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Minutes of the Physics Division ES&H Committee

 

September 10, 2001

 

Attendees:  K. Hardy, C. Thompson, R. Kadel, F. Rosado, M. Garcia-Sciveres, C. Bebek, J. Kadyk, and M. Kotowski

Absent:  R. Madaras, S. Dardin

 

 

1.      Hoist Accident Analysis

A.     Fred Goozen and Rhonda were lifting an environmental cabinet onto a table.  Used engine hoist in clean room to assist with lift.  Fred had previously installed safety chains on the legs.  However, they took both chains off at the same time and one of the legs fell.  Rhonda tried to stop falling leg from hitting Fred and it hit her arm instead.  She experienced some numbness, but chose not to go to the fire department for emergency care.  Fred helped her ice her arm and she went home.

B.     Issues/Questions

1)      Caused by human error

2)      DOE reportable

3)      May require ongoing medical attention

4)      It is important that we pay attention to these type of things

5)      Was everyone trained in using hoist?

C.     Why wasn't Facilities called in to assist with lift?

1)      Lift was done on short notice; heavy things have to be moved all the time and Facilities cannot be relied on in these cases.  There should be someone on-site/on-call trained to do this.

2)      This is a good topic for managers and supervisors to discuss.  A stronger message is needed because this is not the first time this has happened.

D.     How do we assure everyone is informed?

1)      Word of mouth

2)      Lessons Learned

3)      Website

4)      Bulletin Board

5)      Email or hardcopy memo

6)      Supervisors and group leaders must relay all safety info to employees

7)      Important to log safety info when having safety meetings/discussions with group

8)      Suggestion - safety quiz

9)      Other people can be incorporated in inspections

10)  Develop checklist/orientation for new employees

11)  Interview people randomly

12)  We are ALL responsible for passing on information

2.      Liquid Argon status

A.     AHD

1)      Written for laser; needs to be approved - R. Kadel to send AHD to Kathie

2)      Everyone has taken laser training

B.     Cobalt 57 use

1)      Parts being manufactured

2)      Paperwork added, but SSA not edited/revised

Action Item:  Update SSA; Get everyone dosimeters (finger rings); Update signage