Phased Implementation of Tank Farm Hazard-Based Respiratory Protection

Over the past 10 years, we’ve built a world class vapor protection and monitoring program. H2C is now ready to give workers a choice regarding respiratory protection based on actual hazards in the tank farms. H2C has the data, controls, and confidence to do so.

Respiratory protection is never going away. Instead, it will be based on actual hazards in the tank farms, and individuals will be able to request additional respiratory protection if doing so does not create an additional hazard (e.g., using supplied air while performing work on scaffolding).

We know what the hazards are, the risk they pose, the controls needed to mitigate those hazards, and how to respond to unexpected conditions. Assigning respiratory protection based on risk reflects how we already manage similar hazards in the Tank-Side Cesium Removal Facility, the Effluent Treatment Facility, and the 242-A Evaporator.

Prescribing respiratory protection based on hazards and controls gives workers a choice, while ensuring worker safety. Employee feedback remains essential to any changes to our current respiratory protection program.

Starting with AP Farm

AP Farm is a good starting point because it has stable operations, robust engineering controls, and a strong history of monitoring data. The farm’s routine work and reliable conditions provide a solid setting for gathering feedback in a controlled, data-supported environment. 

What This Means for Tank Farm Workers

  • No immediate changes except for a small number of activities in AP Farm, during day shift, Monday-Thursday.
  • Workers may upgrade respiratory protection, allowing flexibility in situations where respiratory protection isn’t required based on the expected hazards.
  • Industrial Hygiene staff will be in the field to support field teams.
  • The phased approach allows for teams to gain familiarity with the process and provide feedback that will inform future changes to implementation scope.

Resources

  • Moving toward a respiratory protection system based on actual hazards is supported by third-party consultant Stoneturn, and its 2026 evaluation here.
  • H2C’s response to the Hanford Atomic Metal Trades Council comments on the Stoneturn report may be found here.
  • Stoneturn’s concurrence of the effectiveness of H2C’s respiratory program fulfills the requirements of the Memorandum of Agreement between HAMTC and H2C, and H2C notified the 2018 Settlement Agreement plaintiffs and HAMTC that the MOA has been fulfilled on October 27, 2026. The 2018 Settlement Agreement is not affected by this transition to respiratory protection based on actual hazards.