How and when are potential safety issues associated with my proposal reviewed and controlled?
A. We take very seriously the challenges of user safety. Everyone who uses the facilities shares in the responsibility of ensuring a safe workplace. This includes planning experiments properly, taking extra efforts in identifying related hazards, and working closely with us to develop mitigations and controls.
SLAC is committed to protecting the health and safety of on-site personnel, the public, and the environment as it carries out its scientific mission. Consistent with SLAC's Integrated Safety and Environmental Management System (ISEMS), job/task specific hazards and controls are covered by a work planning and controls (WPC) process which plans for safe work by identifying tasks and their hazards, establishing controls to mitigate risks, documenting results and monitoring effectiveness. Each person who works here is required to be familiar with the hazards associated with his/her work and experiment, the hazards associated with work areas, and to properly implement all necessary training, procedures and protocols for mitigation of those hazards. Work planning and controls require that users plan experiments properly, take extra effort to identify potential hazards, and work closely with us to develop mitigations and implement controls. Consider and apply these steps (as well as the environmental impact of all tasks performed):
- Define scope: What do I want to do?
- Analyze hazards: What are the risks of doing it?
- Control for hazards: How can I control those risks?
- Perform work: Do it (controlling for risks)
- Feedback and Improvement: Evaluate performance. How can I do better next time?
For users, including visiting scientists and students, this safety review is conducted each time a proposal is submitted or scheduled to use the user facility, so it is important that proposal spokespersons/PIs fully disclose any potential hazards when submitting a proposal, requesting access, or before arrival. This process prompts the training, controls, procedures, and personal protective equipment necessary to safely complete experiments or activities by seeking the participation of those who will perform the work.
The proper use, storage and disposal of hazardous substances is critical to maintaining a healthful workplace and protecting the environment. All experimenters, especially Proposal Spokespersons and PIs, are responsible for informing the Safety Officer of hazardous substances they wish to bring, and to arrange for their proper shipment, storage and disposal. The Safety Officer can arrange for storage and waste containers.
All work at SLAC requires review prior to authorization and release. A knowledgeable SLAC employee, such as the Safety Officer, Facility Scientist or Engineer, will review the proposed experiment and potential hazards with the user to ensure that the procedure follows best known methods/practices and that the user can adequately explain the steps, hazards and controls of the procedure. Work authorization is dependent on required ES&H training, agreements, and safety checklists. Should the experimental conditions change, re-authorization is required to ensure that potential hazards that may have been introduced are controlled.Everyone who uses the facility must immediately report any unsafe work practices or safety concerns to the Safety Officer, Duty Operator, Floor Coordinatorand/or staff to continue to keep our user facilities safe.
In addition to commonly accepted hazards, SLAC is in a high earthquake risk area. In the event of an earthquake, 'duck and cover under a table or against an inside wall'. Be aware that objects can shift suddenly, so it is important that equipment be earthquake braced. Be aware of your surroundings and the nearest emergency exits. Wait until the shaking has stopped before trying to leave the building. When safe and instructed to do so after an earthquake, fire or other emergency, proceed to the nearest emergency assembly area.
In the event of an emergency or life threatening situation while at SLAC, immediately call 911 or extension 5555 from any SLAC telephone (650-926-5555). While at SSRL or LCLS, also notify your supervisor, the Duty Operator, Floor Coordinator, or Safety Officer.
No alcoholic beverages may be consumed or stored on the SLAC site except when preapproved by the SLAC Director for special events at specific locations.
Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed buildings and facilities. Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas away from doorways and ventilation systems.
Visitors, including children, may only enter experimental floor areas with pre-approval and a qualified escort for brief guided tours.
