AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 9, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- In the aftermath of the Katrina tragedy, people are looking for volunteer opportunities and different ways to help rebuild homes and lives.
Not only have the Red Cross and United Way been busy, but businesses are also seeing their switchboards light up as preparation for the inevitable clean up efforts begin.
"I've talked to people from New York, California and Alaska. Some are actually from New Orleans," said Justus Heuer, whose company, 360 training, provides hazardous material training online. "They just want to get ready, get back and clean up their city."
But before these people can embark on the massive clean-up effort, they need proper training on how to safely handle the toxic sludge that now infests the Big Easy.
In a public service announcement immediately following the hurricane, Jonathan Snare, head of OSHA, said, "While Hurricane Katrina has moved on, the danger has not -- especially for recovery and cleanup workers. This work is hazardous, and deadly."
Confirming the hazard, the EPA announced on Wednesday that initial floodwater samples from New Orleans indicate levels of E. Coli, coliform and lead. All three contaminants exceed recommended levels by 10 times. The Associated Press has already reported deaths attributed to wound infections.
OSHA requires any persons engaged in "voluntary clean-up operations at sites recognized by federal, state, local, or other governmental body as uncontrolled hazardous waste sites" to have completed training in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER).
To comply with OSHA regulations and qualify to help clean up the wreckage in the Gulf Coast, people need to have completed the 40-hour HAZWOPER training course. This prepares them to deal with hazardous chemicals, radiological hazards and many other situations they're likely encounter.
One of those situations is called a slick, a toxic film on the surface of the water consisting of a mixture of household chemicals, leaking fuel from submerged vehicles and industrial chemicals. Human exposure to certain types of slicks and stagnant water can result in a wide variety of health problems ranging from intestinal problems to spontaneous abortions.
HAZWOPER is specifically designed to instruct workers on personal protective equipment and proper decontamination of surfaces.
The course may be taken over the internet or in a regular classroom setting. For more information about the course, visit www.osha.gov and www.oshacampus.com.
360training said they will donate a portion of the profits from each HAZWOPER course sold to hurricane relief efforts.
About OSHA:
OSHA's mission is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.
About 360training:
360training is a leading provider of e-learning technology, content and services, helping organizations successfully manage all aspects of their learning initiatives and also operates the leading online safety training portal www.OSHACampus.com. For more information, visit www.360training.com.
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