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Table of Contents

About This Manual

R021

Revision Record

R022.1

Index

R008

Chapter

Fundamentals
The SLAC ES&H Program

R017

Citizen Committees

R021

Stop Work Authority and Stopping Unsafe Activities

R021

Self Assessment

R017

1
31
2
33

Topics
Accidents, Injuries, Illnesses, and Exposures

R013

Air Quality

R010

Asbestos

R018

Biohazards

R014

Chemical Carcinogen Control

R014

Compressed Gases

(under development)

Confined Space

R018

Cryogenic Safety

R014

Electrical Safety

R022

Emergencies

R022.1

Evacuation, Exit Paths, and Emergency Lighting

R006

Excavations

R017

Fire Safety

R007

Guarding, Mechanical

(under development)

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022.1

28
30
27
34
35
38
6
36
8
37
7
11
12
14

Table of Contents

SLAC ES&H Manual

Chapter
R012

Hazard Communication
Hazardous Material

(under development)

Hazardous Waste

R019

Hearing Conservation Program

R000

Hoisting and Rigging

R015

Industrial Wastewater Protection (Sanitary Sewer)

R022

Industrial Hygiene Program

R009

Ladders, Scaffolds, and Work Platforms

R005

Laser Safety

R013

Lead

R010

Medical

R022

PCB and Oil-filled Equipment

R017

Personal Protective Equipment

R010

Pressure and Vacuum Vessels

(under development)

Radiological Safety

R020

Respirator Program

R010

Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and


Waste
Spills

R016
R015

(under development)

ii

Tools, Power and Hand-Operated

R011

Traffic and Vehicular Safety

R011

Training

R013

Warning Signs and Devices

R012

Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention

R008

Stormwater

R021

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022.1

4
40
17
18
41
43
5
15
10
20
3
32
19
39
9
29
21
16
42
25
13
24
23
22
26

Revision Record
Revision
Number

Date of Revision

Chapters Affected

Description of Change

R001

29 April 1992

Chapter 8, Electrical
Safety

Added section about hi-pot testing.

R002

7 June 1993

About This Manual

New.

Table of Contents

Updated to reflect new structure.

Chapter 1, The SLAC ES&H


Program

Updated to reflect current SLAC


policy.

Chapter 2, Hazardous
Equipment and Unsafe
Operations

Updated to reflect current SLAC


policy.

Chapter 3, Medical

Incorporated Bulletin #8, Stopping


Hazardous Operations.
Updated to reflect current SLAC
policy.
Incorporated Bulletin #16, Medical
Monitoring of Most Exposed
Employees.

R003

Chapter 24, Training

Updated to reflect current SLAC


policy.

Chapter 28, Accidents,


Injuries, and Illnesses

New.

Chapter 31, Citizen


Committees

New.

10 September 1993 Chapter 6, Confined Space

Incorporated Bulletin #6, Procedures


for Handling Worker InjuriesNonSLAC Personnel and Bulletin #7,
Procedures for Handling Worker
InjuriesSLAC Personnel.

New.
Incorporated Bulletin #25, Policy on
Permit Required Confined Spaces.

Index

19 September 2003

New.

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022.1

Revision Record

SLAC ES&H Manual

Revision
Number

Date of Revision

Chapters Affected

Description of Change

R004

17 December 1993

Table of Contents

Updated to include new chapter.

Chapter 29, Respirator


Program

New.

Table of Contents

Updated to include titles of all


planned chapters.

Chapter 15, Ladders, Scaffolds,


and Work Platforms

Updated to reflect current SLAC


policy.

Index

Updated to include entries for


Chapters 15 and 29.

Chapter 27, Asbestos

New.

Chapter 7, Evacuation, Exit


Paths, and Lighting

New.

Chapter 18, Hearing Conservation Program

New.

Chapter 27, Asbestos

Reissue.

Chapter 12, Fire Safety

New.

Chapter 8, Electrical Safety

Updated to reflect current SLAC


policy.

R005

R006

R007

R008

R009

R010

12 May 1994

14 October 1994

3 January 1995

30 March 1995

14 August 1995

30 October 1995

Chapter 22, Waste Minimization New. Incorporated Bulletin #02,


and Pollution Prevention
Waste Minimization and Pollution
Prevention Policy.
Index

Updated to include entries for


Chapters 7, 8, 12, 18, 22, 27.

Chapter 5, Industrial Hygiene

New.

Table of Contents

Updated to reflect chapter number


changes for unissued chapters.

Chapter 29, Respirator Program Updated to reflect current SLAC


policy.
Chapter 30, Air Quality

New.

Chapter 20, Lead

New. Incorporated Bulletin #1A,


Policy on Use and Storage of Lead.

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022.1

19 September 2003

SLAC ES&H Manual

Revision
Number

Date of Revision

Revision Record

Chapters Affected

Description of Change

Chapter 19, Personal Protective New. Updated to reflect current


Equipment
regulations. Incorporated
Bulletin #20A, Protective Footwear.
R011

17 January 1996

Chapter 9, Radiological Safety New.

Chapter 13, Traffic and Vehicular New.


Safety

R012

1 February 1996

Chapter 25, Tools, Power and


Hand-Operated

New.

Table of Contents

Updated to reflect changes in chapter


titles.

Chapter 4, Hazard Communica- New. Incorporated Hazard


tion
Communication Program document.
Chapter 23, Warning Signs and
Devices

R013

R014

1 May 1996

21 October 1996

New.

Chapter 28, Accidents, Injuries, Updated to reflect current Stanford


Illnesses, and Exposures
policy on accident reporting and
workmens compensation.
Chapter 24, Training

Revision. Updated to reflect current


SLAC policy.

Chapter 11, Excavations

New.

Chapter 10, Laser Safety

New.

Table of Contents

Updated to reflect changes in chapter


titles.

Chapter 3, Medical

Updated to reflect changes in policy


and services.

Chapter 34, Biohazards

New.

Chapter 35, Chemical Carcinogen New.


Control
Chapter 36, Cryogenic Safety

19 September 2003

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022.1

New.

Revision Record

Revision
Number

R015

Date of Revision

21 March 1997

SLAC ES&H Manual

Chapters Affected

Description of Change

Table of Contents

Updated to reflect changes in chapter


titles. The Table of Contents now
specifies what chapters are still under
development.

Chapter 16, Spills

New.

Chapter 31, Citizen Committees Updated to reflect changes in citizen


committees charters.

R016

18 August 1997

Chapter 41, Hoisting and


Rigging

New.

Table of Contents

Updated to reflect completion of


chapters.

Chapter 1, The SLAC ES&H


Program

Revision. Updated to reflect current


SLAC policy.

Chapter 21, Secondary Contain- New.


ment of Hazardous Material and
Waste
Chapter 31, Citizen Committees Revision. Updated to reflect current
SLAC policy.
Table of Contents

R017

16 December 1997 Chapter 1, The SLAC ES&H


Program

Updated to reflect changes in chapter


titles. Chapter 26, Water Quality,
has been replaced by Chapter 26,
Waste Water and Domestic Supply
Water, and Chapter 44, Surface
Water.
Revision. Updated to reflect current
SLAC policy.

Chapter 11, Excavations

Revision. Updated to reflect current


SLAC policy.

Chapter 32, PCB and Oil-Filled


Equipment

New.

Chapter 33, Self Assessment

New.

Table of Contents

Updated to reflect changes in chapter


titles. Chapter 32, Seismic Safety,
has been replaced by PCB and Oilfilled Equipment.

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022.1

19 September 2003

SLAC ES&H Manual

Revision Record

Revision
Number

Date of Revision

Chapters Affected

Description of Change

R018

4 June 1998

Chapter 6, Confined Space

Revision. Updated to reflect current


SLAC policy.

Chapter 27, Asbestos

Revision. Updated to reflect current


SLAC policy.

R019

R020

13 November 1998 Table of Contents

13 December 1999

Updated to reflect completion of


chapters.

About this Manual

Updated to reflect current controlled


copies information.

Chapter 17, Hazardous Waste

New.

Table of Contents

Updated to reflect completion of


chapters.

Rev Record

Updated to reflection updated


records.

Chapter 23, Warning Signs and


Devices

Revision. Updated to reflect current


SLAC policy.

Chapter 9, Radiological Safety Revision. Updated to reflect current


SLAC policy.
R021

13 October 2000

Table of Contents

Updated to reflect completion of


chapters.

Rev Record

Updated to reflection updated


records.

Chapter 2, Stop Work Authority Chapter renamed and updated to


and Stopping Unsafe Activities
reflect current SLAC policy.
Chapter 26, Stormwater

New.

Chapter 31, Citizen Committees Revision. Updated to reflect current


SLAC policy.
R022

(hardcopy pending) Table of Contents

19 September 2003

Updated.

Rev Record

Updated.

Chapter 3, Medical

Revision. Updated to reflect current


SLAC policy (Approved March 2002).

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022.1

Revision Record

Revision
Number

Date of Revision

SLAC ES&H Manual

Chapters Affected

Description of Change

Chapter 8, Electrical

Revision. Updated to reflect current


SLAC policy (Approved August 2002).

Chapter 37, Emergencies

New. (Approved April 2002)


(Updated September 2003)

Chapter 43, Industrial Wastewa- New. (Approved May 2001)


ter Protection (Sanitary Sewer)

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022.1

19 September 2003

About This Manual


Chapter Outline

Page

1 Purpose

2 Living Document

ii

3 Content and Organization

ii

3.1

Content

ii

3.2

Table of Contents

ii

3.3

Chapters

ii

4 Manual Development and Revisions


4.1

Writing and Revision

iii

4.2

Review

iii

4.3

Approval

iii

4.4

Revision Packets

iii

4.5

Comments

iii

5 Manual Maintenance

iii

iii

5.1

Who Maintains a Manual

iii

5.2

Receiving, Transferring, and Returning Manuals

iv

6 Controlled Copies

iv

7 Bulletins

iv

Purpose
This Manual advises and informs SLAC managers, supervisors, and personnel of their responsibilities in the area of environment, safety, and health. It is the first place to look for information on
environment, safety, and health issues.
Manual holders must:
Transmit pertinent information from the Manual to those they supervise.
Make the Manual accessible to those they supervise.

13 October 2000

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R021

SLAC ES&H Manual

About This Manual

Living Document
This Manual will be updated and revised as necessary. It is designed to accommodate revisions
yet still maintain a sense of order and consistency. Because of its changing nature, references to
this Manual should be restricted to chapter number, chapter title, and document number.

Content and Organization


This Manual is written and organized to allow readers the quickest, most functional access to
information. It does not duplicate information from other documents. Instead, information from
other documents may be either:
Summarized to provide an overview.
Incorporated into this Manual and removed from the original document.

3.1

Content
The content of this Manual ranges from a high-level overview of a topic (with references
to more detailed documents if they exist) to detailed information which is brief enough
not to warrant a stand-alone document.

3.2

Table of Contents
The Table of Contents is divided into two parts: fundamentals and topics. Readers should
scan the chapter titles in the Table of Contents to determine where a particular body of
information can be found.

3.3

Chapters
Chapters are created when there is a sufficient amount of subject matter to address or
when a topic is of particular importance.
3.3.1

Related Chapters
Chapters which contain related information are listed on the first page of the
chapter, below the title.

3.3.2

Chapter Outline
Each chapter has an outline at the beginning, listing the section and subsection
numbers, titles, and pages. The chapter outline provides an overview of the chapter and assists in locating specific information.

3.3.3

Document Number
The document number appears at the bottom of every page. The revision number
is prefixed with an R.

13 October 2000

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R021

ii

SLAC ES&H Manual

About This Manual

Manual Development and Revisions


4.1

Writing and Revision


The ES&H Division coordinates the writing and revision of this Manual. Chapters are written by knowledgeable parties inside and outside of the ES&H Division. Comments
received after chapter publication (see Section 4.5) are considered when the chapter is
revised.

4.2

Review
Drafts of new and revised chapters are submitted to department heads and group leaders
for review. At the end of the review period, all review comments are considered and incorporated as appropriate.

4.3

Approval
The draft (accompanied by a summary of review comments) is sent to the ES&H Coordinating Council (ES&HCC) for approval. The ES&HCC either approves the draft as it is or
stipulates changes. Once approved, the revision is distributed.

4.4

Revision Packets
Revision packets are distributed to all Manual holders. Revision packets include some or
all of the following:
1. Cover memo including:
Highlights of revisions
Revision instructions
2. Revision Acknowledgment form only for holders of controlled copies
(see Section 6)
3. Revision History Sheet, a chronological accounting of all revisions including
brief summaries of each
4. New or revised material

4.5

Comments
Comments about this Manual may be submitted at any time. Please send comments with
your name to ES&H Manual Editor, MS 84. Be sure to include the chapter and section numbers to which each comment applies. Comments are considered when the chapter is
revised.

Manual Maintenance
5.1

Who Maintains a Manual


SLAC managers and supervisors at all levels must each maintain a Manual. Individuals
who have specific environment, safety, and health responsibilities (for example, Electrical
Safety Coordinators) must also maintain Manuals.

13 October 2000

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R021

iii

SLAC ES&H Manual

5.2

About This Manual

Receiving, Transferring, and Returning Manuals


Contact the ES&H Document Coordinator, MS 84 to:
Request a Manual
Transfer ownership of a Manual
Return a Manual

Controlled Copies
Controlled copies of the Manual must remain current. They are distributed to:
ES&H Manual Editor
ES&H Document Room
SLAC Library, serials
Main Control Center (MCC)
SPEAR Control
Each controlled copy has a unique number on the mailing label. All revisions sent to controlled
copy holders include a Revision Acknowledgment form which must be signed by the Manual
holder and returned to the ES&H Document Coordinator.

Bulletins
ES&H Bulletins will be issued when there is an urgency to disseminate information. Bulletin infor-

mation will be incorporated into this Manual when the appropriate chapter is written or revised.
The Bulletin will then be withdrawn.

13 October 2000

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R021

iv

The SLAC ES&H Program, Chapter 1


Bulletin Updates
Note:

The following Bulletins have information that has not yet been incorporated into
this Chapter, or has changed since the publication of the Chapter. Information in
the Bulletins supercedes information in this Chapter.

Date
Issued

Bulletin 49A

12/18/00

Title
Important OSHA Reminder (subcontractors)

The SLAC ES&H Program


Related Chapters
Citizen Committees
Medical
Personal Protective Equipment
Training

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

1-2

2 Department of Energy Requirements

1-3

3 Purpose of the Environment, Safety, and Health Program

1-3

4 General Responsibilities

1-3

4.1

Director

1-3

4.2

Associate Directors

1-4

4.3

Managers and Supervisors

1-4

4.4

All Others

1-5

5 Individuals with Specific Responsibilities

1-5

5.1

University Technical Representative

1-5

5.2

Project Managers

1-6

5.3

Building Managers

1-6

5.4

Environment, Safety, and Health Coordinators

1-6

5.5

Hazardous Waste and Material Coordinators

1-6

5.6

Radiation Safety Officer

1-7

5.7

Radiological Control Manager

1-7

6 Environment, Safety, and Health Division

1-7

7 Line Organizations with Particular Responsibilities

1-8

7.1

Business Services Division

1-8

7.2

Technical Division

1-9

7.3

SSRL Division

1-10

8 Medical and Fire Protection Services

1-10

8.1

Medical Department

1-10

8.2

Palo Alto Fire Department

1-11

15 December 1997

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R017

1-1

1: The SLAC ES&H Program

SLAC ES&H Manual

9 Council and Committee Responsibilities


9.1

Environment, Safety, and Health Coordinating Council

1-12

9.2

Operating Safety Committee

1-12

9.3

Citizen Committees

1-12

9.4

Union/Management Local Safety Committee

1-12

10 Reviews of the Environment, Safety, and Health Program

1-12

11 Access to SLAC

1-13

11.1 Children

1-13

11.2 Visitors, Users, and Subcontractors

1-13

12 ES&H Coordinating Council Charge

1-13

12.1 Council Purpose and Scope

1-14

12.2 Composition

1-14

12.3 Relationship to Citizen Committees

1-14

12.4 Meetings

1-14

13 Operating Safety Committee Charter

1-12

1-14

13.1 Purpose

1-14

13.2 Composition

1-14

13.3 Functions

1-15

13.4 Meetings

1-15

13.5 Provision for Amendment

1-15

Overview
SLAC shall integrate safety and environmental protection into its management and work practices
at all levels so that its mission is accomplished while protecting the worker, the public, and the
environment. To realize this objective, the management of SLAC will take all relevant and necessary actions to:

Provide safe and healthful working conditions.


Protect the general public and the environment from harm.
Comply with applicable laws, standards, regulations, and Department of
Energy (DOE) Orders, as defined by the SLAC Set of Necessary and Sufficient
(N&S) Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) standards.
Adopt more explicit or more stringent standards where current standards, regulations, and DOE Orders are ambiguous or insufficient.
Attempt to anticipate future ES&H risks and requirements that may affect
SLAC retroactively.

1-2

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R017

15 December 1997

SLAC ES&H Manual

1: The SLAC ES&H Program

The responsibility and authority for complying with ES&H laws, standards and regulations flows
from the Director through the Associate Directors (ADs) and the line management organization to
the first-line managers. The responsibility for ES&H is a line function.
The SLAC ES&H policies described and referenced in this ES&H Manual1 (SLAC-I-720-OA29Z-001)
are applicable to all SLAC operations. All persons at SLAC are required to observe these policies.

Department of Energy Requirements


SLAC is operated under a Management and Operations (M&O) contract between the DOE and

Stanford University (Contract Number DE-AC03-76SF00515), which specifies environmental,


safety, and health requirements. The SLAC Director exercises authority for interpreting these
requirements.
SLAC has used the process prescribed in the DOE closure process (25 January 1996) to determine a
Set of N&S ES&H Standards (N&S Set, DOE Manual 450.3-1) that govern its ES&H program. A list of
these laws, standards, and regulations is appended to the M&O contract and is available from the
ES&H Division office.

Note:

The N&S Set will hereafter be referred to in this document as the Work Smart (WS)2Set.

DOE requires that copies of the Occupational Safety and Health Protection poster be displayed
throughout SLAC. Posters are available from the ES&H Division. Occupational Safety and Health
Complaint forms (referenced in the poster) are available from the DOE site office.

Purpose of the Environment, Safety, and Health Program


The ES&H program is designed to ensure that SLAC operates in a safe, environmentally responsible manner, and complies with all the applicable ES&H laws, regulations, and standards.

General Responsibilities
4.1

Director
The Director has ultimate responsibility for ES&H at SLAC. The Director has delegated to
appropriate levels of management the responsibility and authority necessary to implement SLAC ES&H policies. The Director:
Interprets laws, standards, regulations, and DOE orders.
Establishes and administers ES&H policies.
Ensures that members of the line management are informed about their
responsibilities for maintaining a safe workplace.
Holds line management accountable for conducting work functions within the
constraints set by the WS Set.

The most recent SLAC ES&H Manual is available in Portable Document Format (PDF) on the World Wide Web (WWW)
at: http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/manuals/manuals.html.

The WS Standards in the N&S Set can be found on the WWW at: http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/
reference/ns-stand.html.

15 December 1997

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1-3

1: The SLAC ES&H Program

4.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Associate Directors
The Associate Directors (ADs) are responsible for ensuring that SLAC ES&H policy is
implemented within their own divisions. The ADs:
Ensure that the line managers within their divisions are informed about their
responsibilities for maintaining a safe workplace.
Hold the line managers within their divisions accountable for conducting
work functions within the constraints set by the WS Set.
Ensure that building and line managers conduct the required safety inspections.

4.3

Managers and Supervisors


A manager has significant responsibilities for formulating or administering policies and
programs. A manager also has authority to direct others in the accomplishment of tasks
associated with the operations and functions of SLAC. Operations and functions include
those of a division, a scientific or a support department, or a research program. Managers
include division ADs, assistant directors, department heads, group leaders, project managers, and supervisors.
SLAC managers are responsible for implementing SLAC ES&H policy with the personnel

under their supervision. In exercising this responsibility, all managers may delegate
authority and assign responsibility for a particular operation, but they retain accountability for oversights and errors that lead to injury, illness, or damage to property within their
jurisdiction.
SLAC managers:

Define the scope of, analyze the hazards associated with, and develop and
implement appropriate hazard controls for each work process within their
areas of responsibility.
Ensure that the work processes within their areas of responsibility are conducted within the constraints set by the WS Set.
Ensure that all personnel they supervise receive the safety and environmental
protection training appropriate for their work assignments.
Require personnel to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and monitoring devices that are appropriate for their work assignments.
Must discontinue any activities within their areas of operations that present an
immediate safety hazard or threat to the environment, or are in violation of any
safety or environmental standard contained in the WS Set.
Conduct safety inspections using the Facility Inspection Checklist,3 keep
records of the inspections, and track all corrections. Inspections shall be done
quarterly in buildings that house technical operations, hazardous experiments,
or laboratories. Inspections shall be done annually in all other buildings.
Note:

1-4

The group leaders in the Technical and ES&H Divisions report to department heads. In the
other divisions, the department heads report to group leaders. For the purposes of this
manual, the terms department head and group leader do not include group leaders
in the Technical or ES&H Divisions.

The Facility Inspection Checklist can be found in from the Building Managers Manual, located on the WWW in PDF at
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/manuals/manuals.html.

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R017

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SLAC ES&H Manual

4.4

1: The SLAC ES&H Program

All Others
All other persons on the SLAC premises, including subcontractors, users, and visitors who
are working at SLAC must:
Obtain the safety and environmental protection training appropriate for their
work assignments.
Inform themselves of the physical and chemical hazards in their work area(s),
and the potential environmental implications of their work processes.
Wear PPE and monitoring devices that are appropriate for their work assignments.
Perform their work functions in a safe and environmentally responsible manner and within the constraints set by the WS Set.
Contact Security to stop any activity that presents an immediate safety hazard
or threat to the environment, or is in violation of any safety or environmental
standard contained in the WS Set.
Report, to their supervisors or to Security, any activities that present an immediate safety hazard or threat to the environment, or are in violation of any
safety or environmental standards contained in the WS Set.
Prepare for emergencies by knowing how to summon assistance.
4.4.1

Subcontractors
Subcontractors are defined as individuals who work at SLAC under purchase
order or to perform specific jobs. Subcontractors and their employees must comply with all applicable Federal and state ES&H laws and regulations, as well as
with SLAC-specific rules.
Subcontractors are responsible for providing safety training and PPE for themselves and their employees. Subcontractors must also provide any required medical clearance and surveillance examinations for themselves and their employees.
Note:

4.4.2

The subcontractors should bring their medical clearance to the Medical Department prior to beginning their work assignment at SLAC.

Casual Visitors
Guests, people taking the public SLAC tour, and other very short-term visitors are
required to conduct themselves in a safe and environmentally responsible
manner.
Note:

Casual visitors do not include visiting scientists, faculty, or technicians who are
working or performing experiments at SLAC. Visiting scientists, faculty, and
technicians are covered under Section 4.4, All Others.

Individuals with Specific Responsibilities


5.1

University Technical Representative


University Technical Representatives (UTR) are charged with ensuring that subcontractors
performing work on site are in compliance with all necessary SLAC ES&H policies and that
the work is carried out in the manner specified in the subcontract safety plan.
UTRs are responsible for stopping any activity within their areas of operations that presents an immediate safety hazard or threat to the environment, or is in violation of any
safety or environmental standard contained in the WS Set.

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1-5

1: The SLAC ES&H Program

5.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Project Managers
Project Managers for modifications to any of the operating facilities are responsible for
identifying cases where the modification may have impact upon the Accelerator Safety
Envelope of the facility and ensuring that necessary safety reviews are carried out (see
Guidelines for Operations, Guideline 24, Safety Review of Major Modifications.)
They must:
Perform inspections of construction projects (in accordance with the Quality
Assurance and Compliance Design Assurance and Construction Inspection Procedure
(SLAC-I-770-0A22C-001-R001) to verify that subcontractors perform their work
functions in a safe and environmentally responsible manner and in accordance
with their safety plans.
Stop any activity within their areas of operations that presents an immediate
safety hazard or threat to the environment, or is in violation of any safety or
environmental standard contained in the WS Set.

5.3

Building Managers
In the facility for which they are responsible, building managers oversee and coordinate:
Safety and security.
Changes to the structure.
Installation of electrical hardware.
ES&H policies and procedures related to facility operations.
For a more complete description of the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of building
managers, see the Building Manager Manual (SLAC-I-720-0A03Z-001).

5.4

Environment, Safety, and Health Coordinators


Associate directors, group leaders, department heads, project managers, and facility representatives are authorized to designate ES&H Coordinators4 to represent them in ES&H
matters. ES&H Coordinators shall:
Be informed about the work processes in their assigned area so that they can
assist in identifying ES&H concerns.
Be informed about ES&H policies and procedures related to the work processes
in their assigned area.
Assist the workers in their assigned area to comply with ES&H requirements.
Be the primary contact between the line organization and the ES&H Division
for assistance and consultation.

5.5

Hazardous Waste and Material Coordinators


Hazardous waste and material coordinators (HW&MCs) are designated by all groups that
store or use hazardous material, or generate hazardous waste. They work with the ES&H
Division to ensure control of all aspects of waste disposal. Individuals appointed to this
role should have knowledge of the chemicals, processes, and operations that use hazard-

1-6

A listing of principal ES&H Coordinators is found on the WWW at http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/


reference/safecoor.html.

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R017

15 December 1997

SLAC ES&H Manual

1: The SLAC ES&H Program

ous chemicals and generate hazardous waste in their work area(s). They shall be trained
as necessary to carry out their responsibilities, which are to:
Coordinate and systematically manage hazardous chemicals in the workplace,
from entry of the chemical into a workplace, through storage and generation
of waste, to preparation for waste disposal.
Ensure compliance with all applicable SLAC policies and procedures related to
hazardous material and hazardous waste management.
Ensure that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are available in the workplace
for all materials that require an MSDS.
Provide a copy of each MSDS to the Chemical Inventory 5Administrator in
ES&H.
Verify that employees who work with a hazardous material that requires an
MSDS have had the required training.
Ensure that hazardous materials are properly labeled, stored, handled, and
maintained according to SLAC standards.
Ensure that spills and spill cleanups are managed and reported to the appropriate authority. See Spills in this manual for more information.
Ensure that non-compliant conditions or events are reported to line management.

5.6

Radiation Safety Officer


The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is appointed by the Director. The RSO:
Advises the SLAC Director on radiation safety issues.
Determines which changes in the Personnel Protection System (PPS) must be
reviewed by the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC).
Stops any operation that appears to be unsafe.
Establishes, together with the Radiological Control Manager (RCM), radiological safety policies, rules, procedures, and training requirements. See Radiological Safety in this manual for more information.

5.7

Radiological Control Manager


The Radiological Control Manager (RCM) is responsible for the implementation of the
Radiation Protection Program (RPP). The RCM, together with the RSO, establishes radiological safety rules, procedures, and training requirements.

Environment, Safety, and Health Division


The ES&H Division supports line organizations in meeting their responsibilities for protecting the
environment and providing a safe and healthy workplace. Personnel from the ES&H Division conduct audits and inspections to assess compliance with the applicable ES&H regulations and standards, as specified in the WS Set.

MSDS and Chemical Safety Information is available on the WWW under the MSDS Sources Section at
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/esh.html.

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The ES&H Division has staff members who are specialists in various environmental and safety disciplines, including electrical safety, construction safety, fire safety, radiation safety, industrial
hygiene, and hazardous material handling. Contracts are administered within the ES&H Division
to provide medical and fire protection services. (See Section 8, Medical and Fire Protection Services, for details.)
To carry out its mission, the ES&H Division will:
Ensure that the laws, regulations, and standards contained in the WS Set are
current for the work processes at SLAC.
Interpret the requirements imposed by the WS Set and propose, where applicable, policies and standards for implementing those requirements at SLAC.
Provide technical assistance to the line organizations to enable them to identify
and control the hazards associated with their work processes and to fulfill
their ES&H responsibilities.
Promote an understanding of ES&H policies and practices by developing and
disseminating guidance documents and by facilitating training and education
of the SLAC staff.
Provide those services that are performed most effectively by a central organization, such as waste management, radiation dosimetry, medical and fire services, radiation shielding, and PPS design and review.
Monitor for compliance with the laws, regulations, and standards contained in
the WS Set by:
Conducting inspections and internal audits.
Coordinating self assessments.
Tracking corrective actions and performance indicators.
Conduct research in the areas of environmental and safety science that are
related to SLACs activities.
Represent SLAC in dealings with the DOE and other regulators in their oversight activities.

Line Organizations with Particular Responsibilities


Several groups contribute to the ES&H program. Sometimes their functions are distinct, but in
other cases they broadly overlap. An overview of ES&H management at SLAC is shown in
Figure 1-1, the SLAC Safety Organizational Chart.
This structure puts ES&H concerns into the foreground along with other SLAC operational concerns. This places the decision-making authority with managers on the scene where the interplay
between the two kinds of concerns, that is, ES&H and operations, can be understood. This structure also establishes a clear line of responsibility and authority.
Limited authority and responsibility have been provided to several groups which aid the line
organizations in meeting their primary responsibilities.

7.1

Business Services Division


In addition to general ES&H responsibilities, the Business Services Division (BSD) is also
responsible for requesting and obtaining National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA)
approvals where necessary. Offices and departments within BSD are assigned particular
ES&H responsibilities.

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7.1.1

1: The SLAC ES&H Program

Security
Security is responsible for:
Issuing dosimeters.
Site security.
Traffic control.

7.1.2

Facilities Office
The Facilities Office has specific site-wide responsibilities that are governed by
ES&H standards and regulations. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Maintaining pest control.
Implementing the SLAC Fire Defense Plan.
Assuring compliance with accessibility requirements.
Maintaining and inspecting:
Emergency lighting.
Fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems.
All buildings to assure the safety of occupants.
Forklift trucks.
Backflow prevention valves to ensure drinking water quality.
Potable, sanitary, and storm water systems.
Coordinating:
Accident reports involving government vehicles.
County sanitation inspection and reporting for the cafeteria.

7.1.3

Purchasing, Stores, and Shipping and Receiving


Purchasing, Stores, and Shipping and Receiving all have specific site-wide
responsibilities that are governed by ES&H standards and regulations. These
responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Prohibiting the purchase of restricted material.
Preparing hazardous material for transport on public roads.
Providing MSDSs for hazardous material procured from SLAC Stores.

7.2

Technical Division
In addition to general ES&H responsibilities, some departments within the Technical Division are assigned particular ES&H responsibilities.
7.2.1

Plant Engineering Department


The Plant Engineering Department (PED) has specific site-wide responsibilities
that are governed by ES&H standards and regulations.
These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Design of buildings, experimental structures, and underground structures, upon request.
Operation and maintenance of the high-voltage power distribution
system.
Operation and maintenance of pressure systems under PED control.

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Hoisting and Rigging training and certification. See Hoisting and


Rigging in this manual, for more information.
Sampling and/or screening of water from certain systems on site to
determine appropriate methods of disposal or discharge based on
established guidelines.
7.2.2

Accelerator Department
The Accelerator Department Safety Office has specific responsibilities related to
the operation of the 2-mile accelerator. These responsibilities include, but are not
limited to:
Verification of the operation of the PPS.
Verification of the operation of the accelerator beam safety systems.
Authorization for beam operations.

7.2.3

Controls Department
The Controls Department has specific responsibilities related to the operation of
the 2-mile accelerator. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Maintenance of the PPS.
Maintenance of the accelerator beam safety systems.

7.3

SSRL Division
Several departments within the SSRL Division are assigned particular ES&H responsibilities. These departments are responsible for the safe operation of the SSRL Accelerator
Complex, SSRL beam lines, and management of the SSRL User Safety Program, including,
but not limited to:
Verification of the PPS.
Maintenance of the PPS.
Operation of accelerator and beam line safety systems.
Authorization for beam operations.

Medical and Fire Protection Services


Within the ES&H Division, contracts are administered for medical and fire protection services.

8.1

Medical Department
The Medical Department is under the supervision of the ES&H Division. It is operated
under subcontract with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. All Medical Department personnel are employees of the subcontractor organization, except a part-time counselor, who
is employed by Stanford University.
The Medical Department is located on the ground floor of the Administration and Engineering (A&E) Building, room 135, and is within 100 yards of the Fire Department. The
Medical Department has ambulance access.
The Medical Department is staffed with a half-time physician, two Registered Nurses
(RNs), an Administrative Associate (AA), a part-time health promotion coordinator, and a
half-time counselor.

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The Medical Department consists of a physicians office with an adjacent examining room,
an RN office, and an office for health promotion and the Employee Assistance Program
(EAP). There is a secretarial area with locked chart racks and a reception-waiting room.
There is a treatment room, a lab room with an extra rest bed, a private lavatory, and a
room for EKG, pulmonary function tests, and audiometric and eye examinations. The
treatment room is equipped with a dental chair for ear, nose, and throat care; provision for
ice and heat treatments; beds; and equipment and lighting sufficient for minor surgical
procedures.
The objectives of the Medical Department are to:
Protect the physical and emotional health of employees against the stresses
and hazards of the work environment.
Assist with the placement of job applicants and current employees in work
commensurate with their physical and emotional capabilities and work that
they can perform without danger to themselves, danger to other employees, or
damage to property.
Provide on-site medical care for acutely ill, occupationally ill or injured personnel, and provide emergency on-site medical services.
Maintain the health of SLAC employees and users by promoting and providing
all available elements of good preventive medical practice and making referrals to private care providers.
Assist management and the ES&H Division in ascertaining and controlling
potential health hazards and occupational injuries.
Provide dispensary first-aid for minor conditions to enable employees to complete work shifts with relief from symptoms. See Medical in this manual for
more information.

8.2

Palo Alto Fire Department


The Palo Alto Fire Department (PAFD):
Operates the SLAC fire station.
Responds to all fire alarms and reports of fire received from SLAC.
Responds to reports of spills of hazardous material at SLAC.
Responds to reports of medical emergencies at SLAC.
Inspects sprinkler-system connections monthly.
Inspects and tests fire hydrants annually.
Conducts annual fire safety inspections at SLAC.
Provides fire extinguisher training to SLAC employees and users.
Issues hot work and welding permits.
Gives authorization for re-entry to buildings after an evacuation. See Fire
Safety in this manual for more information.
Provides a site-wide comprehensive Emergency Response Program (ERP).

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Council and Committee Responsibilities


9.1

Environment, Safety, and Health Coordinating Council


The Environment, Safety, and Health Coordinating Council (ES&HCC) facilitates resolution of ES&H issues between divisions. The ES&HCC is also responsible for ensuring that
the directorate is fully informed about and involved in the SLAC ES&H program. See
ES&H Coordinating Council Charge on page 13, for the complete text of the ES&HCC
charge.

9.2

Operating Safety Committee


The Operating Safety Committee (OSC) is a forum in which any employee may express
concerns about any area of ES&H at SLAC, excluding those technical areas addressed by
SLACs citizen committees. The goal of the OSC is to prevent accidents by discovering,
analyzing, and proposing solutions to hazardous situations. See Operating Safety Committee Charter on page 14 for the complete OSC charter.

9.3

Citizen Committees
SLAC has a system of citizen committees to assist in meeting ES&H responsibilities where

the expertise of one person or group is not sufficient. One of these citizen committees, the
Safety Overview Committee, reviews concerns and assigns them to the citizen committee(s) with the appropriate expertise. See Citizen Committees in this manual for more
information.

9.4

Union/Management Local Safety Committee


The Union/Management Local Safety Committee is established by the Labor Agreement
between Stanford University and the United Stanford Workers (USW). In accordance with
the Agreement, the Local Safety Committee is charged with four responsibilities:
1. Review and analyze the reports on injuries and accidents involving USW
workers. The reports are produced on a quarterly basis by the Stanford University Risk Management Department.
2. Make recommendations to management for modifications of unsafe or hazardous conditions affecting USW workers. This includes investigating situations when workers refuse to perform assigned work because they have a
good faith belief due to ascertainable, objective evidence that abnormally dangerous conditions exist.
3. Accompany Federal or state safety inspectors on walk-throughs.
4. Recommend appropriate recognition of USW workers who advance the goal of
a safe and healthful work environment.

10

Reviews of the Environment, Safety, and Health Program


Periodic reviews of SLAC ES&H programs and procedures, as well as broad aspects of SLAC operations, are conducted by several levels of laboratory management to ensure continued effectiveness.

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SLAC ES&H performance is monitored by:

The ES&HCC.
SLAC Citizen Committees.
ES&H Division audits.
Annual self-assessments.
Review by external consultants.
DOE audits and appraisals.
Cognizant Federal, state, and local agencies.

11

Access to SLAC
Access to SLAC is a privilege. Because of the experimental nature of much of the work at SLAC,
programs may use potentially hazardous techniques, equipment, and material. Access to SLAC
and its facilities is therefore limited.

11.1

Children
Children under the age of 18 years are not permitted at SLAC unless:
Accompanied by a responsible adult.
Part of a guided tour that has been approved by management.
Part of a summer employment program.
Note:

11.2

Children who are not employees must be kept under strict supervision at all times. They
must never be left unattended nor allowed to wander around unsupervised.

Visitors, Users, and Subcontractors


To preserve the health and safety of people and the environment, visitors, users, and subcontractors may be granted access to SLAC only under the condition that they comply
with applicable SLAC ES&H policies.
The person to whom a visitor, user, or subcontractor reports, must:
Be familiar with ES&H policies.
Inform the visitor, user, or subcontractor of ES&H policies that may apply to
the work of the visitor, user, or subcontractor.

12

ES&H Coordinating Council Charge


The responsibility of and authority for complying with ES&H regulations and standards at SLAC
flows from the Director through the associate directors and the line management organization to
the first-line managers.
This scheme puts ES&H concerns into the foreground with SLACs other operational concerns and
puts the decision-making authority into the hands of the managers on the scene, where the interplay between the two kinds of concerns can be understood. It also establishes a clear line of
responsibility and authority.

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The ES&HCC was established to facilitate that process and to ensure that the directorate is fully
informed about and involved in the laboratorys ES&H program.

12.1

Council Purpose and Scope


The ES&HCC will:
Formulate and recommend to the Director laboratory policies with regard to
ES&H. New policies may be proposed by the ES&H Division or by any other
unit of the laboratory including the ES&HCC itself.
Continually review the status of the ES&H program in the laboratory to keep
the associate directors fully and currently informed.
Take steps, through its members, to ensure that the necessary resources are
applied to the ES&H program and that the established policies are implemented.

12.2

Composition
The ES&HCC will consist of the associate directors of SLAC. The Chairperson of the
ES&HCC shall be designated by the Director.

12.3

Relationship to Citizen Committees


SLACs Citizen Committees are appointed by the Director and report to the Director,
through the ES&HCC. Whenever vacancies occur on the Citizen Committees, the ES&HCC
nominates candidates to fill them.

12.4

Meetings
The Council meets as often as necessary but not less frequently than once a month. The
meetings are organized and scheduled by the Chairperson.

13

Operating Safety Committee Charter


13.1

Purpose
The Operating Safety Committee (OSC) is a group formed to discover, analyze, and propose solutions to hazardous situations excluding those technical areas addressed by
SLACs citizen committees (for example, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, earthquakes, hoisting and rigging, and hazardous experiments). Any employee can bring
safety matters to the attention of the OSC in the interest of ensuring the general safety of
the laboratory population. For more information on Citizen Committee specifics, see Citizen Committees in this manual.

13.2

Composition
The Committee makeup will be determined by the divisional associate directors; they will
appoint up to five representatives from different areas of their division. In addition, one
member will be appointed from the Directors Office. Members should be chosen for the
following:
Diversity in their responsibilities.

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Ability to communicate information to and from groups throughout the


division.
The Chairperson will:
Be appointed by the Director.
Be a member of the Safety Overview Committee.
Prepare agendas for meetings based on input from committee members.
Be responsible for liaison between the Committee and the ES&HCC.
The representative of the Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department of the ES&H
Division will serve as Secretary. This person will:
Distribute the agenda in advance of meetings.
Keep and distribute minutes of meetings.
Distribute documents to those concerned.
Members will:
Share safety concerns and recommendations from their division with the Committee.
Ensure that all groups in their division are informed of committee concerns,
decisions, and recommendations.

13.3

Functions
The Committee will:
Develop an annual work plan which focuses primarily on non-specialized
fields involving the general safety of the laboratory (that is, areas not covered
by Citizen Committees).
Study accident and injury experience and determine trends where applicable.
Review the individual reports of members regarding concerns expressed by
their divisions safety committees, walk-through observations, and so forth.
Focus attention on potential problem areas by discussing observations with
pertinent building managers or other responsible SLAC personnel, and proposing and tracking solutions that address these concerns.
Invite guest speakers from the ES&H Division or other areas of specialized
knowledge for the purpose of elaborating on a topic of interest.
Review situations and make recommendations to the ES&HCC when policy
issues are involved, or when the gravity of a problem warrants this level of
attention.

13.4

Meetings
The Committee will normally meet once each month. When members are unable to attend
in person, substitutes may be designated to attend specific meetings.
Note:

13.5

If the member, or that members proxy, does not attend at least nine meetings throughout
the calendar year, that member shall be replaced.

Provision for Amendment


The Chairperson shall submit to the ES&HCC any recommendations for the amendment of
this charter.

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Figure 1-1.

SLAC Safety Organizational Chart

1: The SLAC ES&H Program

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Stop Work Authority and


Stopping Unsafe Activities
Related Chapters
The SLAC ES&H Program
Citizen Committees

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

2-1

2 Stop Work Authority

2-1

3 Stopping Unsafe Activities (SLAC Stop Activity Procedures)

2-2

3.1 Ceasing an Activity and Informing Supervisor

2-3

3.2 Observing an Unsafe Activity

2-3

3.3 Determining an Unsafe Activity

2-3

3.4 Conditions for Stopping an Unsafe Activity

2-4

3.5 Actions for Stopping an Unsafe Activity

2-4

3.6 Follow-up to a Stoppage of an Activity

2-4

Overview
This chapter outlines SLAC policy related to stop work authority and stopping unsafe activities. Stop work
authority applies to any work performed by a subcontractor under contract with SLAC. Stopping unsafe
activities applies to any activity performed at SLAC.

Stop Work Authority


Using stop work authority means ordering a subcontractor to stop all work related to a specific contract. The
following individuals are authorized to stop work if they determine that the work is an imminent danger1 to
personnel, property, or the environment:
SLAC Director
Any SLAC Associate Director
Any ES&H Division department head
University Technical Representative (UTR )

Any activity or situation that is likely to result in serious injury, death, or significant environmental or property damage.

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SLAC ES&H Manual

SLAC Construction Inspector


Chairs of the following citizen committees to the extent each is empowered through
the committee charter (see Chapter 31, Citizen Committees, in this manual for
information about a specific committee):
Earthquake Safety Committee
Electrical Safety Committee
Fire Protection Safety Committee
Hazardous Experimental Equipment Committee
Hoisting and Rigging Safety Committee
Pressure and Vacuum Vessel Safety Committee
Radiation Safety Committee
An order by any of these individuals is sufficient reason to stop the work. The stop work order must be considered binding until the individual who orders the operation stopped rescinds the order or until the work
stoppage is overruled by the SLAC Director. Only the SLAC Director may overrule the decision of these individuals to stop work. Immediate written documentation of the work stoppage must be furnished by the person ordering the stoppage to the SLAC Facility Manager and to the Associate Director of the ES&H Division.
Note:

The UTR and SLAC Contract Administrator must also be notified when a stop work is ordered.

If the responsible supervisor is not present when work is stopped by one of the authorized individuals, the
personnel involved in the stopped work must inform the next level of management that is available.
If the responsible supervisor is present and does not agree with the judgment of the authorized individual
who ordered the work stopped, the supervisor must refer the matter immediately to the UTR, who may
request an appeal of the work stoppage through the UTRs chain of command.

Stopping Unsafe Activities (SLAC Stop Activity Procedures)


It is the responsibility of everyone at SLAC to take action to stop activities that are potentially dangerous to
individuals, members of the public, or potentially harmful to the environment. This section defines SLAC
policy on stopping unsafe, environmentally damaging, or illegal activities.
An activity may be stopped by the person performing the activity or a person having knowledge of or
observing the activity.
Any person is authorized to refuse to perform or to cease performing an assigned
activity, if the person believes unacceptably hazardous conditions exist.
(See Section 3.1.)
Any person who becomes aware of an activity that may constitute an imminent danger
to personnel, property, or the environment shall call the operators attention to the danger and immediately recommend to the operators supervisor that the activity be
stopped. (See Section 3.2 through Section 3.6.)
Additional information on this authority as it applies to Bargaining Unit employees may be found in the latest version of the Agreement Between The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University &
United Stanford Workers.2

2-2

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3.1

2: Stop Work Authority and Stopping Unsafe Activities

Ceasing an Activity and Informing Supervisor


Any person refusing to perform an activity or ceasing an activity must immediately inform his or
her supervisor of the condition(s) believed to be unacceptably hazardous.
The supervisor is responsible for the following:
Investigating the condition
Determining whether corrective actions are required
Once the supervisor has determined that conditions are acceptably safe, the activity will resume.
If an acceptable correction of the hazard cannot be reached within the employees line organization,
employees in the Bargaining Unit should contact their shop steward who can bring the matter to the
attention of the Local Safety Committee. For employees who are not in the Bargaining Unit, the
matter should be taken to the Associate Director for the ES&H Division.

3.2

Observing an Unsafe Activity


It is essential that any person working at SLAC who observes an activity that could result in
imminent danger take action immediately to stop the activity.

3.3

Determining an Unsafe Activity


Employees should use the following guidelines to determine whether an activity should be stopped
(these lists are examples only and do not include all activities that pose imminent danger):
Does the activity have potential to cause serious harm or death?
Activities in this category include:
Working at heights above four feet without appropriate fall protection
(excluding ladder use).
Driving or operating equipment or motor vehicles in a reckless or dangerous
manner.
Working on energized electrical equipment when untrained or unauthorized.
Working in proximity to unprotected or inadequately barricaded excavations.
Using combustible substances in poorly-ventilated spaces.
Does the activity have reasonable expectation or potential to cause employee exposure
to harmful substances?
Activities in this category include working at any activity where there is potential or
reasonable expectation that exposure to the following dangerous items will cause
immediate or irreversible physical harm:
Gases
Fumes
Vapor
Dusts
Such activities include sandblasting without respiratory protection and unauthorized
work in confined spaces.
Does the activity pose a serious hazard to the environment?
Activities in this category include:
Dumping hazardous or radioactive material or waste, or making other illegal
or unauthorized discharges to the sanitary sewer and stormwater systems.
Performing other activities that violate environmental laws.

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SLAC ES&H Manual

Conditions for Stopping an Unsafe Activity


The following conditions must apply before an individual can take action to stop an activity:
The individual must personally observe a situation he or she considers a hazard.
The individual must understand the nature of the hazard because of his or her
experience or training.
The individual must believe that the situation is one of imminent danger.
There is no other option for immediately removing the imminent danger.

3.5

Actions for Stopping an Unsafe Activity


To stop an activity, the individual should:
1. Inform the person(s) performing the activity, and anyone else who might be at risk,
that the activity must stop immediately and that the action is in accordance with the
SLAC Stop Activity Procedures.
2. Immediately recommend to the individual supervising the activity that it be stopped. 3
3. If necessary, call Security at Ext. 2551 to enforce the action.
4. Immediately notify his or her supervisor of the action and the reason for stopping the
activity.

3.6

Follow-up to a Stoppage of an Activity


When an unsafe activity is stopped, the individual who took the action or his or her supervisor shall
notify the SLAC Facility Manager and the Associate Director of the ES&H Division. The incident
will be evaluated for reportability through the DOE Occurrence Reporting and Processing System
(ORPS) or internal follow-up investigation.
In keeping with the SLAC policy of providing feedback for continuous improvement in safety
matters, the SLAC site will receive relevant information concerning the event. If determined to have
applicability site-wide, the issue will be considered during review of Lessons Learned by the ES&H
Coordinating Council (ES&HCC), refer to Chapter 1, The SLAC ES&H Program, in this manual
for additional information about the ES&HCC.

2-4

SLAC departments have the authority to develop procedures for their own operations with actions stronger or equal to this policy.

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Medical, Chapter 3
Bulletin Updates
Note:

The following Bulletins have information that has not yet been incorporated into
this Chapter, or has changed since the publication of the Chapter. Information in
the Bulletins supercedes information in this Chapter.

Date
Issued

Bulletin 64

04/28/03

Title
Medical Surveillance Programs at SLAC

Medical
Related Chapters
Accidents, Injuries, Illnesses,
and Exposures
Respirator Program

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

3-1

2 Emergency Services

3-2

3 Minor Injuries and Illnesses

3-2

4 Health Examinations

3-2

4.1

Required Examinations

3-2

4.2

Elective Examinations

3-3

4.3

Impaired Personnel Examinations

3-4

5 Education and Training Programs

3-4

6 Ergonomics Program

3-4

7 Immunizations and Travel Preparation

3-5

8 Employee Assistance Program

3-5

9 Substance Abuse Referrals

3-5

10 Medical Records

3-5

Overview
Important: If you have a medical emergency, dial 9-911 from a SLAC phone.
This chapter outlines the services of the SLAC Medical Department,1 which is located in Building
41, room 135. During regular work days, SLAC Medical hours are 8 AM noon and 1 PM 5 PM,
during regular work days. Nurses are available by pager during the lunch hour. To reach the
Medical Department by phone during business hours, call Ext. 2281.

Some medical services are not provided to subcontractor employees. Check with the Medical Department for specifics.

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To obtain treatment when the Medical Department is not available, you may go to either:
Sequoia Occupational Medicine
633 Veterans Blvd, Redwood City
Stanford Hospital Emergency Room
24-hour service; phone 650-723-5111
The SLAC Medical Department website is located at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/medical/slacmed.html
See Accidents, Injuries, Illnesses, and Exposures in this manual for more information on how to
report accidents and obtain medical attention.

Emergency Services
Call 9-911 to report all emergencies. Medical Department nurses are part of the site Emergency
Response Team, which includes firefighters from the on-site Palo Alto Fire Department. The Team
provides initial treatment, including evaluation of injured personnel with regard to cervical-spinal
precautions, blood-borne pathogen issues, and need for emergency room services.

Minor Injuries and Illnesses


The Medical Department will treat minor injuries (such as cuts, minor electric shocks, and sprains)
and acute illnesses (such as the flu, colds, and headaches). While the Medical Department can temporarily treat personnel with chronic illnesses, those people should seek long-term care from their
healthcare providers. Personnel seeking treatment are responsible for transportation to and from
the Medical Department.

Health Examinations
The Medical Department Physician performs required, elective, and need-specific examinations
for SLAC employees. Required examinations for subcontractor employees will be performed, upon
request, only for subcontractor employees who have a SLAC supervisor. Although examinations
usually need to be set up in advance, the Department will accept walk-in patients as the schedule
permits.

4.1

Required Examinations
Baseline examinations and annual medical surveillance are required for SLAC employees
who are classified as most exposed to physical hazards in the workplace.2 Managers
and supervisors determine which employees are most exposed by:
Completing the Physical Requirements and Exposures Checklist (PREC) form,
obtained from the Human Resources Department
Completing the Employee Training Assessment

3-2

Industrial hygienists may also use an industrial hygiene survey to determine if other employees need medical
surveillance.

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3: Medical

Criteria for most exposed reflect best professional opinion and include employees who:
Work with saws, drills, tears, or otherwise disturb asbestos-containing
material
Handle carcinogens outside of a fume hood or closed system for more than 20
hours per year or who have skin contact with carcinogens
Work with Class 3b or Class 4 lasers3
Work with lead. A baseline will be done initially, followed by annual exams if
the employee works with lead:
30 minutes or more per day
at high exposure 30 days out of a quarter-year
Are exposed to noise levels of 80 to 85 dBA more than 60 days per year
Are exposed to noise levels of 85 dBA for 5 days or more per year
Work with the plating shop and are actually or potentially exposed to hazardous materials
Use an air purifying, supplied air, or a self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) respirator
Weld or torch cut metal more than 20 days per year
Managers and supervisors must notify most exposed employees of their status and
arrange for them to receive the required examinations before they are exposed to the hazard. Employees may choose to obtain a physical examination from the Medical Department or from an outside healthcare provider, with the approval of the Medical
Department Physician.
See Respirator Program in this manual for more information regarding requirements for
respirators.

4.2

Elective Examinations
4.2.1

Physical Examinations
The Medical Department offers free physical examinations to SLAC employees.
The frequency of these examinations is determined by age, past health, and job
description.
In addition to receiving a review of their medical and immunization histories,
employees also receive a physical examination that includes the following:
Vital-signs check (blood pressure, pulse)
Stool occult blood screening
Breast and pelvic examinations
Pap smear test
Rectal examination
Blood and urine tests
Prostate exam
Employees may also choose to take the following optional tests:
Hearing tests

Employees are required to take a baseline eye examination before they begin work with lasers and after suspected laserinduced injury to the eyes.

4 March 2002

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3-3

3: Medical

SLAC ES&H Manual

Eye examinations (including glaucoma test for employees over 35)


Tuberculosis skin test
12-lead electrocardiogram test (for employees over 40)
Pulmonary function test
4.2.2

Exit Examinations
The Medical Department offers complete physical examinations to all employees
who are leaving SLAC, including (for example) those who are retiring.

4.3

Impaired Personnel Examinations


The Medical Department provides examinations for impaired personnel referred by managers and supervisors. Impaired behavior includes slurred speech, loss of coordination,
and unsteady gait.

Education and Training Programs


The Medical Department is active in education and training, and offers the following services and
classes:
A quarterly newsletter, New Options for Wellness (NOW)
The newsletter is available on the World Wide Web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/medical/now/now.html

Lunchtime seminars that include speakers on health topics


Print and videotape library
Instructional pamphlets
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and recertification classes
Aerobic exercise classes
Noon walking club
Body Sculpting classes
Weight management classes
Smoking cessation classes
For more information regarding scheduling, courses, and registration, see Training Opportunities at
SLAC, or access course and schedule information on the World Wide Web at:
http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/hr/t/Default.htm#TrainingOpportunities

Ergonomics Program
The SLAC Ergonomics Program emphasizes changes in work habits and rearrangement/redesign
of workplaces to avoid injuries resulting from repetitive motions. The Program offers work-site
and workstation ergonomic evaluations performed by a registered nurse specializing in ergonomics. In addition, the Medical Department offers ergonomic classes that may be held either at the
Medical Department or at individual work sites. Call Ext. 2281 for an ergonomic evaluation or
contact ES&H Training at Ext. 2688 for CD-based ergonomic information.

3-4

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3: Medical

Immunizations and Travel Preparation


The Medical Department provides:
Annual flu vaccines
Diphtheria/tetanus boosters
B12 shots, under specific direction of the patients physician
Travel advice and pre-travel immunization, following the World Health Organization guidelines
Hepatitis A vaccine, to personnel who are traveling on business
Hepatitis B vaccine, to personnel who are exposed to blood, body fluids, or
both, in the process of administering CPR or first aid. Counseling, testing, and
follow-up will also be offered
Tuberculosis skin tests
For more information, contact the Medical Department at Ext. 2281.

Employee Assistance Program


The Stanford University Help Center offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with psychological counseling to all SLAC employees and members of their immediate families. Patients can
refer themselves, be referred by their supervisor, or be referred by the Medical Department.
A Help Center Counselor visits the SLAC site each week. To schedule an appointment, call the
Medical Department at Ext. 2281. Employees may also go to the Help Center on the Stanford campus Monday through Friday, 8AM to 6PM. Acute (emergency) intervention is always available.
Contact the Help Center at (650) 723-4577 for more information or see the World Wide Web at:
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/helpcenter/

Substance Abuse Referrals


The Medical Department offers substance abuse referrals for SLAC employees. Patients can refer
themselves, be referred by their supervisor, or be referred by the Personnel Department. For more
information, contact the Medical Department at Ext. 2281.

10

Medical Records
The Medical Department maintains medical records on SLAC employees. The records include
information on employee illnesses, lab test results, and other related documents. Separate, less
detailed records are maintained on non-SLAC employees. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
records are maintained by the Stanford University HELP Center.
Note:

4 March 2002

Medical records are strictly confidential.

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3-5

Hazard Communication
Related Chapters
Carcinogen Control
Hazardous Material
Hazardous Waste

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

4-2

2 Responsibilities

4-2

2.1

Environment, Safety, and Health Division

4-2

2.2

Group Leaders and Department Heads

4-2

2.3

Supervisors

4-2

2.4

Personnel

4-3

2.5

SLAC Stores and the Purchasing Department

4-3

2.6

Project Managers

4-3

2.7

Subcontractors

4-3

3 Work Area Hazardous Chemical Inventories

4-4

3.1

OSHA Requirements

4-4

3.2

Exempt Material

4-4

4 Material Safety Data Sheets

4-5

5 Container Labeling

4-5

5.1

Labeling Requirements for Manufacturer Containers

4-5

5.2

Labeling Requirements for Transfer Containers

4-5

5.3

Exceptions to Labeling Requirements

4-6

5.4

Labeling Practices

4-6

6 Training

1 February 1996

4-6

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4: Hazard Communication

SLAC ES&H Manual

Overview
SLAC is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 29, 1910.1200, to have a written hazard communication program.
This chapter outlines the SLAC Hazard Communication Program (SLAC HCP). The Program is con-

cerned with chemical hazard communication as it relates to human health.


The goal of the SLAC HCP is to reduce injury and illness caused by workplace chemical exposure.
To meet this goal, the SLAC HCP:
Establishes a labeling system for hazardous chemical containers.
Documents workplace chemical hazards by maintaining a current inventory of
hazardous chemicals and providing personnel with Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDSs).
Requires personnel training that includes identifying workplace chemical hazards and their corresponding control measures.
This chapter includes a section on responsibilities and describes requirements for hazardous chemical inventories, MSDSs, container labeling, and training.
Non-SLAC employees1 that have a SLAC supervisor shall comply with the same rules and regulations for hazard communication as SLAC employees. SLAC subcontractor personnel that do not
have a SLAC supervisor shall comply with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and the
SLAC HCP, as specified in Section 2, Responsibilities.

Responsibilities
2.1

Environment, Safety, and Health Division


The Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Division:
Provides general hazard communication training.
Provides hazard communication training for supervisors.
Maintains MSDS files.

2.2

Group Leaders and Department Heads


Group leaders and department heads shall ensure that managers and supervisors maintain a current chemical inventory for work areas in their departments.

2.3

Supervisors
Supervisors shall:
Ensure that all hazardous chemicals are adequately labeled.
Maintain a current chemical inventory of hazardous chemicals used in their
work areas.

4-2

Non-SLAC employees include temporary personnel and subcontractors working under a contract.

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4: Hazard Communication

Ensure that personnel:


Receive the required general hazard communication training and sitespecific training.
Comply with all hazard communication safety controls (including
familiarizing themselves with the MSDSs for chemicals in their work
area).
Inform personnel of the locations of the chemical inventories, the written SLAC
HCP, and the MSDS files for their work areas.
Ensure that a current manufacturer-specific MSDS for every hazardous chemical is kept in the work area and is available to all personnel on all shifts.
Consult with ES&H regarding hazard communication issues, such as inadequate labeling.

2.4

Personnel
Personnel shall:
Receive the required general and site-specific hazard communication training.
Comply with all safety controls related to hazard communication.
Follow the principles of the SLAC HCP by:
Familiarizing themselves with the contents of MSDSs.
Understanding and using the hazard labeling system.
Knowing the location of work area hazard communication information.
Inform their supervisors of violations of the SLAC HCP.

2.5

SLAC Stores and the Purchasing Department


SLAC Stores and Purchasing Department personnel shall request two copies of each MSDS

with all hazardous material orders. These departments will then submit one copy of each
MSDS they receive to the ES&H Division and include the other copy with the material.

2.6

Project Managers
Project Managers are responsible for informing the subcontractor about the:
Chemical hazards found in the SLAC work area and the appropriate measures
to control them.
Location of MSDSs for chemicals to which they may be exposed at SLAC.
SLAC HCP requirements (including labeling requirements, chemical inventory
requirements, policies on the use of alternate material, and established control
measures that must be implemented by the subcontractor).

2.7

Subcontractors
SLAC subcontractors shall comply with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. In
addition, the SLAC HCP requires subcontractors to:

Maintain a file of MSDSs for hazardous chemicals brought to SLAC. Subcontractors shall make the file available to supervisors of any SLAC personnel who
may be exposed to those hazardous chemicals in the work area.
Comply with OSHA provisions for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for
their personnel.

1 February 1996

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4: Hazard Communication

SLAC ES&H Manual

Work Area Hazardous Chemical Inventories


Work area hazardous chemical inventories are an integral part of the SLAC HCP. These inventories
shall be made readily available to anyone who may be exposed to workplace chemicals, including
personnel and subcontractors. Group leaders and department heads are responsible for ensuring
that managers and supervisors keep current inventories of all hazardous chemicals used by personnel.

3.1

OSHA Requirements
OSHA requirements specify that chemical inventories shall:

List all work area hazardous chemicals, regardless of volume or physical state.
List the chemical name exactly as it appears on the MSDS and the container
label.
Be updated every time a chemical is added or removed from service.
Other important information that is not required (such as physical form, hazard warnings,
and location of the chemical) may also be included in the inventory.

3.2

Exempt Material
The chemical inventory shall not list chemicals that do not have a potential for exposure,
such as hazardous chemicals that are inextricably bound and cannot be released or are
declared non-hazardous by the manufacturer. In addition, the following hazardous substances are also exempt from the hazard communication requirements in the SLAC HCP:
Hazardous waste (such as waste solvents) and hazardous material (such as
contaminated soil) resulting from remediation or cleanup activities regulated
by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Tobacco and tobacco products
Wood and wood products (such as paper and assembled furniture), when the
only potential hazard is flammability or combustibility1
Manufactured articles (such as chairs and styrofoam cups) that may release
only very small quantities of hazardous chemicals and do not pose a physical
hazard or health risk to personnel
Any drug in its solid final form (pills or tablets such as aspirin) for direct
administration to patients; drugs packaged for over-the-counter sales; and
drugs intended for personal consumption by employees while in the work
area (such as first aid systems)
Consumer products or hazardous substances (such as hand soap) that are used
in the workplace for the purpose intended by the chemical manufacturer and
at a frequency and duration of use that is not greater than that experienced by
average consumers of the product
Nuisance particulates (such as chalk and sheet rock dust) covered
under the OSHA Standard, when the manufacturer has established
that they do not pose any physical or health hazard
Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
Biological hazards (such as blood)

1
Wood or wood products that are treated with a hazardous chemical covered under the SLAC HCP or wood
that is cut or sawed (generating dust) are not exempt.

4-4

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1 February 1996

SLAC ES&H Manual

4: Hazard Communication

Material Safety Data Sheets


MSDSs contain valuable information about each hazardous chemical, including the name of the

manufacturer, related health hazards (such as irritability), and related physical hazards (such as
flammability). In addition, the MSDS explains the correct handling techniques and emergency procedures for the chemical.
Manufacturers determine whether or not a chemical is hazardous and are required to provide
MSDSs for every hazardous chemical that they produce. All chemicals that are issued an MSDS by
the manufacturer are covered under the SLAC HCP.
SLAC Stores and Purchasing Department personnel will submit one copy of each MSDS they
receive to the ES&H Division and send the other copy to the requestor. Managers and supervisors
shall ensure that each work area contains current copies of MSDSs for hazardous chemicals used or
stored in that area. The MSDSs should be available to all shifts.

Personnel can also obtain MSDSs for reference or copying in the ES&H Division Document Room
(Building 24, Room 217).
If an MSDS is missing from the work area or was never received, and a copy is not available from
the ES&H Division, managers and supervisors must request the missing MSDS directly from the
manufacturer.
Note:

ES&H is required to keep MSDSs on file for 30 years. ES&H MSDS files are maintained only as a
central repository, to provide access to information for SLAC users and regulatory agencies. Consult the workplace MSDS files for the most current MSDS information.

Container Labeling
5.1

Labeling Requirements for Manufacturer Containers


Manufacturers are required to provide container labels for hazardous chemicals that conform to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. These labels shall include the
following:
Name of the chemical, exactly as it appears on the MSDS
Appropriate hazard warnings (such as flammability and irritability)
Target organ effects
Name and address of the manufacturer

5.2

Labeling Requirements for Transfer Containers


Hazardous chemicals transferred to a container other than the one provided by the manufacturer shall have a label that includes the same information found on manufacturer
labels. Labeled transfer containers shall also have the name of the owner of the container
and the date the transfer was made. SLAC Stores provides adhesive labels that may be
used for transfer containers. Hazard warnings on these labels conform to the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) Hazard Rating System.

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4-5

4: Hazard Communication

5.3

SLAC ES&H Manual

Exceptions to Labeling Requirements


Individual labels are recommended but not required:
On transfer containers for hazardous chemicals if the chemical will be:
Used only by the person making the transfer and
Used up during a single 8-hour work shift.
For stationary containers or entire areas holding chemicals that have similar
hazards, area signs or standard operating procedures may be substituted for
individual labels.
On pipes that are used to transport hazardous chemicals.1

5.4

Labeling Practices
Personnel must observe the following labeling practices when dealing with hazardous
chemical containers:
Keep the manufacturer-affixed label on any hazardous chemical container. Do
not remove or deface the original label.
Ensure that every container of hazardous chemicals (including a newly purchased item) bears a prominently displayed label providing all the required
information.
Use the label provided by SLAC Stores2 (or an equivalent label) for chemical
containers that do not have their original label. Enter all required information
on the label.
Do not assume that an unlabeled container is not hazardous.
Report all unlabeled containers to the area supervisor.

Training
Personnel shall receive both generalized hazard communication training (provided by ES&H) and
on-the-job training (provided by managers and supervisors). Personnel shall complete both types
of training prior to working in areas containing hazardous chemicals. On-the-job training should
be taken again whenever the hazard conditions change.

1
2

4-6

Personnel shall receive on-the-job hazard training regarding unlabeled piping.


SLAC #42999-100-12.

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1 February 1996

SLAC ES&H Manual

4: Hazard Communication

Personnel training shall include:


Location, explanation, and availability of the hazardous chemical inventory
and work area MSDS file.
Explanation of the required labeling system.
Information on methods and observations that may be used to identify the:
Presence of hazardous chemicals in the work area (such as alarms or
warning labels).
Safety measures that protect against chemical exposure hazards during routine and non-routine work. These measures may include engineering and administrative controls, as well as PPE.
ES&H provides supervisor training that includes information and material to complete on-the-job
personnel training. Supervisors have access to ES&H training material, such as videotapes and lesson outlines. A current index of training material can be found in the SLAC ES&H Training Page on

the World Wide Web (at http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/training/training.html) or by calling the ES&H Training Secretary. (Refer to the ES&H Resource List for current
telephone extensions.)

1 February 1996

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4-7

Industrial Hygiene Program, Chapter 5


Bulletin Updates
Note:

The following Bulletins have information that has not yet been incorporated into
this Chapter, or has changed since the publication of the Chapter. Information in
the Bulletins supercedes information in this Chapter.

Date
Issued

Bulletin 64

04/28/03

Title
Medical Surveillance Programs at SLAC

Industrial Hygiene Program


Related Chapters
Accidents, Injuries, and Illnesses
Asbestos
Hazard Communication
Hazardous Material
Hazardous Waste
Hearing Conservation Program
Lead
Medical
Personal Protective Equipment
Respirator Program
Training

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

5-2

2 Purpose of the Industrial Hygiene Program

5-2

3 Responsibilities

5-3

3.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

5-3

3.2

Managers and Supervisors

5-3

3.3

Personnel

5-4

4 Types of Hazards

5-4

4.1

Chemical Hazards

5-4

4.2

Physical Hazards

5-4

4.3

Biological Hazards

5-4

5 Recognizing Hazards

5-4

6 Evaluating Hazards

5-5

6.1

Required IH Monitoring

5-5

6.2

Types of IH Monitoring

5-6

6.3

Monitoring Results

5-6

7 Training

14 August 1995

5-6

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R009

5-1

5: Industrial Hygiene Program

SLAC ES&H Manual

Overview
This chapter is an overview of the SLAC Industrial Hygiene (IH) Program and is intended to familiarize personnel with the general practices of industrial hygiene. The IH Program was developed
in compliance with Department of Energy (DOE) Orders, in order to keep exposure to hazards
below the Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), or the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Since the risks associated with different health hazards vary
depending on the nature of the hazard, guidelines for recognizing and dealing with specific health
hazards are described in separate chapters of this manual (see Related Chapters).

