March 27, 2014 Multiple vapors-related incidents in the tank farms over the past week have sent several of our co-workers to the site medical provider and, in some cases, the hospital for further evaluation. We are concerned about the symptoms they have been experiencing, and are glad to hear that all employees—with the exception of one who is undergoing further evaluation—were cleared to return to work. We are aware of the potential risks—including chemical vapors—that our workers face when in the farms, and we are continuously looking for ways to minimize potential worker exposure. This includes comprehensive efforts to identify the source of the vapors and what can be done to reduce the chance of future occurrences. Consistent with an ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) approach, we’ve taken several actions over the past several days to identify and mitigate potential sources of vapors. These include: · Investigating farms with direct-read instruments and taking bag samples for analysis · Requiring operators use a personal sample pump when performing routine surveillances · Encouraging personal respiratory upgrades, where desired · Taking corrective actions to seal off confirmed sources of elevated readings related to vapors · Deploying additional sampling equipment in the farms to further investigate potential sources of vapors Specific information related to the affected farms In the A/AY/AZ complex, field investigations identified a cut in the insulation surrounding the A-106 central pump pit as one potential source of vapor emissions. The cut was sealed with foam and the area was re-evaluated. Instruments no longer detect elevated levels of potential vapor-causing compounds in the local area. Investigations are ongoing to identify other potential sources of vapors in the farms. In S/SX Farms, investigations have identified liquid in an aging cover block bag as a potential source of emissions. Workers reported vapors-like symptoms when cutting into the plastic and subsequent investigations have confirmed the area as a likely source. It has been cordoned off as a Vapor Control Zone. Efforts are moving forward to sample the liquid for analysis. In T Farm, a work crew was working downwind of the tanks and also downwind of an herbicide application crew when employees reported symptoms. An industrial hygiene technician with the work crew found no detectable measurement. Additional samples were collected several hours later. Investigations continue as industrial hygiene techs gather additional data. Other efforts In addition to these more recent activities, a joint management/employee Industrial Hygiene Technical Panel meets regularly to monitor efforts and help solve chemical vapor issues and concerns. Together, the team works to identify potential hazards and develop needed controls. These efforts have allowed WRPS to keep tank farm worker exposure to chemical vapors far below occupational limits. While the risk cannot be completely eliminated, we continue to look at ways we can reduce the risk to employees. As always, your nose is the best indicator of the potential presence of vapors. I would ask that you continue to be vigilant in taking personal responsibility for your own safety and that of your co-workers. It is important that we are conservative in our approach, report any changes in condition, follow established procedures and seek medical evaluation, when necessary. Dave Olson President and Project Manager Update on WRPS vapors incidents and follow-up actions – April 1, 2014 • Since March 19, 25 WRPS employees/subcontractors have been sent for medical evaluations after either reporting a concern or unusual odors and/or experiencing potential vapors-related symptoms in or near the Hanford tank farms. This includes a worker who had no symptoms, but who had worked in one of the affected areas last week, requesting and receiving a medical evaluation today. The worker was released and returned to work. • All of the employees/subcontractors have been evaluated by medical professionals at either the site medical provider or Kadlec Regional Medical Center and released for return to work. • While tank farm worker exposure to chemical vapors remains far below applicable occupational limits, the number of recent incidents within such a short period is of special concern. • WRPS has taken and is continuing to take several actions to prevent or mitigate further instances where employees might suffer physical symptoms. • Investigations in several tank farms have identified potential sources of vapor emissions and taken corrective actions. o In one farm, field investigations identified a cut in the insulation surrounding a pump pit as one potential source of vapor emissions. The cut was sealed with foam and the area was re-evaluated. Instruments no longer detect elevated levels of potential vapor-causing compounds in the local area, but the farm complex remains under restricted access. o In another tank farm, investigations identified liquid in old, unused equipment that had been staged for disposal as a potential source of emissions. The area around the equipment has been cordoned off as a Vapor Control Zone. o Evaluations in a third farm where vapors-related symptoms were experienced found no detectable measurement of vapors-causing compounds, but may have been linked to an herbicide application. • A senior project manager has been named to oversee any further investigations and corrective actions that might be necessary. • Additional engineered controls, sampling/analysis equipment and procedure changes are being evaluated.