Health and safety considerations of phase II ESA

Health and safety considerations of phase II ESA
ESA: What are the health and safety considerations of a Phase II ESA? Describe the various levels of personal protective equipment (PPE) that can be used to protect workers.

Your response must be a minimum of 200 words. Provide reference

The aim of a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment is to investigate or analyse the environmental conditions related to a property. The responsibility to perform a thorough and exhaustive investigation of the property lies on the professional engineer. The objective of the investigation is to identify and measure the amount of contamination both above and below grade on the property in question. Based on the outcome of a phase I ESA, the professional makes further studies on the property’s soil, ground water and gas to ascertain the extent of their effects. High concentration of substances such as methane in the soil is harmful to both plants and animals (Professional Engineers, 1996). The levels of chemical pollutants in the soil and groundwater may be too high for occupation or even for life to exist. Such areas therefore need to be isolated and if possible, restored.
Personal protective equipment is classified under the following levels:
• Level A: Equipment should be worn when maximum of protection of skin, mucous membrane, eyes and the respiratory system is needed.
• Level B: Such equipment should be selected when maximum protection of the respiratory system is essential, however, a lesser level of protection is required for the skin and eyes.
• Level C: This protection should only be worn when the type of substance that is airborne is identified and analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. The air should be monitored periodically.
• Level D: The ensemble involves a work uniform to prevent an accidental contamination. Safety boots and overalls are examples of PPE in this level. Such equipment is ineffective in protecting against skin and respiratory hazards (Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management, 2017).

References
Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management. (2017). Personal Protective Equipment. Retrieved from CHEMM: https://chemm.nlm.nih.gov/ppe.htm#levels
Professional Engineers. (1996). Professional Engineers Providing Services in Environmental Site Assessment, Remediation and Management. Association of Professional Engineers.