Purpose of the Industrial Hygiene Program


The purpose of the SLAC Industrial Hygiene (IH) Program is to provide all personnel with a safe
and healthy work environment. This is achieved by:
Evaluating potential workplace hazards before they occur and implementing
appropriate controls.
Implementing engineering controls where feasible.
Implementing administrative controls when engineering controls are not feasible.
Surveying work areas to identify hazards (such as toxic agents, ventilation
problems, and noise) and taking appropriate measures.
Training personnel to recognize hazards and to take appropriate safety measures when working under hazardous conditions.
Choosing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Determining which personnel should undergo medical monitoring based
upon their job classification and on occupational exposure surveys.
Industrial hygiene is primarily concerned with finding workplace hazards prior to initiating work
by evaluating processes and facility designs, and controlling various occupational health hazards
that arise as a result of, or during, work. Dealing with these hazards requires essentially the same
steps:
Anticipation
Recognition
Evaluation
Control
Using methods determined by the nature of the hazard, industrial hygienists take qualitative and
quantitative measurements of potential hazards in the workplace. The results are then compared
to the recommended exposure guidelines or consensus standards. If the results of the measurements reveal a possible health hazard, industrial hygienists will recommend methods for controlling the hazard. These methods may include engineering controls and appropriate safety practices
for personnel, such as proper use of PPE.

5-2

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5: Industrial Hygiene Program

Responsibilities
3.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department Industrial Hygienists:
Provide initial and periodic industrial hygiene evaluations of operations in
order to identify existing and potential health hazards.
Survey work areas to identify hazards (such as toxic agents, ventilation problems, and noise).
Determine which personnel should undergo medical monitoring based upon
their job classification and on occupational exposure surveys.
Anticipate and recognize potential occupational health hazards.
Determine when IH monitoring is needed.
Perform IH monitoring to quantify exposures.
Recommend medical monitoring to quantify exposures.
Document employee exposures.
Provide technical guidance regarding the selection of PPE.
Provide technical guidance regarding engineering and administrative controls.
Provide technical guidance to the Environmental Protection and Restoration
(EPR) Department staff in non-radioactive cleanup operations involving contamination of areas and/or personnel.
Evaluate the effectiveness of decontamination procedures.

3.2

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors:
Ensure that all personnel are properly trained to recognize potential occupational hazards, know the risks involved, and take proper precautions for personal safety. Managers and supervisors can determine most training
requirements by using the Task Hazard Survey.
Evaluate chemical and hazardous material handling procedures in their area.
Address personnel concerns regarding occupational hazards, as appropriate.
Notify the SHA Department of changes in their work area that involve ventilation, new machinery, or new chemical processes.
Consult the SHA Department regarding occupational hazards, as necessary.
Implement controls in cooperation with the SHA Department.
Be familiar with the results of industrial hygiene surveys conducted in their
area.
Require and ensure that personnel wear appropriate PPE.
Arrange for the Medical Group to provide medical monitoring of personnel
who are classified as Most Exposed, or who have been recommended for
medical surveillance by an industrial hygienist.

14 August 1995

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5-3

5: Industrial Hygiene Program

3.3

SLAC ES&H Manual

Personnel
All personnel:
Follow safety programs and protocols, as required by SLAC policy.
Make every effort to understand the risks involved in their job by consulting
with their supervisors.
Receive the appropriate safety training.
Wear appropriate PPE provided by SLAC (for example, safety glasses, coveralls, gloves) to prevent exposure to hazards.
Notify their supervisor of new or increased hazards that they may identify in
the workplace.
Inform their supervisor of their concerns regarding hazards in the workplace.

Types of Hazards
The IH Program staff attempt to protect personnel from:
Chemical hazards.
Physical hazards.
Biological hazards.

4.1

Chemical Hazards
Chemical hazards exist when there is the risk of direct skin contact, inhalation, accidental
ingestion, or absorption of hazardous chemicals in the form of liquids, solids, vapors,
gases, dusts, fumes, or mists. In general, the degree of risk associated with handling a specific chemical depends on the toxicity of the chemical and the magnitude and duration of
the exposure. See the Hazard Communication chapter in this manual, which provides
detailed guidelines for identifying, documenting, and handling specific chemical hazards.

4.2

Physical Hazards
Physical hazards monitored by industrial hygienists include excessive levels of noise and
vibration, pressure, temperature extremes, oxygen deficiency, and non-ionizing radiation.

4.3

Biological Hazards
Biological hazards include any virus, bacteria, fungus, protozoan, insect, or other living
organism that can cause a disease in humans, or damage to the environment. Biological
hazards may exist as part of the total environment (for example, in air or water), or they
may be associated with specific operations.

Recognizing Hazards
Industrial Hygienists identify hazards by:
Maintaining familiarity with SLAC processes.
Observing employee activities.

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5: Industrial Hygiene Program

Surveying existing conditions.


Collecting preliminary screening samples.
Collecting information on physical and chemical hazards.
Monitoring personnel.
Monitoring work areas.
The industrial hygiene group is available to evaluate and assist in the design of ventilation systems, work practices, and PPE selection and usage.

Evaluating Hazards
IH monitoring is the measurement of hazards in the workplace. An industrial hygienist will deter-

mine if monitoring is necessary based on the following criteria:


Types of hazards (biological, chemical, and physical)
Past monitoring data
Established occupational exposure models
Common sense (such as employee complaints or the presence of odor)
Professional judgment and experience

6.1

Required IH Monitoring
IH monitoring is required when industrial hygienists believe that occupational exposures
may exceed the TLV, or 50% of the PEL, whichever is the most stringent standard.

Once industrial hygienists quantify the exposure through IH monitoring, additional monitoring is required, as outlined in the following table:

Table 5-1.

Additional IH Monitoring
Duration of Industrial
Hygiene Monitoring at
Specified Frequency

Fraction of PEL,TLV, or other


exposure limit

Industrial Hygiene
Monitoring Frequency

Greater than 100%

Continuously

Until controls reduce exposures to less than 100%

Between 50%100%

Every six months

Until controls reduce exposures to less than 50%

Less than 50%

Every three years

Until a change in the work


environment or worker concern suggests that further
monitoring is required

14 August 1995

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5-5

5: Industrial Hygiene Program

6.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Types of IH Monitoring
6.2.1

Personal Air Sampling


Industrial hygienists use personal air sampling to measure personnel exposure to
airborne contaminants. Workplace air is sampled over an 8-hour period, or for the
full work shift. The industrial hygienist also observes and records general information about personnel work processes.

6.2.2

Area Air Sampling


Industrial hygienists use area air sampling to define the extent of contamination
or to measure the effectiveness of engineering controls. The air sampler is placed
in a fixed location in the work area or near the suspected source of the hazard.

6.2.3

Wipe Sampling
Industrial hygienists use wipe sampling to measure surface contamination. Wipe
sampling may be used to confirm medical monitoring results when the main
entry route of a chemical is through the skin or mouth. Wipe sampling is also
used to evaluate the effectiveness of decontamination procedures.

6.2.4

Medical Monitoring
The SLAC Medical Group performs medical monitoring, as outlined in Chapter 3,
Medical, of this manual. Medical monitoring measures changes in the composition of body fluids, tissues, or exhaled air, to determine the extent of toxin absorption. An example is the measurement of lead or mercury in blood or urine.
Medical monitoring may also determine the extent of exposure to hazards and the
resulting health effects, by measuring lung capacity, liver function, and hearing
levels.

6.3

Monitoring Results
Industrial hygienists will send IH monitoring results to managers and supervisors,
department heads, and group leaders in a formal memorandum. Personnel will be notified of results, as required by OSHA.

Training
Training is a crucial part of the IH Program. The ES&H Training Team provides occupational hazard safety training for managers, supervisors, and personnel (including the use of appropriate PPE
and the proper response to exposure). Managers and supervisors must ensure that personnel are
fully trained regarding all occupational hazards and must occasionally provide on-the-job training. Consult the Task Hazard Survey to determine personnel training requirements.

5-6

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14 August 1995

Confined Space
Related Chapters
Hazardous Equipment and
Unsafe Operations

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

6-2

2 Responsibilities

6-3

2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

6-3

2.2

Department Heads and Group Leaders

6-3

2.3

Collaborators, Users, and Visitors

6-3

2.4

Supervisors of Confined-Space Work

6-3

2.5

SLAC Employees Who Work in Confined Spaces

6-4

2.6

Subcontractor Personnel

6-4

2.7

University Technical Representatives

6-4

2.8

All Others

6-5

3 Permit-Required Confined Space

6-5

4 Entry Policy

6-6

4.1

Confined Space

6-6

4.2

Permit-Required Confined Space

6-6

5 Atmospheric Testing of Confined Spaces

6-6

6 Hazardous Work in Confined Spaces

6-7

7 Inventory of Permit-Required Confined Spaces

6-7

8 New Permit-Required Confined Spaces

6-7

9 Preventing Entry to PRCSs

6-8

10 Hazards Found in PRCSs

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6-8

10.1 Atmospheric Hazards

6-8

10.2 Physical Hazards

6-9

10.3 Configurational Hazards

6-9

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Overview
This chapter describes SLAC policy relating to confined spaces and permit-required confined
spaces (PRCSs).1 As confined spaces may pose a potentially serious risk to employees who enter or
work in them, confined-space entry2 and work are governed by rules to ensure the safety of SLAC
employees. This chapter has been revised to include new policy regarding SLAC employee work
and entry into PRCSs. For questions about the characterization of a confined space or a PRCS, contact the Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department.
A confined space is an enclosed space that meets all of the following criteria:
Is large enough to allow whole-body entry.
Has poor, awkward, or otherwise limited restricted entry and exit way.
Is unequipped and unsuitable for continuous human occupancy, such as when
one or more of the following conditions exist: lack of adequate ventilation or
light, flooding, unstable or non-horizontal walking or working surfaces, or
lack of evacuation alarms.
Not all enclosed spaces are confined spaces.3 The following is a non-exhaustive list of enclosed
spaces at SLAC that are not confined spaces because they are equipped for continuous human
occupancy. The enclosed spaces listed below may contain confined spaces:
Collider Injector Development (CID)
Damping Ring Vaults
Linac
Positron Vault
Beam Switchyard (BSY)
SLAC Linear Collider (SLC) Arcs
Collider Experiment Hall (CEH) pit
Positron-Electron Project (PEP-II) Ring
End Station A (ESA)
Final Focus Test Beam (FFTB)
Next Linear Collider Test Accelerator (NLCTA)
Stanford Positron-Electron Asymmetric Ring (SPEAR) Ring and Injector/
Booster
SLAC confined space policy is based upon the Occupational, Safety, and Health Administration
(OSHA), Title 29; Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 1910.146, Permit-Required Confined
Spaces; other applicable federal, state, and local regulations; and internal policies related to environment, safety, and health at SLAC. For more information on OSHA regulations, see:

http://www.osha-slc.gov/OshStd_toc/OSHA_Std_toc_1910.html

6-2

Permit-required confined spaces are fully defined in Section 3 of this chapter.

Confined-space entry occurs anytime a person partially or completely enters a confined space.

All manholes at SLAC are considered to be confined spaces.

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Responsibilities
2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department:
Classifies confined spaces as PRCSs, as necessary.
Provides, maintains, and calibrates the atmospheric testing equipment to be
used for confined spaces and PRCSs.
Maintains and updates an inventory of PRCSs and distributes the inventory to
department heads and group leaders annually.
Informs all department heads and group leaders of the locations of newly-classified PRCSs.
Reviews plans for all work in a confined space before work begins.
Reviews proposed entry of SLAC employees to PRCSs.
Provides training for SLAC employees who must enter PRCSs or employees
who test atmospheres in confined spaces.
Completes entry permits for jobs in which SLAC employee entry is allowed.
Signs the PRCS Confined Space Entry Permit.
Maintains a file of completed PRCS Confined Space Entry Permits.
Posts signs warning of PRCS locations at PRCS entry points.

2.2

Department Heads and Group Leaders


Department heads and group leaders:
Ensure that all employees are aware of the entry policy for confined spaces
and PRCSs.
Ensure that employees are aware of the locations and hazards of confined
spaces and PRCSs in their work area.
Actively prevent SLAC employees from accidentally entering PRCSs.
Report new PRCSs and suspected PRCSs to SHA upon creation or discovery.
Report any PRCS location changes or changes in hazards found in PRCSs to
SHA annually so that SHA can amend the inventory accordingly.

2.3

Collaborators, Users, and Visitors


Collaborators, users, and visitors who are designated to enter a PRCS shall:
Obtain written permission from SHA and from the associate director with
responsibility over the area to be entered.
Receive the required PRCSs training from SHA.
Complete a PRCS Entry Permit (available from SHA).
Observe all safety rules related to PRCSs.

2.4

Supervisors of Confined-Space Work


Supervisors who are SLAC employees and who oversee any employees who work in confined spaces:
Obtain written SHA approval before allowing employees to work in a PRCS.

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Ensure that employees have received the required training to work in a PRCS.
Ensure that employees work in confined spaces only when an attendant is
present outside of the confined space and within two-way verbal communication distance at all times.
Ensure that the atmosphere of confined spaces is tested for atmospheric hazards with the atmospheric testing equipment provided by SHA before SLAC
employees are allowed to enter. Testing should be done either by SHA or by
the department performing the work. SHA provides atmospheric hazard training for Departments upon request.
Notify SHA before allowing any SLAC employees to enter a confined space to
perform work that may generate one or more of the hazards listed in Section 3.
Direct all employees working in confined spaces to exit the space if there is any
indication that a hazard exists or is developing.
Ensure that subcontractors entering PRCSs are aware of the responsibilities
outlined in Section 2.5.
Sign the Certificate of PRCS Declassification and maintain a copy for one year
upon completion of hazard abatement in a PRCS.
Report any PRCS location changes or changes in hazards found in PRCSs to
SHA annually so that SHA can amend the inventory accordingly.

2.5

SLAC Employees Who Work in Confined Spaces


SLAC employees who work in confined spaces:

May not, under any circumstances, enter a PRCS without written permission
from SHA.
Must receive the required training.
Observe all safety rules related to confined spaces.

2.6

Subcontractor Personnel
Subcontractor personnel who do not have a SLAC supervisor and who are required to
enter a PRCS at SLAC shall:
Complete a PRCS entry permit.
Be apprised by the University Technical Representative (UTR) of:
The hazards known to exist in the PRCS.
SLAC experience with the PRCS.
SLAC emergency telephone numbers.
Provisions, if any, for protecting SLAC employees near the PRCS.
Comply with all applicable regulations for work performed in PRCSs.

2.7

University Technical Representatives


University Technical Representatives (UTRs) shall ensure that subcontractors:
Are apprised of:
The known and potential hazards existing in the PRCS.
SLAC experience with the PRCS.
SLAC emergency telephone numbers.

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Provisions, if any, for protecting SLAC employees near the PRCS.


Perform atmospheric sampling of the space(s) before entry.
Adhere to the requirements of the PRCS entry permit.

2.8

All Others
All other individuals who enter the SLAC premises shall not enter a PRCS unless qualified
and specifically allowed to do so by contract.

Permit-Required Confined Space


A permit-required confined space (PRCS) is a confined space4 that contains one or more of the following atmospheric, physical, or configurational hazards:
A flammable gas or mist in excess of 10% of the lower explosive limit.
An airborne, nontoxic dust that limits vision to 5 feet or less.
A concentration of oxygen below 19.5% or above 23.5%.
An atmospheric concentration of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, or any hazardous substance greater than the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL), the
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV), or, if no PEL or TLV exists, the permissible concentration
determined by an industrial hygienist in SHA.
A condition that is immediately dangerous to life and health. That is, any condition that:
Poses an immediate threat of loss of life.
May result in irreversible or immediate severe health effects.
May result in eye damage or irritation.
May result in any other condition that could impair escape from the
PRCS.
A material such as sawdust, sand, water, or gravel present in a quantity sufficient to engulf a person.
An internal configuration of walls and floors (such as that which exists in hoppers and bins) that slopes to a narrow opening and could permit the contents
to crush, trap, or asphyxiate a person.
A recognized safety or health hazard that is uncontrolled, serious, or could be
fatal, including:
Corrosive chemicals (such as lye).
Decomposing organic material (such as dead leaves or animals).
Combustion (such as welding, brazing, or soldering).
Internal combustion (such as gasoline-powered generators).
Hydrogen gas.
Fall hazards.
Moving parts.
Note:
4

PRCS entry occurs anytime a person partially or completely enters a PRCS.

See the definition of a confined space in Section 1 of this chapter.

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Entry Policy
4.1

Confined Space
SLAC employees may enter a confined space if all of the following conditions are met:5

The work to be performed in the confined space will not produce any of the
hazards listed in Section 3.
Atmospheric testing of the confined space is performed, as a precautionary
measure, prior to entry and indicates that the confined space does not contain
the atmospheric hazards listed in Section 3.
They work in confined spaces only when an attendant is present outside of the
confined space and within two-way verbal communication distance at all
times.

4.2

Permit-Required Confined Space


SHA recommends that entry or work in a PRCS be performed by qualified subcontractors.
However, if SLAC employees will be entering or working in a PRCS, they must always
obtain written approval from SHA. Entry into a PRCS can pose a serious threat to safety
and health. Qualified subcontractors who perform work in PRCSs shall generate a com-

pleted entry permit and shall be apprised of the particular hazards known to exist in the
PRCS by the department or group requesting the work.

Atmospheric Testing of Confined Spaces


As a precautionary measure, supervisors of confined-space work must test the atmosphere of a
confined space for oxygen deficiency, flammability, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and any
other suspected or known atmospheric hazard, prior to entry by SLAC employees. SLAC employees may enter the confined space only if:
The atmospheric hazards listed in Section 3 are not detected
The work to be performed in the confined space will not produce any of the
hazards listed in Section 3
They work in confined spaces only when an attendant is present outside of the
confined space and within two-way verbal communication distance at all
times.
Supervisors shall contact SHA if one or more atmospheric hazards are detected. In some cases,
SHA will classify the confined space as a PRCS until its atmospheric hazards are abated.
SHA provides, maintains, and calibrates the atmospheric testing equipment to be used for con-

fined spaces and provides training on the use of this equipment to supervisors of work in confined
spaces. Supervisors of work in confined spaces must either call SHA to provide atmospheric testing or ensure that the atmospheric testing equipment is used to test the atmosphere of the confined space for hazards prior to entry by SLAC employees.

6-6

Note that certain types of work such as welding, brazing, solvent use, energized electrical work, or use of internal combustion engines in a confined space changes the space to a PRCS (see Section 6).

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6: Confined Space

Hazardous Work in Confined Spaces


Hazardous work in confined spaces is work that may generate one or more of the hazards listed in
Section 3. SHA must review plans for all hazardous work in a confined space before the work is
begun. Supervisors of hazardous work in a confined space must contact SHA to request a review.
If SHA determines that the hazardous work to be performed in the confined space will generate
one or more of the hazards listed in Section 3, SHA will classify the confined space as a PRCS for
the duration of the hazardous work. Only subcontractors and authorized SLAC employees shall be
allowed to perform the hazardous work.
Examples of hazardous work in a confined space include the following:
Painting
Cleaning with acids or solvents
Welding
Brazing
Torch cutting
Sanding with power tools
Sandblasting
Utility-line breaking
Boiling cryogenic gases
Operating valves capable of releasing material, such as water, in a quantity
sufficient to engulf a person
Work that involves reduction-oxidation reactions

Inventory of Permit-Required Confined Spaces


SHA maintains an inventory of PRCSs at SLAC, which includes brief descriptions of the hazards in
PRCSs. SHA logs changes to the inventory of PRCSs on an ongoing basis and annually solicits

changes to the inventory from department heads and group leaders. After annual changes to the
inventory are logged, it is re-distributed to department heads and group leaders.

New Permit-Required Confined Spaces


Upon creation or discovery of a new or suspected PRCS, the cognizant department head or group
leader must notify SHA. SHA will evaluate the PRCS and distribute a written statement to all
department heads and group leaders apprising them of the new PRCS. Department heads and
group leaders must ensure that employees are aware of the location and hazards of the new PRCS.
New PRCSs will be included in the next distribution of the inventory of PRCSs.6

A list of current PRCSs can also be found at:


http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/reference/prcslst.pdf

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Preventing Entry to PRCSs


Department heads and group leaders must prevent unauthorized SLAC employees from entering
PRCSs by:
Placing the entrance in a location that is difficult to reach without the use of a
ladder, scissor lift, hoist, or other inconvenient means.
Placing a warning sign at the entrance.
Locking or bolting the entrance.
Welding the entrance shut.
Making access to the entrance difficult without the use of tools, heavy equipment, or multiple employees.
If you have questions about the acceptability of entry-prevention measures, contact SHA.

10

Hazards Found in PRCSs


Atmospheric, physical, and configurational hazards are the main types of hazards found in PRCSs.

10.1

Atmospheric Hazards
Atmospheric hazards7 are the most common hazards in PRCSs. Some PRCSs may contain
more than one atmospheric hazard even if only one atmospheric contaminant is present.
For instance, gasoline vapor is both flammable and toxic.
Atmospheric hazards in PRCSs are abated by purging the atmosphere of the PRCS and/or
disconnecting pipe connections to prevent atmospheric contaminants from leaking into
the PRCS.
The three main types of atmospheric hazards are:
Oxygen deficiency.
Flammability.
Toxicity.
10.1.1 Oxygen Deficiency
An atmosphere is oxygen-deficient if it contains an oxygen concentration less
than 19.5%. Note that normal air contains an oxygen concentration of approximately 21%. An oxygen-deficient atmosphere displays no characteristic odor or
appearance that would warn employees of the hazard. The effects of oxygen deficiency are debilitating and often permanent, and can occur in short periods of
time. Examples of these effects include dizziness, brain damage, and even death.
In confined spaces, oxygen deficiency typically arises from the displacement of air
by inert gases or the consumption of oxygen by decomposition or combustion.
Oxygen-deficient atmospheres often exist in dewars, sumps, and spaces with
uncontained or residual cryogens.
10.1.2 Flammability
Flammable gases may accumulate in PRCSs and, in the presence of an ignition
source, they may burn or explode. When a natural gas line breaks or when bac-

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For more information on atmospheric hazards, see Cryogenic Safety in this manual.

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teria produce methane, the flammable gas can readily collect in a PRCS and create
a substantial hazard. Liquefied petroleum gas is heavier than air and can form
flammable pockets of atmosphere in depressions and other low areas. Organic
solvents like toluene, acetone, naphtha, and ethanol can also produce flammable
vapors. Flammable gases often exist in fuel tanks.
10.1.3 Toxicity
Serious illness or death may result from breathing air that contains even small
concentrations of toxins like hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. Serious illness
may also result if toxins are absorbed through skin. Carbon monoxide presents a
very serious threat since it has no warning odor and can be found in any PRCS
where combustion has taken place. Relatively safe operations such as welding
and painting can become hazardous when performed in a cramped or poorly ventilated area.
If you have questions about abating atmospheric hazards in a PRCS, contact SHA.

10.2

Physical Hazards
Some PRCSs contain machinery that poses mechanical and electrical hazards. Some PRCSs
also contain radiological hazards. The probability of injury from mechanical, electrical,
and radiation hazards increases in cramped areas where vision, movement, and the ability
to escape possible hazards are impaired.
Mechanical, electrical, and radiation hazards in a PRCS are sometimes abated by locking
and/or tagging electrical circuits, machinery, or equipment. When abating electrical hazards, see the SLAC Lock and Tag Program for the Control of Hazardous Energy (SLAC-I-7300A10Z-001).

10.3

Configurational Hazards
Some PRCSs, such as hoppers and bins, contain walls and floors that slope to a narrow
opening and can crush, trap, or asphyxiate a person. Configurational hazards in PRCSs are
sometimes abated by altering the PRCS configuration to eliminate inwardly-converging
walls or tapering floor outlets.

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Evacuation, Exit Paths, and


Emergency Lighting
Related Chapters
Fire Safety

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

7-1

2 Responsibilities

7-2

2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

7-2

2.2

Facilities Office

7-2

2.3

Managers and Supervisors

7-2

2.4

Building Managers

7-2

2.5

Personnel

7-3

3 Evacuation

7-3

4 Exit Paths

7-4

4.1

Exit Signs

7-4

4.2

Exit Doors

7-4

4.3

Corridors, Stairways, and Aisles

7-5

4.4

Storage

7-5

4.5

Modifications

7-5

5 Emergency Lighting

7-6

6 Inspections

7-6

Overview
All buildings at SLAC that are designed for human occupancy must have continuously unobstructed exit paths and appropriate emergency lighting to permit prompt evacuation and allow
immediate access for responding emergency personnel.

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Responsibilities
2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department in the ES&H Division:
Reviews plans for modification of any part of an exit path (including exit
doors) to ensure that the plans comply with all applicable fire safety
regulations.

2.2

Facilities Office
The Facilities Office in the Business Services Division (BSD):
Repairs components of exit paths, such as handrails, exit doors, stair treads,
and illuminated exit signs.
Ensures that emergency lighting systems are installed where required and are
operational.
On a monthly basis, tests and maintains all nongenerator-powered emergency
lights except in areas of limited accessibility, where the tests will be scheduled
to coincide with periods when entrance to the area is allowed.

2.3

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors will:
Know evacuation procedures for the area under their supervision.
Inform new personnel of evacuation procedures.
Assign one person and one alternate for each mobility-, sight-, or hearingimpaired person who may need assistance during an evacuation.
Ensure that exit paths are kept clear and unobstructed at all times.
Notify the building manager of plans for modification of any part of an exit
path (including exit doors).

2.4

Building Managers
Building managers will:
Develop evacuation procedures as specified in the Building Manager Manual
(SLAC-I-720-0A03Z-001).
Develop and post evacuation diagrams.
Conduct annual evacuation drills for their buildings.
Ensure that inspections of exit paths (including exit doors) are performed
twice a year according to the criteria in the Building Manager Manual.
Request Facilities Office services as necessary to repair components of exit
paths.
Review plans for modification of any part of an exit path and obtain a fire
safety review of the plans.

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Personnel
Personnel will:
In an evacuation, exit the building quickly and in an orderly manner, taking
the safest and most direct route.
Participate in annual evacuation drills.
Review their Facility Emergency Plan annually.
Know the two safest and most direct evacuation routes for their work area.
Know the designated evacuation assembly point for their building.
Keep work areas reasonably clear of equipment, furniture, storage containers,
and other objects that could interfere with orderly evacuation.
Keep exit paths clear and unobstructed at all times.
Do not use exit paths for open storage at any time.
Do not store flammable or combustible liquids and gases in exit paths at any
time.

Evacuation
Evacuation of a building may be required in the event of a fire or smoke odor, a chemical spill, an
explosion, or a gas leak.
Evacuate the building in the event of:
Evacuation alarm activation.
Bomb threat.
Large earthquake. Do not evacuate until the shaking has stopped.
Oxygen-deficiency alarm activation.
Hydrogen-detection alarm activation.
Verbal command from managers, supervisors, or emergency response
personnel.
In addition, evacuate beam enclosures in the event of a beam-activation warning.
In an evacuation:
1. Walk directly to the nearest exit. Do not use elevators.
2. Once outside, proceed to the designated evacuation assembly point for the
building and report to your supervisor or the engineering operator in charge
(EOIC) or assembly point leader.
3. Do not re-enter the building until instructed to do so by your supervisor, the
assembly point leader, or the EOIC.
Note:

Your supervisor, the assembly point leader or the EOIC will only allow re-entry to a building after
the Fire Department has authorized such re-entry. The chain of command on authorization to reenter an evacuated building flows from the Fire Department to the EOIC, assembly point leaders,
and managers and supervisors, who in turn instruct personnel accordingly.

All personnel must know the two safest and most direct evacuation routes for their work area.
Evacuation diagrams are posted throughout all occupied buildings at SLAC. All personnel must
also know the designated evacuation assembly point for their building. If you do not know the
designated evacuation assembly point for your building, ask your supervisor.

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Managers and supervisors must inform new personnel of evacuation procedures. Managers and
supervisors must assign one person and one alternate for each mobility-, sight-, and hearingimpaired person who may need assistance during an evacuation.
If it is safe to do so, managers and supervisors should ensure that potentially hazardous equipment (such as welding equipment, high-voltage equipment, and gas lines) is shut off in the event
of an evacuation.
Building managers are responsible for developing evacuation procedures for their buildings as
specified in the Building Manager Manual. Building managers are also responsible for posting evacuation routes in their buildings and revising them as necessary. Evacuation drills are conducted
annually by building managers.

Exit Paths
An exit path is a continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point in a building or
structure to a point outside of the building or structure. An exit path consists of:
Corridors, stairways, and/or aisles leading to an exit door.
An exit door.
The path or way outside of the exit door that leads away from the building.
All buildings at SLAC that are designed for human occupancy must have continuously unobstructed exit paths to permit prompt evacuation and allow immediate access for responding emergency personnel.
It is the responsibility of managers and supervisors to ensure that adequate exit paths are maintained. Building managers ensure that inspections of exit paths (including exit doors) are performed twice a year according to the criteria in the Building Manager Manual.
Building managers should contact the Facilities Office to have components of an exit path (such as
handrails, exit doors, and stair treads) repaired.

4.1

Exit Signs
All exits must be clearly visible and conspicuously marked with an illuminated EXIT sign.
EXIT signs with an arrow must be placed such that building occupants can determine the
direction of the nearest exit from any point. If a door is likely to be mistaken for an exit, a
NOT AN EXIT sign must be posted on it. Building managers are responsible for ensuring
that EXIT and NOT AN EXIT signs are posted where appropriate in their buildings.
Contact the Facilities Office when EXIT-sign lights burn out or need service.

4.2

Exit Doors
Exit doors must be side-hinged. They must also swing in the direction of exit when serving an area with an occupant load of 50 or more. Buildings must have at least two separate
exit doors that are remote from each other, unless a building or room is so small and so
arranged that a second exit door does not improve safety. Never install locks on exit doors
that prevent free escape from the inside of the building.
The building manager must review plans for modifying exit doors (for example, plans to
install glass panels, locks, or hold-open devices). The building manager must obtain a fire
safety review of the plans from a fire protection engineer. This fire safety review may be
obtained from the SHA Department.

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Corridors, Stairways, and Aisles


Corridors and stairways in office areas must be at least 44 inches wide. Some existing
office areas may have corridors and stairways that are less than 44 inches wide. If and
when such corridors and stairways in existing office buildings are renovated, they must
be widened to 44 inches.
Corridors and stairways in new industrial areas must be at least 36 inches wide. Corridors
and stairways in existing industrial buildings or areas must be at least 28 inches wide.
Open office areas must be arranged to provide clear and continuous paths that lead to two
exits. In shared office areas with established aisles between desks or cubicles, minimum
aisle width is 28 inches, or 32 inches if wheelchair access is required. (For information on
wheelchair access requirements, contact the fire protection engineer in the SHA Department.)

4.4

Storage
Keep work areas reasonably clear of equipment, furniture, storage containers, and other
objects that could interfere with orderly evacuation. Contact the salvage section of the
Property Control Department for pickup of unneeded items.
Observe these storage rules for exit paths:
Do not use exit paths for open storage at any time.
Keep exit paths unobstructed at all times.
Anchor equipment, furniture, shelf units, and cabinets that could tip and block
any part of an exit path.
Do not store flammable and combustible liquids and gases in exit paths.
Cabinets or lockers in corridors or aisles must conform to all of the following
specifications:
They must be:
Installed along one side of the corridor or aisle only.
Situated at least six feet away from the corridor or aisles exit door.
Metal.
Kept locked, with an extra key maintained by a designated individual.
Labeled with their contents and the name and extension of the person,
department, or group using them.
They must not:
Interfere with the minimum width requirements for exit paths.
Be more than 20 inches deep, 37 inches wide, and 78 inches high.
Be used to store flammable or combustible liquids and gases.

4.5

Modifications
No part of an exit path may be altered without first notifying the building manager. Building managers review plans for modifications that affect any part of an exit path (such as
an exit door, corridor, aisle, or stairway) and obtain a fire safety review of the plans from a
fire protection engineer to ensure that the plans comply with all applicable fire safety regulations. Building managers may obtain this review from the SHA Department.

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Existing buildings may be occupied during repairs and modifications only if their exit
paths are continuously maintained or other measures are taken to provide equivalent
safety.

Emergency Lighting
Almost all occupied buildings at SLAC are equipped with emergency lights that automatically illuminate during power outages.
Emergency lighting is required in:
Exit paths inside office buildings and areas that are two or more stories high.
Exit paths inside industrial buildings or areas (such as a laboratory, accelerator, or shop).
Elevators. (You should not, however, use an elevator to exit a building during
an emergency.)
Emergency lighting systems must provide one or more foot-candles throughout an exit path for at
least 1.5 hours after a power outage occurs. Areas without natural lighting and areas where hazardous operations are conducted must have adequate emergency lighting to permit personnel to
exit during power outages.
Emergency lighting may also be installed in areas that may otherwise be hazardous to exit during
a power failure.
Emergency lighting systems may be either battery- or generator-powered. A maximum delay of
10 seconds is permitted for emergency lighting provided by an electric generator.
The Facilities Office is responsible for ensuring that emergency lighting systems are installed
where required and are operational. Nongenerator-powered emergency lights are tested monthly
(except in areas of limited accessibility which are tested during periods when entrance to the area
is allowed) and maintained by the Facilities Office. Contact the Facilities Office for emergency
lighting repair.

Inspections
In addition to biannual inspections of exit paths by building managers, the Palo Alto Fire Department conducts annual fire safety inspections that include inspections of exit paths, emergency
lighting, exit doors and signs, and evacuation plans.

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2 July 1997

Electrical Safety Chapter 8


Bulletin Updates
Note:

The following Bulletins have information that has not yet been incorporated into
this Chapter, or has changed since the publication of the Chapter. Information in
the Bulletins supercedes information in this Chapter.

Date
Issued

61

02/11/03

Title
Managing the Hazards of Existing Electrical Systems

Electrical Safety
Related Chapters
Citizen Committees
Personal Protective Equipment
SLAC ES&H Program
Training
Warning Signs and Devices

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Policy

8-3

2 Responsibilities

8-3

2.1

Electrical Safety Committee

8-3

2.2

Environment, Safety, and Health Division

8-3

2.3

Managers and Supervisors

8-3

2.4

Personnel

8-4

2.5

Safety Watch Person

8-4

3 Hazards

8-5

3.1

Electrical Shock

8-5

3.2

Burns

8-5

3.3

Delayed Effects

8-6

3.4

Other Hazards

8-7

4 Qualified and Authorized Personnel

8-7

4.1

General Requirements for a Qualified Person

8-7

4.2

Qualifications for Working on Energized Components

8-7

5 Training

8-8

5.1

Core Courses

8-8

5.2

Resource Courses

8-9

6 Standards

8-9

7 General Requirements for Equipment Safety

8-9

15 August 2002

7.1

Equipment Acceptability

8-10

7.2

Equipment Safety Practices

8-10

7.3

Design and Installation

8-11

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8: Electrical Safety

SLAC ES&H Manual

Chapter Outline

Page

7.4

Documentation

8-12

7.5

Enclosures

8-12

7.6

Clearance Around Electrical Equipment

8-12

8 Safety Requirements for Commonly Used Electrical Equipment


8.1

Flexible Cords

8-13

8.2

Extension Cords

8-14

8.3

Power Strips

8-16

8.4

Test Benches

8-17

9 Safety Requirements for On-site Electrical Equipment

8-17

9.1

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

8-17

9.2

Electrical Cables

8-19

9.3

Power Supplies

8-20

9.4

Capacitors

8-21

9.5

Inductors and Magnets

8-22

9.6

Control And Instrumentation

8-26

9.7

Anti-Restart Device

8-26

10 Safe Work Practices

8-2

8-13

8-27

10.1 General Safety Rules

8-27

10.2 Emergency Preparedness

8-27

10.3 Safe Energized Work

8-28

10.4 Working in Wet Areas and Near Standing Water

8-33

10.5 Lock and Tag Procedures

8-34

10.6 Resetting Circuit Breakers

8-34

10.7 Access to Substations

8-34

10.8 Safety Watch Person

8-34

10.9 Hi-pot Testing

8-34

10.10Accelerator and Detector Areas

8-35

10.11Two Person Rule

8-35

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8: Electrical Safety

Policy
It is SLAC policy to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, the
National Electrical Code (NEC), and other established safety standards to reduce or eliminate the dangers
associated with the use of electrical energy. Every person on the SLAC site is exposed to electricity to some
extent. The SLAC electrical safety program provides the SLAC community with the minimum knowledge of
safety and recommended practices necessary to protect against electrical shock or burns. The electrical
safety program also provides hazard awareness information to those who use electrical equipment.
Reading this chapter does not qualify the reader to perform electrical work. Guidelines that are beyond the
scope of this document must be established at each work area. They should include, as a minimum, the
safety concerns outlined in this chapter.
All electrical wiring and equipment must comply with NEC, OSHA regulations, and numerous other
established safety and engineering standards. This chapter should not be construed as a synopsis of all
electrical requirements, nor as a substitute for formal study, training, and experience in electrical design,
construction, and maintenance.

Responsibilities
All individuals at the site are responsible for their own safety. Specific responsibilities are detailed below.

2.1

Electrical Safety Committee


The Electrical Safety Committee (ESC)1 provides advice on electrical safety matters and promotes
electrical safety at the site. In addition, the ESC is responsible for reviewing new major projects as
directed by the Safety Overview Committee. For more information about specific review
responsibilities, see Section 7.1, "Equipment Acceptability", Section 7.5, "Enclosures," and Section
7.6, "Clearance Around Electrical Equipment." Refer to Chapter 31, Citizen Committees, of this
manual for more information about the ESC and the Safety Overview Committee.

2.2

Environment, Safety, and Health Division


The Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Division provides technical assistance, coordination
and oversight of the electrical safety program. See Section 5, "Training," in this chapter for more
information about the ES&H Division and electrical training issues. Refer to Chapter 1, The SLAC
ES&H Program, in this manual for more information about the ES&H Division.

2.3

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors are responsible for maintaining a work environment free from
recognized electrical hazards throughout their area of control. Managers and supervisors must:
Be aware of all potentially hazardous electrical activities within their area of responsibility.
Develop an attitude and awareness of electrical safety in the people they supervise and see
that individual safety responsibilities are carried out.
Ensure that the personnel they direct are knowledgeable and trained in the electrical tasks they
are asked to perform.2

Information about the ESC may be found on the World Wide Web at: http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/committees/committee.html

The ES&H Division can assist managers and supervisors to determine the appropriate training for individuals they supervise. See
Section 5, "Training," in this chapter for more information.

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Maintain an electrically safe work environment and take corrective action for potentially
hazardous operations or conditions.
Ensure that safe conditions prevail in the area, and that area occupants are properly informed
of electrical safety regulations and procedures.
Ensure that all workers are properly protected by means such as instructions, signs, barriers,
electrical personal protective equipment (PPE), and appropriate lock and tag devices.
Ensure that workers assigned to potentially hazardous electrical work are physically and
mentally able to perform the work.
Assign a safety watch person when hazardous work is performed.
Determine if two people are required for an energized work task by OSHA regulations.
Provide necessary outage time frames so that maintenance personnel can provide periodic
electrical maintenance and testing of personnel safety devices, such as electrical interlocks
and grounding.
Plan activities such that work may be performed in a de-energized state whenever possible.

2.4

Personnel
Personnel must:
Become acquainted with all potential electrical hazards in the area in which they work.
Learn and follow the appropriate electrical standards, procedures, and hazard-control
methods.
Consult with appropriate supervisors (your own supervisor and the supervisor of the
hazardous system) before undertaking a potentially hazardous electrical operation.
Notify a supervisor of any condition, person, or behavior which poses a potential electrical
hazard.3
Wear and use appropriate electrical personal protective equipment (PPE). Refer to Table 8-2
on page 8-30, Table 8-3 on page 8-32, Table 8-4 on page 8-33, and Table 8-5 on page 8-33 for
information regarding PPE.
Report immediately any electrical shock incident to the SLAC Medical Department and to the
appropriate supervisor.
Complete appropriate electrical safety and lock and tag training.
Complete training in emergency response procedures, including cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR), if performing work on exposed electrical circuitry of more than 50 volts
(AC or DC).
Note:

2.5

See Section 4, "Qualified and Authorized Personnel," for additional information about
qualifications for personnel who work on electrical equipment or systems.

Safety Watch Person


When deemed appropriate by the supervisor, a safety watch person (SWP) shall be assigned when
hazardous work is performed. The SWP must:
Be in visual and audible range of the person performing the work while the work is in
progress.
Be familiar with the work to be performed and the safety procedures involved.
Observe the worker(s) and operations being performed to prevent careless acts.

8-4

See Chapter 2, Stop Work Authority and Stopping Unsafe Activities, in this manual for more information about unsafe activities.

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8: Electrical Safety

In an emergency, quickly de-energize the equipment and alert emergency rescue personnel.
Know the location of the corresponding circuit breaker or switch that must be turned off in
case of emergency.
Be equipped with a radio or know the location of the nearest telephone to obtain emergency
help.
Complete training in emergency response procedures, including cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR).
Have no other duties that preclude observing workers and operations, and rendering aid if
necessary.

Hazards
Electricity is one of the most commonly encountered hazards in any facility. Under normal conditions,
safety features in electrical equipment provide protection from hazards. Nonetheless, accidental contact with
electricity can cause serious injury or death.

3.1

Electrical Shock
Most electrical systems establish a voltage reference point by connecting a portion of the system to
an earth ground. Because these systems use conductors that have voltages with respect to ground, a
shock hazard exists for workers who are in contact with the earth and are exposed to the
conductors. If workers come in contact with a live (ungrounded) conductor while they are in
contact with the ground, they become part of the circuit and current passes through their bodies.
The effects of electric current on the human body depend on the following:
Circuit characteristics (current, resistance, frequency, and voltage60 Hz (hertz) is the most
dangerous frequency)
Contact and internal resistance of the body
The currents pathway through the body, determined by contact location and internal body
chemistry
Duration of contact
Environmental conditions affecting the bodys contact resistance
The most damaging route of electricity is through the chest cavity or brain. Fatal ventricular
fibrillation of the heart (stopping of rhythmic pumping action) can be initiated by a current flow of
as little as several milliamperes (mA). Nearly instantaneous fatalities can result from either direct
paralysis of the respiratory system, failure of the rhythmic pumping action of the heart, or
immediate heart stoppage. Severe injuries, such as deep internal burns, can occur even if the current
does not pass through vital organs or nerve centers.
Table 8-1 on page 8-6 is based on limited experiments performed on human subjects in 1961.
These figures are not completely reliable due to the unavailability of additional data and the
inherent physiological differences between people. Electricity should be considered potentially
lethal at lower levels than those cited.

3.2

Burns
Burns suffered in electrical accidents are of three basic types:
1. Electrical
2. Arc

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8: Electrical Safety

SLAC ES&H Manual

3. Thermal contact
In electrical burns, tissue damage (whether skin deep or deeper) occurs because the body is unable
to dissipate the heat from the current flow. Typically, electrical burns are slow to heal.
Arc burns are caused by electric arcs and are similar to heat burns from high-temperature sources.
Temperatures generated by electric arcs can melt nearby material, vaporize metal in close vicinity,
and burn flesh and ignite clothing at distances up to three meters (or 10 feet).
Thermal contact burns are those normally experienced from skin contact with the hot surfaces of
overheated electric conductors (anything carrying electricity).
Table 8-1.Quantitative Effects of Electric Current on Humansa
Effects

Current, mA

Direct Current

Alternating Current
60 Hz

10 kHz

Men

Women

Men

Women

Men

Women

0.6

0.4

0.3

6.2

3.5

1.1

0.7

12

Shocknot painful and no loss


of muscular control

1.8

1.2

17

11

Painful shockmuscular control


lost by 0.5%

62

41

55

37

Painful shocklet-go threshold,


media

76

51

16

10.5

75

50

Painful and severe shock


breathing difficult, muscular
control lost by 99.5%

90

60

23

15

94

63

500

500

100

100

Ab

Ab

13.6c

13.6c

Slight sensation of hand


Perception threshold

Possible ventricular fibrillation

Three-second shocks
Short shocks (where T is time in seconds)
High-voltage surges

50c

50c

a. Deleterious Effects of Electric Shock, Charles F. Dalziel, p. 24. Presented at a meeting of experts on electrical accidents and related
matters, sponsored by the International Labour Office, World Health Office and International Electrotechnical Commission,
Geneva, Switzerland, October 23-31, 1961. See the study for definitions and details.
165
A = ---------

b.
T
c. Energy in joules (watt-seconds)

3.3

Delayed Effects
Damage to internal tissues may not be apparent immediately after contact with an electrical current.
Delayed internal tissue swelling and irritation are possible. Prompt medical attention can help
minimize these effects and avoid long-term injury or death.

8-6

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3.4

8: Electrical Safety

Other Hazards
Voltage sources that do not have dangerous current capabilities may not pose serious shock or burn
hazards in themselves and therefore are often treated in a casual manner. However, voltage sources
are frequently used near lethal circuits, and even a minor shock could cause a worker to rebound
into a lethal circuit. Such an involuntary reaction may also result in bruises, bone fractures, and
even death from collisions or falls.
Electricity poses other hazards. An arc is often created when a short circuit occurs or current flow is
interrupted. If the current involved is strong enough, these arcs can cause injury or start a fire. Fires
can also be started by overheated equipment or by conductors that carry too much current.
Extremely high-energy arcs can cause an explosion that sends fragmented metal flying in all
directions. Even low-energy arcs can cause violent explosions in explosive or combustible
atmospheres.

Qualified and Authorized Personnel


This section applies to individuals who work on electrical equipment.

4.1

General Requirements for a Qualified Person


A qualified person is an individual recognized by SLAC management as having sufficient
understanding of the equipment, device, system, or facility to positively control any hazards it
presents. Recognition of a persons qualification for operating complex devices, systems,
equipment, and facilities must be determined by the appropriate department head or designee.
Only those persons who are qualified and authorized may install, fabricate, repair, test, calibrate, or
modify electrical wiring, devices, systems, or equipment.
Qualification and authorization to perform electrical or electronics work is based on a combination
of formal training, experience, and on-the-job training.

4.2

Qualifications for Working on Energized Components


If work on energized components is anticipated, the training of the person who will be doing the
work shall cover:
Specific operations in which live work is anticipated.
Features of the equipment including any specialized configuration.
Location of energy-isolating devices.
Techniques, tools, and PPE used for the specific equipment.
Relevant documents such as wiring diagrams, schematics, service manuals, design packages,
and operating, testing, and calibrating procedures.
Systems energy control procedures, including energy-isolating devices, grounding and
shorting procedures, and other energy control procedures.
Recordkeeping and logging requirements.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees or others under their supervision are
qualified to work on energized components before they are assigned to such work.

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Training
To determine that personnel are knowledgeable and trained in the electrical tasks they are asked to perform,
managers and supervisors must complete Employee Training Assessments (ETAs) for their workers under
the following conditions:
Upon initial hire of new employees
Annually with performance appraisals
Upon significant change in job duties
The ES&H Division provides an ETA to assist managers and supervisors to assist in determining training
requirements for their workers. Electrical safety classes are offered by the ES&H Division and are divided
into two categories, Core and Resource classes. Information about the ETA and electrical safety courses are
available on the World Wide Web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/training/training.html

5.1

Core Courses
Core courses are courses formally required by regulations or SLAC policies.
CPR/First Aid
This course is required for all personnel who work on exposed electrical circuitry of more
than 50 volts (AC or DC). Personnel who work with communication circuits and DC circuits
with a fault current limited to 5 mA (if the energy is less than 10 joules) or less are exempt
from this requirement. Employees who perform safety watch duties must also take this class.
Electrical Safety for Non-Electrical Workers
This course is required for all employees who are not qualified electrical workers but face a
risk of electric shock that is not reduced to a safe level by the electrical installation requirements. For example, if an employee works near exposed energized electrical conductors in
equipment or distribution systems such as open junction boxes, then he or she faces a risk of
electric shock and needs this training. Typical attendees include mechanics, painters, riggers,
carpenters, operators, and their direct supervisors.
Electrical Safety for R&D Equipment
This course or equivalent training is required for all personnel who design, operate, maintain,
or install Research and Development (R&D) equipment that operates at or more than 50 volts
(AC or DC). Such personnel include physicists, engineering physicists, engineering scientists,
research technicians, equipment designers and assemblers, test engineers, and technicians
from the Electronics & Software Engineering and Mechanical Fabrication Departments.
Managers and supervisors who directly supervise personnel who do this work are also
required to take this course, or its equivalent.
Electrical Safety, Low and High Voltage
This course is required for all personnel who construct, install, or maintain electrical equipment (other than R&D equipment). This includes electricians and technicians who install,
maintain, or repair energized or de-energized systems and equipment that operate at more
than 50 volts, including motors, transformers, breakers, switches, distribution panels, and
wiring.
Managers and supervisors who directly supervise personnel who do this work are also
required to take this course.

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8: Electrical Safety

Lock and Tag Awareness for Affected Employees


This course is required for all employees who work on or near equipment that may be locked
or tagged out during service or maintenance, but who do not apply lock and tag themselves, or
who apply lock and tag only after an authorized person has applied lock and tag.
Lock and Tag for the Control of Hazardous Energy
This course is required for all employees who will perform maintenance on equipment that
poses a hazard if accidentally energized.

5.2

Resource Courses
Resource courses are courses that do not have regulatory or policy drivers, but are of significant
value to SLAC employees. Completion of these supplemental courses is not required and is left to
the discretion of the supervisor or the employee. The ES&H Division offers some Resource courses
at SLAC or provides recommendations for off-site courses.
Grounding, Electrical
This training is recommended for electrical engineers and designers who are involved in the
design, specification, inspection, or engineering of electrical equipment or distribution systems that carry 50 volts (AC or DC) or more. This type of training is available from several
off-site sources.
National Electrical Code Training
This training is recommended for electrical engineers, designers, electricians, and others who
are involved in the design or installation of electrical systems and equipment. This type of
training is available from several off-site sources.

Standards
Equipment shall be designed, operated and maintained according to the following safety standards:
Occupational, Safety, and Health Administration (OSHA) Title 29; Code of Federal Regulations, Part
1910 (29 CFR 1910), Occupational Safety and Health Standards
OSHA Title 29; Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1926 (29 CFR 1926), Safety and Health
Regulations for Construction
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, National Electrical Code, Current Version
NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces
NFPA 101, Life Safety Code
NESC IEEEC2, National Electrical Safety Code, Current Version
The DOE Handbook, Electrical Safety (DOE-HDBK-1092-98), can be used as a reference and guideline.

General Requirements for Equipment Safety


All equipment should be designed and constructed to protect personnel. First-line and backup safeguards
should be provided to prevent personnel from accessing energized circuits. Periodic tests should be
established to verify that these protective systems are operative.

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8: Electrical Safety

7.1

SLAC ES&H Manual

Equipment Acceptability
Electrical equipment is considered safe only when it is used as specifically intended by its listing
and design. Equipment must not be altered beyond the original design intent and must not be used
for any purpose other than that for which it was constructed.
Re-commissioning electrical equipment
Any equipment that is being re-commissioned must be examined or tested, as appropriate, to
verify the status of all safety features and the integrity of construction.
Listing or labeling electrical equipment
Electrical equipment must be listed or labeled by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
(NRTL). An NRTL is recognized by OSHA as being capable of independently assessing equipment for compliance to safety requirements and applicable standards. As of this printing,
OSHA has accredited the following organizations:
- Canadian Standards Association (CSA)4
- Communication Certification Laboratories (CCL)
- ETL Testing Laboratories, Inc. (ETL)
- Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FMRC)
- MET Laboratories, Inc. (MET)
- Southwest Research Institute (SWRI)
- Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL)
- United States Testing Company, Inc. California Division (UST/CA)
- Wyle Laboratories
Custom-made equipment
Equipment for which no NRTL acceptance exists, such as custom-made equipment, the following alternate methods of ensuring the safety of the product are acceptable:
- The product must be designed and constructed according to applicable American
National Standards Institute (ANSI), National Electrical Manufacturers Association
(NEMA), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or UL standards.
- The division or group responsible for the equipment must maintain all documentation
pertaining to the design safety features of the equipment, including any test data. This
documentation must be available to any SLAC safety inspector (such as a Division or
Department safety officer or the ES&H Division).
- The SLAC Electrical Safety Officer may require that equipment that is not NRTL-listed
undergo inspection or testing for conformance to standards. Such testing should be documented and submitted to the Electrical Safety Committee for approval. The inspection
record must specify, at a minimum:
Equipment identification.
Evaluator name, date, mail stop, and extension.
Standard to which equipment is being evaluated.
Specific tests, results, and areas of examination.
Any conditions of product acceptability or limitations of use.

7.2

Equipment Safety Practices


All workers must observe the following safety practices regarding equipment and conditions:

8-10

CSA acceptance is limited to a range of specific products which conform to US standards.

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7.3

8: Electrical Safety

Cable Clamping

Use a suitable mechanical-strain-relief device such as a cord grip,


cable clamp, or plug for any wire or cable penetrating an enclosure
where external movement or force can exert stress on the internal
connection. Grommets or similar devices must not be used as strain
relief.

Emergency Lighting

Make emergency lighting available in the event normal lighting fails


when work is being conducted on energized components. Emergency lighting is not necessary for working on low hazard circuits (less
than 50 volts or circuits with current limited to 5 mA).

Flammable and Toxic


Material Control

Keep the use of flammable or toxic material to a minimum. A catch


basin or other approved method must be provided to prevent the
spread of these materials if the normal component case fails.

Isolation and
Grounding

Isolate all sources of dangerous voltage and current with covers and
enclosures. Access to lethal circuits (greater than 50 volts) must be
either through screw-on panels or through items such as interlocked
doors, panels, or covers. The frame or chassis of the conductive
enclosure must be connected to a good electrical ground with a
conductor capable of handling any potential fault current.

Lighting

Provide adequate lighting for easy visual inspection.

Disconnecting and
Overload Protection

Provide overload protection and well-marked disconnects. Provide


local off controls whenever possible. All disconnects and breakers
shall be legibly marked to indicate purpose unless located and
arranged so the purpose is evident. The marking shall be of sufficient
durability to withstand the environment involved.

Rating

Operate all items such as conductors, switches, or resistors within


their design capabilities. Pulsed equipment must not exceed either
the average, the root mean square (rms), or the peak rating of components. The equipment must be derated as necessary for the environment and the application of the components.

Electrical Equipment
Rooms

Place an identifying label or sign on the exterior door or panel when


equipment that may require servicing, manipulation, or inspection is
concealed in an equipment closet or otherwise is obscured behind
doors or panels.

Re-Use of Circuit
Breakers

Do not purchase used or reconditioned circuit breakers from vendors


outside SLAC. Re-use of SLAC circuit breakers is permitted only after the circuit breaker has been tested by the Electric Shop in the Site
Engineering and Maintenance office (SEM).

Electronic Devices
in Hazardous Areas

Do not use a cellular telephone or a two-way radio or any other


electronic device in class one, Division 1 or 2 areas (such as near
Hydrogen gas storage) unless they are a type especially qualified
(such as FMRC approved). Do not replace or change batteries in a
hazardous atmosphere. Pagers may be used in hazardous areas if
they contain the following message (or equivalent): RAD DEV FOR
HAZ LOC.

Design and Installation


All design and installation of equipment and facilities shall be in accordance with the applicable
standards listed in Section 6, "Standards," and SLAC policies and procedures.

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Safety should be considered an integral part of the design process. Protective devices, warning
signs, and administrative procedures are supplements to good design, but can never fully
compensate for the absence of good design. Completed designs shall provide for safe maintenance.
All systems performing a safety function or controlling a potentially hazardous operation and any
modifications made to those systems shall be reviewed and approved at the level of project
engineer or above.
Line managers are responsible for ensuring that all electrical installations are in compliance with all
safety and code requirements stipulated in this chapter. SEM and the ES&H Division have
knowledgeable personnel available to answer specific design and installation questions.

7.4

Documentation
A current set of documentation adequate for operation, maintenance, testing, and safety shall be
available to anyone working on potentially hazardous equipment. Keep drawings and prints
current. Dispose of obsolete drawings and be certain that active file drawings have the most current
corrections. Archive all drawings with MD-Facility Design, Document Control (Ext. 4307).

7.5

Enclosures
The following specifications apply to circuits operating at or more than 50 volts or storing more
than 10 joules. An enclosure may be a room, a barricaded area, or an equipment cabinet.

7.6

Access

Lock, interlock, or label items easily opened, such as doors or


hinged panels that allow ready access to exposed energized components, to prevent people from coming in contact with live circuits.

Heat

Mount heat-generating components, such as resistors, so that heat is


safely dissipated and does not affect adjacent components.

Isolation

Ensure that the enclosure physically prevents contact with live circuits. The enclosure can be constructed of conductive or nonconductive material. If conductive, the material must be electrically bonded
and connected to a live electrical ground. These connections must be
adequate to carry all potential fault currents.

Seismic Safety

Secure all racks, cabinets, chassis, and auxiliary equipment against


movement during earthquakes.

Strength

Ensure that enclosures are strong enough to contain flying debris


caused by component failure.

Temporary Enclosure

Temporary enclosures (of less than six-month duration) not conforming to the normal requirements may be used if approved by the
Electrical Safety Committee, but must be provided with a sign identifying it as temporary, and with date of installation and scheduled
removal.

Ventilation

Ensure that ventilation is adequate to prevent overheated equipment


and to purge toxic fumes produced by an equipment fault. Ventilation openings must not be obstructed.

Clearance Around Electrical Equipment


Maintain clearance space around power and lighting circuit breaker panels, motor controllers, and
other electrical equipment. This clearance space ensures safe access for personnel who inspect,
adjust, maintain, or modify energized equipment.

8-12

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8: Electrical Safety

The clearances shall be in accordance with OSHA, NEC, and the National Electrical Safety Code
(NESC). These working clearances are not required if the equipment is not likely to require
examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized. However, sufficient access
and working space is still required to work on equipment in a de-energized state.
Clearance space must not be used for storage or occupied by bookcases, desks, workbenches, or
similar items.
Electrical Equipment Rated at 600 Volts or Less
For equipment operating at 600 volts (nominal) or less to ground, the minimum required
clearance is an unobstructed space 36 inches deep, 30 inches wide, and 78 inches high
(measured from the floor). Some installations may require greater clearance. For more
complete information, see the NEC.
Some buildings at SLAC, because of their age, have power and lighting circuit breaker panels
that were installed prior to present working clearance codes and regulations. These installations may be acceptable, but must be evaluated to determine whether additional safety measures are necessary. The division occupying the building space should contact the Electrical
Safety Committee for evaluation.
If a reduction in clearance is granted, a caution sign stating Inadequate Working Clearance
must be attached to the equipment. This sign is available from the SLAC stores.5
Electrical Equipment Rated at More Than 600 Volts
The NEC lists the minimum clearance required for working spaces in front of high-voltage
electrical equipment such as switchboards, control panels, circuit breakers, switchgear, or
motor controllers.

Safety Requirements for Commonly Used Electrical Equipment


This section describes safety requirements for electrical equipment used throughout the site by all members
of the SLAC community.

8.1

Flexible Cords
This section covers use of flexible cord as a wiring method and cord and plug assemblies that
provide AC power for machines, laboratory equipment, and other scientific research equipment.
Flexible cords are commonly used by most individuals at SLAC. Improper use of flexible cords can
lead to shock hazards or fires due to overheated equipment.
8.1.1

Flexible Cord Use

In compliance with NEC, flexible cords and cables may be used at SLAC for the following
purposes only:
Connections of portable lamps, portable and mobile signs, or appliances
Connecting stationary equipment that requires frequent interchange
An appliance or equipment with fastenings and mechanical connections specifically
designed to permit-ready removal for maintenance and repair and intended or
identified for flexible cord connection.
Pendants
Wiring of fixtures
5

The SLAC stores catalog is available on the world wide web at:
http://www-bis.slac.stanford.edu/

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Elevator cables
Crane and hoist wiring
Preventing transmission of noise or vibration
Data processing cables as permitted by the NEC
Connecting moving parts
Temporary wiring as permitted in the NEC
8.1.2

Flexible Cord Policy

The SLAC policy on flexible cords is based on the NEC. The policy consists of the following conditions:
When flexible cords and cables are used in the first three conditions of Section 8.1.1
above, they must be equipped with an approved attachment plug and energized from a
receptacle outlet.
Only qualified persons may install cord caps on flexible cords.
Flexible cord and cable, attachment plugs, and receptacles must be of the proper type,
size, and voltage and current rating for the intended application.
Branch circuits that feed cord and plug connected equipment must be designed in
accordance with the NEC, have overcurrent protection in accordance with the NEC,
and be properly grounded in accordance with the NEC.
8.1.3

Disallowed Uses of Flexible Cords

Based on the NEC, the following uses of flexible cords and cables are not permitted at
SLAC:
Flexible cords used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure
Flexible cords run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings,
dropped ceilings, or floors.
Flexible cords run through doorways, windows, or similar openings.
Flexible cords attached to building surfaces. (See the NEC for details.)
Flexible cords concealed behind building walls, structural ceilings, suspended
ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors.
Flexible cords installed in electrical raceways, unless specifically allowed by NEC
provisions covering electrical raceways.

8.2

Extension Cords
Extension cords provide a convenient method of bringing AC power to a device that is not located
near a power source. They are also used as temporary power sources. As such, extension cords are
heavily used. They are also often involved in electrical code and safety violations.
Improper use of extension cords can lead to shock hazards. In addition, use of an undersized
extension cord results in an overheated cord and insufficient voltage delivered to the device, thus
causing device or cord failure and a fire hazard.
8.2.1

Extension Cord Policy

The policy for use of extension cords at SLAC:


Extension cords must be approved (by Underwriter Laboratories or another
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) and properly maintained with no exposed
live parts, exposed ungrounded metal parts, damage, or splices.

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Extension cords must be made of a heavy-duty or extra-heavy-duty rated cable and


must be a continuous length.
Around construction sites, in damp areas, or in an area where a person may be in
direct contact with a solidly grounded conductive object such as working in a vacuum
tank, extension cords must be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
The GFCI can consist of a special circuit breaker, a GFCI outlet, or an extension cord
with a built-in GFCI. (Section 9.1 contains more information about GFCIs.)
Extension cords must be of sufficient current-carrying capacity to power the device.
An undersized cord is a fire hazard.
Extension cords must be three-conductor (grounded)even if the device has a twoconductor cord. Never use two-conductor extension cords at SLAC. (Equipment
grounding conductors that are part of flexible cords or used with fixture wires shall
not be smaller than 18 AWG copper and not smaller than the circuit conductors.)
Only qualified personnel may make repairs of extension cords.
8.2.2

Disallowed Uses of Extension Cords

The following uses of extensions cords are not permitted at SLAC:


Extension cords used in place of permanent facility wiring.
Extension cords run through doors, ceilings, windows, or holes in the walls. If it is
necessary to run a cord through a doorway for short term use, the extension cord must
be:
- Protected from damage.
- Removed immediately when no longer in use.
- Not a tripping hazard.
Extension cords that are daisy-chained (one extension cord plugged into another
extension cord).
Overloaded extension cords. The wire size must be sufficient for the current required.
Extension cords with removed or compromised ground prong or ground protection.
Extension cords with ground conductors that have less current-carrying capacity than
the other conductors. (Equipment grounding conductors that are part of flexible cords
or used with fixture wires shall not be smaller than 18 AWG copper and not smaller
than the circuit conductors.)
Extension cords that are frayed or damaged.
8.2.3

Acceptable Combinations

There are very few acceptable combinations of extension cords and devices. Some
acceptable combinations are:
Extension cord to device (electrical equipment)
Power strip to device
Surge protector (with cord) to device
Direct surge protector to extension cord to device
Direct surge protector to power strip to device
For examples of acceptable and unacceptable combinations of extension cords and power
strips, see Figure 8-1 on page 8-16. The examples have been chosen as representative of
applications found at SLAC, however acceptable and unacceptable combinations are not
limited to the examples. For questions on a particular application of extension cord or
power strip use, please contact your department Safety Officer, division ES&H Coordinator, the ES&H Department, or the Electrical Safety Committee.

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Acceptable combinations of extension cords and power strips.


Hand Tool
or
Equipment

Extension Cord

(Same whether attached to


bench, structure, or eqiupment)

Power S trip

Plug- mold
Hard-wir ed

Hand Tool
or
Equipment

(Same whetherattached to
bench, structure or equipment)

Hand Tool
or
Equipment

Extension Cord

Unacceptable (Daisy-chain) combinations of extension cords and power strips.


Extension Cord

(Same whether attached to


bench, structure or equipment)

Power S trip

(Same whether attached to


bench, structure or equipment)

Power S trip

Extension Cord

Plug- mold
Hard-wir ed

Hand Tool
or
Equipment

Extension Cord

Power S trip

(Same whetherattached to
bench, structure or equipment)

Power S trip

(Same whether attached to


bench, structure or equipment)

Hand Tool
or
Equipment

Extension Cord

(Same whether attached to


bench, structure or equipment)

Extension Cord

Hand Tool
or
Equipment

Hand Tool
or
Equipment

Extension Cord

M.Regan 2-27-02

Figure 8-1. Examples of Extension Cord Combination Usage

8.3

Power Strips
A power strip is a variation of an extension cord, where the cord terminates in a row or grouping of
receptacles. Power strips are commonly used in offices to provide multiple receptacles to office
equipment. In general, the policies pertaining to extension cords also apply to power strips.

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Additional requirements are:


Only UL (or other NRTL) approved device can be used.
Power strips cannot be permanently mounted to any facility surface. Power strips may hang
from screws or hooks if they are manufactured with slots or keyholes.
In equipment racks, the preferred method of supplying 120/208-volts utility power to rackmounted instruments is via a special power strip specifically designed to be rack-installed.

8.4

Test Benches
Test benches are used for testing, repairing, assembling, or dis-assembling electrical or electronic
devices. They inherently involve testing equipment with exposed energized components and have
the potential for electric shock, arcing, or fire.
8.4.1

Test Bench Policy at SLAC

Dielectric insulating matting must be placed on the floor to insulate personnel from electrical shock while working on test benches. Dielectric matting must be:
Placed around all test benches that are used for testing equipment with exposed
energized parts.
Placed such that personnel are standing only on the matting and are never in direct
contact with the floor or any other grounded metal parts while working on or near
exposed energized parts.
Used in addition to all other personal protective equipment (PPE) that is required by
OSHA when working with exposed energized parts.
Inspected regularly to ensure that it is not damaged. (Inspection of dielectric matting
does not need to be documented.)
8.4.2

Sources for Dielectric Matting

Dielectric matting designed to provide insulation from electrical hazards up to 30,000


volts is available from SLAC Stores. Dielectric matting designed to provide insulation
from electrical hazards above 30,000 volts should be obtained from an outside vendor.

Safety Requirements for On-site Electrical Equipment


The following section describes electrical equipment installed throughout the SLAC site.

9.1

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters


Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are designed to protect people from electric shock when
they simultaneously contact a live (usually 120 volt) wire or part and a grounded object. The
GFCI works by sensing a difference between the supply (hot) and return (neutral) currents. When
the difference exceeds 5 mAindicating that current is flowing to ground (through the person)
the device switches off.
Although the GFCI is an effective safety device, it is not a guarantee against shock in every
situation. The GFCI does not protect against a line-to-neutral or a line-to-line shock. Also, if GFCIprotected equipment contains transformers, a ground fault (shock) on the secondary side of the
transformer may not trip the GFCI.
GFCIs are normally installed as either circuit breakers or receptacles. In either case, the GFCI may
be wired to protect multiple receptacles. Individual GFCI plug-in adapters are also available.

