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UER Forum > Rookie Forum > What safety precautions do you use when exploring brownfields? (Viewed 2850 times)
i was never here 


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What safety precautions do you use when exploring brownfields?
< on 7/12/2016 2:21 PM >
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When I go to a designated EPA brownfield: I don't touch anything. When I get home I wash everything, even my shoes. I take a shower.

What precautions, if any, do you people take?





DarkAngel 


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Re: What safety precautions do you use when exploring brownfields?
< Reply # 1 on 7/13/2016 2:45 AM >
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If I know I'm going to be going into a contaminated site, I sure as hell do my research as to what is there. Some precautions won't do shit while others will handle most, but it all depends on the issues there.

At bare minimum, tyvek covers for shoes, nitrile gloves, a respirator, and a good cleaning on *everything* that went in with me. Includes the camera gear, etc.

Just washing your shoes won't get anywhere near all the particulates out of the treads, so you are tracking that contamination everywhere. Washing clothes works okay, but it's guaranteed.

But that all depends on what the contaminant is. Brownfields cover a huge variety of chemicals from oil deposits to god knows what. Finding out what's on the site could save your life.

Considering my health is already fucked, I personally won't set foot on one without knowing exactly what the contamination is, and how to prep for it. (Then again, I took a fair amount of hazmat classes)




blackhawk 

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Re: What safety precautions do you use when exploring brownfields?
< Reply # 2 on 7/17/2016 12:46 AM >
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You need to know what's there. Most threats are obvious but may have no warning signs like an open caustic tank. Touching the dried caustic residue can prove nasty. It feels slippery like soap and needs to be rinsed off immediately.
It all depends on what was present there.
If there's active gamma ray sources there, stay clear of these. I've seen these in steel mills.

Always bring at least a quart water.
Protect your eyes at all times.
Long pants and high top lace up boots.
Bring a rag or brush towel.

I'm not real big on tons of protective gear. You can avoid really bad areas; you're playing there not working. No need to make a mess so don't.

Falls and structural collapses are your #1 hazard.
Don't become so distracted worrying about something that isn't a threat that you miss a real threat like a hellhole.
One fall can alter your life permanently and instantly.



[last edit 7/17/2016 12:53 AM by blackhawk - edited 2 times]

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NotBatman 


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Re: What safety precautions do you use when exploring brownfields?
< Reply # 3 on 7/18/2016 1:23 PM >
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I definitely try not to lick the walls.




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Aran 


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Re: What safety precautions do you use when exploring brownfields?
< Reply # 4 on 11/14/2016 12:57 PM >
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I've explored a brownfield site before. The site in question was an old paper mill, and as anyone who's explored one can attest, they can contain some nasty stuff.


I'll preface this by saying that I know first hand how nasty even the mild chemicals are. In paper mills, the lime dust (calcium chloride) gets everywhere. Absolutely everywhere. Calcium chloride is mildly itchy when dry, but when wet turns into a caustic solution. I was exploring without gloves and my palms were sweaty. Cue chemical burns. I couldn't wash it off for twenty minutes until I got home, where I had access to vinegar (to neutralize the base) and water. While it was no more serious than a sunburn, that was one of the more benign chemicals at such a site.


So, precautions. I always wear gloves when exploring, no matter what. They protect (to an extent) against broken glass, rusty nails, insects, disgusting substances, and other unpleasantness. They also can help protect against hazardous chemicals. I also would strongly recommend thick pants such as jeans, and a coat or sweatshirt to provide an additional barrier between your body and the chemicals you may encounter. A hat is helpful too, to keep stuff out of your hair.


For lung protection, I used a paper dust mask because it was all I had on hand. If given the choice, a half- face respirator with the proper filter is preferable.

Also, water is good to help wash off most chemicals (though not all). Work or hiking boots with the pants tucked into the socks can help. Wear eye protection if you think you need it.


