8. SAFETY

Health and safety aspects are of prime importance during site investigation and implementation of remediation measures. As a precaution, the site should be assumed to be contaminated. The specific safety measures to be adopted depends on the nature and extent of contamination, the site conditions and the regulations on site safety requirements.

8.1 Risks during Site Investigation and Remediation

Risks likely to be encountered during site investigation and remediation include:

i) exposure to and intake of toxic or harmful contaminants;

ii) fire hazard; and

iii) explosion.

Contaminants may enter the human body through:

i) oral ingestion;

ii) inhalation; and

iii) skin contact.

The most commonly encountered contaminants of health concern are summarised in Table 8.1.

Table 8.1 Contaminants of Health Concern during Site Investigation & Remediation

Fire hazard and explosion may be caused by:

i) presence of inflammable materials;

ii) lightning;

iii) burst pressure vessel;

iv) thermal effect; and

v) combustion.