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SLAC also uses Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) devices. GFI and GFCI are different devices with

different purposes and should not be confused. The GFIs protect equipment from excessive
currents, while GFCIs protect personnel from excessive currents. (GFIs should be tested according
to the manufacturers recommendations.)
9.1.1

GFCI Requirements
SLAC requires GFCI protection for the following conditions:

Any 120 volt convenience outlet located within 6 feet of a sink.


Any 120 volt convenience outlet located outdoors.
Any 120 volt convenience outlet located within 6 feet of a building entrance.
Any extension cord providing power for construction activities.
Outdoor receptacles must be enclosed with weatherproof (preferably metal) covers.
Note:

9.1.2

Receptacles located in wet locations that are used, or intended to be used, unattended with a device plugged in (such as an electric cart plugged in to charge the
batteries) must have an enclosure that is weatherproof with the attachment plug
cap inserted or removed. See the NEC for more information.

Testing Requirements

Testing is required for all indoor and outdoor GFCIs.


Warning: Do not use the external GFCI tester for regular testing of GFCI outlets. The
tester can cause the outlet housing and mounting structure to become
energized. When testing GFCI outlets, use the built-in test button on the
outlet. If an external GFCI tester is being used, the user shall wear
electrical safety gloves (and have proper training for using personal
protective equipment) to protect against the outlet housing becoming
energized.
Testing requirements are divided into the following three types:
Local Test Button
GFCI-protected outlets and devices with a local test button, must be tested before each

use.
To facilitate this, all GFCI outlets or devices must be labeled GFCI Device: Test
Before Use.
Remote Test Button
Remote GFCI devices (such as GFCI breakers and GFCI outlets protecting down
stream outlets), must be tested monthly by the Building or Facility Manager (or designate).
To facilitate this, all outlets or devices protected by a remote GFCI device must be
labeled GFCI Protected: Test Monthly.
GFCI Outlets in Continuous Use
GFCI outlets in continuous use (such as an outlet used to power small appliances

located within six feet of a sink) must be tested monthly by the Building or Facility
Manager (or designate).
To facilitate this, all GFCI outlets or devices in continuous use must be labeled GFCI
Protected: Test Monthly.
Exceptions to the testing requirements will be allowed where testing would disrupt SLAC
programs or where the monthly implementation is not practical. In these cases, a testing
schedule consistent with SLAC program requirements or practicality can be used provided

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the documented testing cycle does not exceed six months. In circumstances when a
machine run exceeds six months, the testing must be completed immediately upon the first
opportunity for machine entry. The testing schedule must be submitted to the Electrical
Safety Committee for review and approval.
Caution: Testing of a GFCI will disconnect all receptacles protected by the GFCI.
Before testing, determine which receptacles are protected. Verify that the
interruption of power will not adversely affect other activities.

9.2

Electrical Cables
The following section applies to all cables at SLAC including:
Cables used at more than 600 volts.
Cables used at or less than 600 volts.
Cables for fire protection (power limited and non power limited).
Class 1, class 2 and class 3 remote control, signaling, and power limited circuits, as defined in
the NEC.
Communication circuits (telephone lines, for example).
Computer cables.
Optical fiber cables.
9.2.1

Electrical Cable Policy

All cables in a new facility (installed after October 1994) or a major modification in an
existing facility at SLAC shall be installed in compliance with the applicable NEC
regulations.
9.2.2

Policies for Cable Installation

The following are some of the most important issues from the applicable regulations, however, this list is not inclusive. When installing cables, please refer to the NEC.
Cable trays and raceways shall be supported directly from the structure.
Do not use raceways to support other raceways, cables, or non-electric equipment
except in specific conditions stated in the NEC.
Do not wrap cables around conduits, bus ducts, or any other type of raceway.
Wrapping raceways with cable may block heat dissipation from the raceway.
(Raceways include conduits, wireways, and busways. Cable trays are not raceways.).
Do not use sprinkler piping to support cables and wires.
Do not overfill cable trays (refer to the NEC to determine fill requirements).
Do not place extension cords in raceways. Extension cords are not allowed in cable
trays unless they are specifically approved for installation in trays.
Do not place any pipe or tube used for non-electrical purposes (water, gas, or
drainage, for example) in cable trays or raceways containing electrical conductors.
Do not install cables rated at more than 600 volts in the same cable tray with cables
rated 600 volts or less, unless they are separated by a solid fixed barrier. Metal Clad
cables rated at more than 600 volts may be combined with cables rated 600 volts or
less).
Multi-conductor cables rated 600 volts or less may be installed in the same cable tray.
This rule does not include low voltage (class 2) signal cables.
Do not place conductors of class 2 and class 3 circuits in the same cable or cable tray
with conductors of electric light, power, class 1, and non-power-limited fire protective
signaling circuits.

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Install cables used for special purposes (such as fire protection, computers, and radio
frequency signals) according to the NEC.
Install only the specific types of cables in cable trays as allowed by the NEC.
9.2.3

Policies for Upgrading Existing Facilities

In areas of the upgraded facility where installation of new cable is required but sufficient
space for new tray and/or conduit is unavailable, overfill in the existing cable tray shall be
permitted with the review and approval of the SLAC Director with advice from the
Electrical Safety Committee and from the Fire Protection Safety Committee. Enhanced
fire detection and/or fire suppression devices, as deemed necessary, shall be used to ensure
safety to personnel and equipment.
For Coax, Heliax, and specialty cables used for experimental research and development
equipment where the installation of new cable plant is required, every effort should be
made to meet NEC tray rating requirements for cable types installed. Where NEC trayrated-cable types which meet the technical requirements of the installation are not available, the non-tray-rated cables shall be permitted with the review and approval of the
SLAC Director with advice from the Electrical Safety Committee and from the Fire
Protection Safety Committee. Enhanced fire detection and/or fire suppression devices, as
deemed necessary, shall be used to ensure safety to personnel and equipment.

9.3

Power Supplies
Because a wide range of power supplies are used at SLAC, no single set of considerations can be
applied to all cases.
9.3.1

Hazards of Power Supplies

The following classification scheme may be helpful in assessing power-supply hazards:


Power supplies of 50 volts or less with currents greater than 5 mA
Because they are not high voltage, these power sources are often treated without
proper respect. In addition to direct shock and burn hazards, a risk of injury also exists
when trying to get away from the source of a shock. Cuts and bruises, and even serious or fatal falls have resulted from otherwise insignificant shocks.
Power supplies of 50 volts or more (high voltage), with current capability over 5 mA
These power supplies have the same hazards cited above to an even greater degree
because of the higher voltage. In addition to the risk of injury from recoil, the higher
voltage is considered to be a shock hazard. The high voltage combined with current
capability can be lethal. Consequently, all such power supplies must be treated with
extreme caution.
Power supplies of 50 volts or more (high voltage) with current capability under 5 mA
(non-dangerous current capability)
These power supplies are often treated in a casual manner because of their low current
capability. However, they are frequently used near lower-voltage lethal circuits, and a
minor shock from the power supply could cause a recoil into such a circuit. Also, an
involuntary reaction to a minor shock could cause a serious fall (for example from a
ladder or experimental apparatus).
9.3.2

Safety Considerations for Power Supplies

Primary Disconnect
A means of positively disconnecting the input shall be provided. This disconnect shall
be clearly marked and located where the workers can easily lock or tag it out while

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servicing the power supply. If provided with a built-in lock-out device, the key must
not be removable unless the switch or breaker is in the OFF position.
Overload Protection
Overload protection must be provided on the input, and should be provided on the
output.
9.3.3

Hazards of Floating Power Supplies

Some research equipment employs ungrounded (floating) power supplies. This equipment
may operate in voltages ranging from 50 volts to kilovolts with output capacities in excess
of 5 mA and must be considered a lethal electrical hazard. Users of such equipment must
take precautions to minimize electrical hazards.
9.3.4

Safety Considerations for Floating Power Supplies

Follow all manufacturers instructions for equipment use, testing, and training. The following general guidelines also apply:
Locate equipment away from water and large metal areas.
Do not use connectors and jack fittings that allow accidental skin contact with
energized parts.
Interlock readily accessible enclosures.
Use non-metallic secondary containment if liquids or gels are involved.
Verify the power supply is floating when commissioned, and reverify that the power
supply is floating on an annual basis.

9.4

Capacitors
Only those capacitors that have more than 10 joules stored energy are discussed in this section.
9.4.1

Hazards of Capacitors

Capacitors may store hazardous energy even after the equipment has been de-energized
and may build up a dangerous residual charge without an external source. Grounding
capacitors in series, for example, may transfer rather than discharge the stored energy.
Another capacitor hazard exists when a capacitor is subjected to high currents that may
cause heating and explosion. Capacitors may be used to store large amounts of energy. An
internal failure of one capacitor in a bank frequently results in explosion when all other
capacitors in the bank discharge into the fault. The energy threshold for explosive failure
for metal cans is approximately 104 joules.
Because high-voltage cables have capacitance and thus can store energy, they should be
treated as capacitors.
The liquid dielectric in many capacitors, or its combustion products, may be toxic.
9.4.2

Safety Considerations for Capacitors

Automatic Discharge
Permanently connected bleeder resistors should be used when practical. Capacitors in
series should have separate bleeders. For very large capacitors, use automatic-shorting devices that operate when the equipment is de-energized or the enclosure is
opened. The time required for a capacitor to discharge to safe voltage (50 volts or
less) shall not be greater than the time needed for personnel to gain access to the voltage terminals. In no case must it be longer than five minutes.
In some equipment an automatic, mechanical-discharging device is provided which
functions when normal access ports are opened. This device shall be contained locally

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within a protective barrier to ensure wiring integrity, and should be in plain view of
the person entering the protective barrier so that the individual can verify its proper
functioning. Protection also must be provided against the hazard of the discharge
itself.
Fusing
Capacitors used in parallel should be individually fused when possible to prevent the
stored energy from dumping into a faulted capacitor. Care must be taken in placement
of automatic-discharge safety devices with respect to fuses. If the discharge will flow
through the fuses, a prominent warning sign must be placed at each entry indicating
that each capacitor must be manually grounded before work can begin. Special
knowledge is required for high-voltage and high-energy fusing.
Unused Terminal Shorting
Terminals of all unused capacitors representing a hazard or capable of storing 10
joules or more shall be visibly shorted.
Safety Grounding
Clearly mark grounding points and provide fully visible, manual-grounding devices
to render the capacitors safe while they are being worked on. Caution must be used
when grounding to prevent transferring charges to other capacitors.
Ground Hooks
All ground hooks must:
- Have conductors crimped and soldered.
- Be connected such that impedance is less than 0.1 ohm to ground.
- Have the cable conductor clearly visible through its insulation.
- Have a cable conductor size of at least #2 extra flexible or, in special conditions,
a conductor capable of carrying the potential current.
- Be in sufficient number to conveniently and adequately ground all designated
points.
- Be grounded and stored in the immediate area of the equipment in a manner that
ensures they are used.

9.5

Inductors and Magnets


Only inductors and magnets that have more than or equal to 0.5 joules stored energy or operate at
50 volts or more are discussed here.
9.5.1

Hazards of Inductors and Magnets

While some magnets may be non-hazardous, others may be very dangerous. Without
proper protection or labeling, employees could assume that a magnet is non-hazardous and
could get seriously hurt if they came in contact with one.
A magnet is an electrical hazard if the terminal voltage is greater than or equal to 50 volts,
or the total stored energy of the power supply and magnet is greater than or equal to 10
joules. A magnet is a startle hazard due to arcing if the total stored energy of the power
supply and magnet is greater than or equal to 0.5 joules. The SLAC Electrical Safety Committee has determined that at this energy level the potential for arcing is significant and
could cause injury.
The following are some hazards peculiar to inductors and magnets:
Damage to inductors due to overheating caused by overloads, insufficient cooling, or
failure or possible rupture of cooling systems.

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Production by electromagnets and superconductive magnets of large external force


fields that may affect the proper operation of the protective instrumentation and
controls.
Attraction by magnetic fields of nearby magnetic material, including tools and
surgical implants, causing injury or damage by impact.
Production of large eddy currents in adjacent conductive material whenever a magnet
is suddenly de-energized causing excessive heating and hazardous voltages. This state
may cause the release or ejection of magnetic objects.
Uncontrolled release of stored energy due to interruption of current in a magnet.
Engineered safety systems may be required to safely dissipate stored energy. Large
amounts of stored energy can be released in case of a quench (loss of
superconductivity) due to system or component failure in a superconducting magnet.
Production of high voltage potential upon interruption of current.
In addition, workers should be cognizant of the potential health hazards. The American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists recommends that routine occupational
exposure to static magnetic fields should not exceed 600 gauss (G) whole-body exposure.
This is a level which is believed that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed day
after day without any adverse health effects.
Safety hazards may exist from the mechanical forces exerted by the magnetic field upon
ferromagnetic tools and medical implants. Cardiac pacemaker and similar medical electronic device wearers should not be exposed to field levels exceeding 5 G.
9.5.2

Safety Considerations for Inductive Circuits

Automatic Discharge
Use freewheeling diodes, varistors, thyrites, or other automatic shorting devices to
provide a current path when excitation is interrupted.
Connections
Pay particular attention to connections in the current path of inductive circuits. Poor
connections may cause destructive arcing.
Cooling
Protect liquid-cooled inductors and magnets with thermal interlocks on the outlet of
each parallel coolant path. Include a flow interlock for each device.
Eddy Currents
Units with pulsed or varying fields must have a minimum of eddy-current circuits. If
large eddy-current circuits are unavoidable, they should be mechanically secure and
able to safely dissipate any heat produced.
Grounding
Ground the frames and cores of magnets, transformers, and inductors.
Rotating Electrical Machinery
Beware of the hazards of residual voltages that exist until rotating electrical equipment comes to a full stop.
Protective Enclosures
Fabricate protective enclosures from materials not adversely affected by external
electromagnetic fields. Researchers should consider building a nonferrous barrier
designed to prevent accidental attraction of iron objects and prevent damage to the
cryostat. This is especially important for superconducting magnet systems.

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Bracing
Provide equipment supports and bracing adequate to withstand the forces generated
during fault conditions.
Pacemaker Warning Signs
Provide appropriate warning signs to prevent persons with pacemakers or similar
devices from entering areas with fields of greater than 5 Gauss.
Limit Magnetic Field Exposure
Restrict personnel exposure to magnetic fields greater than 600 Gauss.
Verify De-energization
Verify that any inductor is de-energized before disconnecting the leads or checking
continuity or resistance.
9.5.3

Electrical Safety Requirements for Magnets

All magnets installed after December 2, 1996, shall have the following two-fold
protection:
Physical protection consisting of:
- magnet covers6 for magnets that are electrical hazards, or terminal boots for magnets that are only startle hazards
or
- an interlock (for example, a Personnel Protection System (PPS) that would keep
employees from coming directly into contact with the hazard).
Note:

Non-hazardous magnets are not required to have a cover or interlock.7

Labels that describe the hazard and the associated protective measures. A Notice
label shall be used for non-hazardous magnets and Caution label shall be used for
hazardous magnets, with additional information depending upon the hazard type
(high energy or high voltage) and the type of protection (cover or interlock) provided.
Because magnet covers can be removed, labels should be placed on the frame of the magnet so that employees will always be reminded of the potential hazard and maintenance
personnel will be reminded to replace the cover.
Labels shall be color coded (yellow for Caution, white with blue panel for Notice) according to ES&H Manual Chapter 23, Warning Signs and Devices. Pre-printed labels can be
obtained from SLAC stores.8 (Label content may be modified to specify different conditions, such as the use of interlocks other than PPS.)
Note:

Absence of a label indicates that the magnet may be a hazard and that employees
should use caution.

Use one of the four labels displayed in Figure 8-2 on page 8-25.

8-24

See the Magnet Terminal Cover Guidelines of the SLAC Electrical Safety Committee for details.

A non-hazardous magnet has a terminal voltage less than 50 volts and less than 0.5 joules of total stored energy for the power supply
and magnet.

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Label #1:

NOTICE
This magnet presents

NO HAZARD WITH NORMAL USE

This label shall be placed on nonhazardous magnets (usually small


magnets).

Blue lettering on white background.

6-2002
8644A1

CAUTION

Label #2:

This magnet is not an electrical hazard


but presents a

STARTLE HAZARD

This label shall be placed on magnets operating at less than 50 volts


but having total stored energy
exceeding 0.5 Joules and less than
10 Joules in the power supply and
the magnet.

due to arcing

BOOTS REQUIRED on power leads

Black lettering on yellow background.

Not PPS Interlocked!


Lock and Tag before disconnecting cables!
6-2002
8644A2

Label #3:

WARNING
This magnet is an

This label shall be placed on magnets that are interlocked, either using
PPS or another method. The type of
interlock used must be specified on
the label.

ELECTRICAL HAZARD
Black lettering on orange background.

PPS Interlocked - no cover required


Lock & Tag before beginning work!
6-2002
8644A3

WARNING

Label #4:

This magnet is an

ELECTRICAL HAZARD
Cover Required
Not PPS Interlocked!
Lock & Tag before beginning work!

This label shall be placed on magnets that are not interlocked using
PPS (or any other means), and
therefore require covers.

Black lettering on orange background.

Refer to the ES&H Manual Chapter 23, Warning


Signs and Devices, for more information on
posting labels and signs.

6-2002
8644A4

Figure 8-2. Required Magnet Levels

15 August 2002

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022

8-25

8: Electrical Safety

9.6

SLAC ES&H Manual

Control And Instrumentation


Proper philosophy is vital to the safe design of most control applications. Use the following
checklist as a guide for designing control applications.

9.7

Checkout

Check interlock chains for proper operation after installation, after


any modification, and during periodic routine testing.

Fail-safe design

Design all control circuits to be fail-safe. Starting with a breaker or


fuse, the circuit should go through all the interlocks in series to momentary on-off switches that energize and close a control relay. Any
open circuit or short circuit will de-energize the control circuit and
must be manually reset.

Interlock Bypass
Safeguard

Establish a systematic procedure for temporarily bypassing


interlocks. A follow-up procedure should be included to ensure
removal of the bypass as soon as possible.

Isolation

Isolate control power from higher power circuits by transformers,


contactors, or other means. Control power should be not more than
120 volts, AC or DC. All circuits should use the same phase or polarity so that no hazardous additive voltages are present between control circuits or in any interconnect system. Control-circuit currents
should not exceed 5 A.

Voltage Divider
Protection

The output of voltage dividers used with high voltages must be


protected from over-voltage-to-ground within the high-voltage area
by spark gaps, neon bulbs, or other appropriate means.

Current Monitors

Measure currents with a shunt that has one side grounded or with
current transformers that must be either loaded or shorted at all
times.

Instrument Accuracy

Check instrumentation for function and calibration on a routine


basis.

Anti-Restart Device
Equipment that is dependent upon electricity for its power source will stop working when the
electrical power is interrupted. Once power is restored, some equipment may restart automatically.
Equipment may restart automatically if:
The switch is left in the ON or CLOSED position.
It can be restarted through a computer.
It has instrumentation, such as a level switch, which will re-set itself, allowing the machine to
restart once power has been restored.
It is wired to a different power source for control power.
Note:

When there are two separate sources of power, and a local electrical outage occurs for the
main power circuit, the control power remains energized even though the main power is
off. This means that the start will remain energized, or in the CLOSED position. When the
main power is restored, the equipment will restart because the starter is already energized.

9.7.1

Safety Requirements for Equipment Restarting Automatically

Whenever equipment starts automatically, a hazardous situation exists for any personnel
in the immediate vicinity. To protect personnel, OSHA requires that equipment that has the

8-26

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022

15 August 2002

SLAC ES&H Manual

8: Electrical Safety

capability of restarting automatically must be fully guarded or provided with an antirestart device (ARD).
An ARD is not required for machines:
Whose moving parts are fully guarded.
That have a magnetic starter, and do not have:
- Computerized auto start feature.
- Automatic re-setting instrumentation such as a level switch.
- Separate power source for the control circuit.
Note:

10

An ARD must not be installed on equipment which is required to be on-line constantly, such as HVAC, sump pumps, or refrigerators. This type of equipment must
be fully guarded.

Safe Work Practices


This section applies to individuals who work on or near electrical equipment or systems.

10.1

General Safety Rules


Follow the general safety rules described below.9
Practice proper housekeeping and cleanliness
Poor housekeeping is a major factor in many accidents. A cluttered area is likely to be both
unsafe and inefficient. Employees are responsible for keeping a clean area, and supervisors
are responsible for ensuring that their areas of responsibility remain clean.
Identify hazards and anticipate problems
Before beginning a work activity, think about what might go wrong and the consequences of
an action. Individuals should not hesitate to discuss any situation or question with their supervisors and co-workers.
Resist pressure to rush work
Program pressures should not cause workers to bypass thoughtful consideration and planned
procedures.
Maintain for safety
Good maintenance is essential to safe operations. Establish maintenance procedures and
schedules for servicing and maintaining equipment and facilities, including documentation of
repairs, removals, replacements, and disposals.
Job briefing
Before starting each job, the supervisor or designee shall conduct a job briefing with the
employees involved. The briefing shall cover subjects such as: hazards associated with the
job, work procedures involved, special precautions, energy source controls, and PPE requirements. (Refer to NFPA 70E and OSHA 1910 for more details).

10.2

Emergency Preparedness
All personnel who work on exposed electrical circuitry of more than 50 volts (AC or DC) shall be
trained in emergency response procedures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Additional information describing employee responsibilities as related to stopping an unsafe activity is available in Chapter 2, Stop
Work Authority and Stopping Unsafe Activities, of this manual.

15 August 2002

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022

8-27

8: Electrical Safety

10.3

SLAC ES&H Manual

Safe Energized Work


Except under extraordinary circumstances, work on electrical equipment must be completed in the
de-energized condition.
OSHA requires that protective shields, protective barriers, or insulating materials must be used to

protect personnel from shock, burns, or other electrically related injuries when personnel are
working on or near exposed, energized parts which might be accidentally contacted or where
dangerous electric heating or arcing might occur. If equipment must be worked on while energized
(commonly known as hot work), then follow the specific policies for working on energized
equipment which are detailed below.
Note:

Communication circuits and circuits with a fault current limited to 5 milliamps if the
energy is less than 0.5 joules, are exempt from this policy (see cautionary footnote a in
Table 8-2 and Table 8-3.)

10.3.1

General Guidelines

If a person does not comply with the boundary limit requirements, he or she may receive
burns when working with exposed energized electrical systems should an arc flash be
formed due to a fault in the circuit. There is also a shock hazard and a person may be electrocuted if he or she comes in contact with an exposed, energized conductor.
It is always safer to de-energize electrical equipment and apply appropriate lock and
tag procedures than it is to work on or near energized equipment.
When de-energizing electrical equipment, use appropriate personal protective
equipment (PPE) and verify that the circuit has been de-energized. Treat the
equipment as if it were energized until a qualified person (using the correct PPE) has
verified that it has a zero-energy level.
If de-energizing the equipment is not feasible, observe the safe approach limits and
safety requirements in Table 8-2 on page 8-30 and Table 8-3 on page 8-32, the safety
requirements in Table 8-4 on page 8-33, and the safe work practices outlined in
Section 10.3.2, "Safe Work Practices."
Figure 8-3 below illustrates the required safe approach limits concept. As a person
approaches exposed, energized electrical equipment, he or she can encounter
increasing hazard levels depending on the voltage and distance from the equipment.

Figure 8-3.

8-28

Limits of Approach (Adapted from NFPA 70E)

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022

15 August 2002

SLAC ES&H Manual

8: Electrical Safety

10.3.2

Safe Work Practices

Observe the following safe work practice and refer to Table 8-2, Table 8-3, and Table 8-4
before working on either AC systems, DC systems, or batteries.
Check with your supervisor to ensure that you are qualified to perform work on
exposed, energized equipment.
Wear the required PPE (refer to PPE requirements in Table 8-2, Table 8-3, and
Table 8-4).
Use insulated tools or handling equipment if the tools or handling equipment might
make contact with such conductors or parts. If the insulating capability or insulated
tools or handling equipment is subject to damage, the insulating material shall be
protected.
Obtain the required approval by completing the SLAC Electrical Hot Work Approval
Form. Forms can be obtained by calling the contact person for Safety-Related Forms
and Permits on the ES&H Resource List or from the Web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/forms.html

The supervisor shall evaluate the situation to determine if the OSHA Two Person Rule
applies. See Section 10.11, "Two Person Rule," for more information.
The supervisor shall evaluate the situation to determine if a Safety Watch Person is
required. See Section 2.5, "Safety Watch Person," for more information.
10.3.3

Hot Work Approval Requirement

All energized electrical work at more than 50 volts requires advance written supervisory
authorization. This authorization will be in the form of an approved SLAC Electrical Hot
Work Approval Form mentioned above. In the case of recurrent activities, such as maintenance, an open ended authorization may be used. Open authorization may be restricted
with specific conditions. Such conditions may include verbal confirmation from the cognizant supervisor of each task.
If written authorization cannot be obtained, such as during off-shift hours, the work may
proceed with verbal authorization from the cognizant supervisor. This authorization
should be noted on a sign-off sheet as soon as practicable.
10.3.4

AC Systems

Safety requirements for working on exposed, energized AC systems are shown in Table 82 on page 8-30.
10.3.5

DC Systems

Safety requirements for working on exposed, energized DC systems are shown in Table 83 on page 8-32.
10.3.6

Battery Systems

Batteries (other than common dry cells) and battery systems, such as power sources for
control circuits on substations and the klystron gallery, present hazards that include
shocks, sparks, and chemical burns. Supervisors shall ensure that only qualified employees work on batteries. Table 8-4 on page 8-33 lists the required PPE for specific work on
batteries.
10.3.7

PPE Available Through SLAC Stores

Check the SLAC Stores Catalog for more information on PPE (see the modified chart from
the SLAC Stores Catalog in Table 8-5 on page 8-33). Some PPE mentioned in Table 8-2,
Table 8-3, or Table 8-4 may not be available from SLAC Stores and must be purchased
from vendors by the department that performs the work.

15 August 2002

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022

8-29

8-30

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022

3 ft

4 ft

16 ft

19 ft

>300 - 750 voltsg

>750 - 2,000 voltsg

>2,000 - 15,000 voltsg

>15,000 - 36,000 voltsg

See next page for footnotes and legend.

3 ft

3 ft

50 - 300 voltsc (except on


or near transformers rated
greater than or equal to
75 KVA)

50 - 300 voltsd (on or


near transformers rated
greater than or equal to
75 KVA)

N/Ab

N/Ab

Below 50 volts

FRC, ESG

FRC, ESG

FRC, ESG

FRC, ESG

FRC, ESG

N/Ac

PPE

Flash Protection

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Approva
l

2 ft 7 in

2 ft 2 in

2 ft

1 ft

Avoid
Contact

Avoid
Contact

N/Ab

Boundary

FRC, ESG, GLV,


SHLDe, SLV,
MATf

FRC, ESG, GLV,


SHLDe, SLV,
MATf

FRC, ESG, GLV,


SHLDe, SLV,
MATf

FRC, ESG, GLV,


SHLDe, SLV,
MATf

FRC, ESG, GLV

ESG, GLV

N/Ab

PPE

Restricted Approach

Dept.
Head

Dept.
Head

Dept.
Head

Dept.
Head

Dept.
Head

Dept.
Head

N/Ab

Approvalh

10 in

7 in

3 in

1 in

Avoid
Contact

Avoid
Contact

N/Ab

Boundary

FRC, ESG, GLV,


SHLDe, SLV,
MATf

FRC, ESG, GLV,


SHLDe, SLV,
MATf

FRC, ESG, GLV,


SHLDe, SLV,
MATf

FRC, ESG, GLV,


SHLDe, SLV,
MATf

FRC, ESG, GLV

ESG, GLV

N/Ab

PPE

Prohibited Approach

Communication circuits and circuits with a fault current limited to 5 milliamps (if the energy is less than 10 joules) are exempta

Boundary

Voltage Range
Phase to Phase

Note:

(Adapted from NFPA 70E)

Table 8-2.Safety Requirements for Working On or Near Exposed, Energized AC Electrical Systems

Assoc.
Director

Assoc.
Director

Assoc.
Director

Assoc.
Director

Dept.
Head

Dept.
Head

N/Ab

Approvalh

8: Electrical Safety
SLAC ES&H Manual

15 August 2002

15 August 2002

Legend:

FRC, ESG
N/A

Approva
l

ESG=electrical safety glasses/goggles


KVA=kilovolt ampere
PPE=Personal Protective Equipment

See NFPA
70E

PPE

See NFPA
70E

Boundary

Dept.
Head

Approvalh

FRC=fire resistant clothing


MAT=rubber mat
SLV=sleeves

FRC, ESG, GLV,


SHLDe, SLV,
MATf

PPE

Restricted Approach

FRC, ESG, GLV,


SHLDe, SLV,
MATf

PPE

Assoc.
Director

Approvalh

GLV=electrical safety gloves


NFPA=National Fire Protection Association
SHLD=face shield

See NFPA
70E

Boundary

Prohibited Approach

a. While communication circuits and circuits with a fault current less than or equal to 5 milliamps (if the energy is less than 10 joules) are exempt from this policy, other hazards (such as startle
reactions) may exist when the current is between 0.5 and 5 milliamps, especially if work is performed on ladders. Such hazards must also be mitigated.
b. No PPE or approval is required to work on live parts less than 50 volts unless hazardous arcing can result. Consult your supervisor or the SHA Department if you are unsure of the arc hazard potential. If an arcing hazard exists, use fire resistant clothing, electrical safety glasses/goggles, and electrical safety gloves.
c. Because energy in the arc is limited due to the distribution network in low voltage circuits no PPE is required for less than 300 volts (to cross flash protection boundary) unless work is performed as per footnote d.
d. Working on or near a transformer of >75 KVA, or a distribution panel fed by such a transformer is hazardous and requires PPE to cross the flash protection boundary.
e. A face shield is required when inserting or pulling plug in devices on energized equipment.
f. When it is not possible to use a rubber mat due to work conditions, use an equivalent safety measure approved by your Department Head.
g. Supervisor shall evaluate if OSHA Two Person Rule applies.
h. Supervisor shall evaluate if a Safety Watch Person is required.

>36,000 voltsg

Boundary

Flash Protection

Communication circuits and circuits with a fault current limited to 5 milliamps (if the energy is less than 10 joules) are exempta

Voltage Range
Phase to Phase

Note:

(Adapted from NFPA 70E) (Continued)

Table 8-2.Safety Requirements for Working On or Near Exposed, Energized AC Electrical Systems

SLAC ES&H Manual


8: Electrical Safety

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022

8-31

8-32

N/Ac

Nonea,d
Nonea,d
Nonea,d

N/Ac

Nonea,d
Nonea,d
Nonea,d

Below 50 volts

50 - 300 volts

>300 - 750 voltsf

>750 - 2,000 voltsf

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022

Nonea,d

Nonea,d

>36,000 voltsf

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Approva
l

See NFPA 70E

2 ft 7 in

2 ft 2 in

2 ft

1 ft

Avoid Contact

N/Ac

Boundary

Dept. Head

Dept. Head

Dept. Head

Dept. Head

Dept. Head

Dept. Head

N/Ac

Approvalg

FRC=fire resistant clothing


MAT=rubber mat
SLV=sleeves

ESGd, GLV, MATe

ESGd, GLV, MATe

ESGd, GLV, MATe

ESGd, GLV, MATe

ESGd, GLV, MATe

ESGd, GLV

N/Ac

PPE

Restricted Approach

ESGd, GLV,
MATe

ESGd, GLV,
MATe

ESGd, GLV,
MATe

ESGd, GLV,
MATe

ESGd, GLV,
MATe

ESG, GLV

N/Ac

PPE

Assoc.
Director

Assoc.
Director

Assoc.
Director

Assoc.
Director

Assoc.
Director

Dept.Head

N/Ac

Approvalg

GLV=electrical safety gloves


NFPA=National Fire Protection Association
SHLD=face shield

See NFPA 70E

10 in

7 in

3 in

1 in

Avoid Contact

N/Ac

Boundary

Prohibited Approach

a. When working with power supplies less than or equal to 20 KJ, there is no flash protection boundary requirement as there is limited energy in the flash. For the same reason, fire resistant
clothing is not required to cross the restricted or prohibited boundaries. However, fire resistant clothing and electrical safety glasses/goggles, and electrical safety gloves are recommended
near exposed, energized conductors.
b. While communication circuits and circuits with a fault current less than or equal to 5 milliamps (if the energy is less than 10 joules) are exempt from this policy, other hazards (such as startle
reactions) may exist when the current is between 0.5 and 5 milliamps, especially if work is performed on ladders. Such hazards must also be mitigated.
c. No PPE or approval is required to work on live parts less than 50 volts unless hazardous arcing can result. Consult your supervisor or the SHA Department if you are unsure of the arc hazard potential. If an arcing hazard exists, use fire resistant clothing, electrical safety glasses/goggles, and electrical safety gloves.
d. When working with power supplies greater than 20 KJ, departments doing the work shall calculate the flash protection boundary on a case by case basis. (See NFPA 70E, 1995, article 23.3.) Fire resistant clothing and electrical safety glasses/goggles shall be required to cross the flash protection boundary. Fire resistant clothing shall be required, in addition to the PPE
shown above, to cross the restricted and prohibited approach boundaries.
e. When it is not possible to use a rubber mat due to work conditions, use an equivalent safety measure approved by your Department Head.
f. Supervisor shall evaluate if OSHA Two Person Rule applies.
g. Supervisor shall evaluate if a Safety Watch Person is required.

ESG=electrical safety glasses/goggles


KVA=kilovolt ampere
PPE=Personal Protective Equipment

Nonea,d

Nonea,d

>15,000 -36,000 voltsf

Legend:

Nonea,d

Nonea,d

>2,000 - 15,000 voltsf

Voltage Range
Phase to Phase
PPE

Flash Protection

Communication circuits and circuits with a fault current limited to 5 milliamps (if the energy is less than 10 joules) are exemptb

Boundar
y

Note:

Table 8-3.Safety Requirements for Working On or Near Exposed, Energized DC Electrical Systems with
Fault Currents > 5 Milliamps and Energy Level < 20 KJa (Adapted from NFPA 70E)

8: Electrical Safety
SLAC ES&H Manual

15 August 2002

SLAC ES&H Manual

8: Electrical Safety

Table 8-4.PPE Requirements for Working on Batteriesa


Type of Work

PPE Required

Reading voltages

Apron, gloves, face shield

Doing battery rundowns

Apron, gloves, face shield

Equalizing

Apron, gloves, face shield

Torquing bolts, lifting leads

Apron, gloves, face shield, fire resistant clothing

a. Adapted from the DOE Electrical Safety Handbook

Table 8-5.PPE Available from SLAC Stores


Description

Testing Required

Gloves, insulating, low voltage


(maximum use 1,000 volts)

Gloves must be electrically tested before first


use and every six months thereafter.
Workers must ensure that new gloves have a
test stamp date from the supplier that is within
the last 12 months or ensure that a certified vendor tests the gloves before they are put into
service.

Glove-protector, leather, low voltage

None

Bag, for low voltage gloves

None

Liner, glove, inner, low voltage

None

Matting, dielectric, 1/4 inch, 30 KV

Visual Inspection

Mono goggle, ultra violet

None

10.4

Working in Wet Areas and Near Standing Water


10.4.1

Beware of Wet Areas

While performing tasks with liquids (such as washing, mopping, and spraying) exercise
extra care to avoid contact with electrical outlets or devices. Cover electrical openings if
liquids can penetrate them. If the openings cannot be covered, the power must be disconnected and locked out using appropriate lockout procedures (found in the SLAC Lock and
Tag Program for Control of Hazardous Energy (SLAC-I-730-0A10Z-001)).
Occasionally, water collects in the beam housing tunnels or other SLAC facilities. Any
exposed, energized electrical system presents a potential shock hazard, and this hazard
becomes even more severe when the circuit is located in or near standing water.
All employees who become aware of standing water or plugged drains near electrical
systems in their building should inform either their Building Manager or the SEM
Department.
10.4.2

Shock Hazard

If there is standing water in the vicinity of the electrical system and it is not feasible to
drain the water and dry the floor or de-energize the system, individuals performing this
work shall:

15 August 2002

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022

8-33

8: Electrical Safety

SLAC ES&H Manual

- Obtain approval for energized work as per Section 10.3.3, "Hot Work Approval Requirement." In addition, any work involving electrical systems located in or near standing
water also requires written job-specific approval.
- Stand on a dry, insulated surface (such as a fiber glass step stool or ladder placed in a stable position, or a dry, insulated pan) while performing the work.
- Wear rubber boots, in addition to the required PPE described in Section 10.3, "Safe Energized Work."
- Ensure that a safety watch person has been designated. See Section 2.5, "Safety Watch
Person," for more details.

10.5

Lock and Tag Procedures


Use the SLAC Lock and Tag Program for the Control of Hazardous Energy (SLAC-I-730-0A10Z001) for working on electrical equipment in de-energized condition.

10.6

Resetting Circuit Breakers


Re-set circuit breakers only after the problem has been corrected.
When a circuit breaker or other overcurrent device trips, it is usually due to an overload or fault
condition on the line. Repeated attempts to re-energize the breaker under these conditions may
cause the breaker to explode. Do not attempt to re-set a circuit breaker unless the problem has first
been identified and corrected or isolated.

10.7

Access to Substations
Special keys have been issued for substations to prevent entry except by trained, authorized
electricians. This is done because the high voltage and high short circuit currents are very
hazardous to not only untrained personnel but also trained personnel who are not familiar with a
particular substation. Access by people other than those who have been issued keys is strictly
controlled and requires escorts or special procedures and training on a case-by-case basis. Contact
SEM (Ext. 3730) if you have any need to enter a substation.

10.8

Safety Watch Person


A safety watch person shall be assigned while working on very hazardous work when deemed
appropriate by the supervisor. See Section 2.5, "Safety Watch Person," for a description of specific
responsibilities.

10.9

Hi-pot Testing
Hi-pot testing is a procedure used to test the insulation integrity of electrical equipment and circuits
by applying voltage which is greater than the operating voltage of the equipment or circuit being
tested. Hi-pot testing is a very hazardous procedure and may be performed only when all of the
following requirements are met:
There is a written procedure for performing the test.
Trained qualified employees perform the testing.
At least two employees trained on the appropriate electrical procedures and hazards are
present.
Test equipment is visually inspected for defects or damage before use.
Defective or damaged items are not used until repaired.

8-34

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022

15 August 2002

SLAC ES&H Manual

8: Electrical Safety

Barricades and safety signs which are appropriate for the test voltages being used are placed
where it is necessary to prevent or limit access to electrical contact hazards.
For further information on safety considerations when working with test instruments and
equipment, see NFPA 70E.

10.10 Accelerator and Detector Areas


The working environment in the accelerator and detector facilities offers more electrical hazards.
Operations staff must exercise extreme caution in working around equipment to avoid these
hazards. Please refer to SLAC Guidelines for Operations, chapters Electrical Safety and Control
of Work on Electrical Devices in Beam Housings.

10.11 Two Person Rule


Supervisors must review each energized work task and determine if two people are required for the
job, based on OSHA regulations.
For AC circuits 600 volts and above
OSHA requires that at least two qualified employees shall be present while working on or
near (within Restricted Approach or Prohibited Approach) exposed energized parts at
more than 600 Volts AC.
For special DC circuits with all three of the following:
1. 50 volts and above
2. Fault current 5 mA and above
3. 20 kJ stored energy and above
Work on or near these energized exposed circuits is hazardous. Two people are required for
working on these live circuits.
Exception is allowed for the following:
- Routine switching operations required for normal operations and maintenance. (This
does not include operations such as breaker racking, fuse changes, etc.)
- Emergency repairs to the extent necessary to safeguard the general public.

15 August 2002

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R022

8-35

Radiological Safety, Chapter 9


Bulletin Updates
Note:

The following Bulletins have information that has not yet been incorporated into
this Chapter, or has changed since the publication of the Chapter. Information in
the Bulletins supercedes information in this Chapter.

Date
Issued

Bulletin 33A

09/15/98

Procedures for Radioactive Sealed Sources

Bulletin 44

10/02/96

Policy on Radioactive Material at SLAC

Title

Radiological Safety
Related Chapters
Citizen Committees
Hazardous Material
Hazardous Waste
Industrial Hygiene
Medical
Personal Protective Equipment
Respirator Program
Spills
Warning Signs and Devices
Waste Minimization and
Pollution Prevention

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

9-3

2 Purpose of the Radiological Safety Program

9-3

3 Responsibilities

9-3

3.1 Radiation Safety Committee

9-3

3.2 Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

9-4

3.3 Operational Health Physics Department

9-4

3.4 Radiation Physics Department

9-4

3.5 Waste Management Department

9-4

3.6 Radiation Safety Officer

9-4

3.7 Radiological Control Manager

9-5

3.8 Managers and Supervisors

9-5

3.9 Personnel

9-6

4 Types of Hazards

9-6

4.1 Radiologically Controlled Areas

9-6

4.1.1Radioactive Material Areas

9-7

4.1.2Radiological Areas

9-7

5 Recognizing Hazards

9-8

6 Evaluating Hazards

9-9

6.1 Types of Monitoring

9-9

6.2 Monitoring Results

9-9

December 13, 1999

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R20

9-1

9: Radiological Safety

SLAC ES&H Manual

Chapter Outline

Page

7 Controlling Hazards

9-9

7.1 Personnel Protection System

9-9

7.2 Administrative Procedures

9-10

8 Training

9-2

9-10

8.1 Safety Orientation for Non-SLAC Employees

9-11

8.2 Employee Orientation to Environment, Safety, and Health

9-11

8.3 General Employee Radiological Training

9-11

8.4 Radiological Worker Training I and II

9-11

8.5 Health Physics Technician

9-11

8.6 Limited Radiological Controls Assistant

9-11

9 Radiological Postings

9-12

10 Radiological Records

9-12

11 Radiological Reporting

9-12

12 Occupational ALARA Program

9-12

12.1 ALARA Criteria and Policy

9-12

12.2 Program Requirements

9-13

A SLAC 10CFR835 Commitments

9-15

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R20

December 13, 1999

Overview
The SLAC program for controlling occupational ionizing radiation is designed to protect the health
and safety of the work force. Control can be demonstrated by maintaining individual radiation
doses below regulatory limits, and by maintaining individual and collective doses as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
This chapter is an overview of the SLAC Radiation Protection Program (RPP), which describes
aspects of the SLAC Radiological Safety Program (RSP). The RPP was developed in compliance
with the Department of Energy (DOE) requirements in Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 835
(10CFR835). See the appendix at the end of this chapter for specific examples.
The chapter includes an explanation of the purpose of the RSP; a responsibilities section; sections
outlining the recognition, evaluation, and control of radiation hazards; and sections covering
training requirements, posting requirements, and record keeping. All elements of the SLAC RSP
constitute the SLAC RPP.
For more detailed explanations of radiological policies and procedures, consult the SLAC Radiological Control Manual (SLAC-I-720-0A05Z-001, current version), henceforth referred to as the RadCon
Manual, or the SLAC Guidelines for Operations.

Purpose of the Radiological Safety Program


The purpose of the SLAC RSP is to provide all personnel with a safe and healthy work environment. This goal is achieved by:
Evaluating potential radiological hazards before they occur and implementing appropriate controls.
Surveying work areas to identify radiological hazards.
Training personnel to recognize radiological hazards, including recognition of radiological control postings, and to take appropriate safety measures when working under
radiological conditions, such as using the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Implementing engineering controls when feasible.
Implementing administrative controls when engineering controls are not feasible.
Providing radiation dosimetry, as required.

Responsibilities
3.1

Radiation Safety Committee


The Radiation Safety Committee (RSC):
Provides advice on radiation safety policies. Refer to Chapter 1 of the RadCon
Manual and the Citizen Committees chapter of this manual for further details.
Reviews and approves radiation safety system designs for facilities, experimental
areas, and beam lines before a particle beam is permitted to operate in those areas.

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3.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department performs audits of the RPP at least
once every 3 years.

3.3

Operational Health Physics Department


The Operational Health Physics (OHP) Department:
Evaluates material in Radioactive Material Management Areas (RMMAs) for
radioactivity, before releasing that material to non-RMMAs.
Performs periodic radiation monitoring of radiological areas, controlled areas,
and uncontrolled areas at SLAC using stationary or portable radiation-detection
instruments.
Measures and documents personnel radiation exposures.
Posts all Radiologically Controlled Areas (RCAs) with the appropriate signs. (See
Chapter 2 of the RadCon Manual and the Warning Signs and Devices chapter of
this manual.)
Maintains SLAC radiation-detection instrumentation.
Ensures compliance with the RPP by monitoring all appropriate locations, as specified in the RadCon Manual.
Provides radiological safety training.

3.4

Radiation Physics Department


The Radiation Physics (RP) Department:
Is responsible for shielding design calculations and related radiological
considerations.
Specifies the required radiation safety systems.
Verifies shielding design with radiation measurements under various beam loss
scenarios.
Issues Beam Authorization Sheets and reviews Beam Line Authorizations for
accelerator operations and experimental programs.

3.5

Waste Management Department


The Waste Management Department provides waste management programmatic services,
including waste minimization guidance, for radioactive and mixed waste1 at SLAC.

3.6

Radiation Safety Officer


The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO):
Is an ex officio member of the RSC.
Advises the SLAC Director on radiation safety topics.
Recommends SLAC radiation safety policies to the SLAC Director and the ES&H
Coordinating Council (ES&HCC) for their review.

1 Mixed

9-4

waste has both radioactive and non-radioactive hazardous components.

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9: Radiological Safety

Approves minor changes in the Personnel Protection System (PPS), sees that
major changes are reviewed by the RSC, and decides which changes are minor
and which are major.
Authorizes work stoppage for any operation which he or she perceives to be
unsafe. The RSO can be overruled only by the SLAC Director.
Shared duties with the Radiological Control Manager (RCM): establishes radiation
rules, procedures, and training requirements and ensures that they are documented and observed.

3.7

Radiological Control Manager


The RCM:
Is a member of the ALARA Committee.2
Advises the SLAC Director on radiation safety issues.
Keeps current on DOE orders and federal regulations relating to radiation safety.
Ensures the radiation safety requirements in the SLAC Work Smart Standards Set
are updated as needed.
Reviews draft DOE orders and federal regulations; prepares comments for
submission.
Revises the RadCon Manual and other radiation safety-related documents to meet
current regulatory requirements.
Establishes radiation safety rules and procedures.
Approves additions, modifications and/or deletions to radiological training documents as appropriate to help ensure their effectiveness.
Coordinates all radiological safety-related audits, operational awareness, and
compliance matters with DOE and or other external regulatory bodies, where
appropriate.
Has the authority to stop any operation perceived to be unsafe. The RCM can be
overruled only by the Associate Director (AD) of the Environment, Safety, and
Health (ES&H) Division or by the SLAC Director.

3.8

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors:
Are responsible for compliance with the requirements of the RPP (consult the
RadCon Manual for further details).
Ensure that all personnel receive safety training to:
Recognize potential occupational hazards.
Know the safety risks involved in their job.
Take proper precautions for personal safety.
Managers and supervisors can determine most training requirements by
consulting the Employee Training Assessment.
Require personnel to wear appropriate PPE.
Discontinue any activities within their area of operations that involve a violation
of radiological safety rules.

2 Unless

otherwise directed by the SLAC Director or the AD of the ES&H Division.

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9: Radiological Safety

3.9

SLAC ES&H Manual

Personnel
All personnel shall:
Receive the appropriate radiological safety training and re-training at the
required times.
Follow all radiological control precautions required by SLAC policy, as outlined in
the RadCon Manual.
Know the radiological risks involved in their job and complete on-the-job training.
Wear appropriate PPE (such as shoe covers and gloves) to prevent exposure to, or
spread of, radioactive contamination.
Wear radiation dosimetry, as prescribed in radiation safety training, the SLAC
RadCon Manual, and other appropriate policies and procedures.
Return dosimetry for processing on schedule.
Notify their supervisor of any new or increased radiological hazards in the workplace.
Follow ALARA practices and observe OHP and training instructions when working in Radiologically Controlled Areas (RCAs).
Notify their supervisor when they observe a radiological safety concern or
violation.
Discuss with co-workers proper radiological safety precautions.

Types of Hazards
Radiation hazards at SLAC are classified by area, based upon the amount of potential radiation
exposure that may be received by personnel, or the purpose of the area (such as radioactive material storage). All areas containing radiation hazards or having the potential to contain radiation
hazards shall be posted with the appropriate signs (see the chapter of this manual, Warning Signs
and Devices). The three major hazard classification areas are: RCAs,3 Radioactive Material Areas
(RMAs), and RMMAs.4

4.1

Radiologically Controlled Areas


Any area at SLAC which has the potential for causing whole-body radiation dose to an
individual of 100 mrem or more per year will be designated, posted, and controlled as an
RCA. Each RCA shall be posted with the appropriate signs (see the chapter of this manual,
Warning Signs and Devices).
Note:

The designation of RCA at SLAC is meant to correspond to the definition


of Controlled Area in 10CFR835.2.

RCAs can be designated for purposes of access control even if no radiological condition
otherwise warrants. However, certain types of radiological conditions shall require establishment of an RCA. These default conditions are grouped into two general types of areas
as described in sections 4.1.1 and 4.1.2.

See Chapter 2 of the RadCon Manual.


to ES&H Bulletin #14, current version, and to the SLAC Guidelines for Operations, Guideline 15.

4 Refer

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4.1.1

9: Radiological Safety

Radioactive Material Areas


RMAs are areas where only labeled, identified radioactive material can be stored.

Caution!
4.1.2

Do not store non-radioactive material in RMAs!

Radiological Areas
Radiological Areas (RAs) address areas where distinct radiological conditions can
be quantified and compared against established limits. Specific types of RAs and
their triggering limits are:
4.1.2.1 Radiation Areas
Radiation Areas are defined as areas where radiation dose rates from
radioactive material or prompt sources of radiation are greater than 5
mrem/h and less than or equal to 100 mrem/h at 30 cm from the radiation source.
4.1.2.2 High Radiation Areas
High Radiation Areas are defined as areas where radiation dose rates
from radioactive material or prompt sources are greater than 100 mrem/h
at 30 cm and less than or equal to 500 rad/h at 100 cm from the radiation
source. High Radiation Areas with radiation dose rates greater than 5
rem/h at 30 cm are locked.
4.1.2.3 Very High Radiation Areas
Very High Radiation Areas are defined as areas where radiation dose
rates from radioactive material or prompt sources of radiation in these
areas are greater than 500 rad/h at 100 cm from the radiation source. Very
High Radiation Areas are locked at all times.
4.1.2.4 Contamination Areas
Contamination Areas are defined as areas where removable radioactive
contamination levels (or the potential for radioactive contamination levels) are greater than the values specified in Table 2.2, Chapter 2 of the
RadCon Manual, but less than or equal to 100 times those levels.
4.1.2.5 High Contamination Areas
High Contamination Areas are defined as areas where removable radioactive contamination levels (or the potential for radioactive contamination levels) are greater than 100 times the values specified in Table 2.2,
Chapter 2 of the RadCon Manual.
4.1.2.6 Airborne Radioactivity Areas
Caution signs that contain the words AIRBORNE RADIOACTIVITY
AREA indicate airborne radioactivity above natural background that
exceeds, or is likely to exceed, 10% of the derived Air concentration
values listed in Appendix A or Appendix C of 10CFR835.
4.1.2.7 Radioactive Material Management Areas
RMMAs are areas where the potential exists for radioactive contamination
due to the presence of unencapsulated or unconfined radioactive material, or exposure of material to beams of particles capable of causing
radioactivation.

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9: Radiological Safety

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Not all material in RMMAs will be labeled as radioactive, since items can
become activated or contaminated while in RMMAs. Therefore, all potentially radioactive material must be surveyed by an OHP technician or an
Accelerator Department operator prior to the removal of the material
from RMMAs.

Note:

RMMAs that are contaminated, or have a potential for contamination,

will be posted with Contamination Area signs.


The following SLAC areas are RMMAs:
All Accelerator Housings5
End Station A
Next Linear Collider Test Accelerator portion of
End Station B
Beam Dump East
Beam Switch Yard
Test Laboratory (Building 44): Accelerator Structure Test Area
Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL): Linac, Booster,
and Stanford Positron Electron Asymmetric Ring (SPEAR)
Final Focus Test Beam Facility
Temporary RMMA locations may be set up in the following areas
during certain machining or cutting operations:
Radioactive Material Storage Yard
Building 25: Light Fabrication Building Areas
Building 26: Heavy Fabrication Building Areas

Recognizing Hazards
Radiological control personnel5 assist managers and supervisors to identify radiological hazards
by:
Maintaining familiarity with SLAC processes.
Observing personnel activities.
Collecting preliminary screening samples.
Monitoring personnel.
Monitoring work areas.

5 See

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Chapter 1 of the RadCon Manual for the SLAC Radiological Control Organization.

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9: Radiological Safety

Evaluating Hazards
Results from personnel and work area monitoring are used to recognize and evaluate radiological
hazards.

6.1

Types of Monitoring
Radiological monitoring is performed primarily by OHP staff. Some limited monitoring of
personnel work areas is performed by Radiological Worker Training (RWT)-qualified personnel or accelerator operators.
The types of radiological monitoring include the following:
Contamination (removable or fixed radioactivity) surveys
Water sampling
Radiation (exposure to particles and/or photons) surveys
Radionuclide analysis

6.2

Monitoring Results
OHP maintains monitoring results data and posts this data in the form of survey maps at
the entrances to some RCAs and at the Main Control Center.

Controlling Hazards
There are five primary measures used to control radiological hazards at SLAC:
Radiation Shielding
PPS

Beam Shut-off Ion Chamber System (BSOIC)


Beam Containment System (BCS)
Administrative Procedures
The PPS and administrative procedures are the measures most directly used by SLAC radiological
workers, as indicated below. See Chapter 3 of the RadCon Manual for details regarding the other
measures.

7.1

Personnel Protection System


The PPS protects personnel from exposure to prompt ionizing radiation from beams and
interlocked electrical hazards in the accelerator housing. The PPS consists of the Access
Control System, access states, and key controls.
7.1.1

Access Control System


The Access Control System limits access to accelerator housings when a beam is
operating or when interlocked electrical hazards are present. The Access Control
System consists of locked and interlocked doors and gates that prevent operation
of the beam using redundant beam stoppers.

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9: Radiological Safety

7.1.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Access States
Large, illuminated signs are located adjacent to each major beam line housing
entrance. The signs display access-state information (such as No Access,
Restricted Access, or Controlled Access) that alert personnel to possible hazardous conditions in the beam line housing.

7.1.3

Key Controls
Key controls are used to account for personnel in accelerator housings when
access states are in Controlled Access configuration. These controls are enforced
by Accelerator Department staff as personnel enter and exit accelerator housings.
When keys are removed, the system provides a safety interlock to ensure that a
beam cannot be directed into areas occupied by personnel.

7.2

Administrative Procedures
Administrative Procedures include, but are not limited to the following:
7.2.1

Radiation Safety Work Control Forms


Radiation Safety Work Control Forms are used to control work performed on all
radiation safety systems such as the PPS, BCS, BSOICs, and shielding. More information on these systems is available in Guideline 14 of the SLAC Guidelines for
Operations.

7.2.2

Beam Authorization Sheets and Beam Line Authorizations


Beam Authorization Sheets and Beam Line Authorizations are used to establish
the running conditions at SLAC and SSRL, respectively. See Appendix 3E of the
RadCon Manual.

7.2.3

Radiological Work Permits


Radiation Work Permits are used to control access to High and Very High Radiation Areas, all Contamination Areas, and to any RCA where the expected dose
(individual or collective) exceeds the trigger levels shown in the SLAC Guidelines
for Operations, Section 6 of Guideline 16, and for controlling some work with
radioactive materials.

Training
Training is a crucial part of the RSP. Managers and supervisors shall ensure that their personnel are
fully trained regarding all aspects of radiological hazards and should consult the Employee Training
Assessment to determine training requirements.
Training is provided by the ES&H Training staff. There are several courses provided in the SLACspecific radiological training: Safety Orientation for Non-SLAC employees; Employee Orientation
to Environment, Safety, and Health (EOESH); General Employee Radiological Training (GERT);
Radiological Worker Training Levels I and II (RWT I and II), Limited Radiological Control Assistant (LRCA); and Health Physics Technician (HPT) Training.

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8.1

9: Radiological Safety

Safety Orientation for Non-SLAC Employees


This training is required for non-SLAC personnel who:
Are at SLAC for less than 60 days per year.
May need to enter an Accelerator Area unescorted.
May need to enter an RCA with a qualified escort.

8.2

Employee Orientation to Environment, Safety, and Health


All personnel who will work at SLAC for more than 60 days per year are required to take
the EOESH training, which includes orientation to radiological hazards.

8.3

General Employee Radiological Training


GERT or equivalent training is required for personnel, visiting scientists (for example,
SLAC or SSRL users), or visitors who:

Are at SLAC for more than 60 days per year.


May need to enter RCAs unescorted.
Note:

GERT personnel may enter Radiation Areas under tightly controlled limitations, and with

supervisor pre-approval for each entry.

8.4

Radiological Worker Training I and II


RWT is required for personnel who may need unescorted entry into the following areas:6

Radiation Areas RWT I required (except for the GERT condition listed in 8.3)
High Radiation Areas RWT I required
Contamination Areas RWT II required

8.5

Health Physics Technician


HPT training is required for personnel who:

Conduct radiological monitoring.


Evaluate materials for radiological hazards.
Perform other technical activities in the field.

8.6

Limited Radiological Controls Assistant


LRCA training is required for the following personnel who perform limited radiological

controls monitoring services:


Linac operators
SPEAR operators
SSRL beam line operators

Refer to Section 4.1 of this chapter or Chapter 2 of the RadCon Manual for RCA definitions. See Chapter 6 (also of the RadCon Manual) for training details.

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Radiological Postings
Radiological postings7 shall:
Be clear, legible, conspicuously posted, and may include radiological protection instructions.
Contain the standard radiation symbol colored magenta or black on a yellow background, with black or magenta lettering.
Be used to alert personnel to the presence of radiation and radioactive materials, and to
aid them in minimizing exposures and preventing the spread of contamination.
Be periodically updated by OHP.

10

Radiological Records
Detailed information concerning radiation exposure for any individual shall be made available to
that individual upon request, consistent with the provisions of the Privacy Act (5 USC 552a).

11

Radiological Reporting
SLAC shall provide personnel with radiation exposure data reports, or planned special exposure
reports, at the same time as these reports are submitted to DOE.

12

Occupational ALARA Program


This section outlines the ALARA program, defines ALARA criteria, and includes the requirements
for developing, implementing, and documenting the program.

12.1

ALARA Criteria and Policy


The current system of radiological protection is based on three general criteria: justification, optimization, and dose and risk limitation.
Justification is the need to prove reasonable any activity that involves radiation exposure, on the basis that the expected benefits to society exceed the overall societal detriments.
Optimization is the need to ensure that the benefits of such justifiable activities or practices are maximized for the minimum associated total societal detriment, when economic and social factors are taken into account.
Dose and Risk Limitation is the need to apply dose limits to ensure that individuals or
groups of individuals do not exceed acceptable levels of risk.
Consistent with these criteria, it is SLAC policy that radiological exposures resulting from
its operations are maintained within regulatory and administrative limits, and that such
exposures constitute ALARA.

9-12

For specific posting requirements and types of signs, refer to Chapter 2 of the RadCon Manual and the chapter of this manual, Warning Signs and Devices.

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12.2

9: Radiological Safety

Program Requirements
The following items are essential elements that shall be incorporated into the SLAC occupational ALARA program:
12.2.1 Management Commitment
The SLAC management goal is to establish commitment and participation at all
management and workforce levels. To accomplish this goal, SLAC has established
programs in the following areas:
Assignment of Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities have been assigned to line management and radiological workers involved in implementing the ALARA program.
Administrative Control Levels
SLAC has adopted an annual facility Administrative Control Level of 1,500
mrem per year.

12.2.2 Radiological Performance Goals


SLAC has established and approved the following program of radiological performance goals, which will be reviewed, at least quarterly, by the ALARA committee:

1. Collective dose equivalent (person-rem per year): Collective doses will be


maintained below levels specified in the RadCon Manual.
2. Contaminated areas within buildings (square feet): Conducting operations
with smaller contaminated areas results in less radioactive waste production,
less likelihood of personnel contamination, and improved productivity. The
reduction of existing contaminated areas due to the removal of radioactive
materials needs to be balanced by the recognition that this action generates
radioactive waste. Goals for both should be correlated.
3. Liquid and airborne radioactivity released (curies): Minimizing effluents
reduces the environmental impact of SLAC operations and reduces the costs
associated with remediation.
4. Site boundary dose (mrem/year): Minimizing direct radiation exposures to
the site boundary reduces the potential impact of SLAC operations on members of the general public.
12.2.3 ALARA Training
SLAC requires training for personnel involved with any aspect of radiological
operations. ALARA practices are presented in Safety Orientation for Non-SLAC
Employees, EOESH, GERT, RWT I and II, LRCA, as well as HPT training.

12.2.4 Plans and Procedures


SLAC integrates measures and provides direction during specific operations for
maintaining occupational exposures ALARA.

12.2.5 Internal Audits/Assessments


SLAC conducts comprehensive audits periodically and reports results to the high-

est management levels.

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12.2.6 Optimization Methodology


SLAC uses methods of optimization to ensure that occupational exposure is maintained ALARA when developing and justifying the facility design. Physical controls are used during the design of new facilities or major modification of old
facilities. Administrative procedures may also be used where older facilities have
been rebuilt, upgraded, or in the new use of facilities with different accelerator
running conditions.

12.2.7 Radiological Design Review


SLAC ensures integration of appropriate methods for maintaining occupational
exposure ALARA during the design process.

12.2.8 Radiological Work/Experiment Planning


SLAC integrates measures and controls to maintain occupational exposures
ALARA for specific operations and experiments.

12.2.9 Records
SLAC maintains documentation to demonstrate ALARA compliance.

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9: Radiological Safety

Appendix A SLAC 10CFR835 Commitments


On December 14, 1993, the DOE published its final rule for Occupational Radiation Protection as
Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 835 (10CFR835). On November 4, 1998, DOE published its
final amended 10CFR835 rule for Occupational Radiation Protection. This rule requires that DOE
activities involving occupational radiation exposure shall be conducted in compliance with a DOEapproved and documented amended RPP.
Effective RPPs ensure that the health and safety of the work force are adequately protected by
keeping individual and collective radiation doses below regulatory limits and by implementing
the concept of maintaining radiation exposures ALARA. The documented RPP points to the SLAC
programs, plans, procedures, schedules, and other measures established to help ensure worker
health and safety through compliance with 10CFR835.
For the most part, the requirements of 10CFR835, as amended, are not new. Equivalent requirements previously were promulgated in 10CFR835, which have been implemented under SLACs
contractual obligations with DOE. Existing documents, including the site-specific RadCon Manual,
are used in part to satisfy the 10CFR835 requirements of a documented RPP. The following statements identify explicit SLAC programmatic commitments as provided in the SLAC RPP:8
1. General RPP Requirements

No SLAC or DOE personnel shall take or cause to be taken any


action inconsistent with the requirements of:

835

(1) 10CFR835.
(2) Any program, plan, schedule, or other process established
by 10CFR835. [10CFR835: 3(a)]

835

With respect to a particular DOE activity, SLAC management


shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of
10CFR835. [10CFR835: 3(b)]

835

Nothing in this manual or in 10CFR835 shall be construed as limiting actions that may be necessary to protect health and safety.

[10CFR835: 3(d)]

835 For those activities that are required by 10CFR835.102 (audits),


835.901 (e) {24 month retraining}, 835.1202 (a) & (b) {sealed-source

inventory and leak testing}, the time interval to conduct these activities may be extended by a period not to exceed 30 days to accommodate scheduling needs. [10CFR835: 3 (e)]

835 Unless otherwise specified, the quantities used in the records


required by 10CFR835 shall be clearly indicated in special units of
curie, rad, or rem, including multiples and subdivisions of these
units. SI units, becquerel (bq), gray (Gy), and sievert (Sv) are only
provided parenthetically in 10CFR835 for reference with scientific
standards. [10CFR835: 4]

835 SLAC activities shall be conducted in compliance with a documented radiation protection program (RPP) as approved by the
DOE. [10CFR835: 101(a)]

835

The DOE may direct or make modifications to the SLAC RPP.

[10CFR835: 101(b)]
8 The

Department of Energy has published in 10CFR835 the rules for Occupational Radiation Protection. For the purposes
of identifying for SLAC users of this manual those statements which indicate implementation of the regulations by SLAC,
the following convention is used: a small case/bold faced 835 followed by bold face type and a citation at the end of the
text string indicating the source in small case/bold faced brackets [].

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835

The content of the SLAC RPP shall be commensurate with the


nature of the activities performed and shall include formal plans
and measures for applying the as low as reasonably achievable
(ALARA) process to occupational exposure. [10CFR835: 101(c).01&.02]

835 The SLAC RPP shall specify the existing and/or anticipated
operational tasks that are intended to be within the scope of the
RPP. [10CFR835: 101(d).01]

835 Except as provided in 10CFR835.101(i), any task outside the scope

of the SLAC RPP shall not be initiated until the updated SLAC RPP is
approved by DOE. [10CFR835: 101(d).02]

835

The content of the SLAC RPP shall address, but shall not necessarily be limited to, each requirement in 10CFR835. [10CFR835: 101(e)]

835

835 An

An update of the SLAC RPP shall be submitted to DOE: Whenever a change or an addition to the RPP is made; [10CFR835: 101(g)(1)]
update of the SLAC RPP shall be submitted to DOE: Prior to
the initiation of a task not within the scope of the RPP; or [10CFR835:
101(g)(2)]

An update of the SLAC RPP shall be submitted to DOE: Within


180 days of the effective date of any modifications to 10CFR835.

835

[10CFR835: 101(g)(3)]

Changes, additions, or updates to the SLAC RPP may become


effective without prior DOE approval only if the changes do not
decrease the effectiveness of the RPP and the RPP, as changed, continues to meet the requirements of 10CFR835. [10CFR835: 101(h).01]

835

835 The initial SLAC RPP or a subsequent update shall be considered

835

Proposed changes that decrease the effectiveness of the RPP


shall not be implemented without submittal to and approval by the
DOE. [10CFR835: 101(h).02]
approved 180 days after its submission unless rejected by DOE at an
earlier date. [10CFR835: 101(i)]

2. Radiological Audits

835 The SHA Departments audit procedures shall ensure that internal audits of the RPP, including examination of program content
and implementation, shall be conducted through a process that
ensures that all functional elements are reviewed no less frequently
than every 36 months. [10CFR835: 102.01]

3. Radiological Procedures

835 Written procedures shall be developed and implemented as necessary to ensure compliance with 10CFR835 consistent with the education, training, and skills of the individuals exposed to those
hazards. [10CFR835: 104.01 &.02]

Consult the RadCon Manual for a more detailed description of the requirements of the
SLAC RSP.

