Lessons Learned / Toolbox Talk Abandoned Metal Pipe Burning with No Obvious Source Notable Event #68889 https://www.jlab.org/div_dept/dir_off/oa/notable/index.html

Event Summary JSA staff discovered a pipe emitting smoke and flames in an off-site wooded area behind the Residence Facility After self-extinguishing and determined to have cooled, the pipe was moved on-site to the Central Material Storage Area (CMSA) 11/17/2018

Event Summary The pipe re-ignited shortly thereafter and the Newport News Fire Department responded The pipe remains in the CMSA awaiting disposition by the US Army Corps of Engineers who suspect the pipe is an artifact from past Department of Defense activities 11/17/2018

Event Observations Notification of the Newport News Fire Department did not occur in a timely manner The fire and its source was unusual, however the pipe was moved and multiple staff approached the item and smoke plume Inadequate risk assessment; potential for Haz-mat exposure Burn hazard from spontaneous ignition Explosion hazard Risk of brush fire thought to drive need for relocation of pipe - personnel risk not given proper consideration

Event “Take Aways” Small fires can become big fires quickly; staff should use pull stations or call 911 No retribution - a questioning attitude and conservative behavior (much like suspend work) will be supported by your management Do not disturb materials which present an undefined hazard – distance yourself from a suspect item If potentially hazardous materials need to be moved, consult with Industrial Hygiene to identify precautions if you believe you have come into contact with an unknown substance, consult with Occupational Medicine

Event “Take Aways” To the east of TJNAF is a decommissioned Air Defense site It is suspected that the pipe was buried during decommissioning activities still containing hazardous materials The US Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for investigating and remediating this site Should your duties take you to this area be careful not to disturb suspect items

X = Found Location Y = Moved to Location