Asbestos is a general term used to describe several mineral silicates which are separable into fibers. Asbestos exposure is a major health hazard and inhalation of asbestos can produce severe lung damage. Marine Corps policy is to eliminate asbestos exposure by substitution with non-asbestos-containing materials or, where this is not feasible, through the use of engineering and administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). Occupationally exposed personnel or those personnel with potential for exposure, and their supervisors, shall receive detailed indoctrination and annual refresher instruction. The Industrial Hygiene determines employees' exposure as well as conducts baseline physicals and determines the frequency of follow on physicals.

For more information call (760) 830-8467 or DSN 230-8467.

ORDERS
29 CFR 1910.1001 & 1926.1101
29 CFR 1910.1025
29 CFR 1926.62
MCO 5100.29_

LINKS
US Dept of Labor (OSHA)
NAVY Safety Center - Asbestos 
NAVY Safety Center - Lead

Pathogens carried in bodily fluids can be a cause of serious illness and death. Personnel at risk includes health professionals, first aid providers, fire department and crash fire rescue personnel, and workers involved in maintenance or housekeeping work that exposes them to blood or other infectious bodily fluids. First responders and occupationally exposed personnel, as determined by the industrial hygienist, will be included in a medical surveillance program and provided appropriate training.

For more information call (760) 830-5008 or DSN 230-5008. 

Base Industrial Hygienist: (760) 830-2029 or DSN 230-2029.

ORDERS
29 CFR 1910.1030
MCO 5100.29_


LINKS
DOL OSHA - Bloodborne Pathogens

The Marine Corps is required to have a confined space entry program (non-maritime). Numerous confined spaces can be found aboard Marine Corps installations or units. Examples of such spaces include storage tanks, pits, boilers, portable water tanks (including bulls), fuel cells, ditches, sewers, utility vaults, tunnels, and manholes.

The following characteristics define a confined space:

1. The space is not designed for routine human occupancy.
2. The space is large enough for bodily entry.
3. The space has a restricted access or exit.

If there is a doubt of whether a location is a confined space or not, please contact this office at (760) 830-8467 or DSN 230-8467.

Ergonomics is the field of study that involves the application of knowledge about human capacities and limitations to the design of workplaces, jobs, tasks, tools, equipment, and the environment. Ergonomics is essentially fitting the workplace to the worker. The primary goal of ergonomics in the workplace is to reduce the risk of injuries and illnesses (cumulative trauma disorders or CTDs) by reducing or eliminating worker exposure to work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD) hazards.

Ergonomics information, training, and program oversight (760) 830-5351

ORDERS
MCO 5100.29_

LINKS
OSHA Ergonomics

The ESO is responsible to the Base Commander for oversight of programs involving the storage, handling and transportation of ammunition and explosives (A&E) on and off Base; annual explosives safety inspections (ESI); compliance with regulations that govern A&E policies; and the interactions with DoD agencies that enforce A&E policies, such as NOSSA (Naval Ordnance Safety & Security Activity), DDESB (Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board), and AMHAZ (Ammunition and Hazardous Materials Safety Board).

For more information call (760) 830-8464 or DSN 230-8464.

LINKS
Navy Safety Center
Defense Ammunition Center Training

The goal of the Marine Corps Hearing Conservation Program is to prevent Marine Corps personnel from suffering occupational hearing loss due to noise exposure and ensure auditory fitness for duty in the Marine and civilian workforce. Hearing protective devices shall be worn by all personnel when they enter or work in an area where the operations generate noise levels of

1. Greater than 84 dBA (8 hour TWA) sound level (continuous).
2. 140 dB peak sound pressure level or greater (impact or impulse).
3. In areas where noise levels exceed 104 dBA (8 hour TWA) a combination of circumaural hearing protective devices in conjunction with a second type of protective device (double protection) shall be worn.

For more information call (760) 830-6720 or DSN 230-6720.

LINKS
Naval Safety Center
Defense Ammunition Center Training

The Laser Safety Specialist (LSS) has guidance in program areas such as LASER and radio-frequency (RF) emitters. The LSS must successful complete the ALA/LNTL-approved LSS course and is qualified to perform the calculations and measurements of laser safety parameters such as NOHDs and required optical densities for laser eyewear. 

For more information call (760) 830-5065 or DSN 230-5065.

Qualifications of instructors requires ALA/LNTL approval

LASER OPERATOR/RANGE SAFETY/MAINTENANCE COURSES

LASER SAFETY COMPLIANCE INSPECTIONS

RF RADIATION SURVEYS AND BASELINES

IONIZING RADIOLOGICAL WIPE TESTING

The Marine Corps has established strict controls to limit both occupational and environmental exposures to lead. This is due to the serious health hazards associated with lead and the numerous sources of potential lead exposures. Warning signs and caution labels shall be posted in each location where airborne lead may exceed the PEL which is 50 ug/m3 as an eight hour TWA. Personnel working with lead shall

1. Comply with work control procedures.
2. Properly wear or use the prescribed PPE.
3. Report to their supervisor any unsafe work conditions.
4. Ensure they have received the proper medical examinations as required.

For more information call (760) 830-6154 or DSN 230-6154.

ORDERS
MCO5100.29_
40 CFR 745
29 CFR 1910
20 CFR 1960