Chapter 2
EH&S CHARTER

Contents

Approved by Doug Fleming
Revised 04/11

2.1 Mission and Objectives
2.2 Organization and Administrative Responsibilities and Authority

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2.1 Mission and Objectives

Berkeley Lab is committed to performing all work safely and in a manner that strives for the highest degree of protection for employees, participating guests, visitors, subcontractors, the public, and the environment. In addition, Berkeley Lab seeks continuous improvement and sustained excellence in the quality of all safety (environment, health and safety) efforts.

To achieve these goals, Berkeley Lab has adopted the seven principles and five functional practices of the Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS), as prescribed in Department of Energy DEAR Clause 970.5204-2 (see Chapter 1).

The Mission of the EH&S Division is to help keep the LBNL community and environment safe and secure as the frontiers of science are explored. The Division partners with scientists and stakeholders to maintain a high level of safety consciousness and performance by providing cost-effective advice, processes, and tools.

  • The EH&S Division supports and acts as a partner with line management as the Division meets direct responsibilities to ensure that protection of workers, the public, and the environment is integrated into the primary research and support functions of each Laboratory division or unit.
  • Of equal importance, the EH&S Division supports and provides expertise directly to each Laboratory worker who seeks ES&H advice and help, or who voices a concern.

    • In carrying out its primary mission, the Division is committed to six basic objectives:

  • Provide employees with a safe workplace.
  • Design and operate facilities and research activities to minimize adverse impact on public health and the environment.
  • Produce and use only materials that can be disposed of safely and that will minimize waste.
  • Promptly communicate to affected persons the known hazards of activities and the related methods necessary for safety and health protection.
  • Use available technology, engineered safeguards, and responsible science to mitigate all significant risks arising from research and related activities.
  • Train and develop staff to meet the commitments to a safe workplace and minimal adverse impact on public health and the environment.
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    2.2 Organization and Administrative Responsibilities and Authority

    The EH&S Division is organized into eight functional areas: Environmental Services, Health Services, Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety, Radiation Protection, Security & Emergency Operations, Assurance & Training, and Waste Management. Security & Emergency Operations includes the Fire Department, which is contracted to Alameda County. Environmental Services includes Environmental Restoration. Radiation Protection includes Technical Services. Group leaders of these functional areas report directly to the Division Director.

    The group leaders are responsible for managing their organizations, including planning, staffing, and budgeting, and for developing and implementing Laboratory policies and procedures in their functional areas. The Division Director and group leaders represent the EH&S Division when they communicate with internal and external organizations and individuals on matters of major significance to the success of LBNL.

    To enhance service, EH&S Division liaisons are designated for each Laboratory organization. These individuals are considered points of contact between a customer division (typically via a division safety coordinator) and the EH&S Division. They function as troubleshooters, facilitators, and problem solvers. Support services include providing technical consultation and responsive customer service; partnering with customers to implement cost-effective injury and illness prevention/loss control programs; assisting line management with division ES&H (Safety) Plans; and providing quarterly ES&H briefings to customer division management.

    Current information regarding the EH&S Division points of contact, policies and procedures, and other ES&H-related information is maintained on the EH&S Division Web site at:

    http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/

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