Rena Cleanup Protection Recommendations for Response Workers.

If you're involved in the cleanup of oil from Bay of Plenty beaches, please wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.

All volunteers should go through the proper channels. Information can be found at the Greenpeace website or the Maritime New Zealand website.

You will need:

Protective Tyvek suit
Chemical resistant gloves PVC
Chemical splash goggles
Waterproof boots
Plastic bags on your boots
Vapour face-mask or respirator
A dust mask is not effective. 

Additional equipment: 

Barrier cream for any exposed skin
Gaffer tape to seal between boots and gloves. 
Tools and containers for collecting toxic oil.

Recommendations: 

• Keep children and animals away from effected beaches.
• Pregnant woman and people with respiratory illness should not be involved.
• Do not wipe exposed skin especially the eyes once your PPE has been soiled.
• If exposed to contaminant, seek assistance to clean the effected area immediately. Seek medical advice at the first sign of wooziness or skin irritation.

• Do not walk or drive on oiled beaches or dunes if avoidable.
• A team of people should work along the beach cleaning ahead.
• Anybody who feels light headed should immediately inform somebody else and leave the cleanup site to a designated area.
• Do not double handle toxic material - remove oil in one motion to a holding container lined with plastic. Ensure waste is removed from the beach prior to the next tide.
• Do not bring personal items not required in the clean up.
• Avoid alcohol, drugs and smoking.

Do not trek contaminants inland or to your homes. Initial decontamination should happen near the cleanup site. Footwear & PPE clothing needs to be removed & either thoroughly cleaned at a proper facility or disposed of.

Where and when to use a Respirator: 

Location: Shoreline and marsh. Hazard Identification: Oil mist, tar and surface contamination.	When Respirator Needed: Visual observation of oil mist Pressure washing in progress Symptoms or health effects reported	Recommended Respiratory Protection Type:  P100 if oil mist present (e.g. from pressure washing). Eye and skin protection needed. Remove symptomatic patients for medical evaluation
Location: Decontamination of PPE, vessels, and equipment (e.g., booms containers and tools). Hazard Identification: Oil mist, tar and surface contamination	When Respirator Needed: Visual observation of oil mist Pressure washing in progress	Recommended Respiratory Protection Type: Use P100 if oil mist present (e.g. from pressure washing). Eye and skin protection needed.
Location: Decontamination of wildlife. Hazard Identification: Spray from struggling birds; ammonia, injury hazards from pecking and talon scratches; VOCs	When Respirator Needed: Visual observation of oil mist If wildlife heavily coated with fresh crude oil.	Recommended Type Protective gown, gloves, and face shields. If potential crude oil exposure, use half facepiece with OV cartridge.