Braun Intertec performed industrial hygiene qualitative risk assessments to evaluate potential worker inhalation, dermal, noise, radiation, and heat stress exposure hazards in order to characterize the workplace, workforce, and exposure agents.

Braun Intertec reviewed chemicals used and work activities conducted by Operators, Maintenance Technicians, Lab Technicians, Supervisors, Management, and HES personnel. Areas included in the assessment were the Transmix Unit, Hydrotreater Unit, Petroleum Storage Areas, Laboratory, Maintenance Shop, Loading Rack, and Main Office.

Braun Intertec identified potential chemical contaminants, stressors, and exposure routes and assigned a risk ranking based on severity, probability, and the controls in place. The qualitative risk assessment was used to determine which workers experienced similar exposure profiles due to their tasks, materials, and processes, and these workers were grouped into similar (homogeneous) exposure groups (SEGs). Braun Intertec provided the completed qualitative risk assessment for the areas and worker groups listed above in electronic spreadsheet format.

Braun Intertec prioritized the qualitative risk assessments to determine sampling requirements and analytes for the SEGs and developed a corresponding sampling plan. Using this plan, a Braun Intertec industrial hygienist conducted personal exposure monitoring on the identified SEGs. Personal samples were collected from workers’ breathing zones for up to eight hours of their shifts. For quality control purposes, Braun Intertec also collected and analyzed a field blank for each analyte.

Braun Intertec also performed a ventilation survey of the Site’s laboratory fume hoods using a calibrated TSI VelociCalc® Air Velocity Meter, or equivalent instrumentation. Measured airflow values were compared to the applicable ventilation requirements outlined in the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) design guidelines. In addition, Braun Intertec provided hands-on training to onsite employees on conducting ventilation assessments during the evaluation.