Safety Highlights
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Hand Safety
It's not unusual for experiment needs to change, and beam time to be limited while conducting research at the NSLS.
Unfortunately, these factors, and several other contributing factors, converged recently and adversely affected
an experimenter. The result was a hand injury that required a trip to the hospital, and sutures.
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Timely and Clear Communication is Essential for Success
The NSLS is a complex facility and work on systems often requires coordination between different functional groups
within the department. A key component of that coordination and planning is clear communications.
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Inspections of Step Stools, Ladder Stands, and Portable Ladders
There are times when we all need to reach something that is not accessible from the ground level. It could
be something just out of reach, so we use a step stool. Or, it could be higher. In those cases we would need to
use a ladder stand (a self-supported, portable set of steps), or portable ladder. Any of these devices require
inspection prior to each use.
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Even a Splinter Can Provide Lessons Learned
Recently, a colleague of ours was walking along an aisle in a work area. One side of the aisle was bordered by
a wooden crate. The worker's thigh brushed up against the lid of the crate. A wooden splinter entered his right
thigh, through his jeans. He removed the splinter, which was about 1" long, and continued working. He did not visit
BNL's Occupational Medicine Clinic (OMC) at the time because he believed that he had removed the entire splinter and
the injury did not warrant a visit to the OMC.
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Human Performance Analysis of Liquid Nitrogen Spill
A review of a recent incident at NSLS, as well as historical events, shows that communication and self checking are
crucial to avoiding Human Performance Error Traps.
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Experimental Ergonomics
NSLS has many ergonomics challenges around the experimental floor. We have congested beamlines and labs, and
many Users and Employees trying to accomplish different tasks. Read some general reminders of risk factors to avoid,
and ways to improve.
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Are you Prepared for Chemical Spills?
A recent spill of acetonitrile in one of our set up laboratories brought renewed attention to the importance of preparation
for chemical spills. That spill resulted in a detailed critique and report of the findings. Please follow the link above and learn more.