WRPS is committed to the timely and transparent release of information related to chemical vapors in the Hanford tank farms. This website seeks to provide data, news and background information so interested parties can have an informed dialogue on this important issue. Using the navigation buttons above, visitors can access sampling results from the tank farms and compare those results to workplace limits, information on the industrial hygiene program, background on how chemicals are identified and frequently asked questions. Visitors are encouraged to sign up to receive the latest updates.

 

What are

Hanford Vapors?

Hanford tank vapors are complex. Learn more about what chemicals in the tanks, the types of chemicals, Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs), and various vapors sources.

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How we

Protect Workers

Learn more about the vapors management strategy, industrial hygiene (IH) sampling and monitoring, and the Tank Vapors Assessment Team (TVAT).

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hanford vapors news

Air-Purifying

Respirators

A respirator is a device worn by workers to protect against harmful dust, fumes, vapors or gases. Air-purifying respirators (APRs) use a filter cartridge to clean the air before it enters the respiratory tract. Some Hanford workers are now using APRs in AP Farm for certain work activities.

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Building the

Farm of the Future

Washington River Protection Solutions has implemented a proactive management approach to chemical vapors exposure. This includes:

  • Ensuring farm boundaries are protective and safe
  • Providing centralized command and control
  • Implementing a comprehensive plan inside/outside farm boundary
  • Establishing rigorous source identification and effective controls

hanford vapors news

News & Updates

June 12, 2018

Vapors weekly update June 12, 2018

Starting today, some workers in the AP tank farm will have the option to use full-face air-purifying respirators (FFAPRs) equipped with filter cartridges for low-hazard non-waste-disturbing work in the AP tank farm.
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The Breakdown

177

Hanford has 177 tanks: 149 single-shell and 28 newer double-shell.

56

Hanford’s tanks contain 56 million gallons of high-level radioactive and chemical wastes.

1,800

There are 1,800 different chemicals in Hanford’s tank waste.

61

61 of those chemicals pose a potential health concern to Hanford workers.

WRPS Tool Box

Interactive Map

A map of Hanford’s tank farms and associated facilities with indicators highlighting vapors-related concerns in each of the areas.

Data

Tanks are routinely sampled during waste disturbing activities as well as on a standard schedule for tanks not being processed.

IH Data Access & Visualization portal


This data explorer program provides access to the tank farms portion of the Site-Wide TOC Industrial Hygiene Database (SWIHD), which features data from October 2008 through the present time.

Submit a Question

Want to know more about Hanford Tank Vapors? Send us a message!

FAQs

What is WRPS doing to protect workers?

Washington River Protection Solutions has continued to improve its tank farm industrial hygiene program with additional staff, new equipment, updated procedures, and improved worker training. [...]Read More

What is an AOP-015?

An AOP-015 is an Abnormal Operating Procedure for responding to reported chemical odors or unexpected changes to vapor conditions in the tank farms. [...] Read More

What is the forward-looking plan to further enhance worker protection?

The Tank Vapor Assessment Team, or TVAT, report was issued by a team of independent experts led by the Savannah River National Laboratory. The TVAT has 10 overarching recommendations [...] Read More
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