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10

Laser Safety
Related Chapters
Electrical Safety
Fire Safety
Hazardous Material
Medical
Personal Protective
Equipment
Training

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

10-2

2 Responsibilities

10-2

2.1

Non-ionizing Radiation Committee

10-2

2.2

Medical Department

10-2

2.3

Purchasing Department

10-2

2.4

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

10-2

2.5

Laser Safety Officer

10-3

2.6

Deputy Laser Safety Officer

10-3

2.7

Laser System Supervisor/Group Laser Safety Delegate

10-3

2.8

Personnel

10-4

3 Hazard Classifications

10-5

4 General Requirements and Control Measures

10-5

4.1

Exposure Levels

10-6

4.2

Protective Housing

10-6

4.3

Warning Signs and Labels

10-6

4.4

Medical Surveillance

10-7

4.5

Personal Protective Equipment

10-7

5 Requirements and Control Measures For Class 3b and Class 4 Lasers 10-8
5.1

Engineering Controls

10-8

5.2

Other Controls

10-8

6 Requirements and Control Measures for Laser Pointers

10-9

7 Standard Operating Procedures

10-9

8 Training

10-9

9 Acquisition of Lasers

10-10

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Overview
A laser is a device that produces a coherent, intense, highly directional beam of light of a single
wavelength or tunable over a band of wavelengths. Laser hazards are related principally to the
intensely powerful, non-ionizing1 beam emitted. The main hazards posed by lasers are eye
damage and skin burns. Related hazards include electrical currents, explosions, fires, toxic
material, noise, and ultraviolet light. See related chapters in this manual for information on these
hazards.
A SLAC Laser Safety Officer (LSO) is assigned by the SLAC Director to oversee all laser operations.
The LSO is a member of the Non-ionizing Radiation Committee, which advises the LSO on laser
safety issues. Laser safety policies at SLAC shall be in compliance with control measures outlined
in the American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z136.1-1993, hereafter referred to as
ANSI).
This chapter presents the SLAC Laser Safety Program (LSP) and includes sections on
responsibilities, laser hazard classifications, laser safety requirements and precautions, and
training requirements.

Responsibilities
2.1

Non-ionizing Radiation Committee


The Non-ionizing Radiation Committee serves as an advisory committee on laser safety
issues at SLAC. The Committee reviews and evaluates laser installations referred by the
LSO. See Citizen Committees in this manual.

2.2

Medical Department
The Medical Department arranges for eye examinations for personnel working with
lasers. Eye exams are required:
For personnel prior to using Class 3b and Class 4 lasers.
Following suspected laser-induced injury.

2.3

Purchasing Department
The Purchasing Department shall refer laser purchase requisitions to the LSO for approval
(see Section 9, Acquisition of Lasers).

2.4

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department shall:
Be represented on the Non-ionizing Radiation Committee.
Provide consultation on related safety issues, such as electrical safety.
Assist the LSO in laser safety training for personnel.

10-2

Visible electromagnetic radiation and radio frequency electromagnetic radiation are both examples of nonionizing radiation.

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10: Laser Safety

Laser Safety Officer


The Laser Safety Officer (LSO) shall:
Classify or verify classification of all laser systems.
Provide consultation concerning lasers and laser hazards.
Have the authority to inspect, monitor, and approve all laser installations and
enforce laser safety controls.
Enforce the control of laser hazards.
Suspend, restrict, or terminate the operation of a laser or laser system if the
laser hazard controls are inadequate.
Ensure that personnel receive laser safety training specific for the type of laser
they will be operating and assist laser system supervisors to develop and
implement on-the-job training programs.
Ensure that personnel receive appropriate medical surveillance.
Investigate any known or suspected accident resulting from a laser operation,
initiate appropriate action, and prepare accident reports.
Be a member of the Non-ionizing Radiation Committee.
Maintain the records required by applicable government regulations.
Accompany regulatory agency laser equipment inspectors on tours of laser
installations, document any discrepancies noted, and ensure that the required
corrective action is taken.
Designate a Deputy Laser Safety Officer to perform LSO functions when the
LSO is not available.
Approve, in writing, all Class 3b and Class 4 laser orders.

2.6

Deputy Laser Safety Officer


The Deputy Laser Safety Officer is designated by the LSO and performs LSO functions
when the LSO is not available.

2.7

Laser System Supervisor/Group Laser Safety Delegate


The Laser System Supervisor/Group Laser Safety Delegate (appointed by each
Department Head or Project Group Leader) shall:
Prepare and submit the following for the LSOs approval before permitting
Class 3b and Class 4 laser operations:
Plans for new installations or modifications to existing lasers and laser
systems
Written standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Written alignment procedures
Written maintenance and service procedures
Descriptions of labels and signs on laser equipment and in laser areas
Specifications for PPE that will be used by personnel
Classification of lasers and laser systems
Checklist of requirements to be completed by personnel prior to operating lasers2

This checklist should include prerequisite training documentation and proof of medical examination.

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Identify hazards in laser work areas.


Ensure that safety controls of laser hazards for personnel, visitors, and the
general public are adequate before permitting the operation of a laser.
Suspend the operation of a laser when there is inadequate control of laser
hazards.
Designate Nominal Hazard Zones (NHZs), as needed. An NHZ is an area
where laser radiation exceeds the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE).
Know and enforce all applicable procedures pertaining to laser safety.
Determine the appropriate training requirements for personnel using the Task/
Hazard Survey (SLAC-I-720-0A04Z-001) and ensure that all personnel are
appropriately trained on the specific lasers they will be operating before they
begin working with lasers. Supervisors shall document personnel training for
Class 3b and Class 4 lasers.3
Develop and document laser-specific, on-the-job training programs in
conjunction with the LSO for users of Class 3b and Class 4 lasers.
Ensure that personnel working with Class 3b and Class 4 lasers receive the
appropriate eye exams.
Determine if personnel should wear PPE, such as protective eyewear and
gloves.
Notify the Medical Department and the LSO immediately of any known or
suspected accident resulting from the operation of a laser and assist in
obtaining the appropriate emergency medical attention for personnel involved
in a laser accident.
Maintain a current inventory of all lasers within their group. The inventory
should include the classification, wavelength, power, type, manufacturer,
model designation, and serial number of the laser.
Periodically confirm that all safety interlocks are functioning correctly.

2.8

Personnel
All personnel working with or near lasers shall:
Energize or work with or near a laser only after obtaining authorization from
the LSO and the supervisor for that laser.
Receive the appropriate safety training (including on-the-job training) prior to
operating any lasers.
Read and comply with all safety instructions and regulations (including SOPs
if working with Class 3b and Class 4 lasers) for the type of laser they will be
operating.
Wear appropriate PPE, such as safety glasses, to prevent exposure to laser
hazards.
Notify their supervisor of new or increased laser hazards in the workplace.
Receive all eye examinations required for laser use.
Immediately notify their supervisor (or the Medical Department if their
supervisor is unavailable) of any known or suspected accident involving a
laser and assist in obtaining the appropriate emergency medical attention for
personnel involved in a laser accident.

10-4

Supervisors or safety delegates at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL) may use an SSRL
Hazards Form to determine training requirements for non-SLAC employee users.

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10: Laser Safety

Hazard Classifications
Laser classification is based on:
The ability of the laser beam to cause injury to the eye or skin. For example, a
Class 4 laser is capable of causing greater injury than a Class 2 laser.
The level of the lasers accessible radiation. For example, a Class 1 laser system
can contain an embedded Class 4 laser.
Laser safety requirements are specified according to the following hazard classes:

Class 1 Lasers

Class 1 lasers are incapable of producing damaging radiation levels and are therefore exempt from any control
measures.

Class 2 Lasers

Class 2 Lasers emit accessible, visible radiation at levels


at which damage from direct chronic exposure is possible. These lasers shall have a caution label affixed to the
external surface of the device.

Class 3 Lasers

Class 3 lasers (subdivided into Class 3a and Class 3b)


may cause biological damage4 to human tissue as a result
of concentrated, acute exposure.

Class 4 Lasers

Class 4 lasers may cause damage to the eye and skin with
direct or diffuse (concentrated or reflected) exposures to
the beam.

The laser or laser system classification provided by the manufacturer in conformance with the
Federal Laser Product Performance Standard is in accordance with ANSI and fulfills all classification
requirements for ANSI.
The LSO may classify lasers and laser systems when:
The classification is not provided.
The classification is not in accordance with the Federal Laser Product
Performance Standard.
The intended use is different from the use recommended by the manufacturer.
Engineering control measures are added or deleted.

General Requirements and Control Measures


As with other safety programs at SLAC, engineering controls are the primary controls used for
laser safety. If engineering controls are impractical or inadequate, then administrative or other
controls shall be enforced. Management shall provide adequate supervision, personnel training,
4

Continuous-wave (CW) lasers and pulsed lasers may cause thermal and photochemical damage; pulsed
lasers may also cause blast damage.

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facilities, equipment, and supplies to control potential laser and laser systems hazards. The control
measures appropriate for the classification apply when the laser is in normal operating mode.
Although some classes of lasers and laser systems have their own specific safety requirements
and control measures, the following safety precautions apply to all laser use.

4.1

Exposure Levels
Use the minimum laser radiation required for the application to reduce potential exposure.
Avoid eye and skin exposure and direct viewing of the laser beam. Maintain
the beam at a level other than the eye level of a person sitting or standing.
Limit exposure levels to be as far below the MPE values as is practical. Values
for the MPE are below known hazardous levels and can be obtained from the
LSO or ANSI.

4.2

Protective Housing
A laser shall be contained in its appropriate protective housing to reduce potential exposure. The protective housing shall limit the maximum accessible laser radiation to a level
that defines the classification and shall have classification labels affixed on a conspicuous
part of the laser housing.
Removable protective housing shall comply with the following requirements:
Housing shall contain interlocks that are activated when the housing is
opened during operation and maintenance.
Interlocks shall not be defeated unless the provisions of ANSI 4.3.1.1 have been
fully implemented.
Viewing windows (if present) shall limit the laser radiation to a level below the
MPE.
Walk-in protective housings shall comply with the following requirements:
Entries shall allow rapid emergency entrance and exit.
Housings shall contain interlocks that turn off the laser when personnel enter
during normal or emergency access.
Interlocks shall preclude automatic re-energizing of the laser after access.
Reactivation of the laser shall be initiated manually.
A clearly marked and easily accessible EMERGENCY OFF button shall be available within the housing for deactivating Class 4 lasers.
When continuous laser operation is necessary, the safety control system can
momentarily override the room-access interlocks to allow entry and egress.
Overrides shall not be automatic and shall require manual activation. Override systems shall be approved by the LSO, who may require additional control measures.

4.3

Warning Signs and Labels


All lasers shall have labels on the protective housing that specify their classification. In
addition, entrances to controlled laser areas shall have signs conspicuously displayed.
Signs and labels shall be in accordance with the American National Standard Specifications
for Accident Prevention Signs (ANSI Z535 Series).

10-6

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10: Laser Safety

Required signs differ for each laser hazard classification. For more information on warning signs, obtain a copy of the Laser Safety Manual (SLAC-I-730-0A04F-001) from the LSO.

4.4

Medical Surveillance
The Medical Department arranges for eye examinations to establish a baseline against
which damage to the eyes can be measured. Eye examinations also help to identify workers that might be at special risk from chronic exposure to laser beams.
Eye exams are required:
For personnel prior to using Class 3b and Class 4 lasers.
Following suspected laser-induced injury.
The Laser System Supervisor shall determine which personnel need eye examinations
related to laser use and will refer such personnel to the Medical Department. The Medical
Department specifies the examination protocol, schedules each laser user for an examination, and keeps medical records, all in accordance with ANSI E.2.2 and E4.
If an eye injury is found, the Medical Department will notify the LSO immediately.

4.5

Personal Protective Equipment


Eyewear specifically designed for protection against non-ionizing radiation from Class 3b
and Class 4 lasers and laser systems shall be required when engineering and other control
measures are inadequate to eliminate potential exposure in excess of the applicable MPE.
Protective eyewear may include goggles, face shields, spectacles, or prescription eyewear
using special filter materials or reflective coatings.
Managers, supervisors, or project leaders decide which protective eyewear personnel
shall use by considering the following:
Wavelength(s) of laser output
Radiant exposure or irradiance levels for which protection (worst case) is
required
Required optical density at the laser wavelength(s)
Visible light transmission required to perform tasks while wearing the eyewear
Damage threshold due to photobleaching, mechanical trauma, shock, or direct
exposure to the laser beam
All laser protective eyewear shall be:
Clearly labeled with the optical density at the appropriate laser wavelength(s).
Cleaned periodically, according to the manufacturers specifications.
Inspected periodically for signs of damage, such as pitting, cracking, light
leaks, or discoloration. Eyewear in suspicious condition shall be tested to
ensure that it is safe for use.
For further details on protective eyewear for laser use, consult the LSO, ANSI, or Personal
Protective Equipment in this manual.

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Requirements and Control Measures For Class 3b and Class 4


Lasers
Class 3b and Class 4 lasers, which have greater potential to cause injury, require very specific control measures. Engineering controls shall be given primary consideration when instituting the
safety measure control program.

5.1

Engineering Controls
Engineering controls shall include:
Interlock systems that are activated when the protective housing5 is opened
during operation and maintenance.
Service access panels that:
Require an appropriate label.
Are interlocked or require a tool for removal.
Key controls. Class 3b lasers should be provided with a master switch but
Class 4 lasers shall have a master switch that is operated by a key or by a
coded access. Authority for the use of the master switch shall be specified in
the SOP. The master switch shall be locked in the OFF position when the laser is
not intended to be used.
Interlocks and attenuators, when collective optics (such as lenses, telescopes,
and microscopes but not prescription eyewear) are used while the laser is in
operation. These controls shall maintain levels of exposure at or below the corresponding MPE.
Permanently attached beam stops or attenuators for Class 4 lasers. Permanently attached beam stops or attenuators should be provided for Class 3b
lasers.
Laser-activation warning systems (such as audible and visual alarms) for
intermittent or single-pulsed operations when using Class 4 lasers. Warning
systems for Class 4 lasers shall allow sufficient time for personnel to avoid
exposure before the beam is turned on. These warning systems should be used
for Class 3b lasers.
Clearly marked EMERGENCY OFF buttons, as well as non-defeatable safety
latches, to deactivate Class 4 lasers in an emergency.

5.2

Other Controls
5.2.1

Beam Path Control


Beam path control shall be determined by hazard analyses for areas where beam
paths are totally-open, limited-open, or where the entire beam path is
enclosed. Enclosed beam paths may be classified as Class 1 lasers where no further controls are required. See Section 4.3.6 of ANSI for detailed information.

5.2.2

Laser Controlled Areas


Laser controlled areas containing Class 3b or Class 4 lasers shall:
Be posted in accordance with ANSI Section 4.7.
Have access limited to authorized personnel only.

10-8

See Section 4.2, Protective Housing.

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10: Laser Safety

Have operating procedures that require disabling the laser when not
in use to prevent unauthorized access.
In addition, laser controlled areas containing Class 4 lasers shall have entry safety
controls, as defined in ANSI Section 4.3.10.2.
All personnel who regularly require entry into laser controlled areas containing
Class 3b or Class 4 lasers shall:
Be authorized to enter the areas.
Be appropriately trained.
Wear the required PPE in Class 4 controlled areas and should wear the
recommended PPE in Class 3b laser controlled areas.
Follow all applicable administrative and procedural controls.

Requirements and Control Measures for Laser Pointers


Laser pointers used for visual presentations can cause eye damage if used improperly. The potential hazard is limited to looking directly into the laser beam with unprotected eyes. No hazard to
the skin exists. Never aim the pointer into the audience.
ANSI has assigned a Class 2 hazard to helium-neon (HeNe) laser pointers, indicating that momentary or accidental viewing of the direct beam will not cause eye injury. A CAUTION label for these
devices is appropriate.
ANSI has classified diode lasers as Class 3a lasers, indicating that direct viewing into the beam has

the potential to cause eye injury. If the Class 3a diode laser has a very small beam diameter (less
than 7 millimeters) and a power rating between 1 and 5 milliwatt, it shall have a DANGER label,
since it poses a risk if viewed at close distance.
As a safety precaution, purchase HeNe laser pointers instead of diode laser pointers whenever
possible.

Standard Operating Procedures


SOPs for Class 3b and Class 4 lasers shall include responsibility assignments, laser descriptions,
safety hazards, and required safety controls. For more information on SOPs, obtain a copy of the
Laser Safety Manual from the LSO.

Training
Training shall be provided to personnel who routinely work with or around Class 3b and Class 4
lasers, and should be provided to personnel working with or around Class 2 and Class 3a lasers or
laser systems. The level of training required is related to the potential hazards. Laser operators
shall have the general training for laser workers and specific (on-the-job) training for the
particular laser(s) they will operate. General training will be provided by the Environment, Safety,

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and Health (ES&H) Division and specific training will be provided by laser system supervisors or
group laser safety delegates.
Using the Task/Hazard Survey, managers and supervisors determine the appropriate training
requirements for personnel and ensure that all personnel are appropriately trained in laser hazards and controls before beginning work with lasers. Supervisors or safety delegates at the Stanford
Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL) may use an SSRL Hazards Form to determine training
requirements for non-SLAC employee users.

Acquisition of Lasers
Managers and supervisors shall notify the LSO whenever the decision is made to fabricate,
purchase, or otherwise acquire a Class 3b or Class 4 laser. The Purchasing Department will request
written approval from the LSO before an order for these lasers is placed. These precautions ensure
that the LSP is initiated for each laser.

10-10

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Chapter 11, Excavations


Bulletin Updates
Note:

The following Bulletins have information that has not yet been incorporated into
this Chapter, or has changed since the publication of the Chapter. Information in
the Bulletins supercedes information in this Chapter.

Date
Issued

Bulletin 54A

02/16/02

Title
Excavation Clearance Form

11

Excavations
Related Chapters
Confined Space
Electrical Safety
Ladders, Scaffolds, and Work
Platforms

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

11-2

2 Responsibilities

11-2

2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

11-2

2.2

Plant Engineering Department

11-2

2.3

Facilities Department

11-3

2.4

SLAC Project Managers/Project Engineers of SLAC Employees 11-3

2.5

University Technical Representatives/Project Managers


of Subcontractor Workers

11-3

2.6

Subcontractors

11-3

2.7

Competent Persons

11-4

2.8

All Others

11-5

3 Hazards and Hazard Controls

11-5

3.1

Underground Utilities

11-5

3.2

Hazardous Atmospheres

11-6

3.3

Cave-ins

11-6

3.4

Structural Instability

11-6

3.5

Water Accumulation

11-7

3.6

Falls

11-7

3.7

Egress

11-7

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Overview
This chapter describes the SLAC excavation safety policy. Excavations are defined as any cut, cavity, trench, or depression formed by the digging of earth, soil, or concrete (other building materials), both inside and outside of buildings. The chapter includes sections on individual
responsibilities, safety hazards, and safety requirements for excavation work.
SLAC policy reflects the requirements found in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part

1926, Subpart P, Subpart K, and Subpart V, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) Safety and Health Regulations for Construction.

Responsibilities
2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department shall:
Provide consultation concerning remediation of potentially hazardous conditions.
Perform pre-work, confined-space assessments, as per Section 3.2.
Perform random, unscheduled safety inspections of excavation sites to review
excavator compliance with SLAC and OSHA requirements.
Report safety deficiencies to the Project Manager/Project Engineer or University Technical Representative (UTR).

2.2

Plant Engineering Department


The Plant Engineering Department (PED) shall:
Attempt to determine the exact location of any underground utilities that are
under its jurisdiction at proposed excavation sites and mark those utilities, at
the request of the competent person, 1 the UTR, or the Project Manager/Project
Engineer. Markings shall be by paint or other durable means on hard surfaces,
and by flags in soft soil.
Observe the precautions outlined below if PED employees excavate at a site
where an underground utility cannot be deenergized, or the exact location of
the utility cannot be determined, or the excavation involves an energized utility underneath red concrete around ductbanks2:
Provide insulated protective gloves to PED employees who are using
jack-hammers, bars, or other hand tools that may contact a utility line.
Ensure that a minimum of two employees are present during the excavations. One of the employees present must be competent and qualified to work with the hazard.

11-2

See definition of competent person in Section 2.7.

A ductbank is a group of buried conduits.

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11: Excavations

Facilities Department
The Facilities Department shall attempt to determine the exact location of any underground utilities that are under its jurisdiction at proposed excavation sites and mark those
utilities, at the request of the competent person, 3 the UTR, or the Project Manager/Project
Engineer. Markings shall be made by paint or other durable means on hard surfaces, and
by flags in soft soil.

2.4

SLAC Project Managers/Project Engineers of SLAC Employees


SLAC Project Managers/Project Engineers of SLAC employees shall:

Stop an activity performed by SLAC employees if there is immediate danger to


life or health.
Designate a competent person to enforce safety requirements at the excavation
site.
Oversee the enforcement of excavation safety requirements.
Consult with SHA regarding potentially hazardous conditions at the excavation site.

2.5

University Technical Representatives/Project Managers


of Subcontractor Workers
University Technical Representatives (UTRs)/Project Managers of subcontractor workers
shall:
Stop an activity if it poses an immediate danger to life or health.
Review subcontractor compliance with the safety requirements detailed in this
chapter.
Obtain excavation clearance before beginning excavations by:
Completing an Excavation Clearance Form. Forms can be obtained
from PED and SHA. Observe all required precautions described in the
form and obtain all necessary authorizations.
Consulting building managers or area managers to verify that hidden
hazards (such as process piping) are not contained within the excavation area.
Notify the SLAC Contract Administrator of subcontractor non-compliance
with safety controls. The SLAC Contract Administrator will work with subcontractors to rectify safety deficiencies.

2.6

Subcontractors
Subcontractors shall:
Stop an activity if it poses an immediate danger to life or health.
Designate a competent person to enforce safety requirements at the excavation
site.
Oversee the enforcement of excavation safety requirements.

See definition of competent person in Section 2.6.

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Obtain their own confined-space assessment if hazardous atmospheric conditions exist or could be expected to exist.
Keep excavation sites free of recognized hazards.

2.7

Competent Persons
Subcontractors or SLAC Project Managers/Project Engineers of SLAC employees (if the
work is performed by SLAC employees) will designate a competent person to ensure compliance with safety requirements during excavation activities. A competent person is a
person who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings, or of identifying working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or otherwise
dangerous to workers in excavations.
Competent persons shall:
Stop an activity if there is immediate danger to life or health.
Take prompt, corrective actions to eliminate safety hazards.
Obtain excavation clearance before beginning excavations by: 4
Completing an Excavation Clearance Form. Forms can be obtained
from PED and SHA. Observe all required precautions contained within
the form and obtain all necessary authorizations.
Consulting building managers or area managers to verify that hidden
hazards (such as process piping) are not contained within the excavation area.
Inspect the excavation site for hazards or safety violations and for compliance
with safety requirements prior to commencing work and as needed throughout the work shift, such as after rainstorms or other events that could cause
hazards.
Ensure that warning signs are placed around excavation site hazards, such as
electrical equipment and electrical lines, to help prevent accidental contact.
Ensure that all workers who work at excavation sites obtain all required onthe-job safety training related to excavation activities. Training shall cover all
the potential excavation hazards and engineering controls, administrative procedures, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used to minimize those hazards.
Ensure that safety requirements and measures are in place to protect employees, structures, and equipment from hazards. Hazards include underground
utilities, cave-ins, structural instability, and water accumulation.
Temporarily remove workers from the work area when hazardous conditions
occur. Workers shall not be allowed to return until the necessary precautions
have been taken to ensure their safety.
Obtain a confined-space assessment from SHA (if the work involves SLAC
employees, job shoppers, or temporary employees) or from outside contractors (if the work involves subcontractor workers only) when hazardous atmospheric conditions exist or could be expected to exist. 5

11-4

When subcontractors are involved in an excavation, UTRs are responsible for obtaining excavation clearance on behalf
of the competent persons.

See the Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Resource List for current telephone extensions.

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11: Excavations

All Others
All other persons on the SLAC premises (including subcontractors and their employees,
users, and visitors working at SLAC) who perform work at excavation sites shall:
Obtain all required on-the-job safety training relating to excavation activities.
Comply with excavation safety requirements. Since there may be underground utilities that were installed without the knowledge of Facilities or of
PED, workers should proceed with caution and exercise the precautions outlined in Section 3.1.
Inform their immediate supervisors and the competent person if they notice
any hazards associated with excavation work.
Wear warning vests marked with or made of reflective or highly visible material if they are likely to encounter traffic during excavation activities.
Stand away from loads handled by lifting or digging equipment.
Obtain insulated protective gloves from their supervisor if they are using jackhammers, bars, or other hand tools that may contact a utility line.

Hazards and Hazard Controls


The most common hazards involving excavations include underground utilities, hazardous atmospheres, cave-ins, structural instability, water accumulation, and falls.

3.1

Underground Utilities
Underground utilities (such as sewer, telephone, gas, electric, and water lines) must be
protected from excavation equipment. In turn, workers must be protected from the safety
hazards (such as electric shock, suffocation, or explosions) related to those installations.
Competent persons or their designees shall:
Obtain excavation clearance as specified in Section 2.7.
Use available, appropriate detection equipment (such as metal detectors, or
ground radar) and/or contract with an off-site underground utility detection
service to locate underground utilities before digging.
Be aware that it may be more difficult to locate underground utilities in reinforced concrete, which contains metal rebars.
Protect the underground installations at the site while the excavation is open.
Ensure that warning signs are correctly placed and displayed.
De-energize underground utilities at the excavation site, if practical.
Note:

15 December 1997

If work on or near energized equipment is required, follow all safety precautions outlined
in Electrical Safety in this manual.

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Hazardous Atmospheres
SHA shall perform pre-work, confined-space assessments6 at excavation sites involving
SLAC employees, temporary employees, or subcontractors and their employees, if any of

the following are present:


Hazardous atmospheres7
Engineering controls installed to prevent the creation of hazardous atmospheres
Landfill areas or areas where hazardous substances are stored
Note:

3.3

SHA will only perform pre-work assessments; subcontractors must perform confinedspace assessments during the excavation.

Cave-ins
Competent persons shall ensure that safety measures such as shoring,8 non-radiation
related shielding,9 or benching10 are installed to protect employees from cave-ins, unless
at least one of the following criteria is met: 11
Excavations are made entirely in stable rock.
Excavations are less than 5-feet deep and the competent person in charge of
the site certifies that there is no indication of a potential cave-in.
When installing cave-in protection, competent persons shall take into account external
factors such as weather and vibration from nearby heavy vehicles.
Competent persons shall ensure that all material (including spoils) and equipment are at
least 2 feet from the outer edge of excavations. In addition and where applicable, competent persons shall recommend the following safety measures to protect workers from
cave-ins and to prevent material and equipment from falling or rolling into excavations:
Protective barricades
Retaining devices
Hand or mechanical signals to direct machinery operators
Stop logs12
Grades that are located away from the excavation site

3.4

Structural Instability
SLAC project managers are responsible for ensuring that adjacent structures (including
walls, buildings, and pavements) are stabilized using shoring, bracing, or underpinning,
unless alternate contractual agreements have been made. Excavating below the level of

11-6

See Confined Space in this manual for more information.

Hazardous atmospheres include either depleted oxygen supply, presence of hazardous gas, or both.

Shoring structures support the sides of an excavation to prevent cave-ins.

Shield systems are structures that are strong enough to withstand the pressure created by a cave-in.

10

Benching involves digging the sides of an excavation to form one or more horizontal levels or steps, usually with vertical or near-vertical surfaces between levels.

11

When subcontractor workers are involved, UTRs will ensure that competent persons comply with safety measures.

12

Stop logs are concrete slabs, such as those found in parking spaces, that prevent vehicles from rolling downhill.

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11: Excavations

the base or footing of any foundation or retaining wall shall be permitted only when at
least one of the following criteria is met:
A registered professional engineer has determined that:
There is no safety hazard for workers.
The structure will be unaffected by the excavation activity due to its
distance from the site.
A support system is provided to ensure worker safety and structure stability.
The excavation is in stable rock.

3.5

Water Accumulation
Competent persons shall perform safety inspections in areas subject to runoff from heavy
rains. In addition, competent persons shall ensure that the following safety features are
installed in areas where water accumulation exists or may exist in the future:
A special support or shield system to protect against cave-ins
Water-removal equipment to control the level of accumulating water
Safety harnesses and lifelines13
Water diversions, including ditches and dikes, to prevent surface water from
entering the excavation site
Adequate drainage of the area adjacent to the excavation site

3.6

Falls
To protect workers from falls, competent persons shall ensure that the following safety
measures are installed:
Standard guardrails on walkways and bridges
Coverings, barricades, or fillers for wells, pits, and shafts
Adequate physical barrier protection where excavation borders are not readily
apparent
Night lighting and warning devices such as signs or colored tape in areas
where worker foot traffic is expected

3.7

Egress
Competent persons shall ensure that excavations of 4-feet deep or more have a safe means
of egress (such as a ladder) located at or within 25 feet from the work area.

13

Employees who are using safety harnesses and lifelines must take Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) training. See
Training Opportunities at SLAC for more information on ES&H-related courses.

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12

Fire Safety
Related Chapters
Evacuation, Exit Paths, and
Emergency Lighting

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Responding to a Fire

12-2

2 Fire Protection Program

12-2

3 Responsibilities

12-3

3.1

Fire Department

12-3

3.2

Fire Protection Safety Committee

12-3

3.3

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

12-3

3.4

Facilities Office

12-3

3.5

Managers and Supervisors

12-4

3.6

Building Managers

12-4

3.7

Personnel

12-4

4 Fire Protection Equipment

12-5

4.1

Sprinkler Systems

12-5

4.2

Fire Hydrants and Fire Lanes

12-5

4.3

Portable Fire Extinguishers

12-5

4.4

Smoke and Heat Detectors and Evacuation Alarms

12-7

4.5

Fire Doors and Dampers

12-7

5 Exits and Corridors

12-8

6 Fire Safety Inspections

12-8

7 Construction and Building Modification

12-8

8 Limiting Fire Hazards

12-9

8.1

Flammables

12-9

8.2

Solid Combustibles

12-11

8.3

Oxidizers

12-11

8.4

Spontaneous Combustion

12-11

8.5

Hotwork Permits

12-12

8.6

Electric Appliances

12-12

8.7

Smoking

12-12

8.8

Weed Abatement

12-13

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Responding to a Fire
In case of fire, immediately take the following actions:
1. Evacuate the building. Sound the evacuation alarm by activating the nearest
manual fire alarm box on the way out, if it has not already been triggered.
Use the nearest exit.
Do not use elevators.
Close all doors behind you.
Evacuation routes are posted throughout the building.
2. Dial 9-911 from a phone in a location that is safe from the fire.
Describe the fire, its location, and the extent of any injuries.
Give your name and the telephone number from which you are
calling.
Remain on the phone until the dispatcher instructs you to hang up.
3. Report the fire to the building manager, if the building manager is readily
available.
Note:

If the fire is small and manageable and you have been trained in the operation of portable fire extinguishers, you may use the appropriate fire extinguisher while you wait for help to arrive. Never
place yourself in danger while suppressing a fire. Do not attempt to suppress a fire if you have any
doubts about the type of fire or your ability to put it out. Using the wrong type of extinguisher may
make the fire worse and may cause injuries.

The Fire Department (FD) operates the SLAC Fire Station and responds to all fire alarms and
reports of fire received from SLAC. If you report a fire, help direct the FD to the fire scene when
they arrive.

Fire Protection Program


The Fire Protection Program at SLAC takes into account personnel safety, special fire hazards for
specific operating areas, and protecting property. The main components of the Fire Protection Program are described in the sections that follow and include:
Fire protection equipment
Fire safety inspections
Fire safety reviews of plans for major construction and building-modification
projects
An on-site fire station
Guidance on limiting fire hazards
Training on how to use fire extinguishers
Hotwork permits
Weed abatement
If you have questions about the Fire Protection Program that are not answered by this chapter,
contact the Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department.

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Responsibilities
3.1

Fire Department
The FD:
Responds to all fire alarms and reports of fire received from SLAC.
Operates the SLAC Fire Station.
Inspects sprinkler-system connections monthly.
Inspects and tests fire hydrants annually.
Provides fire-extinguisher training to SLAC personnel.
Conducts annual fire safety inspections at SLAC.
Issues hotwork permits.
Gives authorization for re-entry to buildings after evacuation.

3.2

Fire Protection Safety Committee


The Fire Protection Safety Committee, a SLAC citizen committee, develops and recommends fire protection policy for implementation at SLAC. (See Chapter 31, Citizen Committees, for more information.)

3.3

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The SHA Department in the ES&H Division:
Participates on the Fire Protection Safety Committee.
Approves on a case-by-case basis situations in which fire protection equipment may be taken out of service temporarily.
Provides criteria on determining the number or type of fire extinguishers
needed in a given area.
Verifies that fire extinguishers and their locations are properly selected.
Arranges for service technicians to provide maintenance and repair of portable
fire extinguishers.
Provides fire safety design review of plans for major construction and building-modification projects as defined in the Quality Assurance and Compliance
Construction Inspection Procedure (SLAC-I-770-0A22C-001).
Provides criteria on limiting fire hazards.

3.4

Facilities Office
The Facilities Office:
Takes fire protection equipment out of service temporarily when necessary,
and only after notifying the FD and obtaining the approval of the SHA Department.
Maintains and tests sprinkler systems, battery-operated emergency lights,
smoke and heat detectors, and evacuation alarms.
Abates weeds in cooperation with the FD during the dry summer season at
SLAC to help prevent fires and to keep them from spreading.

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3.5

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Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors must:
Contact the building manager to have any fire protection equipment taken out
of service temporarily.
Designate a person to be responsible for selecting, purchasing, replacing, and
determining the need for portable fire extinguishers in their area.
Ensure that personnel are trained in the use of portable fire extinguishers, as
appropriate.
Notify the building manager of plans for construction and building-modification projects.
Keep MSDSs (Material Safety Data Sheets) for all flammables as well as other
hazardous materials in the work area in a location that is easily accessible to
personnel.
Ensure that NO SMOKING and FLAMMABLE signs are posted on or near storage
cabinets for flammables and in areas where flammables are stored, handled, or
used; and ensure that these signs are obeyed.
Obtain hotwork permits from the FD before work is performed that involves
welding or the use of an open flame.

3.6

Building Managers
Building managers must:
Notify the Facilities Office to have any fire protection equipment taken out of
service temporarily.
Ensure that monthly visual inspections of portable fire extinguishers are conducted.
Ensure that corrective actions are taken to address the findings of the annual
fire safety inspection performed by the FD.
Ensure that fire safety inspections are performed as a part of their semiannual
environment, safety, and health inspections.
Obtain a fire-safety design review from the SHA Department of plans for major
construction and building-modification projects as defined in the Quality
Assurance and Compliance Construction Inspection Procedure (SLAC-I-770-0A22C001).

3.7

Personnel
Personnel must:
Report all fires to 9-911.
Evacuate buildings in the event of a fire.
Do not prop open fire doors.
Keep exits and corridors clear at all times.
Take measures to limit fire hazards.
Properly label, store, handle, and use flammables.

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12: Fire Safety

Fire Protection Equipment


Fire protection equipment includes:
Automatic fire suppression systems (such as sprinkler, halon, carbon dioxide,
and dry chemical systems).
Portable fire extinguishers.
Smoke and heat detectors.
Evacuation alarms.
Fire doors and dampers.
Water supply mains.
To have fire protection equipment taken out of service temporarily, contact the building manager.
The building manager must notify the Facilities Office to have fire protection equipment taken out
of service. Only the Facilities Office may take fire protection equipment out of service, and they
may do so only after notifying the FD and obtaining the approval of the SHA Department.

4.1

Sprinkler Systems
Many buildings at SLAC are equipped with automatic sprinkler systems. Sprinkler heads
are individually activated when fire is detected.
Keep heat sources away from sprinkler heads. In areas where damage to sprinkler heads
is likely, such as in rooms with low ceilings, protective guards should be installed over the
sprinkler heads. Building managers should contact the Facilities Office to have protective
guards installed.
Allow at least 18 inches of clearance below sprinkler heads. Do not hang material from
sprinkler piping or sprinkler heads. Do not paint sprinkler heads. Allow at least three feet
of clearance around sprinkler control valves so that fire protection personnel can access
them easily. The Facilities Office maintains and tests sprinkler systems. The FD inspects
sprinkler-system connections monthly.

4.2

Fire Hydrants and Fire Lanes


Fire hydrants are maintained for emergency use by the FD. Brief, non-emergency use of
fire hydrants by non-FD personnel, such as construction subcontractors, must be authorized in writing by the Facilities Office prior to such use. The FD annually inspects and
tests fire hydrants at SLAC. In order to provide the FD access in the event of an emergency,
parking is prohibited at all times in fire lanes, and in front of sprinkler-system connections
and fire hydrants.

4.3

Portable Fire Extinguishers


Fires are divided into four classes: A, B, C, and D.
Class A fires involve wood, paper, cloth, or any other material that turns to
ash.
Class B fires involve burning liquids or gases, such as oil, paint, solvent, or
natural gas.
Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment.
Class D fires involve burning metal. (Aluminum and magnesium are examples
of metals that will burn.)

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Portable fire extinguishers are rated and labeled to indicate the classes of fires that they
extinguish. This rating depends on the extinguishing medium as well as the size of the
extinguisher.
4.3.1

Selecting
Managers and supervisors should designate a person to be responsible for selecting, purchasing, replacing, and determining the need for portable fire extinguishers in their area.
Portable fire extinguishers are needed:
Within easy reach of storage areas for flammables.
Throughout buildings, located so that a person does not have to travel
more than 75 feet to reach one.
When selecting portable fire extinguishers, consider:
Size of the area to be protected to determine the number and size of
fire extinguishers.
Types of possible fires in the area to determine the class or classes of
fire extinguishers needed.
Weight of the fire extinguishers. Although they may be necessary in
some cases, heavier fire extinguishers can be difficult to handle.
Potential damage that may be caused by using fire extinguishers on
various types of equipment located in the area.
Once you have selected a fire extinguisher and its location, notify the fire protection engineer in the SHA Department. The fire protection engineer will verify that
the fire extinguisher and its location have been selected properly, or provide guidance as appropriate. If you need assistance with determining the number or type
of fire extinguishers needed in your area, contact the SHA Department.

4.3.2

Purchasing and Installing


To purchase and install a portable fire extinguisher:
1. Complete a purchase requisition and send it through the SLAC purchasing system.
2. When the fire extinguisher arrives, submit a work order for installation of the fire extinguisher to the SLAC Carpentry Shop.
3. After the new fire extinguisher is installed, notify the building manager and call the person in the ES&H Division who coordinates Fire
Extinguisher Maintenance, as listed on the ES&H Resource List, to
report the new fire extinguisher. (The ES&H Resource List is distributed quarterly by the ES&H Division.) The ES&H Division will direct
fire-extinguisher technicians to place a bar code and tag on the new
fire extinguisher, and add the new fire extinguisher to the annual
maintenance schedule.

4.3.3

Use and Training


Only personnel who have received fire-extinguisher training may use portable
fire extinguishers. Trained personnel may use an appropriate portable fire extinguisher only on a fire that is small and manageable, and only after the fire has
been reported to the FD. Personnel must match the type of portable fire extinguisher to the type of fire. Using the wrong type of extinguisher may make a fire
worse and may cause injuries.

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Fire-extinguisher training is coordinated by the ES&H Training Team and taught


on-site by fire fighters from the FD. Fire-extinguisher training includes initial
training and annual refreshers.
Although personnel are not required to take fire-extinguisher training, all personnel are encouraged to take it. For instructions on how to register for training, see
Chapter 24, Training.
4.3.4

Maintenance
Report all needs for portable fire-extinguisher maintenance to the person in the
ES&H Division who coordinates Fire Extinguisher Maintenance as listed on the
ES&H Resource List. (This list is distributed site-wide by the ES&H Division.)
Under the direction of the SHA Department, portable fire extinguishers are serviced annually and as needed by fire-extinguisher technicians.
Building managers ensure that monthly visual inspections of portable fire extinguishers are performed as specified in the Building Manager Manual (SLAC-I-7200A03Z-001). In areas of limited accessibility (such as accelerator housings), the
inspections will be scheduled to coincide with periods when entrance to the area
is allowed.

4.4

Smoke and Heat Detectors and Evacuation Alarms


Many buildings are equipped with smoke and heat detectors, and evacuation alarms.
Smoke and heat detectors at SLAC automatically transmit an alarm to the FD and automatically activate evacuation alarms, if present, when smoke or heat is detected. Evacuation
alarms may also be activated manually at fire alarm boxes. A triggered manual fire alarm
box also transmits an alarm to the FD. The FD dispatches fire fighters, usually from the
SLAC fire station, in response to all fire alarms received from SLAC.
The Facilities Office tests and maintains smoke and heat detectors, and evacuation alarms.

4.5

Fire Doors and Dampers


Fire doors and dampers block the spread of smoke and fire by automatically closing when
fire is detected. Depending on their type, fire doors and dampers are activated by an evacuation alarm or by a smoke or heat sensor. Fire dampers are strategically located in ventilation ducts.
Do not prop open fire doors.
Fire doors and dampers are labeled as such by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL), or
another nationally recognized test laboratory (NRTL), or by Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM). (This information is included in the manufacturers literature or on the
products label.) Do not paint, remove, or otherwise obscure these labels. Enclosed stairwells must have UL-, NRTL-, or FM-listed fire doors, and these doors must be kept closed.
The Facilities Office inspects and maintains fire doors.

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Exits and Corridors


All buildings at SLAC must have continuously unobstructed exits and corridors (free of open storage), and appropriate lighting to permit prompt evacuation and immediate emergency access.
(See Chapter 7, Evacuation, Exit Paths, and Emergency Lighting, for more information.)
Keep exits and corridors clear at all times. Do not store combustible or flammable liquids and
gases in lockers or cabinets in corridors or near exits. Temporary or permanent storage of combustible or flammable liquids and gases in corridors or near exits is not permitted.

Fire Safety Inspections


The FD conducts annual fire safety inspections. After the inspection, the FD issues a report of any
violations to building managers and the SHA Department. Building managers ensure the implementation of corrective actions in response to the FDs report of violations.
Building managers also ensure that additional fire safety inspections are performed twice a year
according to the criteria in the Building Manager Manual (SLAC-I-720-0A032-001).

Construction and Building Modification


All plans for construction and building-modification projects must be reviewed by the appropriate
project engineer or building manager. The project engineer or building manager must obtain a
fire-safety design review of plans for major construction and building-modification projects (as
defined in the Quality Assurance and Compliance Construction Inspection Procedure [SLAC-I-7700A22C-001]) from a fire protection engineer to ensure that project designs comply with all applicable fire safety regulations. Project engineers or building managers may obtain this review from the
SHA Department.
Where possible, noncombustible material must be used in construction and building modification.
Where this is not possible, combustible materials must be coated with a fire retardant material.
Deviations from this policy must be reviewed by the SHA Department.
The provisions for fire suppression and safety systems must be included in all building plans. For
buildings under construction, automatic sprinkler systems must be placed in service as early as
possible.
Construction and building-modification areas must be maintained in a fire-safe condition and
accessible to emergency personnel.
Buildings under construction or modification must not be occupied until required fire protection
equipment is installed and operational.

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Limiting Fire Hazards


All personnel can prevent fires at SLAC or minimize the impact of a fire by limiting fire hazards.
This section covers a number of good, basic fire prevention practices. However, as with most rules,
there are exceptions which can be permitted by the fire protection safety committee, or by documentation in a Safety Analysis Document (SAD) or a similar report that receives a safety review.
The SHA Department provides criteria on limiting fire hazards at SLAC. If you would like guidance on limiting fire hazards, contact the SHA Department.

8.1

Flammables
Personnel working with flammable liquids and gases must label, store, handle, and use
them properly so as to prevent fires.
8.1.1

Preventing Ignition
Take measures to prevent ignition of flammables. Near flammables:
Refrain from smoking, welding, cutting, grinding, and using open
flames or ordinary electric equipment.

8.1.2

Material Safety Data Sheets


Managers and supervisors must keep MSDSs for all flammables as well as other
hazardous materials in the work area in a location that is easily accessible to personnel. Personnel procuring a flammable liquid or gas must obtain the appropriate MSDS from the supplier and place it in the appropriate location for their work
area.

8.1.3

Labels and Signs


Label all tanks, drums, and other containers used to store flammables with the:
Word flammable.
Contents of the container.
Name and extension of the department or group to which it belongs.
Managers and supervisors must ensure that NO SMOKING and FLAMMABLE signs
are posted on or near storage cabinets for flammables and in areas where flammables are stored, handled, or used. NO SMOKING signs and FLAMMABLE signs and
labels are available from SLAC Stores.

8.1.4

Storage
Follow these guidelines for storing flammable liquids and gases:
Store flammables in well-ventilated areas that are free from ignition
sources, such as heating equipment, electric equipment, open flame,
and sparks.
Segregate flammables from oxidizers. (See Section 8.3, Oxidizers.)
Store more than one pint of a flammable liquid in its original container
or in a safety can.
Store and secure flammable, portable gas cylinders in an upright position.
Do not store liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) flammables in direct sunlight.

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Keep containers that remain in a fixed location, such as tanks,


grounded at all times if flammables are dispensed from them. (See
Section 8.1.6, Static Electricity.)
Keep storage cabinets for flammables closed at all times except when
material is being transferred to and from them.
Store flammables in tanks, drums, containers, and cabinets with
appropriate ventilation that have been approved by UL, NRTL, or FM.
Cabinets are not required to be vented for fire protection purposes; however, if a
cabinet is vented, it must be vented outdoors in such a manner that the performance of the cabinet is not compromised. If a cabinet is not vented, the vent openings must be sealed with the bungs supplied with the cabinet or with bungs
specified by the manufacturer of the cabinet.
Managers and supervisors must ensure that no more than three storage cabinets
for flammables are located in one fire area. If more than three storage cabinets are
required in an area, contact the SHA Department for advice. Managers and supervisors should also ensure that permanent lighting fixtures in storage rooms and
cabinets for flammables are enclosed in explosion-proof housings, and that
Class B portable fire extinguishers are located near storage areas for flammables.
All proposed locations of new storage areas for flammables in quantities of
greater than five gallons must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate
building manager and the SHA Department. The cognizant manager or supervisor must obtain this approval before a new storage area for flammables may be
established.
8.1.5

Handling and Use


Follow these guidelines for handling and using flammables:
Handle and use flammables in well-ventilated areas that are free from
ignition sources, such as heating equipment, ordinary electric equipment, open flame, and sparks.
Take measures to prevent sparks when transferring flammables from
or into a tank, drum, safety can, or other container. (See Section 8.1.6,
Static Electricity.)
Dispense flammable liquids using an UL-, NRTL-, or FM-approved
pump that empties liquid from the top of the container, or UL-, NRTL-,
or FM-approved self-closing valves or faucets. Never transfer liquids
by pressurizing a Department of Transportation container.
Transfer flammable liquid wastes into drums using an UL-, NRTL-, or
FM-approved funnel with flash arrester.
Limit the amount of flammables in operating areas to a one-day supply.
Never use a flame to detect a suspected flammable gas leak.
Managers and supervisors must ensure that Class B portable fire extinguishers
are located in areas where flammables are handled or used.

8.1.6

Static Electricity
A static electric spark can ignite flammables. Static electric sparks may be generated when flammables are transferred between containers. Two methods for preventing static electric sparks are bonding and grounding.

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Bonding keeps the containers at the same electric potential and prevents the discharge of a static electric spark. Bonding is accomplished by connecting two or
more containers together by means of a conductive wire.
Grounding is the process of connecting one or more conductive objects to the
ground (i.e., earth), and is a specific form of bonding. The conductive wire
between a metal tank and the ground is a ground wire. Grounding is a safe way to
prevent the accumulation of static electricity. By combining bonding and grounding, any static electricity which is generated will flow through the conductive
wires to the earth.
Bond and ground tanks, drums, safety cans, and other containers before transferring flammables between them. Keep containers that remain in a fixed location,
such as tanks, grounded at all times if flammables are dispensed from them.
8.1.7

Experiments that Involve Flammables


Managers and supervisors of experiments that involve the use of flammables
must ensure that:
Major experiments are reviewed by the Safety Overview Committee
(SOC).
All personnel involved in the experiment understand:
The experiments hazards.
Appropriate emergency actions that need to be taken in case of
an accident.
The number of people in an experiment area is limited only to those
individuals authorized to carry out the experiment if at all practical.
Shutoff valves for flammables are located outside of the experiment
operating area. Deviations must be reviewed by the SOC, the Hazardous Experimental Equipment Committee (HEEC), or the SHA Department.

8.2

Solid Combustibles
Solid combustibles include wood, paper, cloth, and any other material that turns to ash.
Paper stock stored in corridors must be kept in metal cabinets. Solid combustible waste
stored in a corridor must be kept in metal or metal-lined receptacles. Waste receptacles
that are kept in corridors and are not emptied daily must be covered at all times.

8.3

Oxidizers
An oxidizer is any substance that makes it easier for oxygen to combine with fuel. When
oxidizers are combined with a fuel, room temperature may provide enough heat to cause
ignition or, in some cases, an explosion. Examples of oxidizers include chlorine, ammonium nitrate, and pure oxygen.
Store oxidizers away from all fuel sources.

8.4

Spontaneous Combustion
Under certain conditions, fires can start without an external ignition source. The heat
needed for ignition is provided by a chemical reaction. This is known as spontaneous combustion. Most commonly, spontaneous combustion occurs when fuel-soaked rags are left

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in a pile. The fuel and the rag fibers can react, producing heat, and the rags can burst into
flames.
Store fuel-soaked rags and paper products in metal containers with self-closing lids.
Closed containers prevent the flow of oxygen and thereby extinguish any fires resulting
from spontaneous combustion.

8.5

Hotwork Permits
A permit is required for any hotwork, including work that is done outside. Hotwork
involves one or more of the following activities:
Welding (arc, MIG, or TIG)
Brazing
Sweating
Cutting (oxyacetylene)
Use of an open flame other than that produced by an approved (UL, NRTL or
FM) heating device
Supervisors of hotwork must obtain a permit before the work may begin. Permits may be
either annual (for shops or other locations where this type of work is regularly performed)
or temporary, and must be posted in the work area until the hotwork is complete. Hotwork permits are available from the SLAC Fire Station.
In some cases, the FD may require a fire watch and/or that a fire extinguisher be on hand
while hotwork is performed.

8.6

Electric Appliances
Locate portable electric appliances (such as coffee pots and hot plates) in areas that minimize their fire hazards.
Follow these guidelines when using portable electric appliances:
Do not use appliances near flammables.
Never place the appliance on an unstable surface.
Use only UL- or NRTL-approved appliances.
Follow manufacturers literature for clearance of listed appliances from combustible materials.
Do not use more than one extension cord when connecting the appliance to an
electrical outlet. Using a series of connected extension cords is not allowed at
SLAC.
Do not leave portable heaters unattended when they are on.
Glowing coil water-immersion electric heaters (used to heat water for hot beverages, for
example) are not allowed at SLAC since they create a significant fire hazard. Glowing coil
heaters that are UL- or NRTL-approved (such as fixed industrial heaters) are allowed.

8.7

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited indoors at SLAC.
Smoking is prohibited in the following outdoor locations for fire safety reasons:
Near flammable liquids and gases.
Near significant quantities of combustible material, such as paper, wood, or
cardboard.

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Near liquid or gaseous oxygen.


Within 20 feet of a smoke detector.
Dispose of cigarettes and other smoking materials in ash trays. Ensure that ash-tray contents are cool before emptying them into waste receptacles.

8.8

Weed Abatement
During the dry summer season, the Facilities Office abates weeds in cooperation with the
FD. Weed abatement helps prevent fires and helps keep fires that do start from spreading.

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13

Traffic and Vehicular Safety


Related Chapters
Evacuation, Exit Paths, and
Emergency Lighting
Fire Safety
Training

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

13-2

2 Responsibilities

13-2

2.1

Facilities Office

13-2

2.2

Laboratory Protection Department

13-2

2.3

Palo Alto Fire Department

13-2

2.4

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

13-3

2.5

Project Managers of Subcontractor Work

13-3

2.6

Managers and Supervisors

13-3

2.7

Personnel

13-3

3 License Requirements

13-4

4 Vehicle Safety Requirements

13-4

4.1

Speed Limits

13-4

4.2

Safety Belts

13-4

4.3

Moped and Scooter Operation

13-5

4.4

Vehicle Accidents

13-5

4.5

Vehicle Use Inside Buildings

13-6

5 Parking

17 January 1996

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13: Traffic and Vehicular Safety

SLAC ES&H Manual

Overview
To ensure personnel safety, SLAC has established on-site traffic safety requirements. The range in
diversity of vehicles, from automobiles to mobile cranes and forklifts, means that extra caution
must be exercised at all times. While the general safety and courtesy rules of the road still apply,
the regulations found in this chapter address SLAC-specific traffic safety issues.
This chapter summarizes responsibilities, defines policy, outlines vehicle safety, and explains
licensing and parking requirements. For more information on traffic and vehicular safety issues,
refer to the SLAC Administrative Services Handbook (SLAC-I-610-SDO99-003).

Responsibilities
2.1

Facilities Office
The Facilities Office:
Issues Government Motor Vehicle Operators Identification Cards.
The Transportation Department (TD) within the Facilities Office:
Is responsible for servicing, maintaining, and repairing all government vehicles.
Prepares accident reports for every accident involving a vehicle on the SLAC
site and for accidents involving government vehicles off site.

2.2

Laboratory Protection Department


The Laboratory Protection (LP) Department:
Is responsible for site security.
Provides continuous on-site traffic monitoring.
Issues citations to personnel who violate parking and traffic rules and provides copies of the citations to managers and supervisors.
Cooperates with the Facilities Office, the Plant Engineering Department, the
Public Affairs Department, and building managers in traffic and vehicular
safety issues (such as coordinating on-site transportation of large pieces of
equipment, blocking off parking lots, and setting up road blocks).
Supplies forms for reporting both on- and off-site vehicle accidents. LP personnel can assist drivers with filling out the forms.
Issues special parking permits, such as temporary disabled parking permits.
Provides permission and instructions for extended on-site vehicle parking
(such as private vehicles left at the site during vacation).

2.3

Palo Alto Fire Department


The Palo Alto Fire Department (PAFD):
Responds to emergency situations related to traffic and vehicular safety that
pose an immediate threat to life, health, or the environment.

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2.4

13: Traffic and Vehicular Safety

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department:
Performs random, unscheduled inspections of SLAC areas to assure compliance with SLAC traffic and vehicular safety requirements.
Receives information involving traffic accidents and prepares Department of
Energy (DOE) reports.

2.5

Project Managers of Subcontractor Work


Project managers of subcontractor work:
Stop work at sites where traffic or vehicular hazards pose an immediate danger to life or health. Before they allow work to continue, project managers
should:
Consult the SHA Safety Specialist.
Consult the Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Safety Officer if
the Safety Specialist is unavailable.
Consult the PAFD if the Safety Officer is unavailable.

2.6

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors:
Immediately call 9-911 to report any traffic or vehicular emergency situations
involving injuries.
Report traffic accidents to LP and the TD if the accidents occur to their personnel or are within their area of supervision.
Stop work if they determine that traffic may pose an immediate threat to life or
health. Before they allow work to continue, managers and supervisors should:
Consult the SHA Safety Specialist.
Consult the ES&H Safety Officer if the Safety Specialist is unavailable.
Consult the PAFD if the Safety Officer is unavailable.
Ensure that personnel perform all duties required to comply with traffic rules
and regulations, as outlined in the Responsibilities section.
Provide on-the-job personnel training for the safe operation of mobile equipment (such as forklifts and mobile cranes). Managers and supervisors can
determine requirements for additional training by consulting the Task Hazard
Survey.
Notify the TD when modifying or repairing existing vehicles (such as forklifts
or mopeds), or requesting vehicle repair or maintenance.
Take appropriate disciplinary action when personnel receive traffic citations
from LP staff.

2.7

Personnel
Personnel:
Immediately call 9-911 to report any traffic or vehicular emergency situations
involving injuries.
Obtain a Government Motor Vehicle Operators Identification Card from the
Facilities Office for the class of vehicles they will be using before operating
those vehicles.

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13: Traffic and Vehicular Safety

SLAC ES&H Manual

Obtain the required training to operate government vehicles such as forklifts


and mobile cranes. (Consult the Task Hazard Survey to determine additional
training requirements.)
Follow all vehicle safety requirements.
Know how to recognize conditions that typically cause hazardous traffic
events.
Regularly inspect vehicles to ensure safe and proper operation.
Notify management when vehicles require repair or modification.
Promptly notify management of any non-emergency traffic or vehicular accidents, or of any known or suspected violations of traffic regulations.

License Requirements
To operate any vehicle at SLAC, operators shall possess a valid drivers license for the class of vehicle used. To operate government vehicles either on or off the site, operators shall possess a valid
Government Motor Vehicle Operators Identification Card for the class of vehicle used, in addition
to a California State Drivers License, obtained from a California Department of Motor Vehicles
(DMV) Office.1 The Facilities Office issues Government Motor Vehicle Operators Identification
Cards to eligible personnel.

Vehicle Safety Requirements


The safety requirements outlined below apply to all vehicles at SLAC. Vehicles are defined as any
motorized means of transportation including cars, carts, mopeds, forklifts, motorcycles, scooters,
and trucks.

4.1

Speed Limits
The speed limit for all vehicles on SLAC property is 25 miles per hour (38 kilometers per
hour). The following areas may have lower speed limits:
Areas with posted lower speed limits where congestion, foot traffic, or road
configuration frequently present greater hazards.
Areas where temporary conditions such as road repair, foul weather, or congestion may warrant speeds below posted limits.

4.2

Safety Belts
All state and local safety-belt laws are applicable at the SLAC site. Passengers in moving
vehicles should not sit or stand without proper restraining devices.2 Riding in the bed of
pickup trucks without proper restraining devices is prohibited by law.

Personnel are required to obtain a California Drivers License within 20 days of residency in California.
on buses do not need restraining devices.

2Passengers

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4.3

13: Traffic and Vehicular Safety

Moped and Scooter Operation


Moped and scooter operators shall wear an American National Standards Institute
(ANSI)-approved helmet, available from SLAC Stores.
In addition to wearing a helmet, operators are cautioned to:3
Use both hands for handle bar control.
Carry items in the vehicle basket or in a backpack, belt pack, or shoulder bag
that does not hinder vehicle operation.
Drive defensively.
Never travel faster than the road conditions warrant.
Watch for road hazards.

4.4

Vehicle Accidents
Personnel should report all vehicle accidents to their immediate supervisor. Supervisors
should report vehicle accidents to LP, the TD, and the Facilities Office if the accidents occur
to their personnel or are within their area of supervision. If the driver of the vehicle is
incapacitated, other personnel who know the details of the accident must make the report.
It is SLAC policy that personnel should not admit to responsibility for vehicle accidents
occurring while on official business. Such admissions, when appropriate, should be
reserved for the University and its insurance carrier.
SLAC requires that personnel involved in a vehicle accident (both on and off site) while on
official business shall:

Show their license, on request, to the other party involved in the accident.
Obtain the names, addresses, drivers license numbers, vehicle descriptions,
insurance companies, and registration information of other parties involved.
Note the time, place, and date of the accident.
Note the weather and pavement conditions.
Obtain a description of the injuries and damages to complete the following
forms: GSA Form 91 and Form 91A. Have witnesses fill out GSA Form 94.
If the accident is investigated by offsite police agencies, request that a copy of
the police report be sent to LP, or obtain the name and department of the investigating officer. A printed card titled In Case of Accident is kept in each official vehicle. Personnel should use this card to facilitate the collection of
required information.
Leave a note in, or attached to, unattended vehicles (or other property)
involved in the accident, giving their own name, address, and vehicle license
number.
Report the accident to their supervisor.
Obtain the relevant forms from LP, complete the forms, and submit them to LP
within 1 working day of the accident. LP staff can help personnel to complete
the forms.

3Although

not required, these recommendations can also be applied to bicycle riding.

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13: Traffic and Vehicular Safety

4.5

SLAC ES&H Manual

Vehicle Use Inside Buildings


Table 13-1 summarizes the conditions for vehicle use in specific buildings.
Table 13-1. Permitted Vehicle Use in Buildings
Building Type

Administration &
Office Buildings,
Laboratories

Industrial Buildings/
Warehouses, Collider
Experimental Hall (CEH),
End Stations A and B,
Interaction Region Halls,
Beam SwitchYard (BSY)
Entrance

Klystron Gallery, Linac, Positron


Electron Project (PEP), SLAC
Linear electron-positron Collider
(SLC), BSY, Stanford PositronElectron Assymetric Ring (SPEAR)
Tunnel

Gasoline and
diesel trucks

Loading only

Loading only

No

Cars, mopeds,
and scooters
(any fuel)

No

No

No

Gasoline and
Liquefied
Petroleum Gas
(LPG) forklifts1

Loading only

Yes

No

Diesel
forklifts1

Loading only

Yes2

Yes2

Electric forklifts and carts1

Yes

Yes

Yes

Gasoline carts1

No

Loading only

No

Vehicle

1 Operators of these vehicles must carry a type ABC dry-chemical fire extinguisher.
2 An exhaust scrubber is required for operation of these vehicles.

Private vehicles are not allowed in buildings.


Where vehicle use in buildings is permitted, observe the following precautions:
Notify building managers, area managers, the PAFD, and building safety officers before bringing vehicles into buildings.4
Carry a type ABC dry-chemical fire extinguisher, as indicated in Table 13-1.
Follow the safety precautions outlined in the chapter of this manual, Evacuation, Exit Paths, and Emergency Lighting, which include leaving entry/exit
paths, aisles, and emergency exits clear.
Charge electric carts only in well-ventilated places, such as outdoors, or
indoors only under forced-air ventilation.

4It

13-6

may be necessary to turn off smoke detectors before bringing vehicles into buildings.

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13: Traffic and Vehicular Safety

Due to the nature of their operations, the vehicle maintenance shop, the riggers shop, and
the fire station do not fall under the requirements outlined in Table 13-1.
Contact the Facilities Office for information on vehicle use in buildings that are not listed
in Table 13-1.

Parking
All state and local parking regulations apply to the SLAC site. Specifically, parking is prohibited:
Along red curbs.
In front of fire hydrants.
In fire lanes.
Where a vehicle may block building exits.
In No Parking zones.
In handicapped parking spaces without a permit.
Privately owned vehicles should not be parked in spaces designated for government vehicles and
should not be stored at SLAC. Vehicles parked on site for longer than two weeks without permission from LP will be declared abandoned and treated in accordance with the applicable DMV regulations. The owners will have to pay for towing and storage to recover their vehicles.
Personnel who are temporarily disabled should contact LP to obtain a special temporary disabled
parking permit. Permanently disabled personnel should obtain a disabled parking permit from
the California DMV.

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13-7

Ladders, Scaffolds, and Work Platforms, Chapter 15


Bulletin Updates
Note:

The following Bulletins have information that has not yet been incorporated into
this Chapter, or has changed since the publication of the Chapter. Information in
the Bulletins supercedes information in this Chapter.

Date
Issued

Bulletin 60

02/06/03

Title
Safely Using Ladders and Accessing Elevated Work Surfaces

15

Ladders, Scaffolds,
and Work Platforms

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

15-1

2 Responsibilities

15-2

2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

15-2

2.2

Managers and Supervisors

15-2

2.3

Building Managers

15-2

3 Ladders

15-2

3.1

Types of Ladders

15-2

3.2

Using Ladders

15-3

3.3

Fixed-in-place Ladders

15-3

3.4

Portable Ladders

15-3

4 Scaffolds and Work Platforms

15-5

4.1

Scaffolds

15-5

4.2

Work Platforms

15-6

5 Fall-arrester Systems

15-6

6 Work Surfaces

15-7

7 Damaged or Defective Equipment

15-7

Overview
The proper use of ladders, scaffolds, and work platforms can prevent serious falls and accidents.
For this reason, SLAC personnel must follow proper safety practices for using ladders, scaffolds,
and work platforms. Managers and supervisors must ensure that all ladders, scaffolds, and work
platforms at SLAC comply with applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) standards.

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SLAC ES&H Manual

Responsibilities
2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department in the ES&H Division:
Answers questions about ladder, scaffold, and work platform compliance and
safety.
Provides advice about selecting appropriate fall-arrester systems.

2.2

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors:
Ensure that ladders, scaffolds, and work platforms at SLAC comply with applicable OSHA standards.
Ensure that personnel follow proper safety practices for using ladders, scaffolds, work platforms, and work surfaces.
Ensure that fixed-in-place ladders are equipped with fall cages, fall-arrester
systems, and landing platforms where needed.
Oversee all scaffold erecting, moving, dismantling, and altering.
Identify fall hazards in work areas and take measures to eliminate them.
Obtain fall-arrester systems for scaffolds and platforms where needed, and
ensure that they are used properly.
Ensure that damaged or defective ladders, scaffolds, work platforms, and fallarrester systems are repaired, or dismantled and disposed of as appropriate.

2.3

Building Managers
Building managers:
Inspect fixed-in-place ladders periodically and maintain them in a safe
condition.

Ladders
Managers and supervisors must ensure that personnel follow proper safety practices for using
ladders. Contact the SHA Department if you have questions about ladder safety or would like
advice on selecting ladders.

3.1

Types of Ladders
There are four main types of ladders:
Fixed-in-place ladders
Straight ladders (these are fixed-length ladders)
Extension ladders
Stepladders

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3.2

15: Ladders, Scaffolds, and Work Platforms

Using Ladders
Follow these safety practices when using any type of ladder:
Face the ladder and use both hands when climbing it.
Carry tools in a tool belt or raise them with a handline attached to the top of
the ladder.
Do not climb a ladder when someone else is on it. Only one person should be
on a ladder at a time.
Do not load a ladder beyond the manufacturers rated capacity.
Wear shoes that allow secure contact with the ladder. Sandals and high heels
should not be worn.
Ensure that your shoes are not wet, greasy, muddy, or slippery before climbing
a ladder.
Do not lean too far to one side. Keep your belt buckle between the ladder rails.
Do not remove or alter the manufacturers label on a ladder.
Use ladders only in the way approved by the manufacturer.
Note:

3.3

See Section 3.4.2, Using Portable Ladders for additional safety practices that should be
followed when using portable ladders. In addition, courses and instructional materials on
the proper use of ladders, scaffolds, and work platforms are available through the ES&H
Division. Contact the ES&H Training Team for more information.

Fixed-in-place Ladders
Building managers should inspect fixed-in-place ladders periodically and maintain them
in a safe condition.
3.3.1

Single Fixed-in-place Ladders


Managers and supervisors must ensure that single fixed-in-place ladders that are
more than 20 feet tall are equipped with fall cages, wells, or fall-arrester systems
(see Section 5, Fall-arrester Systems for more information).
If you have questions about fall cages, contact the SHA Department.

3.3.2

Series of Fixed-in-place Ladders


Managers and supervisors must ensure that series of fixed-in-place ladders are
equipped with landing platforms:
Every 30 feet of height if the ladders have fall cages.
Every 20 feet of height if the ladders do not have fall cages.
If you have questions about landing platforms or fall cages, contact the SHA
Department.

3.4

Portable Ladders
3.4.1

Selecting Portable Ladders


Select portable ladders that are:
In good condition. Inspect ladders for damage or defects before using. Do not
use ladders that have been painted or coated in such a way that damage or
defects may not be noticeable. If you discover a ladder that is damaged or
defective, tag it with the words Do Not Use and report it to your manager or
supervisor.

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SLAC ES&H Manual

The proper length for the intended use.


Made of suitable material for the intended use. Never use metal ladders near bare
energized electrical conductors.
3.4.2

Using Portable Ladders


Follow these safety practices when using portable ladders:
Do not use ladders as platforms or runways.
Secure ladders while in use or unattended. Secured means (in order of preference):
1. Tied in place at both the top and the bottom.
2. Tied in place at either the top or the bottom.
3. Blocked in place.
4. Equipped with nonslip feet.
Note:

If a ladder is placed on an unstable or slippery surface, always secure it by tying.

Do not use ladders in a horizontal position.


