 History of Revisions
This Web page highlights major changes that have been introduced to the manual over time.
Introduction
- Version 1 (dated October 2008) was formally released for Agency use via the November 2008 Action Memorandum.
- Version 2 was posted in September 2011.
- A draft of Version 3 was posted in June 2012 and it was approved, and subsequently reposted, in April 2013. The updated chapter incorporates user feedback and reflects decisions that have been made over the past years about how best to implement the manual. As an example, the updated version has been modified to incorporate new program evaluation procedures, and new procedures for tracking the completion of training requirements.
- Version 4 (dated January 2017) was posted in February 2017. The chapter was streamline to simplify customization by the Regions and Special Teams. The Chapter was also updated with the current names of EPA Organizations, broken hyperlinks were fixed and outdated information was removed.
- Version 4.1 (dated July 2024) was posted March 2025. Paragraph flow and table of content internal links were all fixed. All internet links were verified, some links require connection the EPA LAN or VPA. EPA organization structure was updated to match the current organizational charts. Regional and Special Team customized Manual can be house either on their response.epa.gov page or on/in SharePoint/Teams, OneDrive or another document sharing program/system.
Chapter 1: Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP) Development
- Version 1 (dated April 2014) was formally released for Agency use via the April 2014 Action Memorandum.
- Version 1.2 (dated January 2017) was posted in February 2017. The chapter was streamline to simplify customization by the Regions and Special Teams. The Chapter was also updated with the current names of EPA Organizations, broken hyperlinks were fixed and outdated information was removed.
- Version 2.0 (dated July 2024) was posted March 2025. Paragraph flow and table of content internal links were all fixed. All internet links were verified, some links require connection the EPA LAN or VPA. EPA organization structure was updated to match the current organizational charts. Chapter was streamlined and areas that the HSCP/SHEM/RM should customize for their Region/Program were highlighted. Substantive changes made to the Chapter were:
- Augmented Section 4.6, Site Control Program
- Additional information on the purpose of content of the site map
- Added Traffic Control Plans with a reference to the appropriate section in the Transportation Safety Chapter
- Added the need to ensure there are constant/reliable communications for emergencies, including emergency spill reporting
- Added a discussion on the purpose and role of standard operating guidelines/procedures
- Added additional information on identify appropriate hospitals and urgent care facilities and when the hospital should be contract for emergency planning
- Added stocking AEDs to Section 4.8, Emergency Planning
Chapter 2: Training
- A first draft of this chapter (dated September 2013) is currently undergoing internal review.
- A second draft final document (dated January 2017) was post in February 2017. This Chapter is still undergoing internal review
- Version 2.0 (dated July 2024) was approved as Final and posted March 2025. Paragraph flow and table of content internal links were all fixed. All internet links were verified, some links require connection the EPA LAN or VPA. EPA organization structure was updated to match the current organizational charts. Chapter was streamlined and areas that the HSCP/SHEM/RM should customize for their Region/Program were highlighted. Substantive changes made to the Chapter were:
- Added links/references to the new OSC Professional Development Plan
- Revamped the core safety training table to mirror the updated SHEM Guideline 51
- Added the new OLEM Asbestos Worker for Superfund Site Activities class to the list of core safety training
Chapter 3: Medical Surveillance Program
- An early version of this chapter was released for Agency use in 2005. That version was formally replaced with Version 1 (dated October 2008) via the November 2008 Action Memorandum. The 2008 version differs from the 2005 version in the following major ways:
- Eliminated the blood storage program
- Added a section on “Issuance of Antibiotics”
- Added information about post-exposure procedures associated with potential anthrax exposures (based on recommendations provided by an interagency group)
- Added a discussion on nerve agent antidote kits
- Changed the status of the anthrax vaccine to “recommended”
- Provided an updated medical evaluation form.
- Version 2 (dated January 2017) was posted in February 2017. The chapter was streamline to simplify customization by the Regions and Special Teams. The Chapter was also updated with the current names of EPA Organizations, broken hyperlinks were fixed and outdated information was removed.
Chapter 4: Respiratory Protection Program
- An early version of this chapter was released for Agency use in 2005. That version was formally replaced with Version 1 (dated October 2008) via the November 2008 Action Memorandum. The 2008 version differs from the 2005 version in the following major ways:
- Added a summary work sheet that, when incorporated into a HASP, allows the HASP to serve as the site-specific respiratory protection program
- Increased minimum fit factors to reflect EPA best practices and the Tier 1 Group’s recommendations
- Incorporated language on the use of alternate respirators
- Incorporated OSHA’s assigned protection factors (published in 2006)
- Version 2 (dated January 2017) was posted in February 2017. The chapter was streamline to simplify customization by the Regions and Special Teams. The Chapter was also updated with the current names of EPA Organizations, broken hyperlinks were fixed and outdated information was removed.
