footwear _____ Sole type _________________

Other identifiable clothing? ______________________________________________

4. SITUATION

Number of persons in original group ______ Number of persons missing ______

Last seen by whom ____________________________________________________

Place last seen _______________________________________________________

Date last seen __________________ Time last seen ____________________

Direction heading _____________________________________________________

Means of transportation _________________________________________________

Possible alternate destination _____________________________________________

Vehicle description/License No. ____________________________________________

Parked where ________________________________________________________

Anything unusual (behavior/feelings about situation/strangers in area, include descriptions)

__________________________________________________________________

APPENDIX D (Remote Area Operations – Nevada Test Site and Adjacent Areas) to EES-1 HAZARD CONTROL PLANS AND STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR FIELD WORK

REMOTE AREA OPERATIONS

(NEVADA TEST SITE AND ADJACENT AREAS)

1.0 INTRODUCTION

These procedures are intended to inform Laboratory personnel involved in remote area operations at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) and adjacent areas of coordinating requirements and support available to them for such projects.

2.0 PURPOSE

These procedures provide guidance for Laboratory personnel when planning, conducting and supporting activities away from their normal laboratory environment. They specify the minimum requirements and the support available to personnel to minimize the risks associated with field work in remote areas in Nevada.

3.0 SCOPE

These procedures provide supplemental guidance for Laboratory personnel conducting remote area operations in Nevada and are intended for use with existing Laboratory requirements provided in the Environment, Safety and Health Manual and in their specific organizational procedures.

4.0 DEFINITIONS

None

5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 Los National Laboratory Test Office

The Los Alamos Test Office is responsible for the conduct and safety of all Los Alamos employees and for all projects at the NTS sponsored by or that utilize assets from the Test Office in Nevada.

5.2 DX-4, Nevada Operations Team

The Test Office delegates to the DX-4 (Field Operations and Experiment Support Group) Nevada Operations Team the responsibility for all aspects of coordination involving remote area work at the NTS and adjacent areas.

5.3 Line Management

Line managers must ensure that all risks associated with the field work are minimized prior to allowing personnel to proceed with a project. Factors such as required training, remoteness of the location, availability of emergency response assets and the environment, to name a few, must be considered when approving a remote area operation.

5.4 Project Leader

The Project Leader is responsible for coordinating the planned activities with the appropriate Nevada support personnel with sufficient lead time so they may schedule the requested safety, security, logistical and other support as required.

The Project Leader is also responsible for all team members complying with the requirements of this document.

6.0 PRECAUTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

6.1 General Precautions

Occurrences resulting from the conduct of operations in remote areas of the NTS have placed Laboratory personnel in potentially hazardous situations. Due to limited access and sometimes unavailability of emergency response equipment and personnel, possible range fires, radiological contamination, and meteorological conditions, it is essential that Laboratory personnel take extra- precautionary measures to assure their safety in a remote environment.

6.2 Training

Personnel planning to conduct operations on the NTS are required to view the DOE Security Awareness Video for the NTS initially and annual basis. Coordination for viewing this video can be made through Joint Test Organization (JTO) Travel Office at (702) 295-6071.

In addition to the security training mentioned above, a briefing for first-time field workers to the NTS is also required. This briefing covers additional security, ES&H, travel, and logistical requirements as well as other useful information peculiar to the NTS and adjacent areas in Nevada

6.3 Environment

The Nevada Test Site covers over 1,350 square miles of high desert terrain. Rugged basins, high mesas reaching 7,679 feet, and dry lake beds produce hot, dry summers and cold, dry winters. Temperatures, ranging from 110 to -14 degrees F, with very little annual rainfall, create extreme outdoor working conditions. Personnel should guard against exposure-related injuries.

Changes in moisture levels of vegetation and wind patterns in the summer months will generally bring about increased range fire conditions. Extreme caution should be exercised when off-road driving is necessary.

Treat all wildlife with proper caution. Animals, such as field mice, rabbits, and coyotes can carry parasites and dangerous diseases. Feeding wild animals on the NTS is prohibited. The Desert Tortoise, found throughout Nevada, is an endangered species. Be watchful for them and under no circumstances should you harass or intentionally cause harm to them.

6.4 Remote Area Support

By nature, field work in remote areas requires activities in areas removed or isolated from established facilities--in essence, where emergency support and medical assistance are not readily available. At the NTS, medical, fire, search and rescue services are moderately available. In areas adjacent to the NTS, similar services are available but limited. Longer response times must be anticipated. Survival and first aid kits are available at the JTO Travel Office.

Two means of communication are mandatory for all field work at the NTS. Government vehicles are normally equipped with a two-way radio tied to the DOE radio network. Portable radios are available for issue and should be planned for pickup prior to beginning field operations. Contact DX-4 Operations at CP--45 in Area 6 for portable communications equipment. The DOE radio network is monitored 24 hours per day. Cellular telephone NTS and adjacent areas is limited to nonexistent. Personally-owned cellular telephones may not be taken into security areas without express permission of DOE. Government--owned cellular telephones may be carried into security areas, but must be turned off while in the area. Do not rely on a cellular telephone as a means of communication at the NTS. Periodic communication checks are required at planned intervals while remote area operations are being conducted. Failure to report within a reasonable period of time may result in the initiation of an emergency response.

