Minutes of the Physics Division ES&H Committee

August 8, 2005

Attendees:

Maurice Garcia-Sciveres

Kathie Hardy

Richard Kadel

John Kadyk

Ron Madaras

Frank Rosado

Cathy Thompson

ILC Work (Ben Hooberman)

-         This concerns the laser system that was discussed by Marco Battaglia in a previous safety meeting

-         The laser will be used to test silicone pixel detectors for use in the Linear Collider Project

-         The laser system is completely enclosed and equipped with an interlock which interrupts the current from the laser driver when the enclosure is opened

-         Leo Greiner is serving as temporary supervisor and has confirmed that all users have been trained

-         Larry McLouth (EH&S) has inspected the system and given his approval – See email/handout

-         This system is located at 50A-2155

ACTION ITEM:  Committee members will look at this project and bring any issues they may have to the next meeting

Student Issues

-         Discussion of adopting a policy for students working alone during the weekends

-         Currently, no work can be done in the Physics machine shop by any student without supervision

-         It is very important to educate students on safety awareness while conducting work after hours without supervision

-         Is the supervisor aware of their students working after hours?  (Log, sign-up sheet, etc.)

-         No one should be working alone unless they know exactly what they are doing

-         Should the division adopt a Buddy System or Two Person Program?

-         This may depend on what kind of work is being done

-         Supervisor should talk to the student to ensure they know the hazards, then have the supervisor sign off, allowing the student to work alone after hours

-         A checklist can be created to indicate what the student can/can’t do, and whether or not they can work alone

-         In Case of Emergency signs should be posted in and around labs

-         Establish a building sign-up sheet so everyone can see who is in the building after hours

ACTION ITEM:  Kathie Hardy will look into sign-up forms for students working after hours.  She will also check with Lab Security to see what their process is for employees entering the Lab after hours.

Supervisor Training

-         LBNL is looking at training for supervisors so that they are aware of their responsibilities regarding safety, etc.

-         It is possible that this course will required

-         Physics will probably have division-wide training for everyone at one time

-         There are a number of supervisors who aren’t aware that it is their responsibility to see that their employees attend required safety training

ACTION ITEM:  All supervisors in the safety committee will attend this training first and give their feedback – Kathie Hardy will announce the date and time of this training

Ergonomics

-         Draft of the Physics Division Ergonomic Program (Handout)

-         Dates needed on document

-         Open for ideas, suggestions

-         30% of all workplace injuries are ergonomic

-         Ergonomic database must be monitored more carefully

-         Everyone is required to take EHS0060:  Ergonomics for Computer Users

ACTION ITEM:  Continue to work on developing this program.  Forward any comments/ideas to Frank Rosado.  Implementation to come in the future

General Sciences Re-Organization

-         Engineering department is now part of General Sciences

-         There are many changes going on within the division

-         Also some changes will be made in the safety structure

-         Pat Thomas will probably be taking over the safety responsibilities for Physics and Nuclear Sciences

-         Management will be required to take a larger role in regard to safety issues

ACTION ITEM:  Discuss MOU with Engineering at the next meeting