- Version 3.0 (dated July 2024) was posted March 2025. Paragraph flow and table of content internal links were all fixed. All internet links were verified, some links require connection the EPA LAN or VPA. EPA organization structure was updated to match the current organizational charts. Chapter was streamlined and areas that the HSCP/SHEM/RM should customize for their Region/Program were highlighted. Substantive changes made to the Chapter were:
- Section 3.1.5
- Added the safety hierarchy of controls, emphasizing that PPE is the last line of defense.
- Worked the section and removed the emphasis on PELs. Added that the most protective occupational exposure limits (OELs) should be utilized. ACGIH TLVs, NIOSH RELs and EPAs ECEL’s are regularly updated based on the most current science and exposure data. PELs have not been updated since before 1989.
- Changed the need for emergency responders to upgrade to respiratory protection at ½ of an OEL from a requirement to a consideration. There may be other physical hazards (heat, stress, visibility, etc.) that would contraindicate unnecessary over protection.
- Replaced following PELs with the most protective OEL throughout the Chapter.
- Section 3.4.5.3 expanded the summary information on site specific respirator cartridge changeout programs.
- Section 3.8, added EPAs online voluntary respiratory use training link/information.
- Glossary:
- Added an explanation and link to EPAs. Existing Chemical Exposure Limits (2016 amendments to TSCA). Currently 16 chemicals evaluated, some with and without established PELs, TLVs or RELs. Most notable for Superfund are Chrysotile Asbestos (0.005 f/cc), 1-Bromopropane (0.05 ppm), 1,4-Dioxane (55 ppb), Carbon Tet (30 ppb), MeCl (2 ppm/16 ppm, Perchloroethylene (0.14 ppm) and TCE (4 ppb).
- Added an explanation on RELs and their use (they are a 10-hour TWA)
- Added information on ACGIHs TLVs
- Added/updated information related to the 3M/SCOTT merger including links to cartridge selection and service life tools. Updated acceptable cleaning solutions.
Chapter 5: Personal Protective Equipment
- Version 1 of this chapter was first drafted in 2008 and posted to the manual’s website for EPA review. Several interim drafts were developed and posted after that time. Version 1 was finalized in April 2013
- Version 2 (dated January 2017) was posted in February 2017. The chapter was streamline to simplify customization by the Regions and Special Teams. The Chapter was also updated with the current names of EPA Organizations, broken hyperlinks were fixed and outdated information was removed.
- Version 3.0 (dated July 2024) was posted March 2025. Paragraph flow and table of content internal links were all fixed. All internet links were verified, some links require connection the EPA LAN or VPA. EPA organization structure was updated to match the current organizational charts. Chapter was streamlined and areas that the HSCP/SHEM/RM should customize for their Region/Program were highlighted. Substantive changes made to the Chapter were:
- Removed the Text Box requiring a Regions and ST to establish a Level A response plan, outside the scope of the chapter and currently being handled by the Level A, B and C exercise taskforce.
- Throughout the chapter, updated references to the current PPE type and manufacture on the ERTG equipment list.
- Updated Appendix D and added PPE Training and Use Competencies, contains recommended lesson plans and checklists to ensure emergency responders are competent in the use of the PPE.
- Reworked the Field Boot requirements in Appendix F to align with current ANSI and ASTM standards. Added the requirement that field boots must provide ankle protection (minimum of a 6-inch boot).
- Added a sample fall protection plan to Appendix F-6
Chapter 6: Injury, Illness, and Exposure Reporting
- Version 1 of this chapter was first drafted in 2008 and posted to the manual’s website for EPA review. Several interim drafts were developed and posted after that time. Version 1 was finalized in April 2013.
- Version 2 (dated January 2017) was posted in February 2017. The chapter was streamline to simplify customization by the Regions and Special Teams. The Chapter was also updated with the current names of EPA Organizations, broken hyperlinks were fixed and outdated information was removed. The updated OSHA reporting requirements were added.
- Version 3.0 (dated July 2024) was posted March 2025. Paragraph flow and table of content internal links were all fixed. All internet links were verified, some links require connection the EPA LAN or VPA. EPA organization structure was updated to match the current organizational charts. Chapter was streamlined and areas that the HSCP/SHEM/RM should customize for their Region/Program were highlighted. Substantive changes made to the Chapter were:
- Removed the Text Box requiring a Regions and ST to establish a Level A response plan, outside the scope of the chapter and currently being handled by the Level A, B and C exercise taskforce.
- Throughout the chapter, updated references to the current PPE type and manufacture on the ERTG equipment list.
- Updated Appendix D and added PPE Training and Use Competencies, contains recommended lesson plans and checklists to ensure emergency responders are competent in the use of the PPE.
