When working in contaminated soil, it is important that everyone working on the job, knows the risks. You also need to know which control measures you must take if the soil is contaminated. Before you start digging into the ground, you must always know what the quality of the soil is like. If this is not known, a soil investigation must be carried out. Within Heijmans, the department of ‘Bodemspecialismen’ (ground specialisms) can help and advise you on this. In this toolbox we will discuss the risks and, evidently, the control measures.
Be exposed to hazardous substances by working in/with contaminated soil
How do know if the ground you are working in is contaminated?
By analysing the soil or having it analysed:
The soil quality is classified in three contamination grades:
A T- or F-grade means the nature of the contamination is of such a serious nature, work must be carried out by Bodemspecialism.
Basic rules for working in/with (contaminated) soil:
The image below shows how you should use your personal protective equipment and what to do with them afterwards. This depends on the soil contamination grade.
Even if the soil has been analysed, it could happen that you unexpectedly encounter some kind of contamination.
For instance:
Should you unexpectedly encounter some kind of contamination or do you believe the soil is contaminated, report this to your line manager. He will contact the department of ‘Bodemspecialismen’. If you suspect that you have come into contact with hazardous substances, report this to your line manager and the ASC (Arbo Service Centrum). The ASC will ensure that the ArboUnie takes blood and urine monsters within 24 hours.