Do not use ladders as guys, braces, or skids.
Do not place ladders in front of doors that open toward them.
Place the ladders feet on a solid and level base. Lean ladders only against stationary backing.
If you use a ladder in an area where motor- or foot-traffic could knock it down,
place a barricade or guard around its base.
Straight and Extension Ladders
In addition, follow these safety practices when using straight and extension
ladders:
Place a straight or extension ladder so that its feet are one-fourth of its length
away from the wall against which it is leaning.
Use a straight or extension ladder that is long enough to extend at least 3 feet
above the surface being accessed. Do not stand on the top three rungs of a
straight or extension ladder.
Never disassemble an extension ladder and use the top portion as a freestanding ladder.
Stepladders
In addition, follow these safety practices when using stepladders:
Do not stand on the top two steps.
Do not climb or stand on the bracing on the back legs.
Make sure that the stepladder is fully open and that the divider is locked
before climbing on it.
Do not use a stepladder as a straight ladder.
3.4.3

Storing Portable Ladders


Store portable ladders in locations where they are:
Easily accessible for inspection and use.
Protected from the weather.

15-4

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15: Ladders, Scaffolds, and Work Platforms

Away from excessive heat.


Well supported when horizontal.

Scaffolds and Work Platforms


A scaffold is a temporary working surface elevated above the floor or the ground and its supporting frame. A work platform is a permanent working surface that is elevated above the floor or the
ground.
Managers and supervisors must ensure that scaffolds and work platforms comply with applicable
OSHA regulations. If you have questions about scaffold or work platform compliance or safety,
contact the SHA Department.
Provide safe access to all scaffolds and work platforms. Managers and supervisors must ensure
that personnel working on scaffolds and platforms do so safely. Managers and supervisors must
consider the physical condition of personnel (such as medical problems, fear of heights, and dexterity) before selecting individuals to work on scaffolds and platforms.

4.1

Scaffolds
Managers and supervisors who are familiar with the proper techniques for erecting, moving, dismantling, or altering scaffolds must oversee such work.
4.1.1

Erecting Scaffolds
If you need a scaffold erected, submit a Work Order Request to the Plant Engineering Department.

4.1.2

Guardrails and Toeboards


A scaffold must be equipped with guardrails and toeboards on all open sides and
ends if it meets any one of the following criteria. It is:
Near dangerous equipment, tanks, or pits containing chemicals.
More than 10 feet above the ground, the floor, or an adjacent safe workplace.
4 to 10 feet above the ground, the floor, or an adjacent safe workplace and the
length or width of the scaffolds working surface is less than 45 inches.
In addition, any scaffold that is less than 10 feet above the ground, the floor, or an
adjacent safe workplace should be equipped with guardrails and toeboards, or
fall-arrester systems, if a manager or supervisor determines that it presents a fall
hazard.
Managers and supervisors must eliminate fall hazards by having suitable guardrails and toeboards installed where needed. If guardrails and toeboards on scaffolds prove to be inadequate to prevent falls, appropriate fall-arrester systems
must be installed (see Section 5, Fall-arrester Systems for more information).

4.1.3

Using Scaffolds
Follow these safety practices when using a scaffold:
Inspect scaffolds before use to verify that they are in good condition. If you
discover that a scaffold is damaged or defective, tag it with the words Do Not
Use and report it to your manager or supervisor.

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SLAC ES&H Manual

Do not perform riveting, welding, burning, or open flame work on any scaffold suspended by fiber or synthetic rope.
Do not allow scrap material and/or unneeded tools to accumulate on a
scaffold.
Do not remove or alter the manufacturers label on a scaffold.
Do not load scaffolds beyond the rated load limit.

4.2

Work Platforms
4.2.1

Guardrails and Toeboards


All work platforms that are more than 4 feet above the ground, the floor, or an
adjacent safe workplace must be equipped with guardrails and toeboards on all
open sides and ends with the following main exceptions:1
If a work platform is accessed infrequently (less than once every two weeks),
guardrails are recommended but not required (see Section 4.2.2, Work Platforms without Guardrails for more information).
If it is not mechanically feasible to install guardrails on a work platform due to
configuration constraints, they are not required (see Section 4.2.2, Work Platforms without Guardrails for more information).
If persons are not required to work or pass under a work platform, toeboards
are not required.
If a work platform is near dangerous equipment, tanks, or pits containing
chemicals, it must be equipped with guardrails and toeboards regardless of its
height.
Managers and supervisors must eliminate fall hazards by having suitable guardrails and toeboards installed where needed. When guardrails and toeboards on
work platforms are inadequate to prevent falls, appropriate fall-arrester systems
must be installed (see Section 5, Fall-arrester Systems for more information).

4.2.2

Work Platforms without Guardrails


Appropriate fall-arrester systems must be used for work platforms without
guardrails that are more than 4 feet above the floor, the ground, or an adjacent
safe work place. Contact the SHA Department for information about which type
of fall-arrester system to use. (See Section 5, Fall-arrester Systems for more
information.)

Fall-arrester Systems
There are two main types of fall-arrester systems:
Fall preventers, such as safety belt systems. Fall preventers prevent the wearer
from falling off the edge of a scaffold, work platform, or other elevated work
surface.
Fall protectors, such as harness and lanyard systems. Fall protectors catch the
wearer during a fall.

15-6

Some additional cases may be excepted. Contact the SHA Department with any questions.

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15: Ladders, Scaffolds, and Work Platforms

Appropriate fall-arrester systems are required:


For single fixed-in-place ladders that are more than 20 feet tall and are not
equipped with fall cages.
Where guardrails and toeboards on scaffolds and work platforms are inadequate to prevent falls.
For all work platforms without guardrails that are more than 4 feet above the
floor, the ground, or an adjacent safe work place.
In addition, appropriate fall-arrester systems are recommended:
For all scaffolds without guardrails that present a fall hazard.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for obtaining appropriate fall-arrester systems where
needed and for ensuring that they are used properly. Contact the SHA Department for information
about which type of fall-arrester system to use.

Work Surfaces
Managers and supervisors must ensure that personnel follow these safety practices for work
surfaces:
Use drainage mats, platforms, or false floors where wet processes are
performed.
Keep floors free of protruding nails, splinters, holes, and loose boards or tiles.
Keep floors clean and dry.
Surround openings in floors into which persons can accidentally fall by guardrails and toeboards, or cover them with material capable of supporting any
expected load.

Damaged or Defective Equipment


If you discover that a ladder, scaffold, work platform, or fall-arrester system is damaged or defective, tag it with the words Do Not Use and report it to your manager or supervisor. When notified,
the manager or supervisor must ensure that the damaged or defective equipment is repaired, or
dismantled and disposed of as appropriate.

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15-8

SLAC ES&H Manual

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16

Spills
Related Chapters
Accidents, Illnesses, and Injuries
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous Waste
Personal Protective Equipment
Respirator Program
Secondary Containment
Training

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

16-2

2 Responsibilities

16-2

2.1

Palo Alto Fire Department

16-2

2.2

Accelerator Department Operations Section

16-3

2.3

Waste Management Department

16-3

2.4

Environmental Protection and Restoration Department

16-3

2.5

Area Managers and Group Leaders

16-3

2.6

Managers and Supervisors

16-3

2.7

Personnel

16-4

3 Training

16-4

4 Spill Classification

16-5

4.1

Emergency Spill Classification

16-5

4.2

Major and Minor Spill Classification

16-5

5 Spill Response

16-6

5.1

Emergency Spill Response

16-6

5.2

Major Spills

16-7

5.3

Minor Spills

16-8

6 Spill Contingency Information

16-8

6.1

Major Spill Clean Up

16-8

6.2

Minor Spill Clean Up

16-9

7 Spill Control and Cleanup Equipment

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16-9

16-1

16: Spills

SLAC ES&H Manual

Overview
A spill is an unintentional and uncontrolled release of material into the environment. This chapter
applies to spills of non-radioactive hazardous material and waste. Once a hazardous material has
been spilled it is considered a hazardous waste, and must be labeled, handled, and disposed of
accordingly.
For information on hazardous waste spills, contact the Waste Management (WM) Department. For
information on spills of radioactive material or waste, contact the Operational Health Physics
(OHP) Department.
For help with emergency or major spills (as defined in this chapter), dial 9-911. Report minor spills
to WM during normal business hours.
Table 16-1. Spill Contacts

Spill Type

Contact After Business Hours


5 PM to 8 AM, MondayFriday
Weekends and Holidays

Contact During
Normal Business Hours
8 AM to 5 PM, MondayFriday

Emergency

9-911

9-911

Major

9-911

9-911

Minor

Waste Management (WM)

WM is not available after normal business hours. When a spill occurs after
hours, contact WM as soon as possible
during normal business hours.

Responsibilities
2.1

Palo Alto Fire Department


The Palo Alto Fire Department (PAFD):
Responds to all emergency and major spill reports.
Contacts the Accelerator Department Operations Section, hereafter referred to
as the Main Control Center (MCC), as PAFD mobilizes for major and emergency spills.
Contains the hazard if safe to do so.
Contacts the Hazardous Material (HazMat) resources as needed.
Evaluates the urgency of spill clean-up.
May contact spill clean-up contractor if needed.
Notifies WM.

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2.2

16: Spills

Accelerator Department Operations Section


The Accelerator Department Operations Section, or MCC:
Receives notification of spills from the Palo Alto Fire Department (PAFD).
Contacts, as needed, appropriate SLAC personnel (such as the Plant Engineering Operations [PEO] group) if MCC is staffed1.

2.3

Waste Management Department


The Waste Management Department (WM):
Provides guidance on spill response.
Provides guidance on spill control and cleanup equipment.
Evaluates a spill during normal business hours.
Assists with spill cleanup as necessary.
Initiates a SLAC Spill Report.
Informs the Environmental Protection and Restoration (EPR) Department
when a spill has occurred.

2.4

Environmental Protection and Restoration Department


The Environmental Protection and Restoration (EPR) Department:
Evaluates the environmental impact of spills.
Completes a SLAC Hazardous Chemical Spill/Release Report Form (S/R-1 Form).
Maintains a spill file.
Reports spills to regulatory agencies, as needed.
Prepares required written reports.

2.5

Area Managers and Group Leaders


Area managers or group leaders in control of work areas where hazardous material or
waste is used, handled, or stored must:
Ensure that personnel are aware of spill contingency information.
Ensure that spill-prevention measures2 are implemented.
Maintain capability to clean up minor spills.

2.6

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors must:
Attend training classes, as required.
Ensure that personnel who work with hazardous material or waste:
Have completed required training.
Know how to classify spills.

PAFD performs this function if MCC is not staffed.

Spill prevention measures are found in the Hazardous Material Management Handbook (SLAC-I-750-0A06G-001), the
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SLAC-I-750-0A16M-002), the Waste Accumulation Area Checklist (SLAC-I-7500A066-001), and are taught in the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) class.

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Are aware of proper spill-response actions.


Ensure that spill cleanup equipment is available in areas where hazardous material or waste is stored or used.

2.7

Personnel
Personnel who work in areas where hazardous material or waste is used, handled, or
stored must:
Attend training classes, as required.
Know how to prevent spills through proper storage and handling of hazardous material and waste.
Know how to classify spills.
Know their department or groups spill contingency information.
Know the location of spill-cleanup equipment and how to use it.
Follow proper spill-response actions in the event of a spill.
Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Call 9-911 for all emergency or major spills. Call WM during normal business
hours for all minor spills. Be prepared to provide the following information:
1. Your name and telephone extension.
2. Location of spill, including:
Building name and number.
Room number, if applicable.
3. Source of spill, if known.
4. Name of the spilled material, if known.
5. Approximate size of the spill.
6. Extent of environmental contamination.
7. Cause of spill, if known.
8. When spill occurred, if known.
9. Action taken to contain or clean up spill.

Training
Personnel working with hazardous material or waste must know how to prevent spills through
proper storage, handling, use, and disposal. Department heads and group leaders shall use the
ES&H Task/Hazard Survey, available from the Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Training
Team, to determine required training for personnel. Available courses are found in the Training
Opportunities at SLAC document. Refer to the Chapter Training in this manual for instructions on
how to register for training.
Note:

16-4

No one may use a hazardous material, operate machinery or equipment where hazardous materials
is utilized or generated, or handle hazardous waste without prior training.

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Spill Classification
Spill-response actions depend on the spills classification. Before responding to a spill, evaluate the
spill according to the spill classifications (see sections 4.1 and 4.2). Determine potential or immediate hazards to SLAC personnel and visitors, the general public, and the environment by evaluating
the following:
Quantity of spilled material
Flammability of spilled material
Toxicity, corrosiveness, and reactivity of spilled material
Presence of secondary containment
Potential for spilled material to enter surface or domestic water systems via a
storm drain or sanitary sewer
Proximity to the site boundary
Potential for property damage
Approximate cleanup time and personnel required
Extent of injuries, if any
Note:

If you are unsure of a spill classification, call 9-911.

4.1

Emergency Spill Classification


Emergency spills potentially present an immediate hazard to personnel or the general
public. Some examples of emergency spills are:
Spills that create, or are likely to create, toxic vapors.
Spills with a high fire potential.
Spills that cause, or are likely to cause, an explosion.
Spills of an unknown nature; not yet characterized.

4.2

Major and Minor Spill Classification


Major and minor spills are those that do not present a potential or immediate hazard to
personnel or the general public.
4.2.1

Major Spill Classification


Major spills meet at least one of the following criteria:
Present a potential or immediate hazard to the environment
Involve the spill of more than half a pound of a known hazardous
material or waste
Requires more than 30 minutes to clean up
Involve the spill of non-hazardous or hazardous material or waste into
a storm drain

4.2.2

Minor Spill Classification


Minor spills meet all of the following criteria:
Do not present a potential or immediate hazard to the environment
Involve the spill of less than half a pound of a known hazardous material or waste, or require less than 30 minutes to clean up

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Do not involve the spill of non-hazardous or hazardous material or


waste into a storm drain
Are safe to clean up by the department or group who created the spill

Spill Response
The appropriate spill response is based on the classification of the spill. Figure 16-1 (see page 10)
provides a simplified flow chart of the response process for emergency spills, major spills, and
minor spills.

5.1

Emergency Spill Response


If it is safe to do so, the first person responding to an emergency spill should immediately
take the following actions.3
Stop the source of the spill.
If the spilled material is flammable, eliminate ignition sources.
Protect storm drains, floor drains, and sink drains, if necessary.
Dial 9-911 for assistance from the PAFD.
1. State that the emergency is at SLAC.
2. Describe the spill, including:
Location of the spill.
Size of the spill.
Name or type of the spilled material, if known.
Whether there is fire or explosion, and extent of any injuries.
Source of the spill, if known.
Approximate size of the spill.
Extent of environmental contamination.
Cause of the spill, if known.
When the spill occurred, if known.
Whether or not the spill is contained.
3. Give your name, the building name and number, and telephone number.
4. Remain on the phone until the emergency dispatcher instructs you to
hang up.
Contain the spill by surrounding the perimeter of the spill with containment
material such as absorbent pads and berms.
Cordon off the area.
Remain in the area to direct emergency personnel to the scene.
Provide information to emergency personnel.
Follow the instructions of the PAFD and other responding emergency personnel.
Note:

16-6

In some cases, personnel from the department or group responsible for the spill
may be required to assist with cleanup.

If it is not safe, call 9-911 immediately.

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16: Spills

Report the spill to your supervisor or make sure someone else does.
Caution!

Do not attempt to clean up an emergency spill unless all of the


following criteria have been met:

You have been trained to do so.


You have received instruction from the PAFD or WM.

5.2

Major Spills
If it is safe to do so, the first person responding to a major spill should take the following
actions immediately:
Stop the source of the spill.
If the spilled material is flammable, eliminate ignition sources.
Protect storm drains, floor drains, and sink drains, if necessary.
Dial 9-911 for assistance from the PAFD.
1. State that the emergency is at SLAC.
2. Describe the spill, including:
Location of the spill.
Size of the spill.
Name or type of the spilled material, if known.
Source of the spill, if known.
Approximate size of the spill.
Extent of environmental contamination.
Cause of the spill, if known.
When the spill occurred, if known.
Whether or not the spill is contained.
3. Give your name, the building name and number, and telephone number.
4. Remain on the phone until the emergency dispatcher instructs you to
hang up.
Contain the spill by surrounding the perimeter of the spill with containment
material such as absorbent pads, and berms.
Cordon off the area.
Remain in the area to direct emergency personnel to the scene.
Provide information to emergency personnel.
Follow the instructions of the PAFD and other responding emergency personnel.
Note:

In some cases, personnel from the department or group responsible for the spill
may be required to assist with cleanup.

Report the spill to your supervisor or make sure someone else does.
Follow the instructions of PAFD. Depending on the situation, PAFD will:
Instruct you to clean up the spill, with WM guidance as appropriate.
Obtain WM assistance with cleaning up the spill.
Hire a subcontractor to clean up the spill.

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5.3

Minor Spills
If it is safe to do so, the first person responding to a minor spill should take the following
actions immediately. 4
Stop the source of the spill.
If the spilled material is flammable, eliminate ignition sources.
Plug storm drains, floor drains, and sink drains, if necessary.
Contain the spill by surrounding the perimeter of the spill with containment
material such as absorbent pads and berms.
Cordon off the area, if necessary.
Contact WM as soon as possible during normal business hours, 8 AM to 5 PM,
Monday through Friday.
Notify your immediate supervisor.

Spill Contingency Information


In the event of a spill, personnel must know:
The location and proper use of appropriate secondary containment.
Location of spill cleanup equipment including:
Types of spill-response equipment.
Safety equipment.
Appropriate PPE.
Telephone numbers for:
PAFD (9-911).
PAFD non-emergency business line (ext. 2776).
WM (See ES&H Resource List).
Note:

6.1

The ES&H Resource List may be found on the Web at:


http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/resource.html

Major Spill Clean Up


Major spills are generally cleaned up by the department or group responsible for the spill,
with or without the assistance of WM. Some spills may be cleaned up by a subcontractor. If
the PAFD instructs you to clean up a major spill, take the following actions:
Request a hazardous waste container from WM.
Wear appropriate PPE.
Clean up the spill according to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and any
instructions provided by WM or the PAFD.
Place the spilled material and any absorbent material in a hazardous waste
container.
Call WM for container pickup.

16-8

If it is not safe to take the following actions, the spill should be classified as major, and handled according to the previously described actions for major spills. These actions apply to all minor spills, regardless of when they occur.

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16: Spills

Decontaminate spill equipment according to procedure.


Restock cleanup supplies.

6.2

Minor Spill Clean Up


Minor spills are cleaned up by the department or group responsible for the spill. Contact
the WM Department if assistance is needed. To clean up a minor spill, take the following
actions:
Wear the appropriate PPE.
Clean up the spill according to the MSDS.
Dispose of the spilled material and any absorbent material as appropriate.
Most waste material will need to be handled and disposed of as hazardous
waste.
If the quantity of waste generated exceeds the capacity of the hazardous waste
container, request another hazardous waste container from the WM Department and:
Place the spilled material and absorbent material in the container.
Call the WM Department for container pickup after cleanup is complete.
Decontaminate spill equipment according to the manufacturers specifications.
Restock cleanup supplies.

Spill Control and Cleanup Equipment


Cleanup equipment for spills must be appropriate to the material and activities of the individual
departments and be readily available to all personnel. Cleanup equipment typically consists of the
following:
Appropriate spill response equipment for the specific hazards in the area
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
Absorbent material
Towels
Shovels (non-sparking for flammable material)
Brooms
Hazardous waste containers (provided by the WM Department)
Safety equipment
Eyewash equipment
Shower
Fire extinguisher
PPE

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Figure 16-1.Spill-Response Flowchart

16: Spills

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17

Hazardous Waste
Related Chapters
Hazard Communication
Personal Protective Equipment
Spills
Secondary Containment of
Hazardous Material and Waste
Hazardous Material

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

17-2

2 Responsibilities

17-3

2.1

Waste Management Department

17-3

2.2

Transportation Department

17-3

2.3

Managers and Supervisors

17-3

2.4

Hazardous Waste and Material Coordinator

17-4

2.5

All SLAC Personnel

17-4

3 What Is a Hazardous Waste?

17-4

3.1

Using an MSDS to Determine if Waste is Hazardous

17-5

3.2

Using Regulations to Determine if Waste is Hazardous

17-5

4 Training

17-6

5 Guidelines for Managing Hazardous Waste

17-6

5.1

Basic Hazardous Waste Management Rules

17-6

5.2

Hazardous Waste Accumulation

17-7

5.3

Labeling Hazardous Waste

17-8

5.4

Limitation on Storage Time for Hazardous Waste

17-9

6 Hazardous Waste Collection Areas

17-9

6.1

Hazardous Waste Collection Requirements

17-9

6.2

Satellite Waste Accumulation Areas

17-11

7 Hazardous Waste Segregation

17-11

7.1

Segregation for Safety

17-11

7.2

Segregation for Minimizing Waste

17-11

7.3

General Guidelines for Segregation

17-11

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Chapter Outline

Page

8 Waste Minimization

17-12

8.1

Source Reduction

17-12

8.2

Reuse

17-12

8.3

Recycling

17-12

9 Managing Specific Common Hazardous Wastes

17-12

9.1

Empty Chemical Containers

17-12

9.2

Used Oil Filters

17-13

9.3

Batteries

17-14

9.4

Aerosol Cans

17-14

9.5

Compressed Gas Cylinders

17-15

9.6

Office Supplies

17-15

9.7

Light Bulbs and Ballasts

17-15

10 On-Site Transportation of Hazardous Waste

17-16

11 Requesting Hazardous Waste Pickup

17-16

Overview
Hazardous waste is an unavoidable by-product of SLAC research and technical support activities.
To ensure that SLAC operations are safe and provide protection to the staff and environment,
waste must be handled properly.
Hazardous waste is generated at various locations throughout SLAC. This chapter addresses the
management of hazardous waste from other than Radioactive Material Management Areas
(RMMAs).1
Individuals, departments, and groups which generate hazardous waste are called generators in
this document. Generators are responsible for managing hazardous waste in compliance with
applicable laws and regulations. Some of the activities regulated by law include the following:
Labeling of containers used to accumulate hazardous waste
Length of time that waste may be accumulated at SLAC
Storage of hazardous waste
Type of training required to work with hazardous waste
Failure to comply with hazardous waste laws and regulations can carry criminal and civil penalties. The purpose of this chapter is to provide guidance on the proper management of hazardous
waste.

17-2

It is SLAC policy to avoid generating hazardous waste in RMMAs; however, if it is unavoidable, waste from RMMAs is
managed according to ES&H Bulletin #14, Radioactive Material Management Areas, current version. ES&H Bulletins
may be viewed on the World Wide Web (web) at: http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/.

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Responsibilities
2.1

Waste Management Department


The Waste Management Department (WM) has the following hazardous waste management responsibilities:
Provide trained personnel to guide generators in the proper management of
hazardous waste.
Issue empty containers for the accumulation of hazardous waste.
Assist hazardous waste generators in properly characterizing waste.
Provide waste identification (ID) numbers and labels for hazardous waste containers and items.
Transport packaged waste from the generator to the Hazardous Waste Storage
Area (HWSA).
Ensure that there is an appropriate final destination for hazardous waste and
manage off-site shipment of hazardous waste for reuse, recycling, and disposal.
Maintain a cradle-to-grave tracking database of hazardous waste.
Prepare regulatory reports related to hazardous waste management.

2.2

Transportation Department
The Transportation Department has the following hazardous waste management duties:
Serve as central repository for spent lead-acid batteries.
Arrange for proper shipment of spent lead-acid batteries to an off-site recycling facility.
Maintain required paperwork associated with spent lead-acid battery shipments.

2.3

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and Supervisors have the following hazardous waste management duties:
Ensure that hazardous waste generated by work projects is managed in accordance with this chapter.
Include hazardous waste management duties in employee job descriptions
and designate a Hazardous Waste and Material Coordinator (HWMC), when
applicable.
Ensure that the Employee Training Assessment (ETA)2 completed for each
employee includes responsibilities involving hazardous material and waste.
Ensure that each employee involved in hazardous material and waste management receives proper training.
Ensure that each employee involved in hazardous material and waste management performs his or her duties in compliance with proper hazardous waste
handling and management procedures.

The ETA is available on the web at http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/ or from the ES&H Training Administrative Associate.

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SLAC ES&H Manual

Hazardous Waste and Material Coordinator


Each HWMC is responsible for the coordination and management of hazardous material
and waste in his or her appointed work area (see the Hazardous Materials Management
Handbook [SLAC-I-750-0A06G-001]). Duties include but are not limited to the following:
Schedule regular, documented inspections of the Waste Accumulation Area
(WAA).3
Maintain inspection records.
Ensure hazardous waste is properly identified and labeled.
Manage and report spills and spill clean-up.
Report non-compliance to line management and confirm that corrective action
is taken.
Complete necessary paperwork and act as the primary liaison with WM.

2.5

All SLAC Personnel


Personnel who select and use hazardous material or generate hazardous waste share the
responsibility of minimizing waste generation and preventing pollution. This includes the
following hazardous waste management duties:
Perform duties in compliance with proper procedures for hazardous waste
handling and management.
Attend training and re-training appropriate to the level of work with hazardous material and waste (see the chapter, Training, in this manual).
Be able to properly determine if waste is hazardous (with assistance from
WM).
Use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling hazardous
waste (see the chapter, Personal Protective Equipment, in this manual).
Complete and submit the appropriate paperwork to have empty containers or
hazardous waste labels delivered, and full or dated hazardous waste containers removed.
Maintain hazardous waste containers and waste collection areas.
Report non-compliance to line management and confirm that corrective action
is taken.
Inform WM and supervisor of waste-related issues and concerns.
Note:

SLAC groups and departments may have a designated HWMC. Each SLAC worker should
know the HWMC in the specific work area and follow established group or departmental

policies when performing hazardous waste duties.

What Is a Hazardous Waste?


Hazardous waste is a subset of hazardous material. Like hazardous material, a hazardous waste
may be solid, semisolid, liquid, or contained gas. It is any used material with properties that could
pose danger to human health and the environment.

17-4

See Section 6 of this chapter for a description of WAAs.

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Using an MSDS to Determine if Waste is Hazardous


To determine if waste is hazardous, review the label or the Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS).4 For example, if the label or MSDS indicates the material is flammable or poison, then the material is hazardous. When used, it will become hazardous waste.
Common wastes that are hazardous include the following:
Petroleum products
Dye, paint, printing ink, thinner, solvent or cleaning fluid
Pesticides or related chemicals
Material that dissolves metal, wood, paper, or clothing (acids and caustics)
Flammable material
Material that causes burning or itching when in contact with skin
Material that bubbles or fumes when in contact with water
Material with a label or shipping paper indicating the material is hazardous
An MSDS lists hazardous ingredients and provides health and safety information related
to a material. Because an MSDS is generally prepared using federal guidelines, some constituents considered hazardous only in California may not be listed as hazardous on the
MSDS (the state program is more stringent than the federal program). If it is unclear
whether a waste is hazardous or not hazardous, contact WM for assistance.
As required by law, an MSDS must be available for each material used in a work area.
Know where each MSDS is filed and review each MSDS applicable to work in the area.
Request an MSDS when ordering a product new to a work area, place a copy of each new
MSDS in the areas MSDS files, and send a copy to the Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA)
department.5 If an MSDS for a material in the work area is not available, contact WM to
assist in determining if the waste is hazardous.

3.2

Using Regulations to Determine if Waste is Hazardous


Waste can be hazardous if it exhibits hazardous waste characteristics or is on a regulatory
list. Determining if waste is hazardous is a complex process that may require sampling
and analysis. Contact WM to help determine if a waste is hazardous.
3.2.1

Characteristic Hazardous Waste


Environmental regulations provide four characteristics for identifying hazardous
waste. A waste is considered hazardous if it has one or more of the following
characteristics.
3.2.1.1 Ignitability
Waste with the characteristic of ignitability is considered hazardous
because it could cause fires during transport, storage, or disposal. Examples of ignitable waste may include waste from paint, gasoline, diesel
fuel, some degreasers, and some other solvents.
3.2.1.2 Corrosivity
Waste with the characteristic of corrosivity is considered hazardous
because it can react dangerously with other waste, dissolve metal or other

To access an MSDS online, go to MSDS Sources on the SLAC ES&H home page on the web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/.

To file a new MSDS with SHA, contact the Haz. Mat. Purchase Requisitions representative on the ES&H Resource List
available on the web at: http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/.

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material, and burn the skin. Examples of corrosive waste may include
waste from rust remover, acid or alkaline cleaning fluid, and battery acid.
3.2.1.3 Reactivity
Waste with the characteristic of reactivity is considered hazardous
because it is unstable or can undergo a rapid or violent chemical reaction
with water or other material. Examples of reactive waste may include
waste from cyanide plating, bleach, and other oxidizers.
3.2.1.4 Toxicity
Waste with the characteristic of toxicity is considered hazardous due to
the presence of toxic constituents above established regulatory levels.
Examples of toxic waste may include waste containing dissolved heavy
metals, insecticides, and herbicides.
3.2.2

Listed Waste
Specific hazardous wastes are also named on a variety of regulatory lists. The lists
are used by WM in determining if waste is considered hazardous. Even if the
waste does not appear to be a characteristic hazardous waste, contact WM. The
waste may be a listed waste.

Training
As a subset of hazardous material, hazardous waste represents a danger to human health and the
environment. Personnel who work with hazardous material must receive training. Supervisors of
personnel who work with hazardous material must also have training. Training requirements are
determined on an individual basis, by completing an ETA. Personnel who work with hazardous
material, and their supervisors, must complete (at a minimum) the following training requirements:
Hazard Communication General Training (Course 103)
Introduction to Pollution Prevention and Hazardous Waste/Materials Management (Course 105)
Employee Orientation to Environment, Safety, and Health (Course 219)

Guidelines for Managing Hazardous Waste


Each individual, group, and department that generates hazardous waste is responsible for ensuring that the waste is properly managed.

5.1

Basic Hazardous Waste Management Rules


Use the following guidelines to manage hazardous waste:
Ensure the proper segregation of waste (see Section 7, Hazardous Waste Segregation).
Ensure adequate secondary containment.
Note:

17-6

Secondary containment will hold waste if the primary container fails (see the
chapter, Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and Waste, in this
manual).

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17: Hazardous Waste

Ensure that each container is properly labeled (see Sections 5 and 6 for labeling
details).
Ensure that all labels are facing out, so they can be easily read.
Keep waste containers closed and sealed, unless adding or removing waste.
Never attempt to evaporate, dry, or solidify a hazardous material or waste by
leaving a container open to the environment.
Note:

If access to a waste container is needed throughout the day, an airtight self-closing funnel or pop-up lid may be of use. Airtight, self-closing funnels and pop-up
lids are available from safety supply companies.

Ensure that each waste container is in good condition (free of dents, holes, and
rust) and that the exterior of each container is free of residue.

5.2

Hazardous Waste Accumulation


Hazardous waste must be accumulated in containers compatible with the waste.
5.2.1

Containers Provided by WM
A simple way to ensure compatibility is to use containers provided by WM. Various container types and sizes are available. To request a container, submit a completed Hazardous Waste Pickup and Empty Container Request Form (SLAC-I-8000A08R-001) to WM.6 See Figure 17-1 for a example of the form.

Figure 17-1. Hazardous Waste Pickup and Empty Container Request Form
6

Hazardous Waste Pickup and Empty Container Request Forms are available from WM or on the web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/forms/forms.html.

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Based on the information provided on the Hazardous Waste Pickup and Empty
Container Request Form, WM will deliver a hazardous waste accumulation container compatible with the type of waste that will be generated. Each container
will be pre-labeled with a SLAC waste ID number and information required by
environmental laws.
5.2.2

Other Hazardous Waste Collection


If a specific hazardous waste cannot be collected in a container provided by WM
(for example, if the hazardous waste is a container of hazardous material that is
no longer needed, or if it is an item that will not fit into a hazardous waste collection drum), do the following:
1. Label the container or item (see Section 5.3, Labeling Hazardous
Waste).
2. Within five days, submit a completed Hazardous Waste Pickup and
Empty Container Request Form requesting WM delivery of an official
waste ID label or removal of waste.
All hazardous waste must be properly labeled, even if it cannot be placed in a
container provided by WM.

5.3

Labeling Hazardous Waste


Regulations are specific about what information must be included when labeling hazardous waste. Improperly labeled hazardous waste can result in violations of regulatory
requirements.
Hazardous waste must be labeled with the following information:
The words, Hazardous Waste
Accumulation start date7
Waste composition and physical state (such as oil waste, liquid)
Hazard(s) of the waste (such as flammable, reactive, toxic, corrosive)
Site name and address: SLAC, 2575 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Name and telephone extension of the individual generating the waste
SLAC uses customized labels to identify hazardous waste (see Figure 17-2). Containers
provided by WM have a completed hazardous waste ID label. If unplanned circumstances
lead to collecting waste before WM is notified for approval and labeling (for example, if
the hazardous waste is a container of hazardous material that is no longer needed, or if it
is an item that will not fit into a hazardous waste collection drum), the individual responsible for the waste must properly label the container or waste item (see above, in this section) and notify WM within five working days. WM will subsequently deliver an official
waste ID label.

Note:

17-8

It is important to get a WM hazardous waste ID label for each waste container or item. When this
official SLAC label is completed, waste is assigned a unique waste ID number, which is tracked in
the WM Hazardous Waste Tracking System. The tracking system provides a computerized method
of tracking waste according to regulatory guidelines. If waste is managed improperly, SLAC is vulnerable to citations and fines from regulatory agencies.

For a container such as a drum or tank, the accumulation start date is the date on which the first amount of waste is
placed in the container. For tracking purposes, containers provided by WM have the accumulation start date printed on
the label (usually indicated as the day the container is delivered). For items not accumulated in containers provided by
WM, the accumulation start date is the date on which the item(s) became waste.

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17: Hazardous Waste

Figure 17-2. SLAC Customized Hazardous Waste Label

5.4

Limitation on Storage Time for Hazardous Waste


A container can be used for accumulation of hazardous waste for a maximum of 45 calendar days. Return each container of waste to WM when the 45-day limit is reached, even if
the container is not full. WM will then prepare the waste and ship it off-site. If generators
do not strictly follow this time limit, SLAC will become vulnerable to regulatory action,
such as citations and fines.

Hazardous Waste Collection Areas


At SLAC, hazardous waste collection areas fall into three categories:
Waste Accumulation Area (WAA) refers to larger hazardous waste collection
areas formally established by WM.
Satellite Waste Accumulation Area (SWAA) refers to smaller hazardous waste
collection areas formally established by WM.
Generic waste collection areas serve the hazardous waste collection needs of
other specific areas and are established with cooperation between the hazardous waste generator and WM.
The size of a hazardous waste collection area may vary, however; the rules for maintaining hazardous waste, outlined in Section 6.1, apply to each area.

6.1

Hazardous Waste Collection Requirements


Each hazardous waste collection area must have an individual designated as responsible
for ensuring that the area:
Is located away from vehicular traffic, sewer drains, storm drains, and property boundaries.

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17: Hazardous Waste

SLAC ES&H Manual

Is protected from exposure to sun and rain (for example, indoors, in a covered
area, or including the planned use of tarps).
Note:

Prefabricated or portable storage units are available in a variety of sizes, ranging


from single-drum-sized containers to whole rooms, capable of enclosing a dozen
drums. Contact WM for assistance in choosing and ordering a storage unit.

Has sufficient space for aisles around each container.


Has secondary containment for liquid waste or other waste that might be
released into the environment (such as dusts, powders, and shavings).
Has a telephone located nearby.
Has appropriate warning and directional signs posted (such as location of telephone, eyewash, emergency shower, and exit).
Has the name and extension of the individual responsible for the area posted.
The following additional criteria are recommended (but not required):
A non-porous surface (such as specially coated concrete)
Security from unauthorized entry (such as a locked room or a fenced and
locked area)
6.1.1

Hazardous Waste Collection Area Maintenance


The individual responsible for each area must perform the following maintenance
duties:
Schedule and document inspections. Track the accumulation date and the condition of each container, secondary containment, and label.
Schedule housekeeping. Keep the area free of debris and trash.
Plan ahead to minimize the impact of an emergency or spill. Write a simple
guideline (or contingency plan) outlining how to manage an emergency or
spill in the area. Ensure that each person in the area is trained in the emergency and spill plan and knows where the written guideline is kept.
Keep a supply of spill clean-up materials adequate for the type and volume of
waste in the area (see the chapter, Spills, in this manual).
Pump rainwater out of secondary containment.8

6.1.2

Guidelines for the Infrequent Hazardous Waste Generator


If an area generates hazardous waste on an infrequent basis, it may not be practical to have an established waste collection area; however, waste must still be
stored in the following manner:
1. Ensure that each waste item is properly labeled (see Section 5.3, Labeling
Hazardous Waste).
2. Locate an HWMC or hazardous material user in your area and negotiate storage of waste in his or her waste collection area; or
3. Locate a spot in the work area where hazardous waste can be safely stored for
WM pickup (see Section 11, Requesting Hazardous Waste Pickup).

17-10

If rain falls on containers or equipment with hazardous material on the exterior, or a container leaks material, there is
the potential that the rainwater may be contaminated. Do not pump contaminated water from secondary containment
onto the ground. If the potential exists for contaminants, evaluate the water to determine the proper disposal method
(see the chapter, Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and Waste, in this manual).

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6.2

17: Hazardous Waste

Satellite Waste Accumulation Areas


Under circumstances where small amounts of hazardous waste are generated, an area
may be formally designated a SWAA. The advantage of establishing a SWAA is extended
accumulation time. Other rules for managing hazardous waste apply.
To establish a SWAA, contact WM for an evaluation. Upon approval, written satellite accumulation area guidance (specific to the waste generating process) will be provided. Until
WM provides this special authorization, the area must operate under regular hazardous
waste accumulation rules.

Hazardous Waste Segregation


Hazardous waste segregation has two major goals: safety and waste minimization. Hazardous
wastes have various disposal requirements. Some waste can be recycled, some can be disposed of
inexpensively, and some is costly to manage.

7.1

Segregation for Safety


Hazardous waste must be stored in a way that separates specific hazard types. Combining
incompatible wastes can result in injury or the release of hazardous waste into the environment. Categories of segregation for safety can be determined by consulting the MSDS
for the hazard class. Contact WM to clarify what waste chemicals may be stored
together or near each other.

7.2

Segregation for Minimizing Waste


Segregation is also a critical step in controlling the amount of hazardous waste that can be
recycled. Recycling reduces environmental impact and provides a cost savings for SLAC.
However, even a small amount of incompatible waste can contaminate an entire container of waste, making it unacceptable for recycling. For example, mixing PCB-contaminated oil into a non-PCB waste-oil collection drum can make the entire drum unfit for
recycling.

7.3

General Guidelines for Segregation


When requesting empty collection drums, plan for the types of hazardous waste that may
be generated. Discuss this with WM to ensure that waste will be properly stored. If more
than one type of waste will be generated, request more than one collection container. A
detailed chemical compatibility chart may be obtained from SLAC Stores. Some basic rules
for segregation include:
Store contaminated oil (PCB- or solvent-contaminated) separate from regular
oil waste.
Store halogenated solvents separate from non-halogenated solvents.
Store acids separate from cyanide.
Store acids separate from bases.
Store acids separate from oxidizers.

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Waste Minimization
Concern for the environment, regulations limiting disposal of hazardous waste, and the rising cost
of waste management provide incentives for minimizing the amount of hazardous waste generated at SLAC (see the chapter, Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention, in this manual).
Waste minimization means source reduction, re-use, and recycling.

8.1

Source Reduction
Source reduction is the best method for minimizing waste because it reduces the amount
of generated hazardous waste by modifying procedures and by substituting hazardous
material with non-hazardous material.

8.2

Reuse
Reuse means using a spent chemical without modifying or altering the spent chemical.
Label a chemical stored for reuse as hazardous material.
To promote the reuse of chemicals, SLAC has a Chemical Exchange Program to advertise
unwanted or used chemicals that may be useful to another SLAC organization. A successful Chemical Exchange Program will reduce the amount of chemicals that SLAC must purchase and the amount of hazardous waste that must be disposed of, which will reduce
hazards to the environment and lower operating costs.
A list of chemicals available through the Chemical Exchange Program and a form for submitting chemicals to the list are available from WM or at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/grp/wm/exchange/welcome.html

8.3

Recycling
Recycling (or reclamation) at SLAC has a different definition from recycling done at home.
Recycling means altering or modifying a chemical prior to reusing the chemical. Environmental regulations have specific rules regarding recyclable materials. Contact WM prior to
performing any process that will involve recycling a hazardous material.

Managing Specific Common Hazardous Wastes


9.1

Empty Chemical Containers


9.1.1

Return-to-Vendor Chemical Containers


Many materials are available in return-to-vendor containers. To contribute to
SLAC waste minimization efforts, request products in returnable containers. Label
each empty container (see Section 9.1.2, Other Chemical Containers) and return
it to the vendor (through the SLAC Purchasing Department) when it is no longer
needed.

Note:

If a return-to-vendor container is not empty and contains product that is no longer


needed, contact WM for assistance.

9.1.2

Other Chemical Containers


Containers that previously held hazardous material may be recyclable. Some
require disposal as hazardous waste. To maximize the number of containers that

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17: Hazardous Waste

can be recycled and ensure that hazardous waste containers are not improperly
disposed of, empty containers will be managed by WM (with the exception of
office supplies, see Section 9.6, Office Supplies). Generator labeling requirements for empty containers depend on the size of the container.
For containers with a capacity greater than 5 gallons, label with the following
information:
The words, Hazardous Waste
Emptied on mm/dd/yy
Last contained X (X= previous contents of the container)
Site name and address: SLAC, 2575 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Name and telephone extension of the individual generating the waste
For containers with a capacity of 5 gallons or less, label with the following information:
The word, empty
Note:

If the manufacturers label is still legible, only the word empty is required. If
the manufacturers label is not legible or the label does not reflect the most recent
contents of the container, also mark the container as follows:

Last contained X (X= previous contents of the container)


If the waste collection area has a collection drum designated for empty containers, place
labeled empty containers in that collection drum. Do not put empty containers in any
other collection drum.9 If there is no collection drum designated for empty containers,
place the empty containers in a designated waste storage area until the waste is picked up
(see Section 11, Requesting Hazardous Waste Pickup).
Note:

9.2

Do not store empty containers outside, where they may accumulate rain water or debris
(see Section 6.1, Hazardous Waste Collection Requirements).

Used Oil Filters


Most used oil filters can be drained and recycled off-site.10 SLAC Transportation (which
services SLAC motor vehicles and heavy equipment) and the Rigging Group generate
most of the sites used oil filters. However, there are other sources of oil filters on-site
(such as small pumps and generators). Use the following guidelines to manage a used oil
filter:
1. Drain as much oil as possible from the filter.
2. Collect the drained oil and manage it as hazardous waste.
3. Place the drained filter in a plastic bag.
4. Label the exterior of the plastic bag Drained Used Oil Filter.
5. Contact the HWMC at SLAC Transportation (Building 81) to arrange handling
(see Section 10, On-Site Transportation of Hazardous Waste). SLAC Transportation has a crusher to prepare used oil filters for off-site recycling.

There is an exception regarding collection drums for aerosol cans. Empty and non-empty aerosol can waste may be collected in the same collection drum (WM will sort them).

10

If the oil and filter are known to contain (or suspected of containing) PCBs, the oil and filter must be managed as hazardous waste (see Section 5.3, Labeling Hazardous Waste and Section 11, Requesting Hazardous Waste Pickup).

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9.3

SLAC ES&H Manual

Batteries
9.3.1

Small, Consumer-use Batteries


Spent consumer-use batteries (such as those used in flashlights, calculators, pagers, and cameras) are usually constructed of lithium, nickel-cadmium, carbonzinc, silver-oxide, copper, or mercury-oxide. They must be disposed of as hazardous waste. SLAC has established battery collection stations for spent consumeruse batteries. Dispose of spent batteries at one of these stations. WM has regularlyscheduled pickup at battery collection stations. To locate the nearest spent-battery
collection station (or establish a station near a particular work area), contact WM.

9.3.2

Larger Batteries
Label larger spent batteries (such as those used in lighted emergency signs or in
lanterns) as hazardous waste (see Section 5.3, Labeling Hazardous Waste).
Complete a Hazardous Waste Pickup and Empty Container Request Form and
send it to WM (see Section 11, Requesting Hazardous Waste Pickup).

9.3.3

Lead-acid Batteries
Spent lead-acid batteries (such as those used in cars, forklifts, and electric carts)
can be recycled off-site. SLAC Transportation (Building 81) is the central organization for storing spent lead-acid batteries and arranging for transport to off-site
recycling. Contact the HWMC in SLAC Transportation to arrange for off-site recycling of spent lead-acid batteries (see Section 10, On-Site Transportation of Hazardous Waste). If a battery is cracked or leaking, double-bag it in six-millimeter
polyethylene. Mark each battery with the date on which it was taken out of service. Write the date legibly with a weather-resistant marker (such as indelible ink
or paint).
Store spent lead-acid batteries in secondary containment that is resistant to acid
(polyethylene for example). Do not stack spent lead-acid batteries, as this may
increase the hazard of short circuits and acid leaks. Transfer used lead-acid batteries to SLAC Transportation as soon as practical. Do not store a used lead-acid battery for longer than 45 days beyond the date the battery was removed from
service.
Note:

9.4

Battery acid can cause severe damage to the eyes and skin. Use proper personal
protective equipment when handling a damaged or leaking battery. Manage
material used to clean up a battery acid spill as hazardous waste.

Aerosol Cans
Note:

See Section 9.6.3, Pressurized Aerosol Office Productsfor information on handling supplies typically used in an office setting.

Aerosol cans are considered empty if no material is supplied when the spray valve is
depressed (additionally, shake the container to confirm that it is empty). Manage empty
aerosol cans according to Section 9.1, Empty Chemical Containers). If an aerosol can is
not empty, but can no longer be used (due to a broken or plugged nozzle), manage it as
hazardous waste (see Section 5.3, Labeling Hazardous Waste and Section 11, Requesting Hazardous Waste Pickup).11
11

17-14

Do not put an aerosol can with other waste. Only put an aerosol can in a collection drum specifically designated for
aerosol cans. Empty and non-empty aerosol can waste may be collected in the same collection drum (WM will sort
them).

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9.5

17: Hazardous Waste

Compressed Gas Cylinders


9.5.1

Return-to-Vendor Gas Cylinders


Many compressed gas cylinders are return-to-vendor containers. Return these
cylinders to the vendor when they are no longer needed (ship cylinders through
the SLAC Shipping and Receiving Department).

9.5.2

Other Gas Cylinders


Cylinders which cannot be returned to the vendor must be properly managed. If a
cylinder is not empty, it is possible that someone at SLAC can use the material
(see Section 8, Waste Minimization). For disposal, submit a completed Hazardous Waste Pickup and Empty Container Request Form (see Section 11, Requesting Hazardous Waste Pickup).
Note:

9.6

Never dispose of the contents of a compressed cylinder by releasing the contents


into the environment.

Office Supplies
9.6.1

General Office Supplies


The following empty containers from office supplies can go into the regular trash:
Correction fluid containers
Used pens
Empty contact-cement bottles and glue-stick containers
Empty glass cleaner containers

9.6.2

Toner Cartridges
Printers, fax machines, and copiers all use toner cartridges. Some cartridges can
be recycled. If the cartridge has a can be recycled sticker, place the spent cartridge back in its original box (or a suitable substitute) and return it to the SLAC
office product supplier for recycling. If the empty cartridge does not have a can
be recycled sticker, put it in the regular trash. If a toner cartridge is to be discarded, but it is not empty, manage it as hazardous waste (see Section 5.3, Labeling Hazardous Waste and Section 11, Requesting Hazardous Waste Pickup).

9.6.3

Pressurized Aerosol Office Products


Some pressurized aerosol products are typically used in an office setting. These
include insect spray, room freshener, and pressurized air (for dust removal). If the
product container is completely empty, place it in the regular trash. A container is
empty if no material is supplied when the nozzle is depressed (additionally, shake
the container to confirm that it is empty). If a pressurized aerosol office product is
not empty, but can no longer be used (due to a broken or plugged nozzle), manage it as hazardous waste (see Section 5.3, Labeling Hazardous Waste and Section 11, Requesting Hazardous Waste Pickup).

9.7

Light Bulbs and Ballasts


There are many types of light bulbs at SLAC (such as incandescent bulbs, fluorescent
bulbs and tubes, and mercury bulbs). How these must be managed varies. Only incandescent bulbs (the most common light bulbs for consumer use) can be put in the regular trash.
Do not dispose of ballasts or other bulbs in the regular trash. Contact WM for recycling or
disposal of used bulbs or ballasts.

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10

SLAC ES&H Manual

On-Site Transportation of Hazardous Waste


WM has primary responsibility for on-site transportation of hazardous waste; however, on occa-

sion, others may also need to transport hazardous waste. Use the following guidelines to transport
hazardous waste:
Follow the guidelines in the chapter, Traffic and Vehicular Safety, in this
manual.
Always secure the load.
Use carrying cases, racks, and trays for smaller containers (to keep them
upright and prevent them from shifting during transport).
Cushion glass containers (to prevent them from breaking during transport).
Never drive faster than is safe for the conditions and the load. Use caution
when rounding corners and driving over speed-bumps.

11

Requesting Hazardous Waste Pickup


Request hazardous waste pickup on the same form used to request empty containers. Submit a completed Hazardous Waste Pickup and Empty Container
Request Form to WM.12

12

17-16

Hazardous Waste Pickup and Empty Container Request Forms are available from WM or on the web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/forms/forms.html.

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Hearing Conservation Program, Chapter 18


Bulletin Updates
Note:

The following Bulletins have information that has not yet been incorporated into
this Chapter, or has changed since the publication of the Chapter. Information in
the Bulletins supercedes information in this Chapter.

Date
Issued

Bulletin 64

04/28/03

Title
Medical Surveillance Programs at SLAC

18

Hearing Conservation Program


Related Chapters
Medical
Personal Protective Equipment

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

18-1

2 Adverse Effects of Noise

18-2

3 Responsibilities

18-2

3.1 Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

18-2

3.2 Managers and Supervisors

18-3

3.3 Personnel

18-3

4 Standards for Occupational Noise Exposure

18-3

5 Identifying High-Noise Areas

18-4

6 Designating High-Noise Areas

18-5

7 Controlling Noise

18-5

7.1 Engineering Controls

18-5

7.2 Administrative Controls

18-5

7.3 Hearing Protection

18-5

8 Training

18-6

9 Medical Monitoring

18-6

Overview
Exposure to excessive noise in the workplace may constitute an occupational health hazard. Excessive noise may cause physiological problems, including permanent or temporary hearing loss. In
addition, excessive noise may cause impaired verbal communication, fatigue, work errors, and
various stress reactions. The potential for harmful effects increases with both the intensity and the
duration of the noise exposure. Excessive noise in the workplace may be produced by equipment
such as motors, air hammers, generators, heavy equipment, and other common industrial processes. Nuisance noises are not usually intense enough to cause hearing loss, but they can disturb
verbal communication. The Hearing Conservation Program at SLAC is designed to protect personnel from hearing loss caused by exposure to excessive noise.

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18: Hearing Conservation Program

Adverse Effects of Noise


Noise-induced hearing loss can occur suddenly, or gradually over a period of years. At first, high
levels of noise can cause temporary hearing loss. Over time, repeated exposure to high levels of
noise can cause permanent hearing loss.
Exposure to noise of an intensity greater than 85 decibels (dB) over an extended period of time can
produce permanent hearing damage. This damage results from a combination of the noise intensity and the exposure time. As the intensity of noise increases, less exposure time is required to
produce hearing damage. The unprotected human ear should never be exposed to continuous
noise greater than 115 dB.
There are many factors that affect the degree and extent of hearing loss, including:
The intensity of the noise (sound pressure level).
The type of noise (frequency spectrum).
The amount of daily exposure.
The total work duration (years of employment).
Individual susceptibility to the effects of noise.

Responsibilities
3.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


3.1.1

Industrial Hygiene Group


The industrial hygiene group:
Conducts noise surveys to identify high-noise areas.
Measures and evaluates noise hazards.
Recommends protective measures to minimize exposure of personnel to
hazardous noise.
Advises on equipment design and modification.

3.1.2

Medical Department
The Medical Department:
Performs a hearing test on all personnel who will work in a high-noise area at
the time of their initial physical exam.
Performs an annual hearing test on personnel who work in high-noise areas in
order to detect hearing loss.
Maintains records of hearing tests of all personnel.
Notifies personnel when they are due for a physical exam, including a hearing
test.
Notifies managers and supervisors when personnel who work in high-noise
areas have not reported for their scheduled hearing test.

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3.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors will:
Contact the Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department when they suspect a noise hazard.
Contact the SHA Department when there is any change in production, process,
or equipment that may increase noise levels.
Ensure that high-noise areas are posted with warning signs.
Ensure that personnel wear hearing protection when working in high-noise
areas.
Notify the Medical Department when new personnel are hired for jobs in highnoise areas, or when personnel are transferred into high-noise areas.

3.3

Personnel
Personnel will:
Notify their manager or supervisor if they suspect that a noise level is
hazardous.
Participate in the SLAC Hearing Conservation Program as outlined in this
chapter if they work in a high-noise area.
Properly utilize hearing protection if they work in a high-noise area.
Undergo training in hearing conservation if they work in a high-noise area.
Have their hearing tested annually if they work in a high-noise area.

Standards for Occupational Noise Exposure


The standards for occupational noise exposure adopted by the DOE state that personnel without
hearing protection must not be exposed to an intensity of noise exceeding 85 dBA based on an
eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) as measured on the A-weighted scale. This means that if
personnel are working in an area where the intensity of noise exceeds an average of 85 dBA over
eight hours, the amount of time that they may work in the area without hearing protection must
be reduced in relation to the amount that the noise exceeds 85 dBA. For example, if the noise in an
area is measured at an average of 90 dBA over an eight-hour period, personnel may only work in
that area without wearing hearing protection for a maximum of four hours. According to this standard, personnel may work a full eight-hour shift without hearing protection in an area where the
noise level does not exceed an eight-hour TWA of 85 dBA. SLAC policy is more protective than this
standard, and requires that all personnel who work in an area where there is continuous noise
above 85 dB wear hearing protection at all times; however, SLAC is required to inform personnel of
the standards shown in Table 18.1 and Table 18.2 on the following pages.

18-3

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18: Hearing Conservation Program

Table 18.1 Maximum Number of Hours of Exposure Allowed


Noise Level (dBA)

Duration
(Hours)

80

16

85

90

95

100

105

1/2

110

1/4

115

1/8

Table 18.2 Maximum Allowable Exposure to Impact Noisea


Sound level (dB)

Permitted Number of
Impacts per Day

140

100

130

1,000

120

10,000

a. Impact noises are those that occur at intervals of greater than one
per second; for example, the noise made by a metal shear. Personnel must not be exposed to impact noises exceeding 140 dBA peak
sound pressure.

Identifying High-Noise Areas


The following conditions may indicate the presence of a hazardous noise level:
It is difficult to hear someone speak when they are less than three feet away
from you.
You must raise your voice to be heard due to noise interference.
Sounds are muffled after you have finished a work shift.
All personnel should inform their manager or supervisor if they suspect that a noise level is
hazardous.
Managers and supervisors must contact the SHA Department when:
Personnel inform them of a possible noise hazard.
They suspect that a noise in their area may be hazardous.
There is a change in production, process, equipment, or controls that may
increase noise levels in their area.
When notified of a possible noise hazard, an industrial hygienist from the SHA Department will
conduct a noise survey of the affected area. As a part of the survey, the industrial hygienist may
request that personnel working in the area wear a noise meter. If the existence of a noise hazard is

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18: Hearing Conservation Program

SLAC ES&H Manual

determined, the industrial hygienist will notify the manager or supervisor and recommend appropriate protective measures for personnel in the area. In addition, managers and supervisors must
ensure that all personnel working in the area undergo a hearing test.

Designating High-Noise Areas


Managers and supervisors must ensure that any area under their supervision where the noise
level is greater than 85 dB is posted with warning signs (available from SLAC Stores). In addition,
managers and supervisors must ensure that all personnel working in these high-noise areas wear
hearing protection while engineering or administrative controls are being developed.

Controlling Noise
Engineering or administrative controls must be implemented in areas where the noise level is
greater than 85 dB. If these controls are not feasible or have not yet been implemented, personnel
must wear hearing protection in the area.

7.1

Engineering Controls
Engineering controls should be used, whenever feasible, to limit exposure to excessive
noise. Engineering controls include designing new equipment and modifying existing
equipment and operations to minimize noise. The following modifications may decrease
noise caused by equipment:
Installing mufflers.
Installing vibration dampeners such as anti-vibration machine mountings.
Increasing the distance between noise sources and exposed personnel.
Constructing enclosures or barriers between noise sources and personnel.
Treating ceilings and walls with noise-absorbing material.

7.2

Administrative Controls
In addition to engineering controls, administrative controls should be used when feasible
to limit exposure to excessive noise. Administrative controls that help control noise exposure include:
Job schedule changes.
Personnel rotation.

7.3

Hearing Protection
Hearing protection includes:
Earplugs.
Earmuffs.
Disposable earplugs and earmuffs are available from SLAC Stores. Personnel may select
either type of hearing protection; however, managers and supervisors must ensure that
personnel are properly fitted with their hearing protection upon obtaining it. The Medical
Department will supply and fit custom-molded earplugs for personnel who, for medical
reasons, cannot use standard, disposable earplugs or earmuffs.

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18: Hearing Conservation Program

Training
Training in hearing conservation is available to all SLAC personnel through the ES&H Training
Team. Personnel who work in a high-noise area are required to undergo training in hearing conservation and must understand the proper use of hearing protection. Managers and supervisors of
high-noise areas must ensure that all personnel working in the area undergo training in hearing
conservation and understand the proper use of hearing protection.

Medical Monitoring
The Medical Department performs pre-placement hearing tests on all personnel who will be
working in a high-noise area. After the pre-placement hearing test, these personnel will be given
an annual hearing test. (Personnel who perform a brief task or job in a high-noise area are not
required to take a hearing test; however, they must wear hearing protection while they work in a
high-noise area.) The initial hearing test must be preceded by at least 14 hours without exposure to
any excessive noise. The Medical Department maintains records of the results of all hearing tests.
Hearing loss can be detected in an individual by comparing the results of their initial hearing test
to the results of subsequent hearing tests. The Medical Department will notify personnel, and their
manager or supervisor, if any hearing loss is detected. The Medical Department will notify personnel when they are due for their annual hearing test.
Managers and supervisors must contact the Medical Department when new personnel are hired
for jobs in a high-noise area, or when personnel are transferred to a high-noise area. The Medical
Department maintains a record of all personnel who work in high-noise areas and ensures that
their hearing is tested annually.

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18-6

19

Personal Protective Equipment


Related Chapters
Respirator Program
Hearing Conservation
Program
Electrical Safety
IH Program
Medical

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

19-2

2 Purpose

19-2

3 Hazard Assessment

19-2

4 Responsibilities

19-2

4.1

Personnel

19-2

4.2

Managers and Supervisors

19-2

4.3

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

19-3

5 Dielectric Matting

19-3

6 Eye Protection

19-4

6.1

Non-Prescription Eye Protection Equipment

19-4

6.2

Prescription Safety Glasses

19-4

6.3

Laser Safety Eyewear

19-5

7 Head Protection

19-6

7.1

Hard Hats

19-6

7.2

Helmets

19-6

7.3

Face Shields

19-6

8 Protective Clothing

19-6

9 Hand Protection

19-7

10 Foot Protection

19-8

11 Radiological Hazards

19-9

12 Hearing Protection

19-9

13 Respiratory Protection

19-9

14 Safety Belts and Harnesses

19-9

15 Training

19-10

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SLAC ES&H Manual

Overview
The control of occupational health hazards requires that exposure to harmful chemical stresses
and physical agents do not exceed permissible levels. Engineering controls (defined as ventilation
systems or physical barriers) are the preferred method of hazard control. Administrative controls,
such as job rotation and time exposure limitation, can be used, but are not favored because they
are difficult to implement and maintain. Where engineering and administrative controls are not
feasible or are inadequate, SLAC will provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for protection.

Purpose
The purpose of the PPE chapter is to clarify the conditions under which PPE is necessary, to
describe the process by which that determination is made (hazard assessment), and to establish
responsibility for the proper use of PPE in order to minimize health hazards in the work place.

Hazard Assessment
Immediate supervisors have the responsibility for the completion and documentation of the hazard assessment in their work areas. Standardized forms are available from the Safety, Health, and
Assurance (SHA) Department. The SHA Department is also available to assist managers and
supervisors in performing the hazard assessment. The assessment must:
Identify hazards that are present or likely to be present.
Determine appropriate PPE for each identified hazard.
Be documented.

Responsibilities
4.1

Personnel
Personnel:
Use PPE as determined by the hazard assessment.
Maintain their PPE properly.
Inspect PPE for wear and defects before and after each use.

4.2

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors:
Conduct and document a hazard assessment of their work area.
Consult with the SHA Department to determine which PPE is appropriate for
specific work hazards, if necessary.
Require that personnel use PPE, as required by the hazard assessment, to protect against injury from hazards in the workplace.

19-2

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SLAC ES&H Manual

19: Personal Protective Equipment

Register their personnel for training classes, or provide on-the-job training


(OJT) for PPE as needed.
Provide proper PPE storage.
Require that PPE is stored and maintained according to the manufacturers
specifications.
Note:

Any PPE that is damaged or defective must immediately be removed from use.

4.3

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The SHA Department:
Assists managers and supervisors, upon request, to assess their work areas
and determine if hazards are present.
Assists managers and supervisors, upon request, in determining which PPE is
appropriate for specific work hazards.
Coordinates the purchase of prescription safety glasses for SLAC personnel.
Assists in the fitting of respirators.

4.4

ES&H Training Team


The ES&H Training Team coordinates the training of managers and supervisors on:
When and where PPE is required.
The proper care and disposal of PPE.

Dielectric Matting
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that protective barriers,
shields, or insulating materials be used when personnel are working on or near exposed, energized electrical parts which:
Are greater than or equal to 50 volts.
Might be accidentally contacted.
Might have dangerous electrical heating or arcing occur.
Dielectric matting is placed on the floor to insulate personnel from electrical shock. Dielectric matting must be used when appropriate to protect personnel from electrical hazards [29 CFR 1910.335
(a) (2) (ii)]. When personnel are working with exposed, energized parts, the dielectric matting
must:
Be placed around test benches and equipment in the field during maintenance
such that personnel are standing only on the matting while working.
Be used in addition to all other PPE that is required by OSHA.
Be inspected regularly to ensure that it is not damaged.
Dielectric matting for electrical hazards up to 30,000 volts is available from Stores. The matting is
three feet wide and can be cut to length. Matting that provides protection above 30,000 volts may
be obtained from outside vendors. Contact the SHA Department in the ES&H Division for assistance.

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19: Personal Protective Equipment

SLAC ES&H Manual

Eye Protection
OSHA states that eye protection is required where there is a reasonable probability of injury that
can be prevented by such equipment. SLAC recognizes that appropriate safety practices include

providing eye protection to personnel who are at risk of eye injury.


Areas where eye protection is required shall be posted with a sign. An example of such a sign
would be: CAUTIONEYE HAZARD AREADO NOT ENTER WITHOUT EYE PROTECTION. All personnel who work in such an area must wear eye protection. Managers and supervisors responsible
for eye hazard areas must make eye protection available to all personnel (including visitors) who
enter the area.
Potential eye hazards include, but are not limited to, operations that:
Produce flying particles, such as those created when using machining equipment or portable power tools.
Involve the handling of hazardous liquids; for example, chemicals, plating
baths, or epoxies where there is a potential for a chemical splash hazard.
Involve exposure to intense light, such as working with UV or lasers.
Produce molten metal by welding or brazing.
Produce an electric arc, such as by grounding a charged capacitor.
Use pressure systems, such as compressed air or hydraulic systems.
Involve exposure to cryogens.
Personnel are required to wear eye protection when performing any task that presents an eyeinjury hazard. The SHA Department and the Medical Department are available to assist in defining eye-hazard operations and in selecting appropriate eye protection.
There are three main types of eye protection:
Non-prescription eye protection equipment
Prescription safety glasses
Laser safety eyewear

6.1

Non-Prescription Eye Protection Equipment


Goggles, face shields, non-prescription safety glasses, and temporary safety glasses are
available from SLAC Stores. Managers and supervisors must require that personnel and
visitors obtain and use the proper type of eye protection.

6.2

Prescription Safety Glasses


SLAC personnel who work in areas that present an eye-injury hazard are eligible for prescription safety glasses, subject to the approval of their managers or supervisors. SLAC has
an annual purchase agreement with a local optician to provide personnel with prescription safety glasses as needed.
SLAC provides:

Single, bifocal, trifocal, or occupational bifocal lenses.


Glass, plastic (coated), or polycarbonate lenses.

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19: Personal Protective Equipment

Selected plastic or metal frames.


Clear or tinted lenses.
Side shields (clip-on or permanently attached).
Anti-reflective coating.
Executive lenses.
Oversized segments.
The following options are available at extra cost to the individual requesting the option:
Photochromic lenses
Progressive power lenses
Additional styles of safety frames
6.2.1

Ordering Prescription Safety Glasses


The SHA Department handles the purchase of all prescription safety glasses. The
individual must provide the prescription. The cost of prescription safety glasses
will be charged to the individuals department account number provided by their
manager or supervisor.
The procedure for ordering prescription safety glasses is as follows:
1. Obtain an OSH Prescription Safety Glasses Order Form from your
administrative associate, manager or supervisor, or from the SHA
Department.
2. Fill out the OSH Prescription Safety Glasses Order Form completely.
Make sure that the account number to be charged is legible. Include
the name and mail stop of the manager or supervisor authorizing the
purchase on the order form. Managers and supervisors do not sign
this form.
3. Mail the completed form to the Administrative Associate in the SHA
Department, MS 84.
4. The SHA Department will prepare, sign, and mail a SLAC Prescription Safety Glasses Order Form to the manager or supervisor for
authorization and signature.
The SLAC Prescription Safety Glasses Order Form is accompanied by an instruction
sheet, list of opticians hours, and a copy of the completed form. The manager or
supervisor will then follow the directions on the instruction sheet to complete the
procedure.

6.3

Laser Safety Eyewear


Laser protective eyewear must be worn whenever operational conditions may result in a
potential eye hazard. The eyewear must meet the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) standard Z136.1, as prescribed for the safe use of lasers.
Managers and supervisors must consult with the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) for guidance
when selecting laser safety eyewear. The LSO is listed on the ES&H Resource List. Laser
protective eyewear is selected by considering:
The optical density at the specific laser wavelength(s).
The need for visible light.

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19: Personal Protective Equipment

Note:

SLAC ES&H Manual

All laser protective eyewear shall be clearly labeled with the optical density at the appropriate laser wavelength(s). The eye protection must be clearly marked to insure that it is
not used for protection against laser wavelengths for which it was not intended.

Periodic inspection of the eyewear must be made to:


Ensure that scratches, pitting, cracking, or other use-related damage will not
endanger the wearer.
Ensure mechanical integrity of the frame and for light leaks, as required by the
manufacturer.
Note:

Eyewear which have pitting, scratching, cracking, or light leaks must be discarded.

Head Protection
7.1

Hard Hats
Hard hats must be worn in construction environments where overhead electrical or physical hazards are present, or where there is potential for injuries from falling objects. Hard
hats are available from SLAC Stores.
Hard hats must be worn by all personnel, including visitors, who enter hard hat areas
when the danger of head injury from impact, falling objects, electrical shock, or electrical
burn is present (29 CFR 1926.100).

7.2

Helmets
Helmets must be worn while riding mopeds or scooters. Helmets are available from
SLAC Stores.

7.3

Face Shields
Face shields must be worn when the threat of facial injury exists due to the following:
Chemical splashes
Flying chips
Welding slag
Charging automotive batteries
Open tanks containing corrosive materials
Potentially injurious light radiation from welding or cutting
Consult the SHA Department for information regarding protection from ultraviolet radiation during welding activities.

Protective Clothing
Protective clothing helps shield people from hazardous chemicals and physical agents. Examples
include:
Coveralls to protect against chemicals, hazardous dust, and heavy lubricants.

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19: Personal Protective Equipment

Flame-retardant aprons, coveralls, and gloves to protect against fire.


