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 The Chapter was also updated with the current names of EPA Organizations, broken hyperlinks were fixed and outdated information was removed.
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 The Chapter was also updated with the current names of EPA Organizations, broken hyperlinks were fixed and outdated information was removed.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.