Off-road driving, for other than official purposes, is prohibited on the NTS. The NTS has a road network that supports most remote areas; however, field work may require experiment set-up off of these established roads. Four wheel drive vehicles are available for issue, as well as "pioneer tools" such as shovels, axes and picks. Fuel and water cans are also available for issue from the DX-4 Warehouse

6.5 Radiological Hazards

At the NTS, all four types of ionizing radiation may be encountered. Site specific radiological training is required to enter Radiological or Radiological Controlled Areas in Nevada. Dosimeters are available and can be obtained at the Badge Office at Gate 100 to the NTS. The Laboratory ALARA policy is also in effect. ESH-12 Group personnel are knowledgeable of areas on the NTS that may be radiologically contaminated. They may be contacted at (702) 295-7620.

Equipment and materials used or obtained on the NTS require screening for contamination prior to being removed from the NTS. RADSAFE procedures and support may be obtained by contacting the LANL Warehouse in Area 6, telephone (702) 295-3710.

6.6 Security

DOE has published a booklet entitled "NTS Security Rules and Regulations Handbook." It contains information on badging, items requiring a permit, prohibited items, searches, area access, barriers and barricades, special convoys, and property removal requirements. This booklet is available from DX-4, telephone (702) 295-3400.

7.0 PROCEDURES
7.1 Project Planning

As early as possible, contact the DX-4 Operations Team at the NTS at (701) 295-3400. Discuss the support that will be required for the project. Items to be considered are:

Security (Briefings, badging, permits, keys and locks, area access)

ES&H (Training, RADSAFE, environmental issues, medical and fire services, and emergency response)

Travel (Housing in Las Vegas and at the NTS, transportation to from the NTS, vehicles, pioneer equipment, survival and first aid kits, food service, maps, fuel and maintenance)

Communications (Radios--mobile and portable, telephone numbers

Logistics (Supplies and equipment, packaging and transportation, support and property removal)

7.2 Submit Field Work Plan

Complete and forward a copy of the authorized HCP Field to the DX-4 Operations Team in Nevada. When applicable, fill in the top part of the Safety Checklist for NTS/Nevada Remote Area Projects (Annex 1) and submit to DX-4.

7.3 Project Coordination

DX-4 will coordinate the requirements of the approved Field Work Plan with the appropriate DOE, NTS contractor, LANL Test and other agency offices.

Resources to support the project are confirmed and dedicated.

7.4 Project Start

Project team personnel arrive per travel arrangements. Required training and briefings are received.

Personnel are issued NTS--supplied vehicles and equipment from JTO Travel. Housing is provided.

Additional tools, equipment and supplies are issued or pre-positioned from the LANL Warehouse.

Communications equipment is issued and checked. Additional instructions and guidance are provided. Maps are issued and the area of operation is confirmed.

Reports, project monitoring and communication check times are confirmed. Emergency action procedures are re-confirmed.

7.5 Project Completion

DX-4 notifies appropriate agencies that project has been completed.

Project Team cleans and returns issued equipment.

Team arranges for RADSAFE of equipment, property removal and shipment of equipment.

Team departs NTS per travel arrangements.

8.0 REQUIRED RECORDS

None.

9.0 REFERENCES

LANL TO Letter of authority

NTS-SOP-5401

NTS Security Rules and Regulations Handbook

LANL Memo "Radiological Worker Training for the NTS," ESH-12

LANL ES&H Manual

10.0 ANNEX

Safety Checklist for NTS/Nevada Remote Area Projects, DX-4

ANNEX 1 (Safety Checklist for NTS/Nevada Remote Area Projects) to APPENDIX D (Remote Area Operations – Nevada Test Site and Adjacent Areas) to EES-1 HAZARD CONTROL PLANS AND STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR FIELD WORK

Safety Checklist for NTS/Nevada Remote Area Projects

Please submit the following information to DX-4 (Mail Stop J900 or Fax to (702) 295-3414; confirmation: (702) 295-3400, NTS). If project is outside of the NTS, please provide DX-4 with one set of the same maps you will be utilizing. A reproduced copy is fine.

GROUP ________ CONTACT ________________ PHONE __________ MS _____

Names of Personnel in Party:

________________________________ ________________________________

Dates of Visit: ________________________________________________________

Areas to be Visited: _____________________________________________________

Vehicles Required: _____________________________________________________

Survival Kit Required Yes _____ No _____

Water Containers Yes _____ No _____

Other Special Equipment Requests __________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Exits Required from Test Site _____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

For DX-4 Nevada Operations Use

Special Communications _________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Maps Received ________________________________________________________

Coordinated with Net Coordinator 900: Date _____ Time _____ Contact ____________

Coordinated with WSI: Date _____ Time _____ Contact ____________

Coordinated with OCC: Date _____ Time _____ Contact ____________

Cy: NTS-TPO, MS F670

EES-1 ES&H Files, MS D462