Disclaimer: The policies created for the Nuclear Science Division supplement Berkeley official policies. Berkeley Lab's official policies override any adopted or proposed policies for the Nuclear Science Division. 

NSD Off-Hours Lab Use Policy

A. Purpose

This policy establishes guidelines for the safe use of laboratory spaces and the performance of non-routine tasks during off-hours. It ensures that employees, contractors, and visitors work in a safe and secure environment, requiring a buddy system for added safety during these periods. This policy applies specifically to laboratory spaces and non-routine tasks and does not cover office spaces or replace existing Pub 3000 Ch 1 Work Process D: Working Alone Policy

B. Exceptions

This policy only applies to off-hours work completed in laboratory spaces on the main LBNL site. Off-hours laboratory work at off-site locations, including work on the UCB Campus, must adhere to the NSD Off-Site Work Policy. 

Any exception or modification to the Off-Hours buddy system requirement must be approved by the NSD Division Safety Coordinator and Division Director.

C. Policy Statement

All personnel working in laboratory spaces or performing non-routine tasks during off-hours, including holidays and office shutdowns, must adhere to the NSD Off-Hours Lab Use Policy. Except as specified below, no individual can work alone and must always have a buddy present for safety.

Low-risk, routine tasks identified by Activity Leads / first-level line management may be performed without the use of a buddy system.

High-risk tasks, as defined in the EH&S Manual (Pub 3000) and listed in section F, and certain Non-Routine tasks designated by Activity Leads / line management, require a second person (buddy) to be physically present. If the buddy is absent or communication is lost for more than 10 minutes, all non-essential work must be immediately suspended until the buddy system is re-established to ensure safety during these activities. High-risk activities require joint review and approval from the EHS Division and line management. These reviews and approvals are documented in the Work Planning and Control (WPC) Activity covering the work. For help with determining the risk level of a task, contact the Division Safety Coordinator or the division’s EH&S Liaison.

Buddy system requirements for working with radioactive materials or radiation-producing machines will be determined by the Radiation Protection Group and documented in the Hazards & Controls section of the WPC activity covering the work.

NOTE: Working with radioactive materials or radiation-producing machines, during the long winter break, requires special approval from the Radiation Protection Group.

D. Roles and Responsibilities

• Personnel / Worker: Ensure compliance with the buddy system during off-hours and maintain regular communication with the buddy. Ensure the buddy, if needed, understands when and how to take emergency actions.
• Supervisors: Grant off-hour access only when necessary and confirm, if required, that personnel have arranged for a buddy.
• Activity Leads: Identify low-risk, routine tasks that may be performed without a buddy system and non-routine tasks that require a buddy system
• Division Safety Coordinator (DSC): Oversee the implementation of this policy, provide training as needed, and handle exceptions or special requests.
• Buddy: A second person who will maintain contact with the worker and understands how to contact help (x6999 or 911) if needed. 

E. Definitions/Acronyms

F. High-Risk Activities per Pub 3000

The following activities require a second person to be present:

• Handling hazardous or toxic chemicals.
• Performing electrical system work.
• Operating heavy or rotating machinery.
• Working from an elevation above 6 feet.

The Cyclotron policy applies to specific tasks related to Cyclotron operations in Building 88.  The policy is linked below for reference. 

G. Implementing/Supporting Documents

1. Cyclotron Two-Person Rule Memo (Link to Document).
2. Division ISM Plan (Link to Document).
3. Pub 3000 Ch 1 Work Process D: Working Alone Policy (Link to Document).
4. NSD Off-Site Facility Work Safety Policy (Link to Webpage).

H. Contact Information

For questions or further clarification on this policy, please contact:
Division Safety Coordinator (DSC):
Jeff Bramble
Email: [email protected]

I. Revision History