A recent spate of news stories and opinion pieces by opponents of synthetic biology has renewed attention on the safety of a scientific process by which helpful microorganisms are being engineered to do everything from treating malaria to producing biofuels that can replace gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. To ensure that the public is fully informed about the synthetic biology research now under way at Berkeley Lab, including the fact that the Lab meets or exceeds all state and federal safety standards, a Lab-wide working group has been formed. Go here for more about synthetic biology and the Lab’s safety approach. Contact [email protected] for questions, concerns, or suggestions.
The EH&S Division has an extensive library of “1 Minute 4 Safety” slides that can be used as openers for meetings, or as a library of quick tips. There are over 100 slides that deliver focused talking points on a range of topics, including emergency preparedness, work authorizations, laboratory safety, office safety, ergonomics, supervisor responsibilities, security, and safety at home. The slides can be downloaded or printed. EH&S is constantly looking to improve and expand the content of these safety slides so feedback is appreciated. Send suggestions to [email protected].
Allen Benitez, a 30-year veteran of state and local law enforcement, has been named as the new manager of Security and Emergency Services, within the Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) Division. He replaces Dan Lunsford, who retired earlier this year. As manager, Benitez oversees the Safeguards and Security, Emergency Services, and Business Continuity programs, among other activities. Prior to joining the Lab, Benitez was a chief with the California Department of Justice. His appointment was effective on March 12. More>
Utilizing the feedback gathered from the Lab-wide safety culture survey, Divisions developed initiatives aimed at improving their safety cultures. Encompassing issues that range from awards and recognition to off-the-job safety, initiatives have been designed to address Division-specific areas of opportunity. Nearly 50 Division initiatives have been identified, with many having already been implemented. Go here to view the current list of initiatives.
A small mountain lion sighting was confirmed below Building 77 on Sunday (Feb. 19). Mountain lions generally exist where deer are found. Warning signs have been placed at all Lab gates. As a precaution, the use of the stairs below 77 at dusk, night, or dawn is discouraged, and a sign has been posted. To limit an interaction with a mountain lion, avoid hiking or jogging in the undeveloped areas of the Lab alone or at dawn, dusk or night. If you see a mountain lion, immediately call 7-911 from any Lab phone or 911 from any cell phone. Go here for more safety information from the California Department of Fish and Game.
Battery buckets are for the collection of used batteries only, not compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) or other non-battery items. CFL light bulbs contain mercury and if broken, create a mercury spill that is time-consuming and hazardous to clean up. Contact the Facilities Work Request Center to arrange pick-up of CFLs. Cell phones or other electrical equipment containing batteries don’t belong in battery buckets. Contact your EH&S Generator Assistant for pickup of these universal waste items. Battery buckets are for batteries from Lab equipment, not from personal devices. Personal items can be taken for free to hardware stores, household hazardous waste facilities, and sellers of electronic devices.
This article is a follow up to the announcement made in November of last year. The Chemical Hygiene and Safety Plan was updated to clarify the Lab’s chemical labeling and storage requirements. The chemical inventory requirements were also revised. These changes were developed with the input and endorsement from the Lab scientific community. More>
Walking around Berkeley Lab can be challenging with its uneven terrain, sloping walkways, staircases, fallen leaves, pine needles, and cones. The condition is exacerbated by rainy weather and multiple construction and demolition projects. Construction materials or wind-blown debris may appear unexpectedly on pathways, which contribute to slip, trip, and fall hazards. Employees are advised to keep their eyes on the path, watch out for unanticipated obstacles, use handrails, and wear appropriate shoes with low heels and good traction soles. It is a good idea to keep an extra pair of walking shoes in your work area for use when necessary. Employees can contact the EH&S Division (x5514) regarding safety concerns and observed hazardous conditions.
Berkeley Lab’s Health Services has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation distinguishes this surgical center from many other outpatient surgical facilities by providing a safe work environment and the highest quality of care to its patients. Status as an accredited organization means the Lab has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by AAAHC. Almost 5,000 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC.
Last week a person was spotted riding a skateboard down the roadway on the Lab’s hill campus. Employees are reminded that, because of the steep terrain, all skateboards, scooters, inline skates and electronic personal assisted-mobility devices (such as Segways) are prohibited from operating on Laboratory property. This does not include electrically powered wheelchairs. Go here for more on the Lab’s Operation and Parking of Motor Vehicles and Bicycles policy.
This is a follow up to last month’s article titled, “Are You Familiar With Hazards and Controls in Your Lab?” That article described three different chemical lab incidents across the nation, and included a video about one of those incidents, a tragic accident at UCLA in which a researcher was killed. Recently, criminal charges were brought against the Regents of the University of California and the Principal Investigator for safety violations related to the UCLA incident. Lab scientists are again reminded of the importance of integrating safety into your work. More>
