Trevor
Not exactly sure of the context of the message, but as employees the H&SAW act
would expect a COSHH (Control of Substance Hazardous to Health Regulations)
assessment to be carried out prior (and for that matter to be reviewed during
excavation)
This will determine appropriate mitigation, personnel protective equipment,
thresholds and exposures.
See http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/
The HSE publish legally binding exposure limits for certain chemicals (and
probably covers the majority of mineral waste encountered on UK mineral sites)
See http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/table1.pdf
Anything not covered above requires specialist advice
This is standard procedure for workers involved in decontamination works.
Regards
Graham
Quoting Trevor Dunkerley <[log in to unmask]>:
> Dear List,
>
> I was interested to note the closure of the Time Team excavation at
> Charterhouse, Mendip due to the above.
>
> This action raises several important questions in relation to those
> archaeologists engaged in field work in past industrial settings.
>
> What, for example, with regard to Health & Safety at Work, are the types of
> contaminants considered to be unsafe, and what are acceptable and
> unacceptable levels to work with? What methods are available to determine the
> types of contaminants, and the levels of contamination quickly?
>
> Kindest regards,
>
> Trevor
>
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