- Reworked the Field Boot requirements in Appendix F to align with current ANSI and ASTM standards. Added the requirement that field boots must provide ankle protection (minimum of a 6-inch boot).
- Added a sample fall protection plan to Appendix F-6
Chapter 7: Physical Stress Management Program
- Version 1 (dated October 2008) was formally released for Agency use via the November 2008 Action Memorandum.
- Version 2 (dated January 2017) was posted in February 2017. The chapter was streamline to simplify customization by the Regions and Special Teams. The Chapter was also updated with the current names of EPA Organizations, broken hyperlinks were fixed and outdated information was removed.
- Version 3.0 (dated July 2024) was posted March 2025. Paragraph flow and table of content internal links were all fixed. All internet links were verified, some links require connection the EPA LAN or VPA. EPA organization structure was updated to match the current organizational charts. Chapter was streamlined and areas that the HSCP/SHEM/RM should customize for their Region/Program were highlighted. Substantive changes made to the Chapter were:
- Section 5.0 Fatigue
- Harmonized maximum work shift duration with the NRT Responder Fatigue Guidance and the Transportation Chapter. Maximum work shift is limited to 14-hours.
- Added that emergency responders must consult with Management, SHEM or SO approval if greater than 14-hour work shifts are needed.
- Added the need to mobilizes additional personnel resources to move work shifts to 12-hours as soon as practical.
- Section 12.3, Documentation of Onsite Medical Monitoring, added basic PII and PHI/PMI controls
Chapter 8: Radiation Safety Program
- An early version of this chapter was released for Agency use in 2005. That version was formally replaced with Version 1 (dated October 2008) via the November 2008 Action Memorandum. The 2008 version differs from the 2005 version in the following major ways:
- Updated the section on pregnant workers to ensure consistency with the March 2006 version of SHEM Guideline 38
- Added turnback guidance for EPA personnel responding to radiological emergencies
- Clarified the decision-making process for allowing employees to exceed the administrative control level (ACL)
- Version 2 (dated January 2017) was posted in February 2017. The chapter was streamline to simplify customization by the Regions and Special Teams. The Chapter was also updated with the current names of EPA Organizations, broken hyperlinks were fixed and outdated information was removed.
Chapter 9: Chemical and Biological Threat Agents
Chapter 10: Confined Space Safety Program
- Version 1 of this chapter was first drafted in 2008 and posted to the manual’s website for EPA review. Several interim drafts were developed and posted after that time. Version 1 was finalized in April 2013.
- Version 2 (dated January 2017) was posted in February 2017. The chapter was streamline to simplify customization by the Regions and Special Teams. The Chapter was also updated with the current names of EPA Organizations, broken hyperlinks were fixed and outdated information was removed.
- Version 3.0 (dated July 2024) was posted March 2025. Paragraph flow and table of content internal links were all fixed. All internet links were verified, some links require connection the EPA LAN or VPA. EPA organization structure was updated to match the current organizational charts. Chapter was streamlined and areas that the HSCP/SHEM/RM should customize for their Region/Program were highlighted. Updated the types of air monitoring equipment available for confined space entries.
Chapter 11: Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan
- Version 1 (dated October 2008) was formally released for Agency use via the November 2008 Action Memorandum.
- Version 2 (dated January 2017) was posted in February 2017. The chapter was streamline to simplify customization by the Regions and Special Teams. The Chapter was also updated with the current names of EPA Organizations, broken hyperlinks were fixed and outdated information was removed.
- Version 3.0 (dated July 2024) was posted March 2025. Paragraph flow and table of content internal links were all fixed. All internet links were verified, some links require connection the EPA LAN or VPA. EPA organization structure was updated to match the current organizational charts. Chapter was streamlined and areas that the HSCP/SHEM/RM should customize for their Region/Program were highlighted.
Chapter 12: Transportation Safety Chapter - The EPA Response Health and Safety Workgroup has since decided to postpone the development of an emergency responder transportation specific chapter. The Agency’s Safety and Sustainability Division has published guidelines on transportation safety. The Workgroup will revisit the decision if a need is identified.
- A draft version (dated July 2017) was posted September 2017. The Chapter was undergoing internal review.
- Version 1.0 (dated January 2018) was posted as Final on February 2018
- Version 1.0 (dated January 2018) was posted as Final on February 2018
- Version 2.0 (dated July 2024) was approved as Final and posted March 2025. Paragraph flow and table of content internal links were all fixed. All internet links were verified, some links require connection the EPA LAN or VPA. EPA organization structure was updated to match the current organizational charts. Chapter was streamlined and areas that the HSCP/SHEM/RM should customize for their Region/Program were highlighted. Substantive changes made to the Chapter were:
|
|