Foot protection to prevent injuries from chemical or physical hazards.
Hand protection to prevent chemical and physical injury.
Rubber aprons to protect against chemical liquids.
Special flame-resistant overalls to protect from electrical flash burns.
Aprons to protect against burns while welding.
If the appropriate protective clothing is not available from SLAC Stores, managers and supervisors
are responsible for purchasing the appropriate protective clothing, after consultation with the SHA
industrial hygienist. Protective clothing must be worn whenever the wearing of protective clothing could prevent injury, as in the following examples:
Cryogenic work
Welding operations
Hazardous waste handling
Chemical exposure

Hand Protection
Protective gloves must be worn in work areas where the potential exists for injuries to the hands
or the potential spread of contaminants. Common hazards at SLAC include:
Chemical exposure.
Extreme heat or cold exposure.
Electrical exposure.
Materials handling.
Radioactive material.
The particular hazard that personnel may encounter in a work area determines which type of protective gloves are appropriate. Types of protective gloves include:
Abrasion-resistant gloves for handling sharp or rough objects.
Electrical lineman gloves for both low- and high-voltage electrical hazards.
Chemically resistant gloves for working with hazardous chemicals.
Flame-retardant and heat-resistant gloves for working with extremely hot
materials.
Cold-resistant gloves for working with cryogens.
Rubber or other suitable gloves for handling contaminants.
Chemically resistant gloves must be selected for use with the specific chemicals to be handled.
Managers and supervisors should consult with the SHA Department to determine which gloves
provide the best protection against specific chemicals.
SLAC Stores stocks several types of protective gloves. If the type of protective gloves required for a
specific work hazard is not available from SLAC Stores, managers and supervisors are responsible
for purchasing the required type of protective gloves.

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19: Personal Protective Equipment

10

SLAC ES&H Manual

Foot Protection
Safety shoes are required where the potential for foot injury exists from crushing due to falling (or
rolling) objects, penetration of sharp objects, or electrical hazards. Managers and supervisors may
contact a Safety Engineer in the SHA Department for assistance in determining if protective footwear is required in a work area. Personnel who require safety shoes may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Carpenters
Electricians
Laborers
Machinists
Mechanics
Riggers
Storekeepers
Shipping and receiving personnel
Technicians
If a manager or supervisor determines that personnel are required to wear safety shoes, the manager or supervisor must specify which type of safety shoes are required (for example, steel toes or
puncture-resistant soles). All safety shoes must meet the specifications of the American National
Standard for Safety-Toe Footwear (ANSI Z41.1-1967) to be approved for purchase.
If protective footwear is required, SLAC will reimburse personnel up to $70.00 toward the purchase
of approved safety shoes. If protective footwear is not required, personnel may elect to wear safety
shoes. If personnel elect to wear safety shoes, and their supervisor approves, SLAC will reimburse
the employees up to $45.00 toward the purchase of approved safety shoes.
Note:

The amount of potential reimbursement toward the purchase of safety shoes may change. Check
with the SHA Department for the current reimbursement amounts.

Reimbursements are made after personnel purchase their safety shoes. Reimbursement is only
provided for safety shoes that meet the requirements and specifications of the ANSI Z41.1, SafetyToe Footwear, latest edition.
Before purchasing safety shoes:
1. The Protective Footwear Approval Form must be completed and signed by
the manager or supervisor. (Forms are available from the Petty Cash Office.)
2. The manager or supervisor will indicate on the form if the safety shoes are a
required or elective item.
After purchasing the safety shoes, the individual should attach the completed Protective Footwear Approval Form to a completed petty cash slip, along with the receipt, and present the forms
to the Petty Cash Office in order to receive reimbursement.

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11

19: Personal Protective Equipment

Radiological Hazards
Managers and supervisors should consult with the Operational Health Physics (OHP) Department
for advice about PPE to protect against radiological hazards. More information about PPE and
radiological hazards can be found in the latest edition of the SLAC Radiological Control Manual
(SLAC-I-720-0A05Z-001).

12

Hearing Protection
Disposable earplugs and earmuffs are available from SLAC Stores. Personnel may select either
type of hearing protection; however, managers and supervisors must ensure that personnel are
properly fitted with their hearing protection. The Medical Department will supply and fit custommolded earplugs for personnel who, for medical reasons, cannot use standard, disposable earplugs or earmuffs. For more information on hearing protection, refer to the Hearing Conservation Program chapter of this manual.

13

Respiratory Protection
Where practical, engineering controls such as fume hoods, proper ventilation, or the modification
of industrial processes are used to prevent occupational exposure to air contaminated with harmful dusts, mists, fumes, gases, vapors, or radioactive or toxic particles.
Respirators are required when an industrial hygienist has determined that the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is exceeded, or it is anticipated that the limit will be exceeded. For complete information on respiratory protection, refer to the Respirator Program chapter of this manual.

14

Safety Belts and Harnesses


Engineering controls, such as guard rails, should always be used to protect personnel from falls.
When engineering controls are not feasible, personnel must use harnesses or safety belts when
exposed to fall hazards. Fall hazards are defined as any situation where personnel are working
within 10 feet of an edge where:
A fall of four or more feet could occur.
A fall of less than four feet onto dangerous equipment could occur.
Before using safety belts and harnesses, personnel must check the equipment to ensure that:
The harness or belt is free from cuts, fraying, corrosion, or other defects.
The anchor point is capable of bearing the fall load.
The lanyard is set to prevent the worker from reaching the edge from which
falls are possible.
The SHA Department is available to assist in the proper use of fall protection systems.

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19: Personal Protective Equipment

15

SLAC ES&H Manual

Training
All personnel required to wear PPE must be properly trained. If personnel are required to use PPE,
they must receive training specific to the PPE that they are required to use, and the conditions
under which that particular PPE would be used. General training on PPE is available through
ES&H. The immediate supervisor must determine if the general training for PPE will meet the
training requirements for the personnel in their work area.
If the general training is not sufficient, the individual supervisor is responsible for OJT for any specialized PPE training. The immediate supervisor must document that their personnel who are
required to wear PPE have been trained. At a minimum, personnel must know:
When PPE is necessary.
What type of PPE is necessary.
The limitation of PPEs ability to protect against hazards.
How to don, remove, adjust, and wear PPE.
How to properly care for, maintain, and store PPE.
The life expectancy of each PPE item.
How to dispose of deteriorating or defective PPE equipment.
Personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the proper use of their PPE before being
allowed to perform work requiring the use of that PPE. If personnel who have already been
trained do not demonstrate an understanding of, or the skill required, to properly use PPE,
those personnel shall be retrained. Circumstances where retraining is required include, but are
not limited to, situations where:
Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete.
Changes in the types of PPE to be used render previous training obsolete.
Personnel demonstrate a lack of skill or knowledge while using PPE, indicating that they have not retained the required understanding or skill level.
Note:

19-10

Check Training Opportunities at SLAC for the PPE training courses.

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30 October 1995

Chapter 20, Lead


Bulletin Updates
Note:

The following Bulletins have information that has not yet been incorporated into
this Chapter, or has changed since the publication of the Chapter. Information in
the Bulletins supercedes information in this Chapter.

Date
Issued

Bulletin 55

08/15/01

Title
Legacy Lead (Pb)

20

Lead
Related Chapters
Hazard Communication
Hazardous Material
Hazardous Waste
Medical
Personal Protective Equipment
Respirator Program
Traffic and Transportation Safety

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

20-1

2 Responsibilities

20-2

2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

20-2

2.2

Medical Department

20-2

2.3

Waste Management Department

20-2

2.4

Managers and Supervisors

20-3

2.5

Personnel

20-3

3 Health Hazards

20-3

4 SLAC Operations Involving Lead

20-4

5 Safety Measures

20-4

6 Lead Hazardous Waste Disposal

20-5

7 Posting Requirements

20-5

Overview
Lead is a soft, heavy, bluish-gray metal, used at SLAC primarily for radiation shielding. When personnel handle lead, they may come in contact with lead dust even if no dust is visible. Although
lead is generally a chemically stable metal, lead carbonate and lead oxide dust from bricks and
sheets can be harmful to humans even after short exposures.
Industrial hygienists from the Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department use air sampling
results to characterize personnel exposure and to determine when lead dust is an occupational
health concern that must be controlled. Industrial hygienists also anticipate potential lead exposure and implement engineering controls to eliminate or control future exposure.

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20: Lead

SLAC ES&H Manual

This chapter provides guidelines for specific operations involving lead, in order to keep personnel
exposure within the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) set by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) and to ensure safe handling of lead materials. The guidelines are based on
the OSHA Lead Standard 29 CFR 1910.1025. The chapter also summarizes the safety precautions
and medical monitoring required when working with lead.

Responsibilities
2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


Industrial hygienists in the Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department:
Perform air sampling to evaluate personnel lead exposure, as requested by
supervisors.
Recommend engineering, administrative, or other controls to prevent excessive exposure.
Determine which work processes require medical surveillance.
Provide personnel with technical guidance and training to select Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Perform fit testing of respiratory protective devices after personnel have
obtained training in the use of such devices.
Notify personnel and the Medical Department of air-monitoring results within
5 days of receipt of the results.
Give advice to personnel whose exposure is higher than the PEL.
Keep copies of all lead exposure reports.
Provide training for personnel.

2.2

Medical Department
Medical Department staff:
Provide required lead baseline testing for personnel who work with lead,
before they begin work (see Table 20-1).
Provide annual medical surveillance for personnel who are exposed to
25g/m3 as an 8-hour, time-weighted average (equivalent to half the PEL for
lead), as determined by an industrial hygienist.
Maintain records of personnel exposure history.
Answer questions regarding medical test results for lead exposure.

2.3

Waste Management Department


The Waste Management (WM) Department staff:
Re-packages and disposes of material contaminated with lead (such as PPE
and plastic sheeting used to enclose lead areas).
Advises managers and supervisors on the correct disposal procedures for
material contaminated with lead.

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2.4

20: Lead

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and Supervisors:
Arrange for an industrial hygienist to survey existing or new work areas
where suspected lead-exposure sources exist.
Consult an industrial hygienist to determine the required lead-exposure controls and implement the following controls as required:
Engineering controls (such as local exhaust ventilation)
Administrative controls (such as rotating job duties) to reduce individual lead exposure
Limit lead brick stacking to no more than 3 hours per day per person in order
to avoid exposure levels in excess of regulatory limits.
Ensure that personnel:
Receive required training (including on-the-job training). Consult the
Task Hazard Survey to determine training requirements.
Receive appropriate medical baseline exams or annual surveillance, as
determined by an industrial hygienist.
Wear appropriate PPE.

2.5

Personnel
All personnel who work with lead:
Know how to recognize the risks involved in working with lead and receive
the appropriate safety training (including on-the-job training).
Comply with the safety regulations and controls prescribed by their supervisor or by an industrial hygienist.
Obtain a baseline medical examination for lead, as required in Table 20-1.
Notify their supervisor of new or increased hazards involving lead in the
workplace.
Understand how to obtain, wear, and safely use PPE, as outlined in Table 20-1,
and in this manuals chapters Respirator Program and Personal Protective
Equipment.
Immediately notify their supervisor (or Medical Department if supervisor is
unavailable) of any known or suspected accident involving lead.

Health Hazards
Symptoms of chronic (long-term) exposure to lead may not be apparent right away and may
include loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, excessive tiredness, muscle and joint soreness, and a
metallic taste in the mouth.
Chronic lead exposure can cause serious health problems such as anemia, birth defects, kidney
disease, nervous system disorders, and miscarriages. Many symptoms do not appear until after
permanent damage has already occurred. Therefore, it is extremely important to prevent problems
by following the safety precautions outlined in this chapter.
In rare cases, acute (short-term) exposure to high amounts of lead can lead to death. Other symptoms of acute lead exposure include severe headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, and coma.

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20: Lead

SLAC ES&H Manual

SLAC Operations Involving Lead


Under normal working conditions, exposure to lead and lead dust is very low. The following table
summarizes the safety controls and medical procedures required for specific lead work operations
when no industrial hygiene survey is required.
Table 20-1. General Safety Controls and Medical Procedures for Lead Work

Description of Work

Safety Controls Required

Handling lead bricks for less


than 30 minutes on any one day.

Gloves; wash hands immediately


after working with lead.1

Handling/stacking lead bricks


more than 30 minutes on any one
day.

Gloves and disposable coveralls.


Contact the SHA Department to
select a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) respirator.
Wash hands immediately after
working with lead.
Wear steel-toed safety shoes.

Use of a soldering iron on lead


and lead materials.

Gloves.
Wash hands immediately after
working with lead.

Hazardous waste re-packaging


and disposal of nonradioactive
lead by Waste Management
(WM) Department personnel.

Gloves, full-body disposable coveralls, and full-face respirator


with a HEPA filter.
Wash hands immediately after
working with lead.
Wear steel-toed safety shoes.

Medical Procedure Required

Baseline medical exam.


Annual medical surveillance.

Baseline medical exam.


Annual medical surveillance.

Steel-toed safety shoes recommended. Consult the PPE chapter of this manual.

An industrial hygiene survey is required for any of the following operations, unless these operations have been previously evaluated by an industrial hygienist. Managers must also ensure that
personnel who perform these operations receive an employee baseline medical exam.
Welding (or soldering with a torch) of lead or lead material
Handling lead wool for more than a 5-minute period
Working with molten lead casting
Grinding, cutting, shearing, sanding, wire brushing, or performing other
mechanical abrasion of material containing lead paint
Contact the SHA Department to determine if an industrial hygiene survey has already been performed, or for information on other operations involving lead that are not listed above.

Safety Measures
All safety measures are implemented to keep exposure to lead within the PEL set by OSHA. Recognizing potential health hazards relating to lead and applying adequate safety measures requires

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20: Lead

knowledge of the operations involved. Observe the following practices when working with or
around lead:
Use an approved HEPA vacuum to clean the work area. Do not use a broom to
sweep any potential lead dust.
Remove all protective equipment and protective clothing before leaving the
work area. Place disposable coveralls and other disposable protective clothing
into the required waste bags immediately after use.
Dispose of the following as hazardous lead waste:
Nonreusable pallets contaminated with lead and plastic sheets used
for lead storage
All disposable protective clothing, including disposable coveralls
Contact the WM Department for the correct disposal procedure.
Clean and store protective equipment, including your respirator, according to
proper procedures. Store leather gloves contaminated with lead dust in a plastic bag.
Use the designated PPE equipment (including leather gloves) only when handling lead and not for any other work. Choose disposable coveralls.
Refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in or around any areas containing
lead.
Wash your hands after removing PPE and completing lead work.
Minimize lead dust exposure by encapsulating lead bricks with tape, epoxy
resins, or paint.
Observe correct lifting techniques. Consult the Medical Department for more
information.

Lead Hazardous Waste Disposal


WM Department staff who re-package and dispose of lead waste must:

Receive appropriate training (including on-the-job training). Consult the Task


Hazard Survey to determine training requirements.
Have a baseline medical examination and be included in the medical annual
surveillance program for lead.
Wear gloves, full-body disposable coveralls, and a full-face respirator with a
HEPA filter when packaging or repackaging lead waste for disposal.
Wear gloves when handling both sealed and packaged lead waste.
Enclose the lead-handling area with plastic sheeting to collect debris.

Posting Requirements
An industrial hygienist will certify which areas containing lead require postings. Consult an
industrial hygienist for information on purchasing signs.

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20: Lead

SLAC ES&H Manual

Lead storage areas must be posted as follows:

LEAD STORAGE
POISON
No smoking, eating,
or drinking

9-95

7019A233

Lead work areas where exposures may be half of the PEL (as designated by an industrial hygienist
survey), must be posted as follows:

WARNING
LEAD WORK AREA
POISON
No smoking, eating,
or drinking
9-95

20-6

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21

Secondary Containment of
Hazardous Material and Waste
Related Chapters
Confined Space
Hazardous Material
Hazardous Waste
Oil-filled Equipment
Spills
Surface Water

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

21-2

2 Policy

21-2

3 Scope

21-3

3.1

Compressed Gases

21-3

3.2

Combustible and Flammable Liquids

21-4

4 Responsibilities

21-4

4.1

Environmental Protection and Restoration

21-4

4.2

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

21-4

4.3

Plant Engineering Department

21-4

4.4

Building or Area Managers

21-4

4.5

Facilities Department

21-5

4.6

Hazardous Waste Material Coordinators

21-5

4.7

Managers and Supervisors

21-5

4.8

All Others

21-6

5 Requirements

21-6

6 Types of Secondary Containment

21-7

6.1

Prefabricated

21-7

6.2

Custom-made

21-8

7 Selecting Secondary Containment

21-8

8 Secondary Containment Locations

21-9

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21: Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and Waste

Chapter Outline

Page

9 Secondary Containment Specifications

SLAC ES&H Manual

21-9

10 Special Requirements

21-9

11 Labeling and Marking

21-9

12 Restricting Access

21-10

13 Inspections

21-10

13.1 Responsibility for Inspections

21-10

13.2 Frequency of Inspections

21-10

14 Compatibility of Stored Materials

21-11

15 Maintenance

21-11

16 General Housekeeping

21-12

17 Leaks and Spills

21-12

18 Alternatives to Secondary Containment

21-12

19 Moving Secondary Containment

21-13

20 Closure or Transfers

21-13

Overview
Secondary containment is a means of surrounding one or more primary storage containers or equipment containing hazardous material or waste so that spills and leaks are automatically contained
in the event of primary container or equipment failure. This chapter provides guidance on the
application of secondary containment for hazardous material, hazardous waste, and some nonhazardous waste in equipment or containers. Secondary containment provides the following
benefits:
Reduces the health, safety, or environmental risk posed by stored hazardous
material and waste
Prevents releases and costly cleanups of hazardous material and waste to the
soil, surface water, and ground water
Reduces the urgency of responding to and reporting spills to regulatory agencies

Policy
Secondary containment must be provided for hazardous material and waste at SLAC in compliance with all applicable:

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21: Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and Waste

Regulations:
Federal
State
Local
DOE orders
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Note:

For more information on the SWPPP and BMPs, see the chapter 44, Surface Water, in this
manual.

At the discretion of the responsible department and ES&H, secondary containment may also be
provided in cases where it is not specifically called for by regulations, but will reduce health,
safety, and environmental risks. Factors that may affect the decision include:
Location and proximity to site boundary or sensitive environmental areas.
Special personnel or safety concerns.
History of leaks.
Equipment or article age.
Future uses.
Volume and type of hazardous material present.
ES&H and the responsible department may also, after a thorough evaluation of circumstances, factors, and liabilities, make exceptions or reduce the stringency of secondary containment policy
requirements where conditions warrant it. When secondary containment is not practical, a documented engineering or risk-based assessment is required. Part of the risk-based assessment may
include the use of alternatives to secondary containment such as drip pans, frequent inspections,
or leak detection equipment. The assessment will be performed and documented by Environmental Protection and Restoration (EPR).

Scope
This document provides guidance on the use of secondary containment for:
Oil-filled equipment.
Hazardous material (including substances and chemicals).
Hazardous and Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) waste.
Note:

Oil-filled equipment may contain Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). This equipment may require
more stringent secondary containment requirements, particularly for PCB waste storage.

3.1

Compressed Gases
The scope of this document does not include secondary containment for compressed
gases. Regulations do not currently require spill control, drainage, and containment for
the storage of highly toxic or toxic compressed gases. Secondary containment or diversionary structures may be required, however, for specific applications as determined by
the Safety Overview Committee.
Note:

18 August 1997

For technical and regulatory guidance, refer to the Toxic Gas Model Ordinance. Copies are
available from EPR.

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21: Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and Waste

3.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Combustible and Flammable Liquids


Secondary containment designed to accommodate fire suppression or extinguishing volumes for combustible and flammable liquids will not be addressed in this document.
Additional requirements to provide sufficient secondary containment capacity based on
sprinkler volumes will be evaluated by the Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department and the department responsible for the secondary containment.
Note:

Considerations of secondary containment limitations are subordinate to the task of safely


controlling and extinguishing a fire.

Responsibilities
4.1

Environmental Protection and Restoration


The Environmental Protection and Restoration Department in the ES&H Division:
Provides information and guidance about requirements for secondary containment for hazardous and non-hazardous liquids.
Reviews applicable regulations and provides guidance on secondary containment for hazardous materials and hazardous waste storage.

4.2

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The SHA Department in the ES&H Division:
Inspects secondary containments for compliance with SLAC policy.
Provides guidance on:
Fire-suppression systems for secondary containment associated with
flammable and combustible liquids.
Other worker safety and Industrial Hygiene (IH) issues.

4.3

Plant Engineering Department


The Plant Engineering Department (PED) shall:
Restrict access to secondary containment for electrical equipment under their
control when safety warrants it.
Maintain, clean, and drain secondary containment under their control.
Note:

PED will design and construct custom-made secondary containment, upon request. They

will also verify that custom-made secondary containment meets construction specifications, upon request.

4.4

Building or Area Managers


Building or area managers who are responsible for secondary containers in their area
shall:
Maintain, clean, and drain secondary containment under their control.
Review the floor drain systems to ensure that secondary containment is properly located.

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21: Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and Waste

Ensure that appropriate containment measures are taken to preclude uncontrolled discharge either into the sewer or storm drain system.
Restrict access to secondary containment for electrical equipment under their
control when safety warrants it.

4.5

Facilities Department
The Facilities Department (FAC) shall:
Restrict access to secondary containment for electrical equipment under their
control when safety warrants it.
Maintain, clean, and drain secondary containment under FAC control.
Review the floor drain systems to ensure that secondary containment is properly located to protect storm drain and sanitary sewer systems.

4.6

Hazardous Waste Material Coordinators


Hazardous Waste Material Coordinators (HWMCs) shall ensure that hazardous material
and waste in Waste Accumulation Areas (WAAs) are stored and managed properly within
secondary containment.

4.7

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors responsible for areas that contain hazardous material or waste
shall:
Ensure that secondary containment is provided where required.
Ensure that secondary containment is located properly.
Assign personnel to inspect secondary containment.
Take corrective actions in response to deficiencies in secondary containment.
Contact the EPR Department for guidance on regulations and selection of secondary containment when necessary.
Contact PED if a custom-made secondary containment is needed.
Ensure that prefabricated secondary containment meets specifications.
Ensure that secondary containment for equipment containing polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) and for tank trucks meets specifications.
Restrict access to secondary containment under their control when safety warrants it.
Designate an individual to inspect secondary containment.
Ensure that hazardous material and waste are stored properly within secondary containment.
Ensure that secondary containment is kept clean and free of rainwater and
debris.
Ensure that leaks and spills discovered in secondary containment are corrected
immediately or as soon as feasible.
Ensure that secondary containment under their control is maintained, cleaned,
and drained as needed.

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21: Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and Waste

4.8

SLAC ES&H Manual

All Others
All other persons on the SLAC premises, including subcontractors, users, and visitors who
are working at SLAC must:
Obtain the safety and environmental protection training appropriate for their
work assignments.
Inform themselves of the physical and chemical hazards in their work area(s),
and the potential environmental implications of their work processes.
Wear PPE and monitoring devices that are appropriate for their work assignments.
Perform their work functions in a safe and environmentally responsible manner and within the constraints set by the WS Set.
Contact security to stop any activity that presents an immediate safety hazard
or threat to the environment, or is in violation of any safety or environmental
standard contained in the WS Set.
Report, to their supervisors or to Security, any activities that present an immediate safety hazard or threat to the environment, or are in violation of any
safety or environmental standards contained in the WS Set.
Prepare for emergencies by knowing how to summon assistance.
Note:

No one may discharge any water from secondary containments unless following approved
ES&H procedures.

Requirements
Secondary containment must be provided for hazardous material and waste at SLAC in compliance with all applicable Federal, state, and local regulations, and DOE orders. Managers and
supervisors are responsible for ensuring that secondary containment is provided where required.
Note:

In some cases, existing secondary containment must be retrofitted to comply with requirements.

Secondary containment is required:


For total volumes of liquid hazardous material and waste greater than 55 gallons.
For any volume of hazardous waste or any volume of extremely hazardous
material.
For overhead lines and pipes that carry hazardous material or waste when feasible. (In this case, secondary containment is provided by using double-walled
lines or pipes.)
For all storage facilities containing hazardous material, hazardous waste, or
oil-filled equipment.
In situations where it is not specifically called for by regulations, but will substantially reduce health, safety, and environmental risks. Such situations will
be reviewed on a case-by-case basis between the responsible manager or
department and EPR.
For non-hazardous liquids (such as low-conductivity water), when their
release could violate environmental permits and result in illegal discharges to
the sanitary sewer or storm drain.
Note:

21-6

Contact EPR for more information about secondary containment for non-hazardous liquids.

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21: Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and Waste

In cases where secondary containment is required but is not feasible, the responsible department
must perform and document an engineering evaluation or a risk-based assessment to determine:
Potential environment-, safety-, and health-related risks.
Alternatives to secondary containment.
Note:

Contact EPR for assistance and review in risk evaluation.

Secondary containment is not required:


For equipment that has been completely drained of hazardous material.
For hazardous material that is solid under normal conditions or the conditions
that are likely to occur.

Types of Secondary Containment


Secondary containment measures may consist of one or more of the following:
Dikes, berms, or retaining walls
Curbing
Drainage systems
Spill-diversion ponds
Retention ponds
Sorbent material
Sumps
There are two main types of secondary containment:
Prefabricated
Custom-made

6.1

Prefabricated
Prefabricated secondary containments are usually the most cost-effective type. Prefabricated secondary containments come in a wide range of sizes. They are typically made of:
Stainless steel and epoxy-coated steel.
Polyethylene plastic.
Note:

Prefabricated buildings are also available. See Section 6.1.3, Prefabricated Buildings for
Hazardous Material Storage.

6.1.1

Stainless Steel and Epoxy-coated Steel


Secondary containments made of stainless or epoxy-coated steel are:
Durable.
Capable of withstanding significant loads.
Heavy.
Incompatible with some chemicals. For more information, consult the
manufacturer.
More expensive than secondary containments made of polyethylene
plastic.

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21: Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and Waste

6.1.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Polyethylene Plastic
Secondary containments made of polyethylene plastic are:
Lightweight.
Compatible with most chemicals.
Inexpensive.
Subject to gradual degradation when exposed to ultraviolet rays or
warm temperatures.

6.1.3

Prefabricated Buildings for Hazardous Material Storage


Some departments at SLAC have successfully used prefabricated hazardous-material storage buildings to store large volumes of hazardous material. Using prefabricated hazardous-material storage buildings as secondary containment has
several advantages.
Prefabricated hazardous-material storage buildings:
Have built-in secondary containment.
Can be purchased with multiple rooms that can be used for segregating incompatible material.
Can be equipped with fire-suppression systems if they are used to
store flammable or combustible liquids.
Can be locked to restrict access.
Are semi-mobile and can be relocated if storage requirements change.
Are durable.

6.2

Custom-made
Custom-made secondary containments are usually made of epoxy- or elastomeric-coated
reinforced concrete.
If you need a custom-made secondary containment, contact PED, who will, upon request,
design and construct custom-made secondary containment for SLAC, in compliance with
applicable regulations and appropriate design specifications.
If subcontractors are used to design and construct a custom-made secondary containment,
PED will evaluate, upon request, the design and construction of the secondary containment for compliance with design specifications. EPR will evaluate secondary containment

for compliance with applicable regulations.


Note:

Custom-made secondary containments must be assessed for seismic safety.

Selecting Secondary Containment


If unsure about the type of secondary containment to use, consult the Secondary Containment
Technical Basis Document (SC-TBD)1, or contact PED and EPR.

21-8

The SC-TBD may be accessed in the ES&H Document room or on the Web at http://www.slac.stanford.edu/
esh/techbas/.

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21: Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and Waste

Secondary Containment Locations


Secondary containments shall be located such that they:
Do not pose a potential threat to the environment.
Are not located near or immediately upstream of a sewer or storm drain, as a
release of hazardous material or waste to these drains can damage the environment.
Are not located near high-traffic areas such as roads and paths.
Can be easily accessible in an emergency.

Secondary Containment Specifications


Secondary containments must meet the applicable specifications as described in the SC-TBD. Secondary containment specifications include:
Capacity.
Roofing.
Fire-suppression systems.
Ventilation.
Leak detection systems.
Curbing.
Sumps.
Lockable drain valves.

10

Special Requirements
There are three types of items that require secondary containment with special specifications: hazardous waste storage tanks, PCB-containing equipment, and tank trucks used for storage of hazardous material. For specific information, refer to the SC-TBD.

11

Labeling and Marking


For all other secondary containments, the identifier may be the primary container(s). WAAs are to
be uniquely identified. A number will be assigned by the manager of the secondary containment
and/or oil-filled equipment database. Association of a secondary containment with the article
inside will enable better management to ensure that capacity requirements, compatibility, and
inspections are met.
In areas such as WAAs or the Centralized Waste Management Area (CWMA), where the inventory
of containers for liquid hazardous material or waste may change frequently, it is recommended
that HWMCs (or the responsible manager or supervisor) determine and post the maximum volume of a single container and the maximum total volume that may be stored in the secondary containment.

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21: Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and Waste

12

SLAC ES&H Manual

Restricting Access
Managers and supervisors must restrict access to secondary containment in their areas when
safety warrants it. PED, FAC, HWMCs, or responsible managers or supervisors are responsible for
restricting access to secondary containment for electrical equipment when safety warrants it.
Access may be restricted with locks, barriers, or other means.
Examples of secondary containment whose access must be restricted for safety reasons include:
CWMAs and some of the WAAs.
Secondary containment for high-voltage electrical equipment.
Secondary containment for PCB-containing equipment that are located at SLAC
outside of the controlled area fence.
If you are unsure whether access should be restricted to a secondary containment or are unsure
about the best method for restricting access, contact:
SHA for secondary containments that may be associated with confined spaces.
HWMCs for WAAs.
PED or responsible department for:
High-voltage electrical equipment.
PCB-containing equipment.

13

Inspections
Managers and supervisors responsible for areas that contain hazardous material or waste must
designate an individual to inspect secondary containments. Secondary containments must be
inspected, at a minimum, according to the schedule in Table 21-1.
Note:

Immediately report any spills, leaks, accumulation of rainwater in, or deterioration of secondary
containment to the HWMC, responsible department, or the building manager for that area.

13.1

Responsibility for Inspections


The department that manages the equipment stored within the secondary containment is
responsible for all inspections. If spillage is found, the spill should be reported immediately to the HWMC, supervisor, or building manager for the area.
Note:

13.2

All deficiencies of secondary containment must be corrected under the authority of the
building or area manager responsible for that secondary containment.

Frequency of Inspections
The frequency of inspection of secondary containments to be performed will be governed
by the most restrictive requirements, if various categories of equipment or containers are
contained within. Specifically, those secondary containments that contain oil-filled equipment will be inspected in conjunction with the requirements set forth in the Oil-filled
Equipment Management Program. Those containing PCBs will generally be more frequent
than those that do not.
Those secondary containments that contain hazardous materials will be treated the same
as those that contain hazardous wastes, since there is a potential that hazardous materials
may become hazardous wastes if mishandled or spilled.

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21: Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and Waste

Inspections of secondary containments for hazardous materials are to be performed


monthly. Inspections of hazardous waste containment areas, WAAs, and hazardous waste
tank systems will be performed weekly.
The inspector should look for accumulation from spills, leaks, or precipitation, and for
deterioration of containers and/or the containment system caused by corrosion or other
factors. Inspections will be documented and made available for review.
The responsible department shall periodically inspect areas used for containment storage
or transfer. The inspector should look for accumulation from spills, leaks, or precipitation
and for deterioration of containers and/or the containment system caused by corrosion or
other factors. In the case of absorbent materials and drip pans, the inspector should be
attentive to saturation and freeboard levels such that the container capacity is not
exceeded.
Table 21-1. Secondary Containment Inspection Schedule

14

Leaking equipment containing PCBs at a concentration


greater than 500 ppm

Daily

Tanks containing hazardous waste

Weekly

Secondary containments storing PCB waste

Weekly

Equipment and tanks containing hazardous material

Monthly

Secondary containment other than tanks containing


hazardous waste

Monthly

Equipment containing PCBs at a concentration greater


than 500 ppm

Quarterly

Compatibility of Stored Materials


Areas that contain hazardous material or waste must be stored properly within secondary containment. A chart on material compatibility is available from SLAC Stores. HWMCs must ensure
that hazardous material and waste in WAAs are stored properly within secondary containment by:
Storing only compatible materials within a secondary containment.
Using separate secondary containment for incompatible materials.
Note:

15

Do not store outdoors or near water sources any liquid hazardous material or waste that reacts with
water.

Maintenance
Secondary containment surfaces must be maintained in good condition, and be kept free of cracks
or gaps. The surface coating must be maintained so that it is impervious to the material being contained.

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21: Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and Waste

16

SLAC ES&H Manual

General Housekeeping
Water and debris within secondary containments may be contaminated. For this reason, secondary containments should be kept dry, clean, and free of debris. The department responsible for the
containment should inspect the containment for potential sources of contamination.
Rainwater must be removed from secondary containments in a timely manner so that overflow is
prevented. Water or debris that is collected in the secondary containments should be removed so
that it does not become hazardous waste.
Note:

A secondary containment should be thoroughly cleaned after it has been contaminated with any
hazardous material or waste to prevent rainwater from becoming contaminated if it enters into the
secondary containment.

Accumulations of non-combustible and combustible debris should be removed as soon as practicable. Combustible materials, including brooms and boards, must never be stored within secondary containments containing electrical equipment or PCBs and should be removed at least five (5)
meters away from the equipment. Leaking valves should have absorbent pads placed below them
or plastic bags secured around them to prevent contamination of the secondary containment area.

17

Leaks and Spills


Report any leaks and spills in secondary containments to the responsible manager or supervisor.
Managers and supervisors must ensure that leaks and spills discovered in secondary containments are corrected immediately or as soon as feasible. Leaks and spills from PCB-containing
equipment must be immediately cleaned up and disposed of as PCB-contaminated waste.
Note:

18

Spills must be evaluated and responded to as described in the Spills chapter of this manual.

Alternatives to Secondary Containment


In some applications, drip pans may serve as a suitable alternative spill-prevention measure.
These would cover absorbents (such as pads or kitty litter), and other spill containment devices
that are neither designed nor intended to contain at least the entire volume of fluid of the equipment or container.
Drip pans or buckets are sometimes employed as a means of containing and managing a minor
leak of equipment that is located within some type of secondary containment. In some cases, secondary containments are not feasible, such as underneath klystrons. Drip pans may be used under
these conditions.
Drip pans that are utilized to contain minor leaks from equipment or containers do not need to
conform to the requirements for secondary containments. However, if a leak of regulated material
is involved, it must be managed in accordance with SLACs hazardous waste policy.
SLAC generators are not allowed to store hazardous waste for more than 45 days. This will ensure
that WM can dispose of the waste within the legally required 90-day limit. Consult with WM to
arrange for disposal.

Other alternatives to secondary containment may include frequent inspections or leak detection
systems. Consult with EPR for further information.

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19

21: Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and Waste

Moving Secondary Containment


Before moving a secondary containment to a new location, notify the:
Building manager for the building or area from which the secondary containment will be removed.
Building manager for the building or area to which the secondary will be
moved.
PED to update the oil-filled equipment inventory database.
EPR Department.

20

Closure or Transfers
A secondary containment may outlive the useful service life of the equipment or container stored
within. The responsible department is charged with the maintenance of the equipment or container to ensure the proper handling of the secondary containment. When the equipment or container is removed, a decision has to be made whether to transfer ownership and responsibility to
another group or decommission the secondary containment.
If ownership is to be transferred to another group or department who has use for the secondary
containment, it must first be cleaned and decontaminated by the transferring group. Sampling and
analysis may be required to verify the level of cleanliness. The secondary containment must then
be officially transferred, via a memo, giving jurisdiction to the new owner. A copy of the memo
associating the new owner with the secondary containment will be provided by the old owner.
The new owner will now assume responsibility for the subsequent maintenance, upgrades, and
cleaning of this secondary containment.
Note:

It is the responsibility of the new owner to ensure that any equipment or container stored within is
compatible with the secondary containment requirements.

If no new owner for the secondary containment can be found, no jurisdictional transfer occurs and
the secondary containment remains the responsibility of the owner. It must continue to be maintained, cleaned, and drained of any accumulated rainwater according to proper procedure unless
the secondary containment will no longer be used. Speculative use of the secondary containment
is not encouraged.
If the secondary containment is to be decommissioned, the containment may be breached so that
any water accumulation is self-draining. If the secondary containment is to be decommissioned
and dismantled, the dismantling will include any associated costs incurred for disposal. Site remediation may be involved and must be coordinated with the appropriate EPR personnel.

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21-13

22

Waste Minimization and


Pollution Prevention
Related Chapters
Spills

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

22-2

2 Benefits

22-2

3 Policy

22-2

4 Responsibilities

22-3

4.1

Waste Minimization Coordinator

22-3

4.2

Recycling Subcontractor

22-3

4.3

Business Services Division

22-4

4.4

Building Managers and Office Support Staff

22-4

4.5

Hazardous Waste and Material Coordinators

22-4

4.6

Managers and Supervisors

22-4

4.7

Personnel

22-5

5 Identifying Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention


Opportunities

22-5

6 Nonhazardous Waste

22-5

6.1

Reduce

22-5

6.2

Reuse

22-6

6.3

Recycle

22-6

7 Hazardous Waste

22-10

7.1

Reduce

22-10

7.2

Reuse

22-11

7.3

Recycle

22-11

7.4

Treat

22-12

8 Radioactive Waste

22-12

9 Recognizing Accomplishments

22-12

10 Purchasing Practices

22-12

11 New Projects

22-13

12 Subcontractors

22-13

13 New Personnel

22-13

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22: Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention

SLAC ES&H Manual

Overview
The Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention Program is designed to minimize the generation of hazardous, nonhazardous, and low-level radioactive waste, and to prevent pollution in
accordance with federal and state environmental regulations and DOE orders.
SLAC is required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of California to:

Reduce the amount of hazardous waste generated where technically and economically feasible.
Reuse and recycle common nonhazardous waste to help reduce its disposal to
landfills.
In addition, SLAC is required by the DOE to implement measures to reduce low-level radioactive
waste and mixed waste. (Mixed waste is defined as waste that is both hazardous and radioactive.)
Waste minimization is defined by the EPA as measures that reduce the volume and toxicity of hazardous waste disposed to landfills. Pollution prevention is a broader term that includes waste minimization. It is defined by the EPA as measures that reduce the generation of nonhazardous and
hazardous waste, and prevent deterioration of the earths atmosphere, water, land, and biota
caused by pollution. Pollution prevention includes resource conservation and spill prevention.

Benefits
Waste minimization and pollution prevention provide many benefits. For example, they:
Save money associated with sewage treatment, water cleanup, and waste generation and disposal.
Save landfill space.
Reduce exposure to hazards in the workplace.
Increase the efficiency of material use and processes.
Save resources and energy.
Reduce liabilities under environmental laws.
For example, using one ton of recycled paper instead of paper made from virgin wood pulp:
Saves 17 trees.
Uses 60 percent less energy.
Uses 50 percent less water.
Saves more than 3 cubic yards of landfill space.

Policy
All SLAC personnel are encouraged to practice waste minimization and pollution prevention by
following these principles:
1. Reduce.
Eliminate or minimize the generation of waste through source reduction.
Source reduction is the design, manufacture, purchase, or use of material (such
as products and packaging) to reduce the amount or toxicity of waste

22-2

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22: Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention

generated. This practice is the most desirable, since it prevents waste from
being generated in the first place.
2. Reuse.
Reuse potential waste that cannot be eliminated.
3. Recycle.
Recycle potential waste that cannot be eliminated. Recycling is the process of
using discarded material as raw material for producing new products. Complete recycling consists of three major components:
1. Segregating and collecting materials.
2. Using the material as raw material to make new products.
3. Purchasing the recycled products.
4. Treat.
Treat remaining waste in accordance with government regulations to reduce
its volume and toxicity.
The goals of the Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention Program are set by the regulations
and SLAC management. The goals are to:
1. Reduce nonhazardous waste generated at SLAC by 25% in 1995 and 50% in the
year 2000 relative to the 1990 level.
2. Reduce routinely generated hazardous waste at SLAC by 15 to 25% by 1995
and 30 to 50% by the year 2000 relative to the 1990 level.

Responsibilities
4.1

Waste Minimization Coordinator


The Waste Minimization Coordinator in the Environmental Protection and Waste Management (EP&WM) Department:
Proposes goals for and coordinates the Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention Program based on the regulations and good operating practices.
Assists managers and supervisors with identifying and implementing waste
minimization and pollution prevention measures.
Assists managers and supervisors in evaluating technically and economically
feasible waste minimization and pollution prevention alternatives.

4.2

Recycling Subcontractor
SLAC has a subcontract with a recycling subcontractor. The recycling subcontractor:

Provides recycling bins for SLAC and selects locations for them in cooperation
with the Facilities Office, Building Managers, and Office Support Staff.
Collects recyclable material from recycling bins once a week or once every two
weeks, depending on the rate of generation of recyclable material.
Provides data to the EP&WM Department on the quantity of recycled materials
collected from SLAC.

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4.3

SLAC ES&H Manual

Business Services Division


4.3.1

Facilities Office
The Facilities Office:
Administers the subcontract with the recycling subcontractor and the nonhazardous waste disposal subcontractor.
Ensures that the recycling subcontractor and the nonhazardous waste disposal
subcontractor provide data to the EP&WM Department on the quantities of
recyclable material and nonhazardous waste collected from SLAC.

4.3.2

Property Control Department


The Property Control Department:
Collects certain types of salvageable material at SLAC.

4.3.3

Purchasing Department
The Purchasing Department:
Encourages purchasing practices that reduce waste and prevent pollution.
Incorporates waste minimization and pollution prevention strategies in its
purchasing practices.
Ensures that subcontracts include practices to minimize waste and prevent
pollution where possible.

4.4

Building Managers and Office Support Staff


Building managers and designated office support staff:
Encourage recycling in their building.
Contact the Facilities Office if any of the following are needed:
More recycling bins
Larger recycling bins
An extra pickup of recylable material
A change in pickup frequency

4.5

Hazardous Waste and Material Coordinators


Hazardous waste and material coordinators (HW&MCs) oversee all aspects of hazardous
waste generation and accumulation within their areas of operation. In the areas of waste
minimization and pollution prevention, HW&MCs:
Ensure that hazardous material and waste are stored, handled, used, and
transferred in a manner that reduces waste generation and prevents pollution.
Communicate with the Waste Minimization Coordinator to identify chemical
users that may need help in reducing hazardous waste.

4.6

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors:
Implement waste minimization and pollution prevention measures that they
deem technically and economically feasible.
Ensure that personnel who store, handle, use, or transfer hazardous or radioactive material or waste have completed required training.

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Ensure that project managers and project engineers incorporate waste minimization and pollution prevention measures in plans for new projects that will
generate waste.
Inform the Waste Minimization Coordinator of plans for new projects that will
generate waste.
Recommend personnel who have made significant contributions to waste
minimization and pollution prevention at SLAC as recipients of waste minimization and pollution prevention awards.

4.7

Personnel
Personnel:
Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Communicate ideas and suggestions about waste minimization and pollution
prevention to their supervisor and the Waste Minimization Coordinator.
Purchase products that are recycled or recyclable, less hazardous, or have
reduced or recyclable packaging.
Familiarize themselves with the waste minimization and pollution prevention
information that they receive from the Personnel Department when they are
hired.

Identifying Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention


Opportunities
Communicate your ideas and suggestions for improving waste minimization and pollution prevention at SLAC to your supervisor and the Waste Minimization Coordinator.
If you would like assistance with identifying and implementing waste minimization and pollution
prevention measures, contact the Waste Minimization Coordinator. The Waste Minimization Coordinator evaluates technically and economically feasible waste minimization and pollution prevention measures upon request. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing waste
minimization and pollution prevention measures that they deem technically and economically
feasible.

Nonhazardous Waste
Nonhazardous waste does not pose a potential threat to human health or the environment; however,
it does take up dwindling landfill space. If you have questions about waste minimization and pollution prevention related to nonhazardous waste that are not answered by this section, contact
your supervisor or the Waste Minimization Coordinator.

6.1

Reduce
Eliminate or reduce the source of waste generation through source reduction. The following are examples of ways to reduce nonhazardous waste:
Buy and use only what you need. Do not overstock.
Use up material completely or give excess material to someone who will use it.

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Buy products with longer shelf lives when possible.


Buy products without excessive packaging.
Contact the ES&H Waste Minimization Coordinator for information on waste
reduction measures before starting a new project that will generate a significant amount of waste.
Only make as many copies of a document as you need.
Make double-sided copies when possible.
Use the phone or e-mail instead of paper memos, where feasible.
Preview documents before printing.
Use routing slips instead of making multiple copies of documents.
Repair broken products rather than discarding them.

6.2

Reuse
Reusing material when possible minimizes waste generation. The following are examples
of ways to reuse nonhazardous waste:
Use the blank side of paper that has been used on only one side for scratchpaper before recycling it.
Reuse interoffice envelopes.
Reuse styrofoam packing beads (popcorn).
Reuse paper clips and rubber bands.
Use a reusable mug instead of disposable cups.
In the SLAC Cafeteria, use reusable trays and dishes instead of disposable ones
when possible.
Contact the Salvage Group in the Property Control Department for pickup of
unneeded items. (See Section 6.3.3, Salvage for a list of the types of items the
Salvage Group will pickup.)

6.3

Recycle
The Facilities Office administers the contract with the recycling subcontractor. The recycling subcontractor provides recycling containers for SLAC and selects locations for them
in cooperation with the Facilities Office.
The recycling subcontractor collects recyclable material from recycling containers once a
week or once every two weeks, depending on the rate of generation of recyclable material.
Building managers or office support staff should contact the Facilities Office if they need:
More recycling containers.
Larger recycling containers.
An extra pickup of recyclable material.
To change the frequency of pickup.
6.3.1

Types of Nonhazardous Recyclable Material at SLAC


You may recycle the following types of material at SLAC:
Glass (any color)
Aluminum cans and foil, and tin cans
Plastic containers (numbers 1 and 2 only)
White paper

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Colored paper
Newspaper
Junk mail
Magazines
Phone books and catalogues
Cardboard
Styrofoam packing beads
Wooden pallets, spools, and scrap wood
Toner cartridges from laser printers
6.3.2

How to Recycle Nonhazardous Material at SLAC


Containers for recyclable material (typically round green or brown cardboard barrels, or white plastic barrels) are located in most office and work areas at SLAC.
Place only the appropriate recyclable material in recycling bins. Segregate food
and wet waste from recyclable material. Check with your Building Manager or
office support staff for the location of recycling bins.
To save trips to the recycling containers, use a desktop collection box for your
recyclable material. Desktop collection boxes are available from the Waste Minimization Coordinator.
Guidelines for recycling at SLAC are provided in Table 22-1.
Table 22-1. Recycling at SLAC

Glass

Material

Guidelines

How to Recycle

All glass bottles and jars


(any color)

Empty completely and


rinse

Place in appropriate
recycling barrels labelled
Glass or Cans, Plastic
and Glass.

No light bulbs, ceramics,


auto glass, or plate glass
Metal

Aluminum cans and foil


Tin cans with labels
removed

Empty completely and


rinse
Remove labels from tin
cans

Place in appropriate
recycling barrel labelled
Cans or Cans, Plastic,
and Glass.

No scrap metal
Plastic

White
Paper

Plastic containers (numbers 1 and 2 only. The


number is usually found
on the bottom of the container.)

Empty completely

White office paper

No Post-it notes

Notebook paper

No glossy paper, tape, or


labels

White envelopes without


plastic windows or labels
Any color ink
Staples and small metal
clips are acceptable.

No plastic bags

Place in appropriate
recycling barrel labelled
Glass, Cans, or Cans,
Plastic, and Glass.
Place in appropriate
recycling barrel labelled
White Paper.

No no-carbon-required
(NCR) paper
No shredded paper
No ream wrappers
No blue-and-whitestriped computer paper

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Table 22-1. Recycling at SLAC (Continued)

Colored
Paper

Newsprint

Material

Guidelines

How to Recycle

Colored office paper

No paper bags

No-carbon-required
(NCR) paper

No bright neon-colored
paper

Manila folders

No newspaper

Place in appropriate
recycling barrel labelled
Colored Paper, Mixed
Paper, or Junk Mail.

Colored envelopes without plastic windows or


labels

No glossy paper
No blue-and-whitestriped computer paper

Newspapers, including
glossy inserts

Place in appropriate
recycling barrel labelled
Newspaper, Mixed
Paper, or Junk Mail.

Newsprint paper
Wood

Wood pallets
Wood spools (for wire or
cable)

No wood that is treated


with metal, coal tar, or
other chemicals

Contact the Facilities


Office for pickup.

Scrap wood
Laser Printer
Toner
Cartridges

Toner Cartridges supplied by SLACs office


product supplier

No liquid toner materials

Consult with office support staff to arrange for


pickup by product supplier.

Other
Paper

Junk mail (includes


glossy paper, fax paper,
bright neon-colored
paper, ream wrappers,
envelopes with plastic
windows or labels,
paperboard, and cardboard spools)

No blueprint paper

Place all other paper,


except phone books, in the
appropriate recycling
barrels labelled Mixed
Paper, or Junk Mail.
Stack phone books beside
the appropriate recycling
barrel.

Magazines
Phone books
Mixed files
Computer
Paper

Blue line computer paper

Cardboard

Corrugated cardboard
Paper bags

Place in barrel labelled


Computer Paper and
arrange for pickup by
Salvage Group.
Empty contents of cardboard boxes (except styrofoam packing beads.
See below.)

Flatten and leave stacked


at the nearest dumpster or
contact the Facilities Office
for pickup.

Flatten
No paperboard or cardboard spools

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22: Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention

Table 22-1. Recycling at SLAC (Continued)

Styrofoam
Packing
Beads

Material

Guidelines

How to Recycle

Popcorn beads

No bulk styrofoam or
plastic

Contact the Facilities


Office for pickup.

Leave in original container


Close container flaps or
tape shut

Scrap Metal

Metal from wire, pipe,


sheet metal, rod, etc.

Drain liquid or oil-filled


equipment

Contact the Salvage


Group.

Building managers and designated office support staff are responsible for encouraging recycling in their buildings. Some examples of ways to encourage recycling
include:
Ensuring that recycling bins are accessible and are clearly labeled.
Posting signs that encourage double-sided copying near photocopy machines.
Setting up rechargeable battery stations in buildings where batteries are used
in large quantity.
6.3.3

Salvage
Salvageable material is collected by the Salvage Group in the Property Control
Department. The Salvage Group in the Property Control Department will pick up
and salvage the following types of unneeded items:
Office furniture
Electrical equipment
Appliances
Scrap metal
Wire (with or without insulation)
Blue-and-white-striped computer paper
Contact the Salvage Group in the Property Control Department for pickup of any
of the above items.
Note:

6.3.4

Before sending equipment containing liquid hazardous materials (e.g., oil-filled


equipment) directly to the Salvage Group, arrange to properly dispose or recycle
the liquid. For assistance, contact the Waste Minimization Coordinator or the
EP&WM Department.

Recycling Information Displays


If you need information about minimizing nonhazardous waste at home, see a
Recycling Information display or contact your local recycling center. Recycling
Information displays are posted in the following locations:
Cantina (next to Building 24)
First floor of the Central Laboratory (Building 40)
Near the Medical Department in the basement of the Administration and
Engineering (A&E) Building (Building 41)

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Research Yard (Building 102)


Third floor of SSRL (Building 137)
6.3.5

Data Collection
The Facilities Office ensures that the recycling subcontractor and the nonhazardous waste disposal subcontractor provide data to the EP&WM Department on the
quantities of recyclable material and nonhazardous waste collected from SLAC.
The Waste Minimization Coordinator uses this data to help identify the most beneficial waste minimization and pollution prevention measures for SLAC.

Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste poses a potential threat to human health or the environment. Hazardous waste is
classified based on the process or chemicals from which it is derived, or certain hazardous characteristics such as toxicity, flammability, corrosiveness, and reactivity. If you need help determining
if a waste is hazardous, contact the EP&WM Department or refer to the Hazardous Materials Management Handbook (SLAC-I-750-0A06G-001).
Managers and supervisors must ensure that personnel who store, handle, use, or transfer hazardous waste have completed the required training. Required training includes training on waste
minimization and pollution prevention strategies. Managers and supervisors should use the ES&H
Task/Hazard Survey, available from the ES&H Training Team, to determine required training for
personnel. For instructions on how to register for training, see Chapter 24, Training.
HW&MCs must ensure that hazardous material and waste are stored, handled, used, and transferred in a manner that reduces waste and prevents pollution. If you have questions about waste
minimization and pollution prevention related to hazardous waste that are not answered by this
section, contact your supervisor, the Waste Minimization Coordinator, or your department or
groups HW&MC.

Information on waste minimization measures for the following activities is available in the ES&H
Document Room or from the ES&H Waste Minimization Coordinator:
Automobile maintenance and repair
Metal finishing and cleaning
Printed circuit-board cleaning

7.1

Reduce
Eliminate or reduce the source of waste generation through source reduction. To reduce
hazardous waste:
Limit the inventory of hazardous material to reduce the generation of out-ofdate hazardous material (which can become hazardous waste).
Substitute less hazardous and nonhazardous material for more hazardous
material where possible.
Eliminate equipment that uses hazardous material or replace it with equipment that uses nonhazardous or less hazardous material where technically
and economically feasible. For example, you can:
Eliminate an extra solvent cleaning bath.
Replace a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-filled transformer with a
non-PCB-filled transformer at the end of the transformers useful life.

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22: Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention

Modify a process to eliminate or reduce the hazardous waste that it produces.


For example, you can use filters in plating baths to eliminate oil and particulate contaminants.
Follow proper guidelines for storing, handling, and disposing of hazardous
material and waste. These guidelines are provided in the Hazardous Materials
Management Handbook (SLAC-I-750-0A06G-001).
Segregate hazardous and nonhazardous waste.
Keep hazardous waste from contaminating nonhazardous waste. For example,
you can:
Prevent rain water from contacting areas that may be contaminated
with hazardous material.
Prevent concentrated cleaning chemicals from mixing with less hazardous or nonhazardous rinse water that may be tainted with cleaning
chemicals.
Observe spill prevention practices (see Chapter 16, Spills and Chapter 21,
Secondary Containment for more information):
Use secondary containment.
Regularly inspect hazardous material containers for leaks.
Keep hazardous material containers sealed.
Use pumps or spigots to dispense the contents of hazardous material
containers.
Note:

7.2

Measures for reducing hazardous waste are especially cost-effective when the risks and
costs of cleaning up hazardous material spills are taken into account.

Reuse
Reusing hazardous material when possible minimizes waste generation. To reuse hazardous waste:
Contact the product manufacturer to determine if empty hazardous material
containers can be returned for reuse.
Reuse solvent or acid that is used for high-quality cleaning for lower quality
precleaning.
Send unneeded hazardous material to another SLAC department or DOE facility that has a use for it. (Contact the Waste Minimization Coordinator for assistance.)
Reuse hazardous material in a process when possible instead of generating
hazardous waste and then recycling it.

7.3

Recycle
Recycling hazardous material when possible minimizes waste generation. Examples of
recycling include:
Recycling a used solvent. Solvent recycling can be performed at SLAC using
proper process equipment.
Recovering, decontaminating, and reusing car-wash water.

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22: Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention

7.4

SLAC ES&H Manual

Treat
The toxicity and volume of waste can be reduced by treating it chemically, physically, biologically, or thermally. One example at SLAC is the rinsewater treatment system, which
removes heavy metals (copper, nickel, tin, and others) from water before discharging it to
the sanitary sewer.
Note:

Treatment cannot always be implemented readily, since treating a hazardous waste may
require a permit from a regulatory agency. Consult the Waste Minimization Coordinator
before considering treatment of a hazardous material or waste.

Radioactive Waste
Low-level radioactive waste is occasionally generated at SLAC. Radioactive waste is managed by
the EP&WM Department. Radioactive waste can contaminate other forms of hazardous waste
(forming mixed waste) and nonhazardous waste if it comes into contact with them. For this reason, radioactive waste should be segregated from all other forms of hazardous and nonhazardous
waste. To avoid the formation of low-level radioactive wastes, materials or wastes should not be
left in the Radioactive Material Management Area. To avoid the formation of mixed wastes, substances classified as hazardous should not be used in the Radioactive Material Management Area,
if possible. Please refer to the Radioactive Material Management Manual (SLAC-I-760-0A30Z-001) for
measures and guidance on the management and reduction of low-level radioactive waste. For
assistance in identifying low-level radioactive waste, contact the Operational Health Physics
(OHP) Department.
Managers and supervisors must ensure that personnel who store, handle, use, or transfer hazardous or radioactive material or waste have completed required training. Required training includes
training on waste minimization and pollution prevention. Managers and supervisors should use
the ES&H Task/Hazard Survey, available from the ES&H Training Team, to determine required
training for personnel. For instructions on how to register for training, see Chapter 24, Training.

Recognizing Accomplishments
The efforts of personnel in identifying and implementing waste minimization and pollution prevention measures are recognized through awards. Waste minimization and pollution prevention
certificates are awarded based on the merit of the waste minimization and pollution prevention
activity, and on the recommendations of managers and supervisors. Managers and supervisors
should contact the Waste Minimization Coordinator to recommend personnel as recipients of
waste minimization and pollution prevention awards. The ES&H Division will evaluate the recommendations. Awards are presented by the ES&H Division and the Associate Director of the award
recipients division.

10

Purchasing Practices
SLAC is required by the EPA to purchase products that are recyclable or made from recycled mate-

rial where technically and economically feasible.

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Where possible, substitute non-hazardous for hazardous materials. All SLAC personnel are
encouraged to purchase products listed in SLACs Standards Catalogue that:
Are recycled or recylable.
Are less hazardous.
Have reduced or recyclable packaging.
The Purchasing Department encourages purchasing practices, such as those listed above, that
reduce waste and prevent pollution. In addition, the Purchasing Department incorporates other
waste minimization and pollution prevention strategies in its purchasing practices. For example,
the Purchasing Department:
Considers the cost of waste disposal when evaluating product cost.
Assists the Waste Minimization Coordinator with tracking and recording purchasing activities associated with hazardous, recycled, and recyclable products.
Moderates inventories and procurement of hazardous material at SLAC in
coordination with SLAC personnel who purchase hazardous material.
The Purchasing Department also ensures that subcontractor requirements include practices to
minimize waste and prevent pollution.

11

New Projects
Before starting a new project that will generate waste, contact the Waste Minimization Coordinator for information on appropriate waste reduction measures. Managers and supervisors are
responsible for incorporating waste minimization and pollution prevention measures in plans for
new projects that will generate waste. The ES&H Waste Minimization Coordinator will provide
suggestions for minimizing waste and preventing pollution generated by the project.

12

Subcontractors
Subcontractors at SLAC must comply with the Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention Program. If a subcontractor will be involved in a project that generates nonhazardous or hazardous
waste, they must perform their work in a manner that minimizes waste and prevents pollution.

13

New Personnel
New personnel receive brief training in waste minimization and pollution prevention in the
employee orientation class offered by the ES&H Training Team. (Contact the ES&H Training Team
for more information, or to enroll in the class.)

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Warning Signs and Devices, Chapter 23


Bulletin Updates
Note:

The following Bulletins have information that has not yet been incorporated into
this Chapter, or has changed since the publication of the Chapter. Information in
the Bulletins supercedes information in this Chapter.

Date
Issued

Bulletin 57

06/06/02

Title
New Posting and Entry Requirements for Industrial Areas

23

Warning Signs and Devices


Related Chapters
Confined Space
Electrical Safety
Evacuations, Exit Paths, and
Emergency Lighting
Excavations
Hazard Communication
Radiological Safety

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

23-2

2 Responsibilities

23-2

2.1 Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

23-2

2.2 Operational Health Physics Department

23-2

2.3 Building Managers

23-2

2.4 Managers and Supervisors

23-3

2.5 Personnel

23-3

3 Classification of Warning Signs

23-3

3.1 Non-Radiological Warning Signs

23-3

3.2 Radiological Warning Signs

23-4

4 Accident Prevention Tags

23-5

5 Lock and Tag Program

23-6

6 Warning Alarms and Lights

23-6

7 Obtaining Signs

23-7

8 Training

23-7

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Overview
The proper use of warning signs and devices (such as audible alarms and lights) can help prevent
serious workplace accidents. Correctly placed signs reduce the probability that an accident will
occur by alerting personnel to hidden workplace hazards and by supplying important information to deal with those hazards. Signs and devices are not to be used as a substitute for reducing or
eliminating a hazard.
Radiological warning signs and devices shall conform to the requirements in Title 10 Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 835 (10CFR835). All other warning signs and devices mentioned in this chapter
shall conform to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations in Title
29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910 (29CFR1910) and the corresponding American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. For more information on warning signs and devices, consult
the Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department, the Operational Health Physics (OHP)
Department, or the SLAC Radiological Control Manual, hereinafter referred to as the RadCon Manual,
(SLAC-I-720-0A05Z-001, current version).

Responsibilities
2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The SHA Department shall advise managers and supervisors on how to choose warning
signs and devices for:
Excavations, trenching, and shoring activities.
Electrical safety.
Occupational safety and industrial hygiene (including signs related to lead, asbestos,
fire safety, confined spaces, and emergency preparedness).

2.2

Operational Health Physics Department


The OHP Department shall:
Provide radiological warning sign and device guidance for managers, supervisors, and
personnel.
Approve the use and posting of all warning signs and devices for areas containing
sources of ionizing radiation.

2.3

Building Managers
Building managers shall:
Periodically inspect signs and other warning devices for proper placement.
Inform managers and supervisors when signs are faded, illegible, or have been removed
without authorization.
Ensure audible alarms (such as fire alarms) are tested periodically, with the appropriate
maintenance personnel.

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2.4

23: Warning Signs and Devices

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors shall:
Identify all workplace hazards in areas under their supervision and ensure that appropriate signs and warning devices are posted (see Section 3, Classification of Warning
Signs).
Consult SHA or OHP regarding proper use of warning signs and devices.
Ensure that signs and warning devices are removed when the hazard is eliminated.
Periodically inspect signs and other warning devices for proper placement.

2.5

Personnel
Personnel shall:
Comply with all safety controls related to warning signs and devices.
Inform their supervisors if warning signs and devices are faded, missing, or illegible.

Classification of Warning Signs


Warning signs and devices are classified according to the level of risk involved in the hazard that
they address. Refer to Figure 23-1 for examples of the warning signs described in this section.

3.1

Non-Radiological Warning Signs


There are seven basic classifications for non-radiological warning signs: Danger signs,
warning signs, caution signs, notice and informational signs, general safety signs, directional arrow signs, and exit signs.
3.1.1

Danger Signs
Danger signs indicate an immediate and extremely hazardous situation (such as
exposure to non-insulated, high-voltage conductors in a substation) that may
result in serious injury or death. Special precautions are required.
Danger signs shall have an upper panel containing the word DANGER in white
letters in a red field on a black rectangle. The message is in the lower panel in
black letters on a white background.

3.1.2

Warning Signs
Warning signs indicate a potentially hazardous situation (such as accessible, moving parts on automatically starting machinery) that may result in serious injury or
death.
Warning signs shall have an upper panel containing the word WARNING in
black letters in an orange field on a black rectangle. The message is in the lower
panel in black letters on an orange background.

3.1.3

Caution Signs
Caution signs remind personnel to use safe practices and indicate that less severe
hazardous situations (such as wet floors) may be present. Special precautions may
be necessary.

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Caution signs shall have an upper panel containing the word CAUTION in yellow letters in a black rectangle, a yellow background, and heavy black borders.
The message is in the lower panel in black letters on a yellow background.
3.1.4

Notice and Informational Signs


Notice and informational signs are used when instructions are needed for the
safety of personnel or protection of property.
Notice signs shall have an upper panel containing the word NOTICE in white
letters in a blue rectangle. The message is in the lower panel in blue or black letters on a white background.

3.1.5

General Safety Signs


General safety signs have information on safety equipment, safe work practices,
or reminders of proper safety procedures. These signs may have words such as
SAFETY FIRST, BE CAREFUL, or THINK in white letters on a green background.

3.1.6

Directional Arrow Signs


Directional arrows are used to indicate the direction to emergency equipment,
safety equipment, and other important safety locations. The directional arrow
symbol may be in white with a black or colored background.

3.1.7

Exit Signs
Exit signs are used to show the location of an exit when the exit is not readily
apparent. These signs shall have either external or internal illumination and may
have red or green letters on a white background; the letters shall measure no less
than 6 inches in height and 0.75 inches in width.

3.2

Radiological Warning Signs


Radiological warning signs shall be posted at the boundary to areas containing radiological hazards. All these signs shall have a yellow background with either magenta or black
letters and a black or magenta radiation symbol (trefoil). See the RadCon Manual for more
details on radiological signs.
3.2.1

Radiologically Controlled Areas


Signs containing the words NOTICE and indicating that a dosimeter is required
for entry are used to designate Radiologically Controlled Areas (RCAs). An RCA is
any area where access is managed, in order to protect individuals from exposure to
radiation and/or radioactive materials.

3.2.2

Radioactive Material Areas


Caution signs that contain the words RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL indicate a
Radioactive Material Area. Any area where radioactive material is used, handled,
or stored is considered a Radioactive Material Area.

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3.2.3

23: Warning Signs and Devices

Radiation Areas
Caution signs that contain the words RADIATION AREA, contain dosimetry
and entry requirements, and indicate dose rate readings are used to designate
areas where radiation dose rates from radioactive material or prompt sources of
radiation1 are greater than 5 mrem/h and less than or equal to 100 mrem/h at 30
cm from the radiation source.

3.2.4

High Radiation Areas


Danger signs containing the words HIGH RADIATION AREA, dose rate readings, dosimetry requirements, and Radiological Work Permit (RWP) requirements
designate High Radiation Areas. Radiation dose rates from radioactive material
or prompt sources of radiation in High Radiation Areas are greater than 100
mrem/h at 30 cm and less than or equal to 500 rad/h at 100 cm from the radiation
source. High Radiation Areas with radiation dose rates greater than 5 rem/h at 30
cm are locked.

3.2.5

Very High Radiation Areas


Danger signs containing the words GRAVE DANGER, VERY HIGH RADIATION AREA, and SPECIAL CONTROLS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY designate
Very High Radiation Areas. Radiation dose rates from radioactive material or
prompt sources of radiation in these areas are greater than 500 rad/h at 100 cm
from the radiation source. Very High Radiation Areas are locked at all times.

3.2.6

Contamination Areas
Caution signs containing the words CONTAMINATION AREA and RWP
REQUIRED FOR ENTRY designate Contamination Areas. These areas contain
radioactive contamination levels (or the potential for radioactive contamination
levels) greater than the values specified in Table 2.2, Chapter 2 of the RadCon
Manual.

3.2.7

High Contamination Areas


A Contamination Area sign will be equipped with an insert containing the words
HIGH CONTAMINATION AREA if the removable contamination levels are
greater than 100 times the values specified in Table 2.2, Chapter 2 of the RadCon
Manual.

3.2.8

Airborne Radioactivity Areas


Caution signs that contain the words AIRBORNE RADIOACTIVITY AREA
indicate airborne radioactivity above natural background that exceeds, or is likely
to exceed, 10% of the Derived Air Concentration values listed in Appendix A or
Appendix C of 10CFR835.

Accident Prevention Tags


Accident prevention tags warn employees of temporary hazards, such as defective power tools
awaiting repair or broken ladders awaiting disposal. These tags are not required to have any fixed
format.
1 Prompt

sources of radiation are radiation-generating machines.

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SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R20

23-5

23: Warning Signs and Devices

SLAC ES&H Manual

Lock and Tag Program


Special photo tags used to safeguard personnel working with or around hazardous energy sources
are described in the SLAC Lock and Tag Program for the Control of Hazardous Energy (SLAC-I-7300A10Z-001). For more information on lock and tag procedures, see the Resource List from the Environment, Safety, and Health Division for the most current telephone extensions.

