Safety Highlights

Safety Highlight Archive

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NSLS Interlock and Shielding Requirements: A Lesson-learned from a Recent NSLS Non-conformance
Radiation dose to NSLS staff, users and visitors is very low despite use of very high intensity beams that can cause significant radiation exposure in a very short time. Prevention of exposure to these high intensity beams is provided by the personnel protection interlock systems, the beam pipes, the hutches, and the Bremsstrahlung and scatter radiation shields installed along each beam line. Rigorous control of the configuration of these systems is vital to our program for prevention of radiation exposure to personnel working on the experimental floor. Everyone is responsible to help assure that these systems are not disturbed without the required permits and involvement of the Operations Coordinator.