Hazard Site Assessments: Documenting hazards to prepare for the next phases of clean-up
On behalf of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), one of the key responsibilities of Hoʻōla Maui member company DAWSON and its partners is to perform Hazard Site Assessments (HSAs). By utilizing technology, applying meticulous attention to detail, and working with aloha and sensitivity for the people and property affected, Hoʻōla Maui crews create a roadmap for the contractors who will carry out subsequent phases of the clean-up effort.
Led by Hoʻōla Maui partner DebrisTech, crews are tasked with documenting the features of each affected property. The first step in the assessment is capturing high resolution drone footage of each property. These images are then loaded onto iPads. From there, HSA team members add detailed sketches and geolocation tags and photos to the high-resolution images to document specific features for future crews to be aware of. The HSA includes documentation of descriptions and the exact location of the following features:
Structural ash footprint: the area where ash is present from burnt buildings, plus an additional 3-foot perimeter around the ash
Hardscapes: slabs, foundational structures, walkways, patios, standing walls, retaining walls, and driveways
Household hazardous materials: chemical or physical hazards including paint, pool chemicals, fuel, etc. that were not immediately removed by EPA
Vehicles: cars, boats, motorcycles, or any other titled vehicle
Trees: trees within the structural ash footprint
Utilities: location of underground and/or above ground utilities
Potential explosives: unexploded ordnance (UXO), firearms, ammunition
Other features: any other features that require special attention including pools, septic tanks, cesspools, or other sensitive items on the property
Once all of this data has been recorded in the field, team members at the Hoʻōla Maui control center digitize and add exact dimensions so future contractors and their crews will have the information they need to be safe, efficient and effective in entering each property and removing debris, with a detailed record of what to expect at each property. They will then be able to use this report to plan for the removal of debris, then confirm that everything necessary has been cleaned up on each individual property.
While in the field, HSA team members take all necessary safety precautions and work with care. Being in the ash footprint requires “Level C” PPE - a Tyvek protective coverall, safety toe boots, booties, nitrile gloves, safety glasses, hard hat, and an air-purifying half-face respirator - in addition to move slowly and intentionally so as not to accidentally step in hazards. Workers are also keenly aware that they are in the midst of community members’ homes, and that these spaces deserve to be treated with our utmost respect.
“I feel honored to be a part of this important work, to be able to help the community work towards getting back home and rebuilding. There’s a heaviness in walking through someone’s personal space that has been destroyed,” said Roman Corpuz, DAWSON HSA Health and Safety Field Tech. “There were a couple times when the homeowner was there when we were about to go in,” Corpuz said, “and we were able to ask permission in person. For the most part, everyone wants to move the process along so whatever we can do to help is welcomed as long as we come with humility, aloha, and empathy.” Corpuz keeps an ʻōlelo noʻeau in mind as he works: “ma ka hana pili ka ʻohana.” In working we become family to each other and to place.