damaged or deteriorated package to a new package. During open container transfer operations,
recoupment personnel and facilities are at risk of exposure to materials and their related hazards.
For safe transfer of the material to new packages, recoupment personnel must prepare for the
specific operation and must implement procedural controls to assure that a mishap (e.g., spill,
personnel exposure, fire) does not occur.
B. To assure that transfer operations will run smoothly and safely, the following actions must
be taken before recoupment operations begin:
1. The recoupment supervisor shall request that local qualified safety and health personnel
evaluate the workplace and assure that the facility is adequate for hazardous materials
recoupment. Periodic testing of facility equipment (e.g., local exhaust hoods, ventilation
systems) may be required.
2. Recoupment personnel and supervisors should review and be aware of a material's hazards
including its toxicity, incompatible materials and conditions that should be avoided, and
necessary emergency procedures to follow if a mishap occurs.
3. Specific recoupment procedures, including safety procedures, should be developed and
reviewed before operations begin. These may be compiled into a safety/procedural manual, to be
used by recoupment personnel, describing the procedures for recoupment of hazard classes that
may be encountered.
4. The recoupment supervisor shall request that local qualified safety and health personnel
evaluate the workplace and select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for use by
workplace personnel. Minimal PPE requirements are gloves, chemical splash goggles, boots,
and coveralls; however, additional PPE may be required. When selecting PPE, personnel should
first evaluate the available equipment and determine the equipment's effectiveness in reducing
the material's hazards. Next, the types of PPE (e.g. face shields, respirators) must be selected that
will provide complete protection to recoupment personnel. Selected PPE must resist
degradation, penetration, and permeation by the materials being recouped; must not limit
personnel mobility; must be resistant to tears and punctures; and must be disposable or easy to
clean.
5. The recoupment supervisor should assure that equipment is functioning properly and that
appropriate hazard warning signs are posted.
C. Transfer of hazardous materials must be performed in a manner that will prevent personnel
exposure to the material, that will prevent exposure of the material to incompatible materials and
conditions, and that will prevent any release of the material. The following procedures should be
incorporated into all transfer operations:
1. A minimum of three recoupment personnel should be present during all transfer operations,
so that, if personnel injury occurs, one person can assist the injured person, and the remaining
employee can call for help.
2. Personnel and visitors present in recoupment areas shall wear appropriate PPE.
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