Warning Alarms and Lights


Warning alarms and lights shall be installed where area supervisors deem them to be necessary, to
warn personnel against entering or remaining in a hazardous area. To ensure that they respond
correctly during an emergency, personnel should either read the instructions posted in the vicinity
of a warning device when an alarm sounds, or listen to the automatic audible message through the
intercom when warning lights are turned on.
Table 23-1 lists the different kinds of warning lights and alarms used at SLAC.
Table 23-1.Audible and Visual Warning Devices

23-6

Type of Warning

Meaning

Instructions

Red light

Danger exposed high


voltage

Do not enter the area.

Klaxon horn

Life threatening event imminent

Leave the building or area.

Bells and buzzers

Warning hazardous conditions for


equipment or personnel

Be on the alert follow


audible directions or read
posted directions.

Flashing magenta or red light

Ionizing radiation present

Do not enter the area.

Yellow light

Caution

Limit free access to personnel or warn personnel


to be on the alert.

Green light

No precautions

No hazard or entry restrictions are recommended.

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R20

13 December 1999

SLAC ES&H Manual

23: Warning Signs and Devices

Obtaining Signs
SLAC Stores maintains a stock of frequently used signs. Contact SHA or OHP for information on

where to obtain other warning signs.

Training
Warning signs and devices are explained in the Employee Orientation to Environment, Safety, and
Health course. Radiological warning signs and devices are explained in the General Employee
Radiological Training and the Radiological Worker I training courses.

13 December 1999

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R20

23-7

23: Warning Signs and Devices

SLAC ES&H Manual

NOTICE

WARNING

DOOR TO REMAIN
CLOSED WHEN NOT
IN IMMEDIATE USE

MACHINE STARTS
AUTOMATICALLY

WARNING
DANGER

CAUTION

DO NOT ENTER
PERMIT-REQUIRED
CONFINED SPACE

WET
FLOOR

CAUTION
CA
UTION

RADIOACTIVE
RADIOA
MATERIALS
MA
TERIALS

CAUTION
CA
UTION

DANGER

CAUTION
CA
UTION

RADIOACTIVE
RADIOA
LSA

RADIATION AREA

HIGH RADIATION AREA

TLD Required for Entry

RWP
RWP Required
Required for
for Entry

Date
Dose Rate

mR/h

Contact
30 cm
DO NOT Remove without
authorization from OHP.
OHP.

TLD & PIC Required for Entry

TLD Required for Entry

Tech

CAUTION
CA
UTION

CAUTION

RADIOLOGICALLY
CONTROLLED AREA

CONTAMINATION AREA
ALL PERSONNEL MUST
FRISK BEFORE LEAVING

AIRBORNE
RADIOACTIVITY
AREA

DOSIMETER REQUIRED
FOR ENTRY

RWP Required for Entry

SAFETY
FIRST

EXIT

6-99
8501A1

Figure 23-1. Examples of Warning Signs

23-8

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R20

13 December 1999

Training, Chapter 24
Bulletin Updates
Note:

The following Bulletins have information that has not yet been incorporated into
this Chapter, or has changed since the publication of the Chapter. Information in
the Bulletins supercedes information in this Chapter.

Date
Issued

Bulletin 64

04/28/03

Title
Medical Surveillance Programs at SLAC

24

Training

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

24-2

2 Training

24-2

3 Responsibilities

24-3

3.1

Managers and Supervisors

24-3

3.2

Department Heads and Group Leaders

24-3

3.3

ES&H Training Team

24-3

3.4

Personnel

24-4

4 Determining Training Requirements

24-4

4.1

General Training Requirements

24-4

4.2

New Training Requirements

24-5

4.3

Training Records

24-5

5 Creating Training Plans

24-5

5.1

Individual Training Plans

24-5

5.2

Training Catalog

24-6

5.3

ES&H WWW Training Page

24-6

6 Registering for Courses

24-6

7 Recordkeeping

24-6

7.1

ES&H and Divisional Course Documentation

24-7

7.2

On-the-Job-Training Documentation

24-7

8 Developing Courses
8.1

24-7

Course Standards and Procedures

9 Training Exceptions

1 May 1996

24-8
24-8

9.1

Class Substitution

24-8

9.2

Challenge Examinations

24-8

9.3

Waivers

24-8

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R0013

24-1

24: Training

SLAC ES&H Manual

Overview
The purpose of ES&H training at SLAC is to:
Promote the safe and competent performance of employees.
Promote environmentally sound work practices.
Provide training as required by:
Federal laws.
State laws.
SLAC policy.
Department of Energy (DOE) Orders.
Training requirements apply to all personnel. Subcontractors who supervise their own personnel are responsible for providing their personnel with the necessary ES&H training prior
to working at SLAC. Subcontractors who do not supervise their personnel at SLAC may be
required to provide their personnel with necessary training prior to placement at SLAC.
Note:

Proof of training may be required for some projects or assignments.

Training
There are three types of courses required to meet all of the ES&H training needs at SLAC. The
Training Opportunities at SLAC document, issued three times a year, lists the courses that are
available. They are:
ES&H Courses.
These courses are either presented or sponsored by the ES&H Training
Team, and are listed in the ES&H section of the document.
Division Courses.
These are courses that are presented by each division for the personnel
within that division.
On-the Job Training (OJT) Courses.
OJT courses are one-on-one, job- or equipment-specific training conducted
by OJT trainers. OJT trainers may be either immediate supervisors or subject

matter experts, and the training is done in the actual work environment.
ES&H courses usually provide a general view on a specific topic. It is the responsibility of

supervisors and managers to provide division courses and job- or equipment-specific training
in the form of OJT.

24-2

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R0013

1 May 1996

SLAC ES&H Manual

24: Training

Responsibilities
3.1

Managers and Supervisors


The main responsibility for training and training development lies with managers
and supervisors. Their responsibilities include the following:
Ensure that personnel under their supervision meet training
requirements by:
Determining training requirements (using tools supplied by the
ES&H Training Team).
Ensuring that personnel complete required training courses.
Ensure that required courses are developed and presented or are
made available by:
Providing funding for off-site training when necessary.
Designating or retaining individuals to serve as subject matter
experts1 and line safety trainers2 for the development and
presentation of courses.
Integrating OJT with relevant environment, safety, and health
information for personnel.
Maintaining training records for OJT and divisional courses.

3.2

Department Heads and Group Leaders


Department heads and group leaders:
Approve or reject training waivers (see Section 9.3).
Provide personnel training for any specific work hazard(s).

3.3

ES&H Training Team


The ES&H Training Team shall:
Coordinate the site-wide environment, safety, and health training program.
Provide guidance on training required by DOE Orders and state and federal laws by:
Interpreting DOE Orders and state and federal laws.
Supplying tools to managers and supervisors to assist them in
determining training requirements for their personnel.
Communicate ES&H course information to the site.
Coordinate the registration and presentation of ES&H courses.
Coordinate the registration and presentation of other courses, upon request.
Provide and maintain a centralized training recordkeeping system for ES&H
courses.
Provide and maintain a centralized training recordkeeping system for other
courses, as appropriate.
Develop and provide high priority site-wide courses as funds allow.

Subject matter experts are SLAC personnel or hired experts who provide technical expertise for the development for
training courses.
2 Line safety trainers are SLAC personnel who provide training in their area of expertise.

1 May 1996

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R0013

24-3

24: Training

SLAC ES&H Manual

Provide funding for ES&H courses and division courses dealing with ES&H
training issues.
Maintain a library of environment, safety, and health training material for
use by other organizations at SLAC.
Advise and assist managers and supervisors in course and training program
development by:
Providing information and expertise on course development, course
presentation, and outside training resources.
Setting standards for course development, instructors, training
methods, and documentation.

3.4

Personnel
Personnel are expected to:
Complete all required courses.
Use the knowledge learned from training to:
Perform their jobs in a safe, healthful, and environmentally sound
manner.
Comply with applicable laws, SLAC policy, and DOE Orders.

Determining Training Requirements


Managers, and supervisors determine training requirements and create or update the individual
training plan for:
New personnel.
Personnel whose duties or hazards change significantly.
All personnel during the annual performance review.
To determine unfulfilled training requirements, compare the training required (including new
training requirements) with the training completed. (See instructions in Section 4.1, Section 4.2,
and Section 4.3.) The differences are the unfulfilled training requirements.

4.1

General Training Requirements


To determine the general training required, complete the ES&H Task/Hazard Survey
(SLAC-I-720-OA042-001). The survey lists general tasks and hazards potentially
encountered at SLAC (for which there are training requirements) and the corresponding training required. The ES&H Task/Hazard Survey is distributed annually to supervisors and managers, and is also available from the ES&H Training Team.
A Task/Hazard Survey Workshop is offered to assist managers and supervisors with
this process. For information on workshop schedules, see Training Opportunities at
SLAC.

24-4

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R0013

1 May 1996

SLAC ES&H Manual

4.2

24: Training

New Training Requirements


The ES&H Training Team will distribute notices to alert managers and supervisors to new
regulations, DOE Orders, and SLAC policies that affect training requirements. Information
in the notices will be incorporated into the ES&H Task/Hazard Survey annually.
Note:

4.3

To make corrections to the distribution list for these notices, contact the ES&H Document
Coordinator.

Training Records
Managers, supervisors, and operations managers maintain training records for divisional
courses and OJT training.
The ES&H Training Team maintains the ES&H Training Database which documents ES&H
courses. To retrieve individual training reports from the database, use the web form
located at
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/training/trainrec1.html
If you are unable to retrieve the information you require, contact the ES&H Training Team
for assistance.

Creating Training Plans


Managers and supervisors create training plans for their personnel based on unfulfilled training
requirements. The steps for creating a training plan follow.

5.1

Individual Training Plans


Develop an individual training plan for each individual who has unfulfilled training
requirements. Individual Training Plan (ITP) forms are available from the ES&H Training
Team or from the SLAC ES&H World Wide Web (WWW) Training Page. List the unfulfilled
training requirements and courses that need development.
Check the current Training Opportunities at SLAC document or the ES&H WWW Training
Page for a listing of courses available to fulfill the identified training needs. Consult
people in your department, group, experiment, or operation to determine what training
they may provide.
Review the ITP with the individual and schedule the available training. The training
needs to be developed or an outside source for the training needs to be located if:
The training required cannot be met through the current listing of courses.
The training required is not available from department, group, experiment, or
operational sources.
Note:

1 May 1996

The ES&H Training Team can assist in identifying outside sources of training.

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R0013

24-5

24: Training

5.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Training Catalog
The ES&H training catalog is included in Training Opportunities at SLAC. This document

is distributed in January, May, and September and contains course descriptions,


schedules, and registration forms.

5.3

ES&H WWW Training Page


The ES&H WWW Training Page links users to updated information, such as:
Class Schedules
Course Descriptions
Class Registration
Task/Hazard Survey (and forms)
Videotape Catalog
Web-based (remote) Training.

The ESH WWW Training Page can be found at:


http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/training/training.html

Registering for Courses


Managers and supervisors must either register their personnel or provide their personnel with the
time and means to register themselves.
There are two ways to register for courses:
1. Electronically, using the ES&H WWW Training Page.
2. Manually, using the registration form at the back of Training Opportunities at
SLAC.
The ES&H Training Team will send a registration confirmation for ES&H courses. To register
for work-area or facility-specific training, contact the appropriate department or group.

Recordkeeping
Individual training records must be kept indefinitely. Managers and supervisors maintain training
records for divisional and OJT courses. The ES&H Training Team will maintain records for ES&H
training courses.
The ES&H Training Team maintains the ES&H Training Database, which documents ES&H courses.
To retrieve reports from the database, log on to VM, use the command TRAINRPT, and follow the
menu instructions. An online help file is available. If you are unable to retrieve the information
your require, contact the ES&H Training Team for assistance.

24-6

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R0013

1 May 1996

SLAC ES&H Manual

7.1

24: Training

ES&H and Divisional Course Documentation


The ES&H Training Team must keep records of ES&H training. Managers and supervisors must keep records of the divisional training. Course records must be kept
indefinitely and include the following:
Course name
Instructor
Participant evaluations
Participant name, signature, and date
Tests (if applicable)
Course material
Course outline and objectives
Instructor qualifications
Training waivers

7.2

On-the-Job-Training Documentation
Managers and supervisors must ensure that OJT is documented by maintaining a
record of:
Learning objectives.
Manager or supervisor signature and date (to certify that the trainee has met
the learning objectives).
Trainee name, signature, and date.
Upon request, the ES&H Training Team will provide:
Samples of documentation forms for OJT.
Guidance on OJT design, teaching aids, and materials.

Developing Courses
The primary responsibility for course development belongs to managers and supervisors of
individuals who must complete the training. Citizen committees and the ES&H Training Team
may also take responsibility for course development. The ES&H Training Team is available to
give assistance in course development. Issues surrounding course development may include:
Specific regulatory requirements for a given course.
Identification of individuals to develop and present courses.
Suitability of outside training resources such as:
Off-the-shelf courses.
Off-site courses.
Audio-visual aids.
Training subcontractors and consultants.
Computer-based training (CBT).
Integration of site-specific information.
Prioritizing courses.

1 May 1996

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R0013

24-7

24: Training

SLAC ES&H Manual

Appropriate methods for development and delivery of the course.


Funding requirements.

8.1

Course Standards and Procedures


The ES&H Training Team will set standards for course development, training methods,
instructor qualification, and documentation to promote compliance with DOE Orders and
state and federal laws. For example:
Course development should involve each of the five phases of the Performance-Based Training (PBT) model.
Acceptable methods of training shall depend on regulatory requirements, if
applicable.
Instructors should meet technical knowledge, experience, and instructional
skills qualifications.
Specific documentation requirements must be met (see Section 7.1).
ES&H trainers should use follow-up student evaluations to continue
course improvement.
Examinations should demonstrate retention of knowledge or skill where
applicable.
Note:

The ES&H Division presents the course On-The-Job Trainer Workshop for
managers, supervisors, and technical staff who are responsible for providing OJT.
This course clarifies the standards and procedures that are appropriate for OJT.

Training Exceptions
9.1

Class Substitution
Training received at another facility may, in some cases, be substituted for training
required at this facility. The ES&H Training Team must review and approve the test and
passing score of the replacement course.

9.2

Challenge Examinations
Personnel may be offered challenge examinations instead of attending classes.

9.3

Waivers
Training may be waived for an individual with well-established knowledge and skills.
The following steps must be completed to waive training:
The manager, supervisor, or course instructor must complete the Training
Waiver Form (available from the ES&H Training Team).
Justification for waiving the training requirement must be provided.
The department head or group leader may approve the waiver.3

24-8

If approval is not granted, the training will not be waived.

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R0013

1 May 1996

SLAC ES&H Manual

24: Training

If approved, a copy of the completed Training Waiver Form must be sent to the
ES&H Training Team.
If approved, the manager or supervisor must maintain the Training Waiver
Form as part or the training record.
Note:

1 May 1996

The training waiver does not apply to Radiological Training. For more information, consult with the ES&H Training Team.

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R0013

24-9

Tools, Power and Hand-Operated, Chapter 25


Bulletin Updates
Note:

The following Bulletins have information that has not yet been incorporated into
this Chapter, or has changed since the publication of the Chapter. Information in
the Bulletins supercedes information in this Chapter.

Date
Issued

Title

Bulletin 23

03/06/92

Guidelines for Machine Safeguarding

25

Tools, Power and


Hand-Operated
Related Chapters
Electrical Safety
Industrial Hygiene
Personal Protective Equipment
Training

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

25-2

2 Responsibilities

25-2

2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

25-2

2.2

Managers and Supervisors

25-2

2.3

Project Managers of Subcontractor Work

25-2

2.4

Personnel

25-3

3 Training

25-3

4 Hand Tools

25-3

4.1

Types

25-3

4.2

Hazards

25-4

4.3

Tool Defects

25-4

5 Portable Power Tools

25-4

5.1

Electric Power Tools

25-4

5.2

Gasoline Power Tools

25-6

5.3

Hydraulic Power Tools

25-6

5.4

Pneumatic Power Tools

25-7

5.5

Powder-Actuated Fastening Tools

25-7

6 Maintenance and Care of Tools

25-9

6.1

Proper Tool Use

25-9

6.2

Inspection

25-9

6.3

Transportation

25-9

6.4

Storage

25-10

17 January 1996

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R011

25-1

25: Tools, Power and Hand-Operated

SLAC ES&H Manual

Overview
This document applies to all portable tool use for SLAC-related work by SLAC personnel. SLAC
provides both hand and powered portable tools that meet accepted safety standards. These standards are based upon the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for
tools, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910, Subpart P.
It is SLAC policy to assure the safe condition of tools and equipment used by personnel. Improper
use of tools or the use of damaged tools may cause workplace injuries. A damaged or malfunctioning tool must not be used; it must be turned in for servicing and a tool in good condition
obtained to complete the job.
Personnel shall use the correct tool for the work to be performed. If they are unfamiliar with
the operation of the tool, they shall request instruction before starting the job. All personnel
who operate tools must be thoroughly familiar with the proper use and care of their tools.
Note:

SLAC personnel must not use personal tools for SLAC work.

Responsibilities
2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department:
Performs planned, scheduled inspections of SLAC areas to review compliance
with SLAC tool requirements.
Performs random, unscheduled inspections of subcontractor sites to review
compliance with OSHA tool requirements.
Informs the project manager or supervisor of identified deficiencies.

2.2

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors:
Train personnel on the proper use of the tools they are expected to operate.
Require proper use of all tools for SLAC jobs.
Spot-check job sites to ensure personnel are using their tools properly.
Resolve tool safety deficiencies.
Stop unsafe tool work.

2.3

Project Managers of Subcontractor Work


Project managers of subcontractor work:
Review subcontractor compliance with OSHA requirements.
Report deficiencies to subcontractor management for abatement.
Stop unsafe tool work.

25-2

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R011

17 January 1996

SLAC ES&H Manual

2.4

25: Tools, Power and Hand-Operated

Personnel
Personnel:
Use the appropriate tool for the job.
Inspect tools before use.
Inform supervision if unfamiliar with the tool to be used.
Report any tool deficiency to supervision.
Stop work immediately if a tool becomes damaged.
Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Training
Personnel who use tools must be trained. Instruction manuals from tool manufacturers or factorytrained instructors should be used as the primary source of information. The training should
include:
How to select the proper tool for the job.
How to inspect the tool.
How to use the tool.
Tool storage.
The procedures for repair of faulty tools.
Note:

Supervisors shall ensure that their personnel are properly trained in the operation of any tool before
its use. If personnel are unfamiliar with the operation of the tool, they shall receive instruction
before starting the job.

Hand Tools
4.1

Types
Although it is not feasible to list the hundreds of hand tools available, they may be
grouped into the following general categories:
Striking tools (such as hammers, mallets, and sledges)
Turning tools (such as wrenches)
Metal-cutting tools (such as shears, snips, bolt cutters, wire cutters, hacksaws,
metal chisels, and files)
Wood-cutting tools (such as hand saws, drills, planes, axes, hatchets, mauls,
wedges, and wood chisels)
Material handling tools (such as crowbars and hooks)
Gardening tools (such as shovels, rakes, hoes, and post-hole diggers)
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Knives and miscellaneous cutting tools (such as scissors, scrapers, bits, and
awls)

17 January 1996

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R011

25-3

25: Tools, Power and Hand-Operated

4.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Hazards
The primary hazards encountered when using hand tools include striking or contacting
part of the body with the hand tool or the work piece and projectiles flying off the tool or
work piece into the eyes. The most common injuries from the use of hand tools are:
Laceration or cut from a knife blade, saw, or other tool with a sharp surface or
jagged edge.
Contusions, or bruises from striking the fingers with the tool.
These injuries are generally caused by:
Not wearing appropriate PPE.
Using the wrong tool for the work to be performed.
Improper use of the tool.
Failure to inspect the tool before use.
Improper storage or transportation of the tool.
Defective tools.

4.3

Tool Defects
Tools that are not in proper working order shall be immediately removed from service. All
tools should be inspected for hazardous defects before each use. Common hazardous tool
defects include:
Mushroomed chisel heads.
Loose hammer heads.
Dull knives.
Bent screwdriver bits.

Portable Power Tools


In general, the hazards from portable power tools are similar to those from both hand tools and
their corresponding stationary power tools. They are more dangerous than hand tools because
they are energized and more dangerous than stationary tools because they are hand held. Portable power tools are normally grouped according to their power source, for example:
Electric (such as saws, drills, and grinders).
Gasoline (such as mowers, trimmers, and edgers).
Hydraulic (such as jacks).
Pneumatic (such as chipping tools, impact wrenches, spray painting units, and
roto-hammers).
Powder-actuated (such as nail and/or fastener drivers).

5.1

Electric Power Tools


Electric power tools have the potential for electric shock hazard. A Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI)-protected receptacle must be used on construction sites and should be
used for all other applications. Always turn the power off before changing accessories.
When working in wet locations, use insulated platforms, rubber mats, or rubber gloves
along with a GFCI to minimize the electric shock hazard.

25-4

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R011

17 January 1996

SLAC ES&H Manual

25: Tools, Power and Hand-Operated

Observe the following precautions when using electrical tools.

Do Not:
Energize the tool until just before use.
Get near the moving parts of an electrical tool unless the power is off.
Lay electrical cords over sharp edges or through doorways or holes in walls.
Use any electric tool in an area where flammable gases or vapors may be
present unless the tool is rated for that application.
Use any tool that is sparking or appears to have an electrical short.
Use any tool with a damaged cord or exposed wiring.
Use an electric grinding wheel, buffer, or wire brush that wobbles or vibrates
excessively.
Use excessive force on saws or drills to cut through hard materials.
Use any tool unless the blade or bit is securely tightened.
Use any tool with the blade guard removed or rendered inoperable.
When using electrical power tools, the following requirements must be met for the
following tools:
5.1.1

Circular Saws
OSHA requires that all portable, power-driven circular saws with a blade
diameter greater than 2 inches be equipped with:

1. A constant pressure switch or control that will shut off the power when the
pressure is released.
2. Guards above and below the base plate or shoe. The guard must cover the
saw teeth whenever the saw is not in operation.
5.1.2

Portable Belt Sanding Machines


Belt sanding machines must have guards at each nip point where the sanding
belt runs onto a pulley. These guards must prevent the hands or fingers of the
operator from coming in contact with the nip points. The unused run of the
sanding belt must be guarded against accidental contact.

5.1.3

Vertical Portable Grinders


Safety guards used on right-angle head or vertical portable grinders must
cover a minimum of 180 degrees of the wheel, and be placed between the
operator and the wheel during use.
All wheels must be inspected by the operator to make sure they have not been
damaged in transit, storage, or otherwise. The spindle speed of the machine
must be checked before mounting the wheel to be certain that it does not
exceed the maximum operating speed marked on the wheel.
The grinding wheels must fit freely on the spindle and remain free under all
grinding conditions. All contact surfaces of wheels, blotters, and flanges must
be flat and free of foreign matter. When a bushing is used in the wheel hole, it
cannot exceed the width of the wheel and must not contact the flanges.
Note:

17 January 1996

This section on grinders does not include metal, wood, cloth, or paper discs
having abrasive surface layers.

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R011

25-5

25: Tools, Power and Hand-Operated

5.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Gasoline Power Tools


Tools that use gasoline as a power source are dangerous because of the potential for burns,
explosion, and fire.
5.2.1

Safety Precautions
When using these types of tools, inspect them for:
A constant pressure throttle control that will shut off the power when the
pressure is released.
A handle or trigger lock or guard to prevent accidental activation of the tool.
A tip guard on chain saws.
A working blade brake.
Fuel leaks around the gasoline tank or fuel line.
Mufflers in good condition.
Spark plugs and wire connections in good condition.

5.2.2

Restrictions
Gasoline-powered tools may not be used:
In confined spaces.
In tunnels.
Gasoline-powered tools may be used inside buildings only after:
An industrial hygienist from the SHA department has checked for proper ventilation.
The smoke detectors for the building have been turned off by the building
manager.

5.3

Hydraulic Power Tools


Hydraulic power tools are typically used for compression, such as work requiring the
use of drill presses and jacks. These tools operate under pressure and can cause injury if
a hose bursts or develops a pinhole leak. Use the manufacturer-recommended hose that
is designed to withstand the pressure being applied. Where physical damage to the
hydraulic hose is likely, armored hose should be used.
5.3.1

Safety Precautions
When working in areas where lines cross over aisles, the hydraulic lines should be
suspended overhead to prevent creating a tripping hazard. Always inspect the
equipment before use. Check to be sure the hydraulic hoses are not kinked.

5.3.2

Safety Precautions for Jacks


When using jacks, the following requirements must be met:
The operator shall assure that the jack used has a rating sufficient to lift and
sustain the load.
The rated load shall be legibly and permanently marked in a prominent location on the jack by casting, stamping, or other suitable means.
In the absence of a firm foundation, the base of the jack shall be blocked. If
there is a possibility of slippage of the cap, a block shall be placed between the
cap and the load.
The operator shall watch the stop indicator in order not to exceed the limit of
travel.

25-6

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SLAC ES&H Manual

25: Tools, Power and Hand-Operated

After the load has been raised, it shall be cribbed, blocked, or otherwise
secured at once.
Hydraulic jacks exposed to freezing temperatures shall be supplied with an
adequate antifreeze liquid.
All jacks shall be properly lubricated at regular intervals as recommended by
the manufacturer.
Each jack shall be thoroughly inspected at times that depend upon the service
conditions. Inspections shall be not less frequent than the following:
For constant or intermittent use at one locality, once every 6 months.
For jacks sent out of shop for special work, when sent out and when
returned.
For a jack subjected to abnormal load or shock, immediately before
and immediately after each use.
Repair or replacement parts shall be examined for possible defects.
Out of order jacks shall be tagged accordingly and shall not be used until
repairs are made.

5.4

Pneumatic Power Tools


Pneumatic tools use air as a power source. Such tools include chipping tools, impact
wrenches, spray painting units, roto-hammers, grinders, saws, and drills. These tools
operate under air pressure and must have a pressure-regulating device mounted in line
between the supplied air and the tool. The air-line hose used must be designed to withstand the pressure being applied.
Observe the following precautions when using pneumatic tools.

Do Not:
Kink the air hose or subject it to other physical damage.
Lay the air hose across aisles or walkways.
Squeeze the trigger on air hammers, impact wrenches, or other tools until the
tool is in contact with the work.
Use an air line if it has a leak.
Use the air hose for cleaning unless nozzle pressure is kept below 30 pounds
per square inch (psi) and effective chip protection is in place.

5.5

Powder-Actuated Fastening Tools


Note:

This section does not apply to devices designed for attaching objects to soft construction
materials such as wood, plaster, tar, drywall, or stud welding equipment.

5.5.1

Types
There are two types of powder-actuated (explosive) fastening tools: the lowvelocity type and the high-velocity type. Both types use explosives to drive studs,
pins, or fasteners into a work surface. The low-velocity tool operates under 300
feet per second when measured 6.5 feet from the muzzle end of the barrel. The
high-velocity tool discharges in excess of 300 feet per second when measured 6.5
feet from the muzzle end of the barrel.

Note:

17 January 1996

Personnel are not permitted to use a powderactuated tool unless instructed and licensed
by the manufacturer.

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R011

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25: Tools, Power and Hand-Operated

5.5.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Requirements
Because of the danger involved in the operation of powder-actuated fastening
tools, OSHA has developed strict requirements for their use. These requirements
state:
Only personnel who have received the manufacturers training and have been
licensed may operate explosive-actuated fastening tools.
Only tools meeting the design requirements in the American National Standard (ANSI) A10.3-1970 may be purchased. (Compliance with such design
requirements is announced by the manufacturer in advertising and catalogs.)
Tool users and any assistants shall wear eye protection during use.
Operators shall inspect each tool before use to assure that it is clean, that all
moving parts operate freely, and that the barrel is free from obstructions.
Operators shall assure that only manufacturer-recommended fasteners are
used in tools.
Operators shall immediately stop use when a tool defect is noticed.
Operators shall not load tools until just prior to the intended firing time.
Operators shall not point loaded or empty tools at other people.
Operators shall not leave loaded tools unattended.
In case of a misfire, operators shall hold the tool in the operating position for at
least 30 seconds before trying to operate the tool a second time. They shall wait
another 30 seconds, holding the tool in the operating position, then proceed to
remove the explosive load in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Fasteners shall not be driven into very hard or brittle materials including, but
not limited to, cast iron, glazed tile, surface-hardened steel, glass block, live
rock, face brick, or hollow tile.
Driving into materials that are easily penetrated shall be avoided, unless such
materials are backed by a substance that will prevent the pin or fastener from
passing completely through and creating a flying-missile hazard on the other
side.
Fasteners shall not be driven directly into materials such as brick or concrete
closer than 3 inches from the unsupported edge or corner, or into steel surfaces closer than half an inch from the unsupported edge or corner, unless a
special guard, fixture, or jig is used.
When fastening other materials, such as a 2- by 4-inch wood section to a concrete surface, it is permissible to drive a fastener of no greater than 7/32-inch
shank diameter not closer than 2 inches from the unsupported edge or corner of the work surface.
Fasteners shall not be driven through existing holes unless a positive guide is
used to secure accurate alignment.
No fastener shall be driven into a spalled area caused by an unsatisfactory
fastening.
Tools shall not be used in an explosive or flammable atmosphere.
All tools shall be used with the correct shield, guard, or attachment recommended by the manufacturer.
The tool shall be inspected and repaired in accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications.

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25: Tools, Power and Hand-Operated

Maintenance and Care of Tools


The instructions for the maintenance and care of tools, which are provided by the manufacturer
and are included with the tool, include information and recommendations for proper use,
inspection, transportation, and storage.

6.1

Proper Tool Use


To prevent injury, personnel should always use the correct tool for the job and use the tool
properly. Instructions on how to use the tool are normally included in the instructions that
come with it. If the tool does not come with instructions, or if the instructions are unclear,
personnel should consult with their supervisor prior to using the tool.

6.2

Inspection
It is SLAC policy to assure the safe condition of tools and equipment used by SLAC personnel. All tools shall be inspected at regular intervals and before each use. If any tool is
defective, it shall be repaired in accordance with the manufacturers specifications or
replaced.
Note:

Tools that are not in proper working order are to be immediately removed from use.

Tools should be inspected to ensure that, at a minimum:


The outside of the tool is free of oil, grease, and accumulated foreign material,
which might make the tool slippery.
The tool is the proper size for the job (screwdrivers or wrenches that fit
snugly).
The tool has no visible cracks in the jaws or handle.
Blades are installed properly and have no nicks, burrs, or imperfections in the
cutting surface.
Handles are not loose from the heads of hammers, axes, mauls, or similar
tools.
Tips of screwdrivers, chisels, or other similar tools are not broken or worn.
Gripping surfaces of jaws on pliers are not worn, damaged, or misaligned.

6.3

Transportation
When transporting tools, observe the following precautions.

Do Not:
Carry power tools by their electric cord, air line, or hydraulic hose.
Carry sharp or pointed tools such as knives, scissors, screwdrivers, and chisels
with the edge or point upward or toward the body.
Carry a tool in such a way that it obstructs vision.
Give sharp or pointed tools to another person with the sharp end toward the
receiver.
Throw any tools at or toward another person.

17 January 1996

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25: Tools, Power and Hand-Operated

6.4

SLAC ES&H Manual

Storage
When storing tools, always:
Store sharp tools in a specially designed cabinet or cupboard, or with a blade
guard in place.
Drain gasoline or other flammable fuels from tools if they are to be stored for
an extended period of time.

25-10

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R011

17 January 1996

Stormwater
Related Chapters
Excavations
Industrial Wastewater
Secondary Containment of
Hazardous Material and Waste
Spills
Waste Minimization and
Pollution Prevention

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

26-3

1.1

Purpose

26-3

1.2

Background

26-3

1.3

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

26-3

1.4

Stormwater Best Management Practices

26-4

1.5

Spill Prevention, Countermeasures and Contingency Plan

26-4

2 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Policy

26-5

3 Responsibilities

26-5

13 October 2000

3.1

ES&H Coordinators

26-5

3.2

Managers and Supervisors

26-5

3.3

Project Managers and University Technical Representatives

26-5

3.4

Site Engineering and Maintenance Department

26-6

3.5

Environment, Safety, and Health Division

26-6

3.5.1 Environmental Protection and Restoration Department

26-6

3.5.2 Operational Health Physics Department

26-7

3.5.3 Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

26-7

3.5.4 Waste Management Department

26-7

3.6

Building and Area Managers

26-7

3.7

Personnel

26-7

3.8

Subcontractors

26-8

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SLAC ES&H Manual

Chapter Outline

Page

4 Potential Water Pollutants and Sources


4.1

Chemicals

26-8

4.1.1 Lead

26-8

4.1.2 Metals

26-8

4.1.3 Oil and Equipment Fluids

26-8

4.1.4 Polychlorinated Biphenyls

26-8

4.2

Sediment

26-8

4.3

Potentially Activated Material

26-9

4.4

Other Material

26-9

5 Implementation of Stormwater Best Management Practices

26-9

5.1

Activities and Processes

26-9

5.2

Authorized Non-Stormwater Discharges

26-9

6 Training

26-2

26-8

26-10

6.1

Employee Training Assessment

26-10

6.2

Employee Training

26-10

6.2.1 Training Requirements

26-10

6.2.2 Training Goals

26-10

6.2.3 Awareness Training

26-10

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26: Stormwater

Overview
1.1

Purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to document the policies governing stormwater
management at SLAC.

1.2

Background
Each year thousands of tons of pollutants enter San Francisco Bay. Fluids and metals from
vehicles, inadequate housekeeping of outdoor storage and work areas, exposed materials
or waste, construction activity, and illicit connections to the storm drain system are all
potential sources of pollutants. At SLAC these pollutants are carried by rain and runoff
into our storm drain system that discharges directly into San Francisquito Creek (and
ultimately adds to the pollutant loading of San Francisco Bay).
The Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and the State Porter-Cologne Act are the principal
statutes that mandate for control of stormwater pollutants. Another driver that controls
stormwater pollutants is the State Hazardous Waste Source Reduction and Management
Review Act. The 1987 amendments to the CWA added section 402(p), which establishes a
framework for regulating municipal, industrial, and construction stormwater discharges
under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program.
On November 16, 1990, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
published final regulations that established application requirements for stormwater
permits. Permits are required for stormwater associated with industrial activity that
discharges directly to surface water or indirectly through storm drain systems.
In California, the State Water Quality Control Board and nine Regional Water Quality
Control Boards (RWQCB) enforce the CWA. The San Francisco Bay RWQCB regulates SLAC
under the Industrial Activities Stormwater General Permit NPDES No. CAS000001-5/99
(General Permit).
The General Permit is the mechanism for implementing the federal requirements and the
Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan). The Basin Plan is specific to our region and
protects beneficial uses of various types of water bodies. The beneficial uses for inland
surface waters such as San Francisquito Creek include recreation, wildlife habitat
encompassing several rare and endangered species, cold and warm freshwater habitats,
and fish migration and spawning.

1.3

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan


Under the CWA, requirements for the General Permit have been incorporated into the
SLAC Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The SWPPP is a legally binding
document that is part of our Work Smart Standards (WSS) and our contract with the
Department of Energy (DOE). The SWPPP requirements include:
Eliminating unauthorized non-stormwater discharges.
Monitoring stormwater and authorized non-stormwater discharges.
Prohibiting discharges of material not authorized by the General Permit and
discharges containing hazardous substances in stormwater at concentration
above reportable quantities.

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SLAC ES&H Manual

The benefits of adhering to the practices in the SWPPP are:


Preserving the quality of and reducing potential health risks to San
Francisquito Creek and San Francisco Bay.
Reducing long-term costs associated with environmental contamination and
cleanup.
This plan is available for review in the Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Division
Document room, located in Building 24, Room 217.

1.4

Stormwater Best Management Practices


The SWPPP is designed to monitor for potential pollutants in surface runoff that leaves
SLAC, and to minimize surface water pollution through the use of best management
practices (BMPS). A BMP can take the form of an engineered structural control, or
administrative non-structural control.
Structural controls are preferred but are sometimes cost-prohibitive; in those cases, we
must rely on SLAC employees to do their part by adhering to the non-structural BMPS
developed to address specific activities and processes.
The objective of the BMPS is to minimize pollution in the surface water runoff through
prevention or treatment. Preventing pollution through the elimination or control of
potential sources is the first line of defense. SLACs Stormwater BMPs can be found on the
Web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/reference/stormwater/stormwaterBMP.html

1.5

Spill Prevention, Countermeasures and Contingency Plan


The Spill Prevention, Countermeasures and Contingency Plan (SPCC) is an internal
document outlining how SLAC prevents the release of oil, oil by-products and waste, and
fuel into the environment.1 This document has been prepared to meet the requirements in
Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 112 (40CFR112) and Division 20, Chapter 6.67 of the
California Health and Safety Code (20HSC6.67), which define requirements for oil pollution
prevention.
The SPCC PLAN is a legally binding document that is part of our Work Smart Standards
(WSS). It is also a strategy for preventing the contamination of stormwater and run off by
these materials. The controls outlined in the SPCC Plan are to be incorporated into
operating procedures for activities dealing with the storage of oil or fuel on site. The SLAC
SPCC Plan includes identification of the following:
Actions or measures which need to be accomplished to prevent spills or
releases
Actions to be taken by emergency personnel if a spill occurs
Potential sources of oil, which might be of concern if released into the
environment
Personnel responsible for preventing, responding to, and reporting spills
The SPCC plan is available for review in the ES&H Document room, located in Building 24,
Room 217.

26-4

In 40CFR112.2(a), the term oil denotes any form of oil including petroleum, fuel oil, sludge, oil refuse, and oil mixed with wastes
other than dredged spoil. California law (20HSC6.67) further defines crude oil or its fractions to be crude petroleum or all products in liquid form derived from petroleum.

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26: Stormwater

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Policy


It is the policy of SLAC to conduct all operations that may impact stormwater discharge in a
manner that:
Complies with all applicable laws and regulations through the development and
implementation of the SLAC SWPPP, stormwater BMPS, and the SPCC.
Integrates stormwater pollution prevention into projects and work processes.
Prevents pollution and minimizes any impact on the environment and the community.

Responsibilities
3.1

ES&H Coordinators
Each of the five SLAC divisions has an ES&H Coordinator. Each ES&H Coordinator is
chosen by his/her divisions Associate Director (AD) and serves as that divisions primary
Point-of-Contact (POC) for ES&H issues.
ES&H Coordinators must be familiar with all activities conducted in their respective
divisions and trained in storm water pollution prevention practices. ES&H Coordinators
bring compliance issues to the attention of the AD and coordinates compliance solutions
with the ES&H division. The current list of ES&H Coordinators can be found on the Web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/reference/safecoor.html.

3.2

Managers and Supervisors


SLAC managers and supervisors are responsible for:

Assuring that the SLAC surface water BMPS are implemented within their areas
of responsibility.
Ensuring that their employees receive the required training.
Implementing ES&H policy with the personnel under their supervision.

3.3

Project Managers and University Technical Representatives


Project Managers and UTRS are required to know and adhere to all SLAC environment,
safety and health policies for systems or operations under their control. This includes:
Implementing construction management practices and preform construction
activities in compliance with regulatory requirements and SLAC Stormwater
BMPS.
Notifying the Waste Management (WM) Department and the Environmental
Protection and Restoration (EPR) Department immediately of any unplanned
discharges to the storm drain system arising from work conducted under
Project Manager or UTR direction.
Obtaining approval from the Site Engineering and Maintenance (SEM) service
desk to make new connections to the potable water system, sanitary sewer, or
storm drain systems. It is desirable to obtain approval early in the design
process.

13 October 2000

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26: Stormwater

3.4

SLAC ES&H Manual

Site Engineering and Maintenance Department


The Site Engineering and Maintenance (SEM) Department is responsible for implementing
SLAC policies, requirements, and stormwater BMPS for all systems or operations under
SEM control. BMPS are listed in Section 5.1.
In conformance with the SWPPP, the SEM Department:
Coordinates onsite fueling activities for GSA vehicles.
Implements measures to mitigate soil erosion and prevent sediment from
entering the storm drain system.
Notifies EPR of potential problems observed regarding stormwater, sediment,
erosion, seepage, or flooding to assist in agency reports and SWPPP
implementation.
Oversees janitorial staff and landscape maintenance crews.
Prevents pollution to surface water through management of trash and
recycling contracts.
Responds to reports of storm drain system blockages and flooding.
The SEM Department is required to:
Coordinate with EPR and Operational Health Physics (OHP) to ensure that all
discharges to the storm drain are in compliance with permit requirements.
Maintain the storm drain system on site. This includes:
Eliminating illicit connections.
Implementing the Storm-Drain System Preventive Maintenance Procedure
(SLAC-I-750-0A03C-001).
Upgrading, replacing, repairing, cleaning, flushing, and removing
blockages.

3.5

Environment, Safety, and Health Division


3.5.1

Environmental Protection and Restoration Department


EPR is responsible for:

Acting as the SLAC primary POC with regulatory agencies regarding


permit applications and streambed alteration approvals.
Coordinating payment of permit fees and fines.
Inspecting facilities and storm drains on a regular basis to verify compliance with the SPCC and the SWPPP.
Maintaining records of inspections, corrections, status reports, current
regulations, permits, and permit applications.
Monitoring stormwater effluent.
Providing technical and regulatory guidance for:
Development of pollution prevention measures.
Discharges of stormwater runoff to the storm drain systems.
Implementation of the SLAC stormwater BMP program.
Reviewing construction projects for compliance with the SWPPP as
part of the Construction Safety Instruction Program.
Researching, generating, and updating reports for submittal to regulatory agencies and DOE.

26-6

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26: Stormwater

3.5.2

Operational Health Physics Department


OHP is responsible for performing radiological surveys of material throughout
SLAC. Any water discharged from a potentially activated area (including water
samples) must be sampled by OHP prior to discharge or transport off site.

Sample collection and delivery of samples to OHP is the responsibility of the


group generating the wastewater. Call the OHP Hotline at Ext. 4299 for further
information or to schedule analysis.
3.5.3

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department is responsible for:
Conducting periodic audits of the SLAC facility to assure compliance
with SWPPP and SPCC requirements.
Developing and implementing the SLAC Construction Safety Inspection Program, including the review of any construction projects which
may impact the storm drain system.

3.5.4

Waste Management Department


3.5.1

Hazardous Wastes
Some process effluents generated at SLAC must be disposed of as hazardous waste. WM is responsible for handling and disposing of hazardous
waste. For more information see Chapter 17, Hazardous Waste, in this
manual.

3.5.2

Spills
In the event of a minor or non-hazardous release of material into the environment, including unauthorized releases to the storm drain, contact WM.
For more information, see Chapter 16, Spills, in this manual.

3.6

Building and Area Managers


Building and Area Managers are responsible for:
Flushing safety showers and eyewashes in their areas while preventing
pollutants and sediment from entering the storm drain system.
Reporting to SEM any conditions that may result in pollutants or sediment
entering storm drains in their areas of responsibility.

3.7

Personnel
Personnel must learn and comply with SLAC ES&H policies, practices, procedures, and
requirements. Specifically SLAC personnel are responsible for:
Integrating the stormwater BMPS into projects and work processes.
Reporting immediately to WM any unauthorized discharges to the storm
drain system. For more information see Chapter 16 Spills, in this manual.
Note:

13 October 2000

Connections that convey process water of any kind to the storm drain system is prohibited.

SLAC-I-720-0A29Z-001-R021

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26: Stormwater

3.8

SLAC ES&H Manual

Subcontractors
Subcontractors conducting construction work of any kind must adhere to the ES&H
elements of their contract including SLAC stormwater BMPS. Subcontractors must
maintain a clean and orderly work site.

Potential Water Pollutants and Sources


Industrial and research operations can be a source of pollutants to the storm drain system. The
following sections list the types of pollutants of concern at SLAC and their potential sources.

4.1

Chemicals
Use, store, and properly dispose of solvents, paints, pesticides, fertilizer, fuels, and
process and maintenance chemicals properly to prevent them from entering the storm
drain system.
4.1.1

Lead
Lead is used as radiation shielding. Both lead and PCBS bioaccumulate. Because
they are concentrated in the environment through biological food webs, it is very
important to minimize any release into the environment.

4.1.2

Metals
Vehicle brake pads, water pipes, and flashing on buildings are known to be
sources of metals such as zinc and copper. Material and scrap stored outdoors can
also be a source if not covered and managed properly. These trace metals may be
carried by runoff as metal surfaces oxidize, flake, corrode, dissolve or leach away.
Paint chips, metal shavings, and bits of electrical wire can be washed into the
storm drain. To avoid this, sweep all outdoor storage and work areas frequently.

4.1.3

Oil and Equipment Fluids


Oil, fuel, grease, antifreeze, and transmission fluid are all potential pollutants
from vehicles. Any stationary or mobile equipment located where rain or surface
runoff comes into contact with them can also be a source of pollutants.

4.1.4

Polychlorinated Biphenyls
SLAC historically used polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBS) in transformers and
klystron oil. Though this use has ended, PCBS are still found on site in contaminated soil and in equipment. Both PCBS and lead bioaccumulate. Because they are

concentrated in the environment through biological food webs, it is very important to minimize any release into the environment.

4.2

Sediment
Sediment transport is the result of erosion and soil movement. Though a certain amount
of sediment enters naturally and can be tolerated by the natural drainage system, too
much reduces water quality and impacts the health of aquatic organisms. Construction,
irrigation, and drainage patterns can contribute to sediment entering the storm drain
system and San Francisquito Creek.

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13 October 2000

SLAC ES&H Manual

4.3

26: Stormwater

Potentially Activated Material


Tritium is potentially generated in water found in Radiologically Controlled Areas
(RCAs). Water from RCAS must be tested for tritium prior to disposal. Activated material
that is stored outside must be managed in a manner to prevent run-off of potentially
activated material from entering the storm drain system.

4.4

Other Material
Any material that can affect the water quality of San Francisquito Creek must be
controlled. This includes floating material and debris (such as packing peanuts and
cigarette butts), color, temperature, turbidity, salinity and nutrients. The SLAC goal is for
nothing to go down the storm drain but stormwater runoff from rain.

Implementation of Stormwater Best Management Practices


The goal of the stormwater BMPS is to prevent and reduce pollutants in stormwater and
authorized non-stormwater discharges. SLAC has developed thirteen stormwater BMPS to address
our activities and processes. They are described in detail in Appendix H of the SWPPP and can be
found on the Web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/reference/Stormwater/stormwaterBMP.html

5.1

Activities and Processes


The following activities and processes are targeted for BMPS:
Building and Grounds Maintenance
Building Repair, Remodeling, and Construction
Employee Training
Management of Contaminated or Erodible Surface Areas
Non-Stormwater Discharges to Drains
Outdoor Container Storage of Liquids
Outdoor Process Equipment Operations and Maintenance
Outdoor Storage of Raw Materials, Products, and By-Products
Transportation and Outdoor Loading/Unloading of Material
Vehicle and Equipment Fueling
Vehicle and Equipment Washing and Steam Cleaning
Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance and Repair
Waste Handling and Disposal

5.2

Authorized Non-Stormwater Discharges


The General Permit conditionally authorizes the following non-stormwater discharges.
Contact EPR for help on the following to ensure permit conditions are met:
Atmospheric condensates, including:
Air conditioning
Compressor condensate

13 October 2000

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26: Stormwater

SLAC ES&H Manual

Refrigeration
Drinking fountain water
Fire hydrant flushing
Ground water and foundation or footing drainage
Landscape watering

Training
6.1

Employee Training Assessment


To determine the appropriate or applicable training associated with protecting the
stormwater system, see the Employee Training Assessment (ETA). The ETA is available on
the WWW at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/training/trainops/99eta.html

6.2

Employee Training
6.2.1

Training Requirements
Personnel training is required as part of the SWPPP. This includes training personnel who are responsible for:
1. Implementing activities identified in the SWPPP.
2. Conducting inspections, sampling, and visual observations.
3. Managing stormwater.
The training topics include spill response, good housekeeping, material handling
procedures, and actions necessary to implement all BMPS identified in the SWPPP.
The SWPPP shall identify training requirements. Records shall be maintained of all
training sessions held.

6.2.2

Training Goals
To meet the training goals of the BMPS, SLAC provides BMP awareness training
with work groups addressing how BMPS are to be implemented in specific operations. In addition, all personnel involved in the direct operation and maintenance
of oil-containing equipment and storage containers greater than 660 gallons
receive training to ensure an adequate understanding of how to prevent releases
of oil.
The instruction includes discussion regarding applicable pollution control laws,
rules, and regulations, and spill prevention planning. ES&H Course 105, Introduction to Pollution Prevention and Hazardous Waste/Material Handling
includes familiarization with the elements of the SPCC Plan and the Contingency
Plan, emphasizing the plans as references.

6.2.3

Awareness Training
The Employee Orientation to ES&H (EOESH) course provides some basic information on storm drains and spill procedures.

26-10

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13 October 2000

Asbestos, Chapter 27
Bulletin Updates
Note:

The following Bulletins have information that has not yet been incorporated into
this Chapter, or has changed since the publication of the Chapter. Information in
the Bulletins supercedes information in this Chapter.

Date
Issued

Bulletin 62

05/01/03

Title
Properly Managing Asbestos Floor Tiles

27

Asbestos
Related Chapters
Chemical Carcinogen Control

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

27-2

2 Responsibilities

27-2

2.1

Environmental Protection and Restoration Department

27-2

2.2

Purchasing Department

27-3

2.3

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

27-3

2.4

Waste Management Department

27-3

2.5

Asbestos Workers (Tile Removal Work)

27-4

2.6

Environment, Safety, and Health Training

27-4

2.7

Managers and Supervisors

27-4

2.8

Subcontractors

27-4

2.9

University Technical Representative

27-5

2.10 All Others

27-5

3 Materials Containing Asbestos

27-5

4 Health Hazards

27-6

4.1

Asbestosis

27-6

4.2

Cancer

27-6

4.3

Skin Warts

27-6

5 Training

27-7

6 Safety Practices

27-7

7 Reporting Suspected Asbestos Hazards

27-8

8 Building Modifications

27-8

9 Inventory of Asbestos-Containing Materials in Buildings

27-8

9.1

Asbestos Containing Materials Survey Form

27-8

9.2

Sampling

27-8

10 Disposal

27-9

11 Subcontractors

27-9

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11.1 Verifying Subcontractor Qualifications

27-10

11.2 Subcontractor Work Plan

27-10

11.3 Large ACMs Removal Projects

27-10

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Overview
Asbestos1 and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs),2 when they are disturbed, may pose a threat
to human health. As a result, all work at SLAC that may disturb asbestos or ACMs is controlled to
ensure the safety of SLAC employees.
This chapter outlines SLACs asbestos management policy, which requires the immediate removal
or repair of all asbestos and ACMs that pose a significant health hazard due to location or condition. Asbestos and ACMs that are in good condition will be maintained in a condition that will not
produce a significant risk to SLAC employees. ACMs will be removed, repaired, or protected prior
to planned renovations, demolitions, or modifications that may result in disturbances. All removal
and repairs shall be conducted only by asbestos abatement3 subcontractors,4 hereafter referred to
as subcontractors, in a safe manner that is consistent with SLAC policy, applicable regulations,
Work Smart Standards, and recognized good practices.
Regulations applicable to this chapter include the Occupational, Safety, and Health Administration (OSHA) Title 29; Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 1910.1001, 1926.58, and 1928.58; the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Title 40, CFR, Parts 61 and 763; Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Regulation 11, Rule 2; and California Code of Regulations (CCR), Titles 8
and 22.
Asbestos compliance is complicated, due to the interplay of EPA, OSHA, BAAQMD, and CCR regulations. Therefore, University Technical Representatives (UTRs) and other individuals involved in
asbestos work must consult with the Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department and the
Environmental Protection and Restoration (EPR) Department on a regular basis to ensure compliance. For current telephone numbers and contact names relating to asbestos at SLAC, see the Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Resource List at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/

Responsibilities
2.1

Environmental Protection and Restoration Department


The Environmental Protection and Restoration (EPR) Department shall:
Provide notification of work to the BAAQMD at least one week in advance:
For every demolition5 where work is performed by SLAC employees,
even demolitions where no ACMs are present.
For every renovation6 operation performed by SLAC employees where
the amount of ACM is greater than or equal to 100 linear feet, 100
square feet, or 35 cubic feet.

27-2

Asbestos is a generic term, referring to a group of naturally occurring fibrous mineral silicates.

Asbestos-containing materials are materials that contain asbestos at a concentration of 0.1% or greater by weight, area,
or count.

Asbestos abatement is the removal, encapsulation, enclosure, repair or demolition of ACMs.

See exceptions in Section 2.5 in this chapter.

Demolition is the wrecking, intentional burning, or dismantling of any structural element or all of a building.

Renovation is an operation, other than a demolition, in which ACM is removed or stripped from any element of a building, structure, plant, or installation.

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For cumulative renovations performed during a calendar year which,


if taken together, would add up to a reportable amount.
For planned renovations, or a number of such operations, in which the
total ACM can be predicted and that occur within a time frame of no
less than 30 days and no more than one year.7
Keep records of notification of work to the BAAQMD, including notification by
subcontractors (see Section 11.3 of this chapter) and annual cumulative renovation information.

2.2

Purchasing Department
The buyer or contract administrator in the Purchasing Department enforces the terms of
the asbestos abatement subcontract. This enforcement may require withholding payment
from a subcontractor if the requirements of the asbestos abatement subcontract are not
met.

2.3

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


Industrial hygienists in the Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department shall:
Investigate all reports of suspected asbestos hazards and, if asbestos is found,
assist the responsible party in developing a plan to remove or contain the
asbestos.
Monitor work environments to characterize asbestos exposure of SLAC
employees when subcontractor activities are anticipated to release ACMs into
the work environment or when prior work-site air sampling records obtained
by the subcontractor indicate that asbestos release has previously occurred.
Compile and maintain an inventory of all known ACMs in buildings.
Maintain records of work-site air monitoring results.
Provide technical assistance to the UTR/Project Engineer.
Perform sampling of friable or non-friable ACMs or suspected ACMs.

2.4

Waste Management Department


The Waste Management (WM) Department shall:
Check the packaging of asbestos and ACM waste8 to see that it meets all applicable regulatory requirements.
Coordinate the disposal of all asbestos and ACM waste at SLAC.

An unscheduled operation can occur within a planned renovation. For example, the unscheduled removal of floor tiles
in several buildings within a certain time frame, in no specific order, would be considered an unscheduled operation.

ACM waste is waste material that contains friable asbestos at a concentration of 0.1% or greater by weight, area, or
count, and asbestos-contaminated materials such as protective clothing and equipment. Friable asbestos is asbestos that
can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to a powder when dry, under hand pressure, or that has been crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to a powder. Broken, deteriorated pipe insulation is an example of friable ACM waste.

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27: Asbestos

2.5

SLAC ES&H Manual

Asbestos Workers (Tile Removal Work)


SLAC employees who perform small ACM tile removal work9 shall:

Be authorized by SHA, in writing, before they can perform work.


Notify SHA and EPR of every ACM tile removal project at least ten days prior to
performing work.
Receive appropriate training. See Section 5 of this chapter and the Employee
Training Assessment (ETA, SLAC-I-720-0A04Z-001, current revision; formerly
the Task/Hazard Survey).
Perform work according to SLAC policy and applicable regulations, including,
but not limited to, Section 6 of this chapter.
Limit tile removal work to two hours per day10 to ensure that no permissible
exposure limit is exceeded.

2.6

Environment, Safety, and Health Training


Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Training shall provide asbestos awareness training. To determine training requirements, see Section 5 of this chapter and the
ETA (SLAC-I-720-0A04Z-001, current revision).

2.7

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors shall:
Ensure that all employees under their supervision are:
Properly trained, when applicable.
Aware of the asbestos policy.
Immediately report any suspected asbestos hazard to SHA.
Complete the ACM Survey Form upon receipt and return it to SHA.

2.8

Subcontractors
Subcontractors shall:
Submit work plans to the UTR.
Perform all asbestos abatement work in compliance with applicable federal,
state, and local regulations, and SLAC policies related to environment, safety,
and health.
Monitor the asbestos fiber concentration in the air near the work site during
ACMs removal and provide the UTR with the monitoring results, as required
by the industrial hygienist.
Be subject to the stop work provisions of the contract in the event of a potential
hazard.
Implement appropriate warnings and barriers to prevent employee entry into
asbestos-controlled areas.

27-4

Small ACM tile removal work involves the removal of less than 100 linear or square feet of asbestos.

10

This time restriction could change in the future, depending upon air sampling results.

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2.9

27: Asbestos

University Technical Representative


The University Technical Representative (UTR) shall:
Be designated in the contract.
Be a project engineer from the Facilities Department, the Plant Engineering
Department, or another SLAC group.
Verify the qualifications of subcontractors (see Section 11.1 in this chapter).
Review written work plans submitted by subcontractors.
Ensure that subcontracts conform to all applicable regulations.
Oversee the activities of subcontractors for compliance with SLAC procedures,
regulatory requirements and/or subcontract.
Notify SHA and EPR of all asbestos abatement work at least 15 days prior to
starting work.
Provide EPR with a copy of the completed Asbestos Demolition/Renovation
Form for any demolitions and projects that involve the removal of more than
100 linear feet, 100 square feet, or 35 cubic feet of asbestos.
Provide EPR with a copy of the written statement from subcontractors justifying the subcontractors determination that notification of the BAAQMD is not
required, when such a determination is made.
Request that air samples be collected by SHA when building modifications are
to be performed by a subcontractor.
Provide air monitoring results obtained by the subcontractor to SHA and EPR.
Note:

2.10

When a subcontractor is hired by a manager or supervisor using an internal work order, a


project engineer (who will act as UTR) shall be identified on the internal work order, purchase order, or equivalent document.

All Others
All other persons on the SLAC premises (including subcontractors, users, and visitors
working at SLAC) shall:
Follow asbestos safety practices.
Immediately report any suspected asbestos hazard to their manager or
supervisor.
Not perform any work that involves the removal of asbestos and ACMs (see
exceptions in Sections 2.5 and 2.8 in this chapter.

Materials Containing Asbestos


Most asbestos at SLAC is found in building materials, including:
Sprayed-on acoustical ceilings (which have a cottage cheese-like appearance),
troweled-on acoustical ceilings, and ceiling tiles.
Plasters, joint compounds, and textured paint.
Roof felt, shingles, and patching compounds.
Floor tile, sheet linoleum, and adhesive (also called mastic).
Transite board (a combination of asbestos and cement, which is usually light to
dark grey in color).

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SLAC ES&H Manual

Sprayed-on fireproofing (which has a cotton-candy like appearance) covering


beams and building frames.
Other possible sources of ACMs at SLAC include:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducting and duct insulation
(which looks like cardboard).
Gaskets of machine parts and pipe joints.
Pipes made of asbestos cement.
Insulation for pipes, high-voltage conductors, hot water and steam tanks, and
boilers, the outer wrapping of which is usually white or beige.
Fireproof insulation in safes.
Vehicle brake linings, clutch facings, and gaskets.
Note:

Although SLAC policy requires that asbestos-free material be used whenever feasible, brakes on
some vehicles may still contain asbestos. When performing brake repair on vehicles, follow the
safety guidelines outlined in Procedures for Brake Repair (Business Services Division Procedure
75-1), available in the Transportation Department.

Health Hazards
ACMs can create a chronic health hazard if their asbestos fibers become airborne and are inhaled.
Asbestos fibers may become airborne due to material aging and deterioration, material damage, or
as a result of efforts to drill, cut, or remove the material. The major, chronic health hazards caused
by asbestos exposure are asbestosis and cancer. Acute health hazards include skin warts.

4.1

Asbestosis
Lung tissue scarring, known as asbestosis, is caused by long-term inhalation of asbestos
fibers that lodge deep in the lungs. Asbestosis typically results in shortness of breath and
heart strain. Cigarette smokers are at a higher risk of developing asbestosis when exposed
to asbestos than nonsmokers.

4.2

Cancer
Prolonged heavy exposure to asbestos may cause lung, stomach, and intestinal cancer.
Once again, cigarette smokers are at a substantially higher risk of developing lung cancer
when exposed to asbestos than nonsmokers.

4.3

Skin Warts
Single asbestos fibers embedded in the skin may cause non-cancerous warts. The warts
heal when the fiber is removed.

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27: Asbestos

Training
Safety professionals whose responsibility is to determine the presence or location of, assess the
condition of, or collect samples of, friable, nonfriable,11 or suspected asbestos or ACMs, must
maintain Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) certification through initial and
annual refresher training.
SLAC employees who perform small ACM tile removal work must complete the following

training:
Hazard Communication General Training
Introduction to Pollution Prevention and Hazardous Waste/Materials
Management
At least two hours of on-the-job training (OJT) and annual refresher OJT training, focusing on site-specific use, hazards, and procedures associated with
ACM tile removal work.

Safety Practices
To prevent exposure to asbestos:
Learn to recognize common ACMs.
Treat all suspected ACMs as if they are known ACMs.
Do not drill, scrape, or otherwise disturb walls, ceilings, or floors that may
contain suspected or known ACMs.
Request non-ACMs when preparing purchase requisitions for materials that
commonly contain asbestos.
Do not enter any area that a subcontractor has posted as an asbestos-controlled
area.
In addition to the responsibilities outlined in Section 2.8, SLAC employees who perform small
ACM tile removal work shall always contact an industrial hygienist in SHA for floor tile sampling
at least ten days prior to the start of work. The industrial hygienist will notify the appropriate
supervisor of test results as soon as they are received. If the floor tile or adhesive does not contain
asbestos, work may proceed without restrictions. However, if the floor tile or adhesive contains
asbestos, employees shall proceed with the following restrictions:
Remove all unprotected individuals from the work area to a distance of at least
20 feet if no wall, door, or other barrier is present.
Turn off or isolate the air supply and exhaust systems, such as by covering air
vents. In addition, turn off any local sources of air movements.
Isolate the work area to the extent possible by closing doors, windows, or
other openings.
Lightly mist any loose asbestos debris with an appropriate wetting agent
(usually water). Pick up or vacuum loose material or dust, using a vacuum

11

Nonfriable ACMs are asbestos or ACMs that, when dry and in their present form, cannot be crumbled, pulverized, or
reduced to powder by hand pressure. Asbestos cement products, transite board, pipe, plaster, stucco, paint, and mastics
are examples of nonfriable ACMs.

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SLAC ES&H Manual

equipped with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Wet wipe hard
surfaces after vacuuming.
Wet the material thoroughly before handling.
Use only hand tools to remove or repair tile materials.
Bag and dispose of expended HEPA filters and remove ACM waste in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and waste management practices
and procedures (see Waste Management in this manual).
Note:

Clearance air sampling is not required for small ACM tile removal work. Representative
personal air monitoring will be conducted by SHA to evaluate work procedures and ensure
that airborne asbestos levels are well below the permissible exposure limit (PEL).

Reporting Suspected Asbestos Hazards


Employees shall immediately report any suspected ACMs that appear to be damaged or deteriorating to their manager or supervisor. The manager or supervisor shall notify SHA of the possible
asbestos hazard. When notified, SHA will investigate the suspected asbestos hazard and, if an
asbestos hazard does exist, SHA will assist the responsible party in developing a plan to remove or
contain the asbestos.

Building Modifications
If a building modification project could potentially disturb ACMs, the supervisor of the building
modification project shall obtain a review of the project site from SHA. An industrial hygienist
from SHA will assess the risk of disturbing ACMs at the site of the planned modification. When a
building modification will be performed by a subcontractor, samples will be collected by an industrial hygienist, following appropriate protocol.

Inventory of Asbestos-Containing Materials in Buildings


SHA shall compile an inventory of known ACMs found in buildings and shall add to the inventory
as new ACMs are added or identified. The inventory will be used to improve management of
ACMs and to plan asbestos abatement projects.

9.1

Asbestos Containing Materials Survey Form


Inventory data may be gathered by SHA using ACMs Survey Forms, which are filled out
by all managers, supervisors, and building managers and returned to SHA. These forms
request information about ACMs that are either known to be present in the building currently or known to have been present in the building in the past.

9.2

Sampling
Samples of suspected ACMs are collected when:
Suspected ACMs appear to be friable.

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27: Asbestos

SLAC employees undertake work that has the potential to expose them to airborne asbestos fibers.
Suspected ACMs will be disturbed during a building modification project.
Before SLAC employees undertake work that has the potential to expose them to airborne
asbestos fibers, samples will be collected by an industrial hygienist from SHA. The industrial hygienist will evaluate the work and send the samples to a certified lab for analysis. If
the samples contain asbestos, only qualified SLAC employees12 shall undertake the proposed work. SHA will add new ACMs found during sampling to the inventory and provide advice on management or abatement of these ACMs.
When a building modification is planned and the work will be performed by a subcontractor, the UTR shall request samples from SHA. When ACMs are discovered in buildings
at SLAC, an ACM Survey Form must be completed by the UTR and returned to SHA even if
the ACMs are removed. The subcontractor removing the ACMs shall be identified on the
ACM Survey Form. In no instance will SLAC certify to a subcontractor that building materials do not contain ACMs. When sampling results indicate that ACMs are present in buildings, SLAC will select subcontractors accordingly; however, subcontractors have the
ultimate responsibility for determining the hazards to which their workers will be
exposed.

10

Disposal
WM coordinates the disposal of all asbestos and ACM waste at SLAC and prepares the manifests.

The subcontractor shall include a description of their intended method of packaging asbestos and
ACM waste in the written work plan. WM will verify that the subcontractors method of packaging
asbestos and ACM waste meets all regulatory requirements. WM will provide the subcontractor
with additional instructions for packaging asbestos and ACM waste if the subcontractors proposed method of packaging asbestos and ACM waste does not meet all regulatory requirements.

11

Subcontractors
The UTR oversees the activities of subcontractors to ensure that they meet all obligations of the
asbestos abatement subcontract. Subcontractors must monitor the asbestos fiber concentration in
the air near the work site during the removal of ACMs and provide the UTR with the monitoring
results. The UTR must provide the monitoring results to SHA. Industrial hygienists from SHA may
also conduct parallel sampling at the work site when records of prior sampling indicate that the
subcontractors activities could pose a hazard to SLAC employees.
In some cases, asbestos abatement work will be generated by an internal work order and a subcontractor will be hired by a manager or supervisor. In these cases, a UTR is not appointed and a
project engineer must be identified on the internal work order, purchase order, or equivalent document. In these cases, the project engineer oversees the activities of subcontractors and acts as the
UTR.
Subcontractors must perform all asbestos abatement work in compliance with applicable federal,
state, and local regulations, and SLAC policies related to environment, safety, and health. The UTR
12

See Section 2.5 in this chapter.

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SLAC ES&H Manual

verifies that asbestos abatement subcontracts conform to all applicable regulations. Buyers or contract administrators enforce the terms of the asbestos abatement subcontract. This enforcement
may require withholding payment from a subcontractor if the requirements of the asbestos abatement subcontract are not met. Subcontractors are also subject to the stop work provisions of the
asbestos abatement subcontract in the event of a potential hazard.

11.1

Verifying Subcontractor Qualifications


The UTR verifies the qualifications of subcontractors by obtaining the following documents from them before they begin asbestos abatement work at SLAC:
A copy of their certificate from the Contractors State License Board.
Evidence of OSHA registration to handle asbestos (four-digit numerical registration and Form 183).
Copies of their general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance,
and specific asbestos insurance policies.
Documentation showing that the supervisor who will be responsible for the
work has been trained at a training center approved by the EPA.
Training records of the supervisor and crew designated for the work.