Lastly, the best possible defense is knowledge. Thoroughly research what you might encounter, and learn to recognize the presence of every hazardous chemical you may run into. Do not ignore warning signs- just because the location is abandoned does not mean residue can't remain. And don't stir up the dust.


Be sure to wash everything thoroughly when you get home, and remember- prevention is the best cure. If it looks too dangerous, it most certainly is.



[last edit 11/14/2016 12:57 PM by Aran - edited 1 times]

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Re: What safety precautions do you use when exploring brownfields?
< Reply # 5 on 11/14/2016 3:34 PM >
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Lime is nothing. At paper mills you have sodium hydroxide, possibly very strong bleaching agents such as hypochlorite (liquid, flaked, pellets,powder) chlorine (gas) or chlorine dioxide(gas); deadly.

The caustic, sodium hydroxide (lye) is of particular concern.
Any puddles of water on the floor or tanks, etc could be a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide. As stated in my previous post...



[last edit 11/14/2016 4:05 PM by blackhawk - edited 1 times]

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Aran 


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Re: What safety precautions do you use when exploring brownfields?
< Reply # 6 on 11/14/2016 10:32 PM >
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Posted by blackhawk
Lime is nothing. At paper mills you have sodium hydroxide, possibly very strong bleaching agents such as hypochlorite (liquid, flaked, pellets,powder) chlorine (gas) or chlorine dioxide(gas); deadly.

The caustic, sodium hydroxide (lye) is of particular concern.
Any puddles of water on the floor or tanks, etc could be a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide. As stated in my previous post...


Yep, like I said- Lime is one of the nicest chemicals you'll find in paper mills. Precautions should be taken as it can be nearly impossible to avoid it if you plan to touch anything (ladders, door knobs, etc), but paper mills are by far one of the most dangerous types of locations to explore due to the reasons you listed.




"Sorry, I didn't know I'm not supposed to be here," he said, knowing full well he wasn't supposed to be there.

Deuterium 


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Re: What safety precautions do you use when exploring brownfields?
< Reply # 7 on 11/14/2016 11:21 PM >
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A full set of clothes to change into should be part of your exploration gear. For nasty explorations, it's sometimes better to change into a a set of shitty clothes you're ready to throw out after that exploration so you don't track stuff back home.




OH_ZOG_NO 


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Re: What safety precautions do you use when exploring brownfields?
< Reply # 8 on 11/15/2016 12:31 AM >
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Honestly if i were to go to a site like that i would probably do a ton of research first into what is actually present at the site before even considering going there.



[last edit 11/15/2016 12:32 AM by OH_ZOG_NO - edited 1 times]

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Re: What safety precautions do you use when exploring brownfields?
< Reply # 9 on 11/15/2016 1:56 AM >
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Posted by NotBatman
I definitely try not to lick the walls.


This is probably the best advice here. I've been in many, many such places. Don't lick the walls and you'll survive!




"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..." -Dr. Suess
Aran 


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Huh. I guess covid made me a trendsetter.

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Re: What safety precautions do you use when exploring brownfields?
< Reply # 10 on 11/15/2016 5:34 AM >
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Posted by DJ Craig
Don't lick the walls and you'll survive!


Well, shit. How long do I have to live, Doc?




"Sorry, I didn't know I'm not supposed to be here," he said, knowing full well he wasn't supposed to be there.

OH_ZOG_NO 


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Re: What safety precautions do you use when exploring brownfields?
< Reply # 11 on 11/15/2016 1:33 PM >
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Posted by Aran


Well, shit. How long do I have to live, Doc?


Its all over your tongue is being designated as a Superfund site.




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Re: What safety precautions do you use when exploring brownfields?
< Reply # 12 on 11/15/2016 1:57 PM >
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I usually wear a medical mask and latex gloves. KY jelly helps too. Oh wait you asked about brownfields, not browneyes! Nevermind...




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UER Forum > Rookie Forum > What safety precautions do you use when exploring brownfields? (Viewed 2850 times)


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