Experimental Safety and Design

Researchers must ensure that all hazards have been evaluated. Refer to the Health and Safety Manual (PUB-3000) for information on required standards and recommended practices. Consult with EH&S to determine if an Activity Hazard Document (AHD) must be prepared. Be certain that all quality-assurance issues have been addressed. In addition, researchers must re-evaluate the safety aspects of an operation any time procedures or equipment are modified.

Emergency Preparedness

Each building has an Emergency Plan and a Building Emergency Team, which is headed by the Building Manager, or Team Leader. The Building Emergency Team coordinates evacuations and other defensive response actions in the event of an emergency. Note the name and location of the Building Manager for areas you occupy. Become familiar with evacuation routes and assembly areas for your building(s). Look around and note the location of exits, fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations, first aid kits, emergency showers, and eyewashes, and memorize the emergency numbers listed on the back cover of this booklet.

Vehicle Safety

The maximum speed limit at LBNL is 25 mph. However, lower speeds are often necessary due to the hilly terrain, wildlife, and frequent hazardous conditions such as road repair, wet weather, poor visibility, and pedestrian traffic. Drive carefully, and always wear seat belts.

Park only in designated areas, and do not block access areas needed by emergency vehicles. Repeat violations of parking and traffic rules may result in loss of driving privileges on site. For parking and traffic concerns, contact Burns Security, ext. 4855.

LBNL Shuttle Bus

Free shuttle bus service from downtown Berkeley to all areas around the Hill is available to anyone on LBNL business. The main offsite LBNL bus stop is at Building 65, just above the Blackberry Canyon gate. Maps of onsite and offsite routes are available from any bus driver. Onsite shuttle stops are located and clearly marked throughout the Lab.

Vehicle Accidents

All accidents involving a vehicle used on LBNL business must be reported to the LBNL Motor Pool (ext. 5475) and to the LBNL Risk Manager (ext. 5213). Vehicle accidents on site must be reported to Security at ext. 5472. A printed form for accident reporting is kept in the glove compartment of each official vehicle. As with any insurance matter, do not admit responsibility for the accident to the other party.

Operation of Forklifts, Cranes, and Hoists

Training and certification, available in some cases from EH&S, is required for operation of forklifts, cranes, and hoists. Contact EH&S Training at ext. 2228 for more information.

Behavior-Based Safety

LBNL participates in an accident-prevention process called "WOW" (workers observing workers). This program reduces accidents and injuries by applying the principles of behavior observation and positive feedback, thereby creating a work culture committed to an accident-free workplace. This unique approach to accident prevention is championed by an employee steering committee.

Call EH&S Training at ext. 2228 for a course schedule and information, or visit the Training Web site at http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/html/training.htm.