11.2

Subcontractor Work Plan


Before asbestos abatement work is initiated, the subcontractor must provide the UTR with
a written work plan for review that includes the following:
Methods and procedures for asbestos removal
A description of the extent of cleanup after asbestos work is completed
Procedures for, and frequency of, air sampling
The name of the certified laboratory that will analyze samples
A statement that the work area will be isolated until the subcontractor
approves clearance
A description of shower locations, as required by OSHA
Requirements for posting warning signs
Fiber control methods
A description of the method of packaging asbestos and ACM waste for
disposal

11.3

Large ACMs Removal Projects


For projects that involve the removal of more than 100 linear or square feet of asbestos, the
subcontractor must submit a completed Demolition/Renovation Form to the BAAQMD at
least one week before asbestos removal work begins. The subcontractor must also provide
a copy of the completed form to the UTR, who will provide a copy to EPR.
In some cases, subcontractors may determine that notification of the BAAQMD is not
required. For example, they may determine that regulations do not require them to notify
the BAAQMD when removing specific types of ACMs, or when removing asbestos from
certain types of structures. If subcontractors determine that they are not required to notify
the BAAQMD, they must provide a written statement justifying such a determination to
the UTR, who will provide a copy to EPR.

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Accidents, Injuries, Illnesses, and Exposures, Chapter 28


Bulletin Updates
Note:

The following Bulletins have information that has not yet been incorporated into
this Chapter, or has changed since the publication of the Chapter. Information in
the Bulletins supercedes information in this Chapter.

Date
Issued

Bulletin 65

5/12/03

Workers Compensation

Bulletin 66

5/27/03

Accident Scene Management

Title

28

Accidents, Injuries,
Illnesses, and Exposures
Related Chapters
Emergency Preparedness
Medical
Traffic and Vehicular Safety

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

28-2

2 Procedures for Handling Work-Related Injuries

28-2

2.1

SLAC Employees

28-2

2.2

Non-SLAC Employees

28-5

3 Authorization for Return to Work Non-Work Related

28-7

4 Hazardous Material and Hazardous Waste Spills

28-7

5 Radiological Accidents and Emergencies

28-7

6 Motor Vehicle Accidents

28-7

7 Property Damage

28-7

8 Additional Situations that Require Reporting

28-8

9 Preservation of the Accident Scene

28-8

9.1

Conditions Requiring Preservation of the Accident Scene

28-8

9.2

Procedure for Preserving an Accident Scene

28-9

10 Accident Investigation

28-9

10.1 Responsibility

28-9

10.2 Guidelines

28-9

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28: Accidents, Injuries, Illnesses, and Exposures

SLAC ES&H Manual

Overview
This chapter describes SLAC and Stanford University policies and procedures regarding workrelated accidents, injuries, illnesses, and exposures. In addition, the chapter includes information
on workers compensation, procedures for reporting radioactive and other hazardous waste spills,
and procedures for investigating accidents.
For more information on reporting work-related accidents, see the SLAC Workbook for Occurrence
Reporting (Volume 01-03), SLAC Guidelines for Operations, (Volume 01-01), and the Stanford University Administrative Guide, Section 25.6, Accident and Incident Reporting.

Procedures for Handling Work-Related Injuries


2.1

SLAC Employees
This section explains the procedures that SLAC employees must follow for handling a
work-related accident, injury, illness, or exposure. SLAC employees are full- or part-time
employees. If you are unsure about an employees status, refer to Section 2.2 of this chapter for a definition of non-SLAC employees. Supervisors must accommodate SLAC
employees who request medical assistance.
2.1.1

Injuries Occurring During Day Shift


When a medical emergency occurs during a day shift, employees shall contact the
Palo Alto Fire Department (911 or 9-911). This will initiate the response of the
emergency crews, consisting of the on-site fire engine staff and the SLAC Medical
Department nurses. The emergency crews will evaluate the injured employee
with regard to cervical-spinal precautions, blood-borne pathogen issues, and
need of emergency room services.
If managers or supervisors determine that a non-emergency injury requires medical attention, they should arrange for transportation of injured employees to the
SLAC Medical Department, A&E Building (Building 41), Room 137, without compounding the injury.

2.1.2

Injuries Occurring During a Shift Other Than Day Shift


When a medical emergency occurs during a shift other than a day shift, employees shall contact the Palo Alto Fire Department (911 or 9-911). This will initiate the
response of the on-site fire engine crew, who will evaluate the injured employee
with regard to cervical-spinal precautions, blood-borne pathogen issues, and
need of emergency room services.
If managers or supervisors determine that a non-emergency injury requires medical attention, they should arrange for transportation of injured employees, without
compounding the injury, to any of the following healthcare providers:
The Palo Alto Medical Clinic Urgent Care Center, 920 Bryant Street (at
Channing Avenue), Palo Alto. (Urgent Care is open from 7:00 AM to
10:00 PM daily. The clinic switchboard is open 24 hours; the phone
number is 9-853-2958.)
Stanford Hospital Emergency Room (24-hour service; the phone number is 9-723-5111).

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The injured employees personal physician, if a personal physician has


previously been designated in writing (see note below).
If the injury is minor, employees may choose to delay examination by the SLAC
Medical Department until the next day.
Adhesive bandages are available through SLAC Stores. They are provided to give
protection until it is possible to have follow-up care at the Medical Department.
Adequate medical care is needed to prevent infection and to verify that employees have up-to-date tetanus immunizations.
Note:

2.1.3

Unless employees have predesignated a personal physician on the Physician Predesignation Form (obtained from the SLAC Medical Department), all medical
care for the first 30 days of treatment after a work-related injury or illness must
be obtained from the Stanford Prompt Care Unit at the Stanford Hospital or the
Occupational Health Department of the Palo Alto Medical Clinic. After 30 days,
employees may seek medical care with a doctor of their choice.

Employee Reporting Requirements


Employees must obtain, complete, sign, and submit Side A (Employees Statement) of an Occupational Accident Report (SU-17) at the SLAC Medical Department:
For any work-related accident, injury, illness, or exposure.1
Within 24 hours of the occurrence. An SU-17 must be completed even if
the employee does not seek medical treatment. The SU-17 fulfills legal
requirements, permits determination of the level of investigation
required to generate subsequent reports, and determines possible
remediation.

2.1.4

Supervisor Reporting Requirements


After SLAC employees complete Side A of an SU-17, the SLAC Medical Department sends the SU-17 to supervisors. The supervisors must promptly complete
and sign Side B (Supervisors Statement) and return the form to the Workers
Compensation Coordinator at MS 84.
If it is difficult to obtain the injured employees information (due to the
employees medical condition or absence from work) and supervisors do not
receive an SU-17 within a few days of a SLAC employee injury, supervisors must
complete Side B of the SU-17 at the SLAC Medical Department.
If the SLAC Medical Department is closed, supervisors must notify the Department by phone (ext. 2281) of the work-related accident, injury, illness, or exposure
as soon as possible. Supervisors must leave a message noting the:
Name of the injured employee.
Nature of the injury.
Time and date of the occurrence.
Name of clinic or hospital where the injured employee was transported.

2.1.5

Workers Compensation Benefits


Any SLAC employee experiencing a work-related injury or illness may be entitled
to workers compensation benefits. Such an injury or illness may have resulted

See the Stanford University Administrative Guide, Section 25.6, Accident and Incident Reporting.

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from a single occurrence or from repeated and prolonged exposure to activities or


substances at work. If an employee cannot work because of a work-related injury
or illness, that employee may be eligible to receive temporary disability benefits.
The disability must be substantiated by an authorized physician and all lost work
days must be verified by an authorized physician.
State law excludes disability payments for the first 3 days of missed work, unless
employees miss work for more than 14 days, or become hospitalized. Stanford,
however, pays employees a full salary for the day that the injury occurred and for
5 consecutive days following the day of the injury. The 5-day period is not
charged to sick leave or vacation. Benefit payments for this period are returned to
the University.
The weekly rate for temporary disability payment is based on two-thirds of the
injured employees gross average weekly wage. For injuries on or after July 1,
1995, the maximum paid is $448.00 per week. These benefits are exempt from Federal and State income taxes. After the 5-day period mentioned previously, accumulated sick leave and/or vacation may be used to supplement Workers
Compensation benefits, thus continuing income equivalent to full pay. Employees
should refer to the Stanford University Administrative Guide, memos 22.6, 25.2, 25.6,
and 27.7, for clarification of Temporary Disability payment issues.
The Workers Compensation Coordinator will submit an Employers Report of
Occupational Injury or Illness (Cal-OSHA Form 5020) when an industrial injury or
occupational disease results in lost time2 beyond the day of injury, or medical
treatment beyond that of first aid. The Form is required to support a disability
claim under workers compensation insurance. 3
To contact the Workers Compensation Coordinator, check the Environment,
Safety, and Health (ES&H) Division Resource List for the current extension.
Workers Compensation Claim Form (DWC-1)
If employees elect to file a workers compensation claim, they must complete
an Employees Claim for Workers Compensation Benefits form (DWC-1).4
The SLAC Medical Department will provide this form.
Immediate Reporting of Lost Work Days
If employees have a recurrence of lost work days due to the work-related
injury, illness, or exposure, the supervisor must notify the Workers Compensation Coordinator by phone to restart workers compensation salary payments.
Doctor and Physical Therapy Appointments
Note: The following information applies only to a work-related accident, injury, illness, or exposure.
Employees who must take time off to attend doctor or physical therapy
appointments should be encouraged to make these appointments at a time of
day that minimizes the amount of time away from work. Supervisors may
require written verification of attendance at the care provider. Time for these
2

Lost time includes restricted workdays.


See Stanford University Administrative Guide, Memo 22.6, for information regarding absences due to work-related disabilities and medical coverage under Workers Compensation.
4 DWC-1 forms are required by Legislative Code Section 5401 and 5402 of the State of California.
3

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purposes must be marked as work-connected disability on their timesheet or


timecard. This may result in a timesheet with more than 40 hours of work-connected disability, or an employee with more than 40 total hours of workrelated disability for one injury or illness. Whole days lost after the first 40
hours are still marked as sick leave, vacation leave, or both (subject to buyback).
Authorization for Return to Work
Any injured employee who has missed one or more full days of work as a
result of a work-related accident, injury, illness, or exposure must obtain a
medical evaluation and a written clearance to return to work. The medical
evaluation can be obtained from the attending physician or from the SLAC
Medical Department, but the written clearance may only be issued by the
SLAC Medical Department.
Supervisors must ensure that returning employees have written clearance
from the SLAC Medical Department to return to work. Supervisors should not
accept returning employees for more than 24 hours unless they have a properly completed medical clearance form.
If the SLAC Medical Department is closed when employees return to work,
they must go to the SLAC Medical Department no later than 24 hours following their return.

2.2

Non-SLAC Employees
This section explains the procedures that non-SLAC employees should follow for handling
a work-related accident, injury, illness, or exposure. Non-SLAC employees include subcontractors, temporary personnel from an agency, visitors, non-employee experimenters, collaborators, and students from other institutions.
2.2.1

Injuries Occurring During Day Shift


When a medical emergency occurs during a day shift, non-SLAC employees shall
contact the Palo Alto Fire Department (911 or 9-911). This will initiate the response
of the emergency crews, consisting of the on-site fire engine staff and the SLAC
Medical Department nurses. The emergency crews will evaluate the injured
employee with regard to cervical-spinal precautions, blood-borne pathogen
issues, and need of emergency room services.
In a non-emergency situation, managers and supervisors, upon the request of the
injured non-SLAC employee, should arrange for transportation to the Medical
Department, A&E Building (Building 41), Room 137, or to another health care provider of the injured employees choice (such as the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, the
Stanford Hospital, or the injured employees physician) without compounding the
injury.

2.2.2

Injuries Occurring During a Shift Other Than Day Shift


When a medical emergency occurs during a shift other than a day shift, non-SLAC
employees shall contact the Palo Alto Fire Department (911 or 9-911). This will initiate the response of the on-site fire engine crew, who will evaluate the injured
employee with regard to cervical-spinal precautions, blood-borne pathogen
issues, and need of emergency room services.

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In a non-emergency situation, managers and supervisors, upon the request of the


injured non-SLAC employee, should arrange for transportation to a health care
provider of the injured employees choice (such as the Palo Alto Medical Clinic,
the Stanford Hospital, or the injured employees physician) without compounding
the injury.
Adhesive bandages are available through SLAC Stores. They are provided to give
protection until it is possible to have follow-up medical care.
2.2.3

Non-SLAC Employees Reporting Requirements


Non-SLAC employees are strongly encouraged to obtain, complete, sign, and submit Side A (Employees Statement) of an Occupational Accident Report (SU-17) at
the SLAC Medical Department:
For any work-related accident, injury, illness, or exposure.5
Within 24 hours of the occurrence. An SU-17 should be completed even if
the non-SLAC employee does not seek medical treatment. The SU-17
complies with federal reporting requirements.
Non-SLAC employees are responsible for notifying their employer of any workrelated injury or illness resulting from an accident, incident, or exposure. SLAC
will not contact the employer. A copy of the SU-17 may be useful to the non-SLAC
employee in reporting the incident to their employer.

2.2.4

Supervisor/University Technical Representative Reporting Requirements


If non-SLAC employees complete Side A of an SU-17, the SLAC Medical Department will send the SU-17 to SLAC supervisors of non-SLAC employees or to University Technical Representatives (UTRs) overseeing subcontractors. The
supervisor/UTR must promptly complete and sign Side B (Supervisors Statement) and return the form to the Workers Compensation Coordinator at MS 84.
If supervisors/UTRs do not receive an SU-17 within a few days of a non-SLAC
employees injury, SLAC supervisors/UTRs must obtain an SU-17, complete Side B
and return the form to the SLAC Medical Department.
If the SLAC Medical Department is closed, SLAC supervisors/UTRs must notify
the SLAC Medical Department by phone (ext. 2281) of the accident, injury, illness,
or exposure as soon as possible. Supervisors must leave a message noting the:
Name of the injured individual.
Nature of the injury.
Time and date of the occurrence.
SLAC supervisors/UTRs must also notify the SLAC Contract Administrator.

2.2.5

Workers Compensation Benefits


The University does not have workers compensation responsibilities for nonSLAC employees.

2.2.6

Billing
If non-SLAC employees are treated at the SLAC Medical Department, their
employer may be billed for such treatment. Non-SLAC employees who seek medical assistance must identify their employer to the medical provider. Bills or
reports from medical providers received by SLAC for non-SLAC employees will

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See the Stanford University Administrative Guide, Section 25.6, Accident and Incident Reporting.

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28: Accidents, Injuries, Illnesses, and Exposures

not be honored or forwarded. If the employer is not identified properly, the medical provider will typically bill the non-SLAC employee directly.

Authorization for Return to Work Non-Work Related


SLAC employees who have been absent from work because of a non-work-related accident, injury,
illness, or exposure for 5 or more consecutive days are strongly encouraged to obtain a health evaluation to return to work. Health evaluations can be obtained from personal physicians or from the
SLAC Medical Department and are requested to assure that workers are capable of performing
their jobs in a safe, reliable manner.

Hazardous Material and Hazardous Waste Spills


Report hazardous material and hazardous waste spills (including radioactive and mixed waste6)
immediately to the Waste Management (WM) Department.
Outside of normal office hours, report hazardous material and hazardous waste spills immediately
to the Palo Alto Fire Department at 911 or 9-911.

Radiological Accidents and Emergencies


Report the following immediately to the Operational Health Physics (OHP) Department:
Transportation accidents involving radioactive materials
Radiation exposures, leaks, spills,7 and releases
Radiation exposures inside beam housings should also be reported to the Radiation Physics (RP)
Department.
Outside of normal office hours, report radiation exposures, leaks, spills, and releases immediately
to the Palo Alto Fire Department at 911 or 9-911.

Motor Vehicle Accidents


Personnel must report all government vehicle accidents to their immediate supervisor. For more
information on reporting vehicle accidents, consult Traffic and Vehicular Safety in this manual.

Property Damage
Personnel must immediately report accidents involving property damage to:
Supervisors of personnel who are involved in the accident.
The individual accountable for the property.
6
7

Mixed waste contains both radioactive and hazardous components.


Radiation spills should also be reported to the WM Department.

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Supervisors must promptly report, by telephone, any property loss or any significant damage to
property in their custody to the Business Services Division (BSD). Departments must then send
BSD a memorandum identifying the property and giving complete details regarding the loss or
damage.
If the property damage is equal to or greater than $5,000, the supervisor responsible for the property must supply the Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department with the information necessary to complete the Property Loss Form (Department of Energy (DOE) F 5484.3). SHA will then
complete the form.

Additional Situations that Require Reporting


Any person having information concerning an event or condition that fits any of the following
descriptions must contact one of the originators of occurrence reports (see below).
Affects the health and safety of SLAC personnel or the public8
Seriously impacts the intended purpose of DOE facilities
Has a noticeably adverse effect on the environment
Is considered an emergency, unusual occurrence, or off-normal occurrence, as
derived from the definitions in the SLAC Workbook for Occurrence Reporting
(Volume 01-03)
The descriptions listed above are broad categories for general use. For more detailed instructions
on occurrence reporting, refer to the SLAC Workbook for Occurrence Reporting.
To prevent unnecessary reports, only the following people will originate occurrence reports:
Engineering Operator-in-Charge (EOIC) at SLAC
Stanford Positron-Electron Asymmetric Ring (SPEAR) Operator at SSRL
SHA personnel

Preservation of the Accident Scene


Accident scenes must be preserved so that the causes of an accident can be analyzed and similar
accidents can be avoided.

9.1

Conditions Requiring Preservation of the Accident Scene


An accident scene shall be preserved if the EOIC makes a request to preserve the scene, or
if the accident results in any of the following:
A fatality
Disabling injury or illness of five or more persons
Estimated damage exceeding $100,000

28-8

This category includes reporting of impaired individuals who are operating or may be operating machinery or vehicles.
Impaired behavior includes slurred speech, loss of coordination, and unsteady gait.

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28: Accidents, Injuries, Illnesses, and Exposures

Procedure for Preserving an Accident Scene


SLAC Security should:

Secure the scene.


Prevent movement of personnel, equipment, or vehicles in and around the
scene.
Take color photographs, particularly of transient evidence, such as liquids or
scuff marks.

10

Accident Investigation
Note:

For information on investigative and corrective action, see the SLAC Workbook for Occurrence
Reporting (DOE-5000.3A) and the SLAC Guidelines for Operations, Guideline 7.

Accident investigation is the systematic collection and analysis of information pertaining to factors suspected of contributing to, or having caused, an undesired event. The goal of accident
investigations is to prevent the recurrence of accidents by identifying the causes, reducing the
probability that these causes will recur, and identifying the means for correcting deficiencies. Accident investigations do not place blame or initiate punishment.

10.1

Responsibility
The Associate Directors shall appoint a designated responsible manager for accident
investigations, in accordance with the SLAC Guidelines for Operations, Guideline 7, Section
8.2. Designated responsible managers should be familiar with the operation, equipment,
employees, and hazards involved.

10.2

Guidelines
The depth of the investigation required depends on the actual and potential injuries or
damages and the complexity of the relevant physical, psychological, and environmental
conditions.
10.2.1 Interviewing Personnel
As soon as reasonably possible, supervisors must make arrangements to discuss
the accident with the parties involved. The discussions must be held in an area
where relative privacy is ensured.
At the start of the interview, supervisors must explain that the purpose of the
investigation is to identify the causes of the accident so that corrective action can
be taken to prevent similar incidents. Accident prevention should be stressed.
Supervisors must:
Ask questions to determine:
Who was involved.
When the accident happened.
Where the accident happened.
How the accident occurred.
Why the accident occurred.

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What action is necessary to prevent similar accidents.


Ensure that all information needed to complete any reports has been
acquired.
Ask the parties involved to provide any additional information.
10.2.2 Analyzing Information
Supervisors must obtain and analyze sufficient information pertaining to the accident to identify corrective actions.
10.2.3 Taking Corrective Action
Corrective actions prevent future accidents because they eliminate or reduce the
conditions that caused or contributed to the initial accident.
Supervisors are responsible for coordinating and implementing effective and economically feasible corrective actions. Possible corrective actions to prevent recurrence of accidents include:
Designing safer facilities and equipment.
Developing sound operational procedures.
Providing proper job assignments.
Providing adequate training.
Providing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Providing adequate supervision.
10.2.4 Validating Corrective Action
Supervisors must:
Inform appropriate personnel of the corrective actions.
Solicit opinions on the adequacy of the corrective actions.
Ensure that corrective actions are sufficient to mitigate the problem
and are implemented as soon as possible.
Determine the effectiveness of corrective actions after a reasonable
time.
10.2.5 Documenting the Accident
Every accident investigation must be documented and must include all the steps
listed in Sections 7 through 10.

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29

Respirator Program
Related Chapters
Confined Space
Industrial Hygiene
Lead
Medical
Personal Protective
Equipment

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

29-2

2 Responsibilities

29-2

2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

29-2

2.2

Managers and Supervisors

29-3

2.3

SLAC Personnel and Contract Personnel with SLAC Supervisors

29-3

2.4

Independent Contractors

29-3

3 Training

29-3

4 Identification of Hazardous Breathing Conditions

29-4

5 Determination of Respirator Need

29-4

6 Determination of Respirator Type

29-5

7 Types of Respirators

29-5

7.1

Air-Line Respirator

29-5

7.2

Air-purifying Respirators

29-5

8 Dust Masks

29-6

9 Procurement of a Respirator or Dust Mask

29-7

9.1

Respirator Users Form

29-7

9.2

Dust Mask Users Form

29-8

9.3

Medical Evaluation

29-8

9.4

Respirators Not Issued by Stores

29-8

10 Maintenance and Care of Dust Masks

29-8

11 Maintenance and Care of Respirators

29-9

11.1 Inspection

29-9

11.2 Disinfection

29-9

11.3 Replacement and Repair

29-9

11.4 Storage

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Overview
The Department of Energy (DOE) requires that exposures to hazards in the workplace be maintained below the acceptable limits. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
and the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) have established
standard exposure limits for respiratory hazards.
Where practical, engineering controls such as fume hoods, proper ventilation, or the modification
of industrial processes are used to prevent occupational exposure to air contaminated with harmful dusts, mists, fumes, gases, vapors, or radioactive or toxic particles. Respirators are required
when an industrial hygienist has determined that the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is
exceeded, or it is anticipated that the limit will be exceeded.
If respirator use is required, an industrial hygienist will determine the type of respirator to be
used. The individual required to wear a respirator must, on an annual basis, pass the training
course, take the practical fit test, and receive a medical evaluation.
When a respirator is not required, an individual may choose to use a dust mask. The individual
choosing to wear a dust mask must first get authorization from an industrial hygienist and a medical evaluation prior to wearing the dust mask. Dust mask users may elect to take the general
training course. If dust mask use is elected and authorized, SLAC will provide the individual with
a National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved dust mask.

Responsibilities
2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


2.1.1

Industrial Hygiene
Industrial Hygiene:
Provides assistance with the implementation of the Respirator Program.
Investigates reports of possible respiratory hazards.
Determines if a respirator or dust mask use is required.
Determines which type of respirator will be used for a specific hazardous
breathing condition based upon sampling data or exposures anticipated by an
industrial hygienist.
Provides personnel with practical training in the proper use of their modelspecific respirator, when respirator use is required.
Conducts fit tests to ensure that respirators are properly fitted, when respirator use is required.
Monitors activities that typically create hazardous breathing conditions.

2.1.2

Medical Department
The Medical Department:
Provides medical evaluations for personnel who are required to wear
respirators.
Provides medical authorization for personnel to wear respirators.
Provides medical evaluations for personnel who elect to wear a dust mask.
Provides medical authorization for personnel to wear dust masks.

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29: Respirator Program

Quality Assurance Group


The Quality Assurance (QA) Group will periodically coordinate an audit of the
effectiveness of the Industrial Hygiene Program, including respirator protection.

2.2

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors:
Contact an industrial hygienist whenever they suspect that a potential or
actual hazardous breathing condition exists.
Complete the general respirator safety training course if their personnel are
required to use respirators.
Register their personnel who are required to wear respirators in the general
training course on respirator safety.
Obtain the appropriate respirator (as determined by an industrial hygienist)
for personnel required to use a respirator.
Ensure that personnel have obtained medical authorization before wearing
either a dust mask or a respirator.
Ensure that personnel required to use a respirator properly use and maintain
their respirator.

2.3

SLAC Personnel and Contract Personnel with SLAC Supervisors


SLAC personnel and contract personnel with SLAC supervisors:

Inspect respirators or dust masks before and after each use.


Properly use and maintain their respirator or dust mask.
Report any respirator malfunction to their immediate supervisor.
Participate in annual training, if respirator use is required.
Obtain an annual medical evaluation before wearing a dust mask or respirator.

2.4

Independent Contractors
Personnel who are not directly supervised by SLAC management must provide their own
OSHA compliant Respirator Protection Program (RPP), including respirators, if required.
Independent Contractor Respirator Programs are subject to audit by SLAC.

Training
Both personnel who are required to wear respirators and their immediate supervisor must be
properly trained to ensure the safe and effective use of respirators. There are two respirator classes
offered by the ES&H Division. The first class is a general training course on respirator safety. The
second class is a practical training and fit test given by an industrial hygienist. This practical training is specific to the type and model of respirator being used by the individual.

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Both classes are mandatory for personnel who are required to wear respirators and must be documented. These personnel must take an annual refresher course and a practical fit test as long as
they are required to use a respirator. At a minimum, personnel required to wear respirators must
know:
How to properly inspect, don, check the fit, and wear their respirator.
How to properly maintain and store their respirator.
How to recognize emergency situations.
The operation, capabilities, and limitations of the respirator.
When and why respiratory protection is necessary.
Personnel who elect to wear a dust mask will receive written general training and fitting instructions when they pick up their disposable respirators at Stores. In addition to the written instructions, they may choose to take the general training course on respirator safety.
Managers or supervisors must take the general respirator safety course if they have any personnel
who are required to wear a respirator. This training must be completed before any of their personnel are allowed to wear a respirator.

Identification of Hazardous Breathing Conditions


Hazardous breathing conditions may occur when toxic material is dispersed into the air, when
oxygen is consumed by combustion or reaction, or when oxygen is displaced by a gas or a vapor.
All personnel should be aware of the activities that typically create hazardous breathing conditions. Examples of such activities include:
Grinding or machining a toxic metal, such as lead.
Cutting and welding toxic metals or metals coated with toxic materials.
Any activity that generates toxic vapors, such as using an industrial solvent.
Any activity performed in a small, poorly ventilated area.
Any activity involving hazardous substances such as lead, asbestos, beryllium,
carbon monoxide, carcinogens, or hazardous chemicals.
Hazardous breathing conditions may also occur:
When new industrial processes are being developed and appropriate control
measures have not yet been determined.
When engineering controls are not practical because tasks are brief or are performed only once.
When engineering controls cannot bring exposures below the permissible
exposure limit.
As the result of an accident, a chemical spill, or a fire.
Note:

For information on hazardous breathing conditions in confined spaces, see the chapter Confined
Space of this manual.

Determination of Respirator Need


Whenever a potential or actual hazardous breathing condition exists, or respirator or dust mask
use is considered, an industrial hygienist must be contacted. An industrial hygienist will evaluate

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the situation, determine if respirator use is required or elective, and respond to the requestor with
a written evaluation. Industrial Hygiene surveys document exposure levels in the work place and
makes specific recommendations for respirator use. Immediate supervisors or managers shall
notify the SHA Department of changes in their work area that involve ventilation, new machinery,
or new chemical processes which may require respirator protection.

Determination of Respirator Type


An industrial hygienist will specify the type of respirator to be used, if any. If dust mask use is
elected, SLAC will provide the individual choosing to use one with a NIOSH-approved dust mask,
providing that:
The industrial hygienist authorizes the use of a dust mask.
The individual receives medical authorization.
Note:

SLAC does not provide respirators or dust masks to Independent Contractors as defined in
Section 2.4.

Types of Respirators
A respirator is any device worn by an individual to supply air or to reduce the concentration of a
hazardous material in inhaled air. The respirators used at SLAC are:
1. Supplied air.
2. Air-purifying.

7.1

Air-Line Respirator
An air-line respirator supplies air to the facepiece through a hose or air line that is connected to an air supply. The air supply is not carried by the wearer. This type of respirator
comes in half-mask, full-face, and loose fitting hood styles. There are no air-line respirators available through Stores. These respirators may only be obtained with the authorization of an industrial hygienist.

7.2

Air-purifying Respirators
Air-purifying respirators filter and/or absorb contaminants from inhaled air. There are
two types of air-purifying respirators used at SLAC. They are:
Half-mask respirators.
Full-face respirators.
Note:

Air-purifying respirators are not to be worn in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

7.2.1

Half-Mask Respirators
A half-mask respirator uses absorbent cartridges and/or filters to remove contaminants from inhaled air. The type of contaminant removed depends on the
specific type of cartridge or filter used.
Note:

30 October 1995

Before using this respirator, fit testing by an industrial hygienist is mandatory.

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Stores has one type of half-mask disposable respirator available upon written
authorization from an industrial hygienist and the SLAC Medical Department.
This particular respirator is effective against specific organic vapors and acid
gases. It may not be used for dusts, fumes, mists, or non-listed acid gases.
Note:
7.2.2

This style of respirator does not provide eye protection and is not suitable for use
against chemicals that are skin or eye irritants.

Full-Face Respirators
Full-face respirators are purchased from the manufacturer with written authorization from an industrial hygienist and the SLAC Medical Department. A full-face
respirator uses absorbent cartridges and/or filters to remove contaminants from
inhaled air. The type of contaminant removed depends on the specific type of cartridge or filter used.
Note:

This style of respirator provides eye protection and may be used for
contaminants that are skin or eye irritants.

When a respirator user must wear corrective lenses, and a full-face respirator is
required, a glasses kit shall be fitted to provide good vision and a good seal of the
respirator.
Note:

Before using this respirator, fit testing by an industrial hygienist is


mandatory.

Dust Masks
Dust masks are available for personnel who elect to wear them, upon approval of an industrial
hygienist and authorization from the Medical Department. They are used primarily as protection
against nuisance levels of particulates such as dusts, mists, and metal fumes produced when
welding, brazing, cutting, or other operations involving the heating of metals.
There are two types of NIOSH approved dust masks available from Stores for use at SLAC. They
are listed in the table below.
Table 29-1. Dust Masks Available from SLAC Stores
Dust Mask

Helps Protect Against

Dust/Mist
Model 3M 9900

Certain dusts that can be produced by grinding, crushing, drilling, machining, spraying, or sawing.
Mists from sprays that do not also produce harmful vapors.

SLAC Stores Part #42-375-125-04

Dust and Welding Fume


Model 3M 9920

Certain dusts that can be produced by grinding, crushing, drilling, machining, spraying, or sawing.
Mists from sprays that do not also produce harmful vapors.

SLAC Stores Part #42-450-200-01

29-6

Metal fumes produced by welding, brazing, soldering, torchcutting, melting, and other operations involving heating of
metals.

Do not use in atmospheres containing less than 19.5% oxygen.

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Note:

These dust masks are not to be worn:


As protection against harmful gases or vapor.
As protection against toxic contaminants.
As protection against high concentrations of contaminants (such as
those released during sandblasting).
In oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

Procurement of a Respirator or Dust Mask


SLAC offers different types of respirators for those who are required to wear them, and dust masks

for personnel who elect to wear them. There are two different procedures for obtaining the respirators and dust masks.
Note:

Personnel must complete all required steps before using their respirator or dust mask at SLAC.

Personnel required to wear respirators may obtain them by following the procedures in the Respirator Users Form (RUF). Personnel who elect to wear dust masks may obtain them by following
the procedures in the Dust Mask Users Form (DMUF).

9.1

Respirator Users Form


To obtain a respirator, observe the following procedure:
1. Obtain a Respirator Users Form (RUF) from the department or group administrative section.
2. The immediate supervisor approves the use of a respirator and signs the form,
keeping their copy.
3. The immediate supervisor registers the requestor in the Respirator Safety
training class and sends the requestor to Industrial Hygiene.
4. The requestor takes the RUF form to an industrial hygienist in the SHA Department. The industrial hygienist will:
A. Evaluate and decide if respirator use is required.
B. Determine the type of respirator to be used, if any.
C. Sign the Industrial Hygiene authorization section on the RUF form.
5. The requestor takes the signed form to the Medical Department.
6. The Medical Department evaluates the individual to determine if they can
safely wear a respirator. The nurse or doctor from the Medical Department
will sign the form and keep their copy.
7. The requestor takes the form to their immediate supervisor.
8. The immediate supervisor purchases the appropriate respirator.
9. Upon completion of the Respirator Safety training course, the trainer will sign
the form.

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10. The requestor takes his/her respirator to Industrial Hygiene for a fit test and a
practical hands-on training session. A fit test must be done before the individual uses his/her respirator at SLAC.
Note:

Facial hair interferes with the respirator-to-face seal. Personnel who are required
to use a respirator must be clean-shaven where the mask contacts the face.

11. After the fit test and the practical, an industrial hygienist will sign the form,
retain the original copy of the form, and give the requestor their copy.

9.2

Dust Mask Users Form


To obtain a dust-mask, observe the following procedure:
1. Obtain a Dust Mask Users Form (DMUF) from the department or group
administrative section.
2. The immediate supervisor registers the requestor in the Respirator Safety
Training Class, if requested by the individual, and sends the requestor to
Industrial Hygiene.
3. The Medical Department evaluates the individual to determine if he/she can
safely wear a dust mask. The nurse or doctor from the Medical Department
will sign the form and keep their copy.
4. Contact an industrial hygienist in the SHA Department.
5. An industrial hygienist will evaluate and determine the type of dust mask to
be used.
6. An industrial hygienist will sign the form and keep one copy.
7. The requestor will take the signed form to Stores.
8. Stores will issue the dust masks along with a copy of the written general
training and fitting instructions. Stores will retain a copy of the form and
return the original to the requestor.

9.3

Medical Evaluation
No respirators or dust masks will be issued without a medical evaluation. Immediate
supervisors must ensure that personnel denied authorization by the Medical Department
to wear either a respirator or dust mask, as indicated on either the DMUF or RUF forms, are
not issued dust masks or respirators.

10

Maintenance and Care of Dust Masks


Maintain your dust mask in a clean and sanitary condition.
Do not share your dust mask.
Store your dust mask in a plastic bag or box in a secure location.
Do not use a dust mask that is torn, distorted, or dirty.

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11

29: Respirator Program

Maintenance and Care of Respirators


Proper maintenance and care of respirators include:
Performing a leak check each time the respirator is put on, prior to entering a
hazardous atmosphere.
Periodic inspection for defects.
Periodic cleaning and disinfecting.
Replacement and repair as needed.
Proper storage.
Note:

Groups that use respirators must have a written maintenance program and a designated
responsible party to oversee the maintenance program, as outlined in OSHA 1910.134.

11.1

Inspection
OSHA requires inspection of all respirators before and after use. A record must be kept of
inspection dates and findings for all respirators maintained for emergency use. Respirators that are not used routinely are to be inspected after each use and at least monthly. Respirator inspections must include:

A check for tightness on the fitting connections.


A check of the condition of all rubber and elastic parts for pliability and deterioration.
A check of the facepiece, valves, connecting tube, and cannisters.

11.2

Disinfection
A respirator should be cleaned and disinfected after each use. Respirators that are maintained for emergency use must be cleaned and disinfected after each use. The detergents
used to clean the respirator(s) should contain some type of biocide for disinfection.
To clean and disinfect respirators made of rubber:
Disassemble and wash with dishwashing detergent in warm water, using a
soft brush.
Thoroughly rinse to remove any detergent residue.
Air dry in a clean place.
Note:

11.3

Do not use organic solvents to clean the respirators or high heat to dry them, as this may
damage the elastomeric facepiece.

Replacement and Repair


Repair of respirators shall be done only by experienced personnel with parts designed for
the specific respirator needing repair. No attempt shall be made to replace parts, or to
make adjustments or repairs beyond the manufacturers recommendations.

11.4

Storage
Respirator users should follow these guidelines for storing respirators:
Store respirators such that they are protected against dust, sunlight, heat,
extreme cold, excessive moisture, damaging chemicals, or contamination.

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Respirators placed at stations and work areas for emergency use should be
quickly accessible at all times and should be stored in compartments built for
that purpose. The compartments should be clearly marked.
Instructions for proper storage of emergency respirators, such as gas masks
and self-contained breathing apparatus, are found in use and care instructions usually mounted inside the carrying case lid.
Do not store respirators in such places as lockers or tool boxes unless they are
in carrying cases or cartons.
Respirators should be packed or stored according to the manufacturers
instructions.

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30

Air Quality
Related Chapters
Hazard Communication
Hazardous Material
Hazardous Waste
Traffic and Transportation
Safety
Waste Minimization and
Pollution Prevention

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

30-1

2 Responsibilities

30-2

2.1 Environmental Protection and Restoration Department

30-2

2.2 Waste Management Department

30-2

2.3 Managers and Supervisors

30-2

2.4 Personnel

30-3

3 Air Pollutants and Sources of Air Pollution


3.1 Categories of Air Pollutants

30-4

3.2 Categories of Permitted Air Pollution Sources

30-5

4 Air Permits

30-7

4.1 Air Permit Record Keeping Requirements

30-7

4.2 Permit Posting Requirements

30-8

5 Training

30-8

6 Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention

30-8

Table 30-1 Types of Criteria and Organic Pollution Sources at SLAC

30-4

30-5

Overview
It is SLAC policy to conduct its work in a manner that minimizes the impact of its operations on
human health and the environment. In order to comply with the Federal Clean Air Act and maintain the required ambient air quality standards (AQSs), SLAC adheres to the rules and regulations
administered by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and the California Air
Resources Board (CARB). These rules pertain both to mobile sources, such as motor vehicles, and
stationary sources, such as industrial operations and associated equipment.

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This chapter outlines individual responsibilities for compliance with air quality standards for permitted air pollution sources; provides lists of air pollutants of concern; explains the sources and
types of emissions subject to permit requirements; and summarizes applicable regulations, inspections, and permit requirements. The chapter also discusses training requirements, waste minimization, and pollution prevention measures.

Responsibilities
2.1

Environmental Protection and Restoration Department


The Environmental Protection and Restoration (EPR) Department:
Provides air permit regulatory guidance to managers and supervisors.
Inspects facilities on a regular basis to verify compliance with air permit regulations.
Provides air permit related forms.
Reviews copies of inspection forms and usage logs to ensure that all permit
conditions are being met and that emissions limits have not been exceeded.
Inspects new equipment to determine permit requirements.
Completes and submits applications for new air permits, permit modifications, and air permit reports.
Gathers additional air emissions information for regulatory reports on a caseby-case basis.
Maintains records of BAAQMD site inspections.
Keeps copies of the latest BAAQMD rules and regulations.
Submits annual reports to BAAQMD and DOE regarding compliance with permit conditions and overall air pollution control at SLAC.
Maintains copies of all air permit applications.
Coordinates payment of fees for new permits and annual renewals.
Provides recycling and waste minimization advice.

2.2

Waste Management Department


The Waste Management (WM) Department:
Disposes of hazardous wastes, such as solvents, paints, paint coatings, and
pollution control device waste.
Provides and collects waste containers for hazardous wastes.

2.3

Managers and Supervisors


SLAC line management has overall responsibility for implementing the SLAC air quality
program, with the advice and support of the EPR Department staff.

Managers and supervisors:


Know the correct operating permit conditions and supervise personnel to
ensure that equipment meets these conditions.

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30: Air Quality

Ensure that personnel:


Receive on-the-job training, as well as any additional training
required.
Perform all duties required to comply with air permit rules and regulations.
Regularly inspect equipment (including solvent tanks and pollution abatement and control devices) to ensure proper operation and to verify compliance
with air permit requirements.
Complete inspection records for abatement devices and submit these records
to the EPR Department semi-annually. Contact the EPR Department to obtain
standardized forms.
Retain original inspection forms and usage logs and forward copies to the EPR
Department.
Ensure that permit posting requirements are met by individual departments.
Notify the EPR Department when:
1. Considering a new project that may release air pollutants.
2. Purchasing new equipment that could require air permit applications.
3. Modifying or repairing existing permitted equipment or abatement
devices.
4. Encountering asbestos-containing material in the workplace.
Supply EPR with the information required to complete air permit applications
and reports.
Contact the EPR Department staff and this manuals chapter, Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention, to develop and implement procedures for
recycling chemicals and decreasing hazardous waste.
Contact the WM Department to dispose of hazardous waste associated with
permitted sources.

2.4

Personnel
Personnel should:
Know how to recognize conditions that typically cause air pollution by receiving appropriate on-the-job training and any additional training required.
Comply with all air permit regulations and controls. (See Section 5, Training.)
Maintain records of all solvent use for permitted sources, proper operation of
pollution control equipment, equipment maintenance, and solvent recyclers.
Copies of these records should be forwarded to the EPR Department. Records
are not needed for wipe-cleaning operations.
Maintain adequate air space in cold cleaners and degreasers.
Notify their immediate supervisors when permitted source equipment and
abatement devices require repair or modification and perform all necessary
repairs.
Promptly notify their immediate supervisors of any known or suspected violations of air pollution regulations.
Ensure that storage containers for wipe cleaning cloths are covered when not
in use and are emptied on a regular basis.
Contact the WM Department to obtain hazardous waste containers and to dispose of their contents.

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Air Pollutants and Sources of Air Pollution


Air permit regulations are designed to control emissions of particulates, odors, inorganic gases,
hazardous pollutants, and organic compounds. For specific responsibilities, refer to Section 2,
Responsibilities.

3.1

Categories of Air Pollutants


The main categories of air pollutants at SLAC are criteria pollutants, organic compounds,
and air toxics.
3.1.1

Criteria Pollutants
Criteria pollutants are compounds that may endanger public health. These compounds include the following:
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Oxides of nitrogen (NOx)
Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
Particulate matter (PM10)
Ozone
Lead (Pb)

3.1.2

Organic Compounds
Organic compounds have received a great deal of attention in recent years due to
their contribution to smog and to the depletion of the ozone layer. For this reason,
the BAAQMD has strict rules on processes and products that utilize or contain
organic compounds.
The two most common organic air pollutants at SLAC are precursor organics and
non-precursor organics.
3.1.2.1

Precursors
Precursor organic compounds, which react with light to form photochemical tropospheric smog, include gasoline vapors, perchloroethylene, alcohols, and ketones.

3.1.2.2

Non-Precursors
Non-precursor organics are compounds that do not contribute to photochemical smog, but may deplete the ozone layer in the stratosphere.
This group includes methylene chloride, methyl chloroform, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), commonly referred to as Freons. At SLAC, nonprecursor organic compounds are used in equipment such as vapor
degreasers, cold cleaners, and air conditioning.

3.1.3

Air Toxics
Although these pollutants are not covered by ambient air quality standards, air
toxics are thought to cause or contribute to irreversible illness, incapacitating illness, or death.

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30: Air Quality

Some air toxics, such as volatile organics, are also precursor compounds. Selected
substances from the list of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) that may typically be
found at SLAC are listed below.
Arsenic
Glycol ethers
Perchloroethylene or Perc
Asbestos
Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
Radionuclides
Cyanide
Nickel
1,1,1-Trichloroethane (TCA)
Beryllium
Lead
Mercury
Cadmium
Chromium
Methanol

3.2

Categories of Permitted Air Pollution Sources


The main categories of permitted air pollution sources at SLAC are summarized in Table 1
and outlined below.
Table 30-1. Types of Criteria and Organic Pollution Sources at SLAC

30 October 1995

Pollution Source

Pollutant

Boilers

Nitrous oxides (NOx);


Carbon monoxide (CO)

Paints and coatings;


spray paint booths

VOCs

Cutting/grinding

Particulates

Sandblasting

Particulates

Construction;
asbestos removal

Asbestos dust

Solvent cleaning operations


Wipe cleaners
Cold cleaners
Hot vapor Degreasers

VOCs

Solvent recyclers

VOCs

Sludge Dryer

Particulates

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3.2.1

Asbestos Operations
SLACs Asbestos Protection Program and OSHA considerations for asbestosrelated safety issues are described in the Asbestos chapter of this manual. In
general, only subcontractors are authorized to remove and package asbestos
material at SLAC.

The EPR Department reviews all asbestos or asbestos-containing material (ACM)


operations. Because improper handling of ACM may cause air contamination, the
EPR Department must be notified as soon as possible when any amount of ACM
removal is planned. In addition, a minimum of 10 working days may be required
as advance notice to the BAAQMD.
Contact the EPR Department for further information regarding asbestos issues.
3.2.2

Paints and Coatings


Paints and other surface coatings (such as lacquers, varnishes, enamels, and sealants) contain organic solvents (including xylenes, glycol ethers, and chlorinated
hydrocarbons) for easier application. Organic solvents may be released to the
environment during painting and coating operations.
SLAC has a paint spray booth equipped with filters to provide air emissions control for routine painting of equipment and fabricated metal and wood parts.If
paints are used elsewhere, the user needs to comply with VOC limits. Contact the
EPR Department for more information.

All paint, coatings, paint/coating containers, and particulate filters must be disposed of as hazardous waste and must not be thrown into the regular trash. Contact the WM Department for more information.
3.2.3

Solvent Cleaning Operations


At SLAC, solvents are used mainly for cleaning equipment parts, either by dipping in vapor-degreasing and cold-cleaning tanks, or by wiping with a solventsoaked cloth.
Vapor degreasing involves using heated solvent vapors and spray wands to clean
equipment parts, while cold cleaning uses cold solvents, such as petroleum distillates or isopropyl alcohol.
Wipe cleaning involves using a solvent-soaked cloth or paper towel to clean
equipment parts. Place used cloths/paper towels into a special, covered waste
container provided at each department where wipe cleaning is performed. Contact the WM Department for disposal of used cloths as hazardous waste.

3.2.4

Sandblasting Operations
SLAC has on-site sandblasting booths for cleaning equipment parts through abrasion. The sandblasting process uses both dry aluminum oxide and wet abrasives.
Used abrasives, paint chips, and other materials are drawn into a collection reservoir, typically a baghouse. Baghouses are like vacuum cleaners, collecting suspended dusts and solids from exhaust air as it passes through filter bags. Cyclone
baghouses perform a similar function, using centrifugal force and gravity. Filtered
air is then discharged to the atmosphere.

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30: Air Quality

Consult the EPR Department before doing any dry sandblasting (such as preparation of buildings for repainting and fixed location equipment cleaning). Unconfined sandblasting is permitted on a case-by-case basis.
3.2.5

Sludge Dryers
Before it is sent off site for disposal, sludge from rinse water treatment/metal finishing operations passes through a filter press that removes excess water. The
sludge is then sent through a heater, where the remaining moisture is released. A
packed tower fume scrubber collects emissions from the dryer. Water is then
sprayed downward through the tower to absorb any gas and particulates given
off by the exhaust air as it travels upward.

3.2.6

Boilers
Boilers supply heat for climate control in buildings and to heat solutions for plat-

ing processes. These activities produce nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.
Proper maintenance and annual tune-ups to minimize emissions from the boilers
are performed on a regular basis.
3.2.7

Vehicles
Both personal and government vehicles are subject to the California Air
Resources Boards Smog Check program. The aim of the program is to keep vehicles within allowable emissions standards. SLAC maintains compliance records
for General Services Administration (GSA) and Department of Energy (DOE) vehicles.

Air Permits
The EPR Department provides assistance to ensure compliance with air permit conditions and

reviews operations that have a potential to cause air pollution. Copies of current permits can be
obtained from EPR. Contact the EPR Department to obtain applications for permits or permit modifications for:
New air pollution sources/control devices, such as the types listed above.
Air pollution sources/control devices that are added or removed from the site.
Changes in operating conditions.
To prevent delays, notify the EPR Department as soon as possible when you require an air permit.

4.1

Air Permit Record Keeping Requirements


In accordance with BAAQMD standards, managers must ensure that personnel maintain
records of all solvent use, proper operation of pollution control equipment, and equipment maintenance. These records are also used for DOE reporting requirements. The EPR
Department gathers additional air emissions information on a case-by-case basis for other
regulatory reports. Tracking of solvent use is further verified through purchase and inventory records maintained by Stores and Purchasing. See specific reporting and inspecting
duties outlined in Section 2, Responsibilities.

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30: Air Quality

4.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Permit Posting Requirements


Individual departments must designate individuals to post signs at each piece of pollution-control equipment. The signs should contain the permit source number and should
indicate that the equipments use is permitted by the BAAQMD.

Training
Personnel should receive appropriate on-the-job training to:
Ensure proper operation of process equipment that has the potential to generate air emissions.
Correctly operate associated air pollution control devices.
Complete required reporting forms.
On-the-job training is the responsibility of managers and supervisors. If necessary, the EPR Department can provide additional assistance.

Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention


SLAC Stores has begun substituting new cleaning and degreasing solvents for products that contain hazardous chemicals, such as CFCs, methyl chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride. The new
products contain hydrocarbon-based or water-based solvents that do not contribute to ozone
depletion. Check with SLAC Stores for the substitute options available.

Abatement and control devices can reduce pollutant emissions between 70% and 99%. Managers
should inspect abatement and control devices to ensure proper operation.
Environmental regulations aimed at reducing VOCs to minimize smog formation have resulted in
a conversion to low-solvent or water-based coatings. Check with the EPR Department for a list of
available options.

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31

Citizen Committees
Related Chapters
The SLAC ES&H Program
Electrical Safety
Fire Safety
Stop Work Authority and
Stopping Unsafe Activities
Hoisting and Rigging
Laser Safety
Pressure and Vacuum Vessels
Radiological Safety
Seismic Safety
Waste Minimization and
Pollution Prevention

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

31-2

2 General Charter for Citizen Committees

31-2

2.1

Preamble

31-2

2.2

Appointments

31-3

2.3

Responsibilities

31-3

2.4

Emergency Powers

31-4

2.5

Committee Decisions

31-4

2.6

Reporting

31-4

2.7

Amendments

31-4

2.8

Meeting Schedule

31-5

3 Charters

31-5

3.1

Safety Overview Committee

31-5

3.2

As Low As Reasonably Achievable Committee

31-6

3.3

Earthquake Safety Committee

31-7

3.4

Electrical Safety Committee

31-8

3.5

Environmental Safety Committee

31-8

3.6

Fire Protection Safety Committee

31-9

3.7

Hazardous Experimental Equipment Committee

31-10

3.8

Hoisting and Rigging Safety Committee

31-11

3.9

Non-ionizing Radiation Safety Committee

31-12

3.10 Pressure and Vacuum Vessel Safety Committee

31-13

3.11 Radiation Safety Committee

31-14

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31: Citizen Committees

SLAC ES&H Manual

Overview
Citizen committees objectively review SLAC environment, safety, and health issues to help promote a safe and environmentally sound operation and to verify conformance with SLAC policy.
Each committee oversees a particular discipline and is composed of experts in that field. A Citizen
Committee review may include:
Assisting personnel evaluate hazards
Inspecting operations and projects
Interpreting industry standards
Recommending appropriate procedures and policies
Reviewing accelerator facility procedures, reviewing safety training programs
Verifying that design processes comply with safety regulations1
This chapter provides the General Charter for Citizen Committees, which includes stipulations common to all citizen committees and to each committee charter. Charter texts are also available
through the specific committee chairpersons; in the Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Document Room; and on the SLAC ES&H World Wide Web Site at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/committees/committee.html
Committee member names can be found at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/slaconly/ccmem.html
Additional information on citizen committees may be found in Section 7 of Guideline 5, Safety
Organization in Volume 01-01 of the SLAC Guidelines for Operations, which can be found at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/pubs/gfo/gfoindex.html

General Charter for Citizen Committees


The stipulations below are common to all citizen committees, unless specified otherwise in individual committee charters.

2.1

Preamble
The responsibility for safety and for complying with ES&H regulations and standards at
SLAC belongs to the line organization. Citizen committees and the ES&H Division support
the line organization in this enterprise.
Group leaders, department heads, and project supervisors are responsible for informing
the relevant committee(s) of any project, installation, or activity that may require a citizen
committee review (prior to the start of operation). Passing citizen committee reviews
implies that the committees have not identified a safety objection to the proposed design
or procedure. It does not constitute a release for the group conducting the activity; the
primary responsibility for safety remains with the group. No reviewed activity shall take
place until the relevant committee completes this review and the responsible group has
addressed the findings.

31-2

Departments are responsible for applying current engineering standards and codes to designs before submitting the designs for
review.

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2.2

31: Citizen Committees

Appointments
Committee members are appointed by the Director upon the recommendation of the
Environment, Safety, and Health Coordinating Council (ES&HCC) and the chairperson of
the relevant committee. Nominations shall have the intent of bringing a range of expertise
to the committees.
Chairpersons serve for five years and members serve for three years. Committee members
are not expected to serve as chairpersons for more than two consecutive terms, but may be
reappointed as committee members after completing two consecutive terms as
Chairperson.
In situations where unique qualifications are required for the Chair, appointment to a
third term as Chairperson may be considered. Committee members are normally expected
to serve no more than two consecutive terms, but may be appointed for a third term in
situations where their unique qualifications are required to conduct the Committees business.

2.3

Responsibilities
2.3.1

Chairpersons
Chairpersons shall:
Approve final committee reports, including meeting minutes.
Coordinate and assign tasks to committee members, consultants, and others
who carry out committee work.
Determine committee agendas.
Stop operations that could cause major injury or serious physical harm, if
empowered through their committee charters.
Submit committee charter changes to the ES&HCC for recommendation to
the Director.

2.3.2

Chairperson Designees
If the chairperson is unavailable, he or she will designate one of the committee
members to serve as alternate chairperson.

2.3.3

Secretaries
Secretaries shall:
Coordinate agenda details.
Ensure that needed reports are available for meetings.
Retain, record, and distribute meeting minutes and voting results.
Send completed committee reports and minutes to chairpersons for final
approval and distribute the items in accordance with Section 2.6,
Reporting.

2.3.4

Members
Members carry out tasks assigned by the chairperson.

2.3.5

Ex Officio Members
Ex Officio members, who hold their membership by virtue of their other responsibilities at the Laboratory, shall also have full voting privileges.

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2.4

SLAC ES&H Manual

Emergency Powers
Committee chairpersons of the following committees have Stop Work Authority, as
outlined below and in Section 2, Chapter 2 of the ES&H Manual Stop Work Authority and
Stopping Unsafe Activities.
Earthquake Safety Committee
Electrical Safety Committee
Environmental Safety Committee
Fire Protection Safety Committee
Hazardous Experimental Equipment Committee
Hoisting and Rigging Safety Committee
Pressure and Vacuum Vessel Safety Committee
Radiation Safety Committee
Committee chairpersons can only stop activities that they consider imminently dangerous
to personnel, property, or the environment. The activity in question must be within their
area of expertise. For activities performed by subcontractors, committee chairpersons
shall first stop the activity and then immediately contact the University Technical Representative (UTR) or Project Engineer.
Stop work orders can only be rescinded by the committee chairperson who gave the order
or by the Director. Committee chairpersons should inform affected department heads,
group leaders, and the ES&H Associate Director of the reasons for the work stoppage.

2.5

Committee Decisions
A quorum for each committee is a simple majority of the committee members and is
required to conduct business. A simple majority vote of the quorum is the minimum
requirement for making decisions. However, committees seek to resolve issues in a mutually acceptable manner. Dissenting members and affected individuals may appeal decisions to the Director by preparing a minority opinion report.

2.6

Reporting
Citizen Committees report to the Director and advise on subject matter pertaining to their
area of expertise. Committee secretaries document and distribute committee findings,
conclusions, recommendations, and meeting minutes to the Director, the ES&HCC, and the
ES&H Associate Director, as well as other groups and individuals to whom the documentation may be of interest (such as the Safety Overview Committee, the Medical Department, building and line managers, ES&H Department Heads of the respective area of
expertise, and the ES&H Document Room).
Note:

Minutes for the Citizen Committees meetings are available on the WWW at:

http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/committees/committee.html

2.7

Amendments
Committee chairpersons submit recommendations for charter amendments and policy
changes to the ES&HCC for concurrence. The ES&HCC will forward the recommendations
to the Director for approval.

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2.8

31: Citizen Committees

Meeting Schedule
Meetings shall be held as necessary or as specified in the committee charter.

Charters
All citizen committees conform to the General Charter for Citizen Committees, which outlines stipulations that are common to all citizen committees. Each committee charter contains both specifics
and exceptions to the General Charter for Citizen Committees that pertain only to that committee.

3.1

Safety Overview Committee


The Safety Overview Committee coordinates and oversees the activities of the other citizen committees. The Committee is aided in this function by formal safety reviews and
approvals.
3.1.1

Composition
Membership includes:
A senior SLAC employee who serves as chairperson.
An ES&H Division representative.
Chairpersons of all the other citizen committees.
The chairperson of the Operating Safety Committee.
The following serve as ex-officio members:
Accelerator Department Safety Officer (ADSO)
SSRL ES&H Coordinator

3.1.2

Function
The Committee:
Coordinates and assigns safety reviews of new experiments/projects or
facility modifications to other citizen committees. The committee assigned
to review the experiment/project or modification gives its approval before
the activity can
proceed.
Creates short-term committees, as appropriate, to address safety problems
not covered by the existing committee structure.
Issues formal approval when all safety questions are satisfactorily resolved.
Meets with relevant safety representatives to discuss safety questions.
Receives project Fact Sheets for new experiments/projects or facility modifications, describing the undertaking and its associated hazards.

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The committee chairperson conducts safety audits for each accelerator facility
with assistance from site-wide, short-term committees consisting of representatives with appropriate expertise. Each SLAC accelerator facility shall be audited at
least once every five years. Audit reports shall be provided to the ES&HCC on or
before July 1 of the year in which the audit is conducted. Audits include:
Assessment of the facilitys safety systems.
Assessment of compliance with SLAC safety policies and procedures.
Evaluation of safety training programs and records.
Evaluation of conduct of operations.
3.1.3

Meeting Schedule
Meetings will be held as necessary, or at least once every six months.

3.2

As Low As Reasonably Achievable Committee


The As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Committee provides expertise in ionizing-radiation exposures and releases from radioactive source material and radiationgenerating devices. The ALARA Committee evaluates the annual radiation exposure
records for various groups at SLAC, and proposes changes in operating procedures or
equipment design that may lead to a reduction in exposure to personnel.
3.2.1

Composition
Membership includes:
A Radiation Physics Department physicist.
A Research Division representative who will serve as chairperson.
An Operational Health Physics (OHP) supervisor.
An SSRL representative.
The Accelerator Department Safety Officer.

3.2.2

Function
The Committee:
Evaluates annual exposure records for SLAC groups.
Identifies and evaluate procedures that control exposures or releases.
Investigates the circumstances surrounding an individual annual exposure
greater than 1,500 mrem.
Proposes changes in operating procedures or equipment design that may
reduce exposures or releases, or may otherwise optimize them for the overall gain of SLAC.
Reviews the exposure history of SLAC groups.
Reviews the investigation report for each annual exposure greater than
500 mrem.

3.2.3

Meeting Schedule
Meetings will be held as necessary, or at least once per quarter.

Note:

31-6

See Chapter 9 Radiation Safety of this manual for more information on the SLAC ALARA
program.

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31: Citizen Committees

Earthquake Safety Committee


The Earthquake Safety Committee identifies earthquake hazards, and reviews and evaluates equipment and facilities for compliance with earthquake safety regulations and
applicable seismic safety standards.
3.3.1

Composition
Committee members are appointed by the Director upon recommendation of the
Chairperson. Membership includes:
The SLAC Construction Inspector.
The SLAC Emergency Management Coordinator.

3.3.2

Functions
The Committee:
Assigns responsibility for the correction of hazards identified during field
inspections.
Conducts field inspections at least once a year to identify earthquake hazards that are not related to design review.
Reports inspection findings directly to the Director and to the responsible
building and line managers.
Reviews:
Buildings, structures, equipment, and systems to identify hazards that
may result from an earthquake.
Experimental designs and installations for compliance with earthquake
safety criteria.
New construction project specifications submitted by the Site Engineering and Maintenance (SEM) Department. Submitted specifications
should include design criteria, construction plans, and internal arrangement of equipment or furnishings.
The Committee may make a request to the Director to hire consultants to assist
with design reviews. Funding for such consultants will be administered by the
ES&H Division.

3.3.3

Emergency Powers
The Chairperson of this committee has Stop Work Authority, in accordance with
the Emergency Powers section of the General Charter for Citizen Committees.

3.3.4

Meeting Schedule
Meetings will be held as necessary or at least once each month.

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31: Citizen Committees

3.4

SLAC ES&H Manual

Electrical Safety Committee


The Electrical Safety Committee advises on electrical safety matters and promotes electrical safety at the site.
3.4.1

Composition
Membership includes:
A representative from Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL)
A representative from ES&H
Representatives from all departments that design, install, or maintain electrical equipment

3.4.2

Functions
The Committee:
Identifies electrical safety hazards by reviewing and evaluating:
Electrical issues brought to the attention of the committee.
Major new installations and projects.
Interprets, reviews, and publicizes new or revised information, regulations,
and standards for electrical safety.
Recommends remedial action.
Recommends safety measures for eliminating or reducing electrical
hazards.

3.4.3

Emergency Powers
The Chairperson of this committee has Stop Work Authority, in accordance with
the Emergency Powers section of the General Charter for Citizen Committees.

3.4.4

Meeting Schedule
Meetings will be held as necessary, or at least once every six months.

Note:

3.5

See Chapter 8 Electrical Safety of this manual for more information on the SLAC
electrical safety program.

Environmental Safety Committee


The Environmental Safety Committee (EnvSC) advises on environmental safety matters,
reviews new projects in their preliminary phase, recommends environmental safety
policy, studies and reports on environmental accidents, and approves plans to protect the
site environment.
3.5.1

Composition
Members have experience with environmental management or waste production
and includes:
A Mechanical Fabrication Department representative.
A SEM Department representative.
A representative and an alternate from each division, one of whom will be
named chairperson.
The ES&H Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention Program Coordinator, an ex officio member.

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3.5.2

31: Citizen Committees

Functions
The Committee:
Acts as an advisory group on environmental safety matters to the site.
Approves plans to protect site environmental safety during emergencies
and during normal operations.
Keeps informed of current environmental information and ensures that
those concerned are informed of Committee plans and activities.
Recommends appropriate performance objectives and measures that meet
SLAC goals.
Recommends changes in existing environmental safety policy and recommends new policies.
Reviews and evaluates waste streams to identify waste reduction and pollution prevention opportunities.
Reviews new projects in their preliminary phase to determine waste reduction and pollution prevention opportunities and environmental compliance.
Studies accidents involving environmental safety to ascertain causes and
recommend remedial action.

3.5.3

Meeting Schedule
Meetings will be held as necessary, or at least once per month.

3.5.4

Emergency Powers
The Chairperson of this committee has Stop Work Authority, in accordance with
the Emergency Powers section of the General Charter for Citizen Committees.

3.5.5

Provision for Amendment


The Chairperson shall submit to the ES&H Coordinating Council any recommendations for the amendment of this charter.

Note:

3.6

See Chapter 22 Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention of this manual for more
information on the SLAC environmental safety program.

Fire Protection Safety Committee


The Fire Protection Safety Committee reviews and evaluates equipment and facilities for
compliance with SLAC fire protection policy.
3.6.1

Composition
Membership includes:
A fire system maintenance technician (for maintenance).
A mechanical engineer (for sprinkler systems).
A representative from Laboratory Safeguards and Security.
An accelerator operator (for alarm acknowledgment and response).
An electrical engineer (for alarm systems).
The Fire Protection Engineer.
The senior officer assigned to SLAC from the Palo Alto Fire Department
(for fire fighting and inspection).

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31: Citizen Committees

3.6.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Function
The Committee:
Develops, maintains, and implements SLAC fire protection policies and
requirements.
Recommends:
Fire safety and fire protection programs (which include inspection,
appraisal, and maintenance policies).
Fire safety policy changes.
Fire safety standards.
Reviews:
Fire safety standards.
Proposals for buildings and projects.

3.6.3

Emergency Powers
The Chairperson of this committee has Stop Work Authority, in accordance with
the Emergency Powers Section of the General Charter for Citizen Committees.

3.6.4

Meetings
Meetings will be held as necessary, or at least once each month.

Note:

3.7

See Chapter 12 Fire Safety of this manual for more information on the SLAC
fire protection program.

Hazardous Experimental Equipment Committee


The Hazardous Experimental Equipment Committee (HEEC) reviews hazards in experimental equipment, experiments, and beam tests not covered by standards or other safety
committees and officers.
3.7.1

Composition
Membership includes:
A senior engineer who serves as an secretary and who:
Coordinates the work of the staff members who are to carry out work
assigned to them by the chairperson.
Reviews projects that fall under HEEC jurisdiction and assigns them to
HEEC members, consultants, and others, all in conjunction with the
chairperson.
A senior physicist who serves as chairperson and who:
Reviews projects that fall under HEEC jurisdiction and assigns them to
HEEC members, consultants, and others, all in conjunction with the
committee
secretary.
A senior physicist who serves as chairperson designee.
Consultants (from outside the committee) who advise on particular problems as needed.

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31: Citizen Committees

The following serve as ex-officio members:


ADSO
SLAC Test Beam Coordinator
SSRL ES&H Coordinator
3.7.2

Functions
The Committee:
Investigates accidents or near misses involving equipment subject to
HEEC review.
Performs safety reviews of designs and tests (especially when there are no
recognized standards, experimental requirements conflict with such standards and equivalencies are required, or the installation presents unusual
hazards due to the equipment placement or location).
Reviews installations which include:
Hazardous atmospheres, cryogenic installations, and non-code conforming pressure and vacuum vessels throughout the site.
An unusual combination of hazards that may require additional measures.
Reviews operating procedures.

3.7.3

Emergency Powers
The Chairperson of this committee has Stop Work Authority, in accordance with
the Emergency Powers section of the General Charter for Citizen Committees.

3.7.4

Committee Voting Decisions


The chairperson will seek consensus among the members. Based on such consensus, the chairperson will either permit a procedure, pass the design in question, or
otherwise make a negative decision.
If consensus is not reached and if two or more members consider a procedure or
design unsafe, the chairperson shall not permit the operation. If one member feels
strongly that a procedure is unsafe but the chairperson permits it, the dissenting
member may appeal to the Director. An experimenter affected by a HEEC decision
may also appeal any adverse decision to the Director.

3.7.5

Meeting Schedule
Meetings will be held as necessary, or at least once a year.

3.8

Hoisting and Rigging Safety Committee


The Hoisting and Rigging Safety Committee establishes SLAC standards and practices for
hoisting and rigging, and reviews and evaluates equipment and facilities for compliance
with SLACs hoisting and rigging policy. Equipment under the jurisdiction of this committee includes mobile cranes, overhead cranes and hoists, forklifts, aerial lifts, and materialhandling devices.
3.8.1

Composition
Membership includes representatives from departments that are engaged in
hoisting and rigging activities.

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31: Citizen Committees

3.8.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Functions
The Committee:
Determines the criteria for developing and implementing licensing, training, and testing programs for SLAC employees (and contractor employees
with a SLAC supervisor) who operate hoists, cranes, and forklifts.
Determines the criteria for licensing all operators of hoists, cranes, and forklifts at SLAC.
Oversees a program to evaluate the status and condition of slings and lifting fixtures and regulate the procurement of these items.
Oversees a program to inspect, service, and maintain all hoisting and rigging equipment.
Oversees an inspection program for rigging equipment.
Oversees an ongoing daily, major-maintenance program that will be periodically reviewed by the Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department.
Sets lift classification criteria. Classification criteria include ordinary or
special, depending on the method of handling or the qualifications
required for a specific hoisting and rigging task.

3.8.3

Emergency Powers
The Chairperson of this committee has Stop Work Authority, in accordance with
the Emergency Powers section of the General Charter for Citizen Committees.

3.8.4

Meeting Schedule
Meetings will be held at least once every six months.

Note:

3.9

See Chapter 41 Hoisting and Rigging of this manual for more information on the SLAC
hoisting and rigging program.

Non-ionizing Radiation Safety Committee


The Non-ionizing Radiation Safety Committee evaluates the operation of microwave and
optical sources and systems.
3.9.1

Composition
Membership includes:
A microwave specialist.
A modulator specialist.
An ES&H Division representative.
An SSRL Division representative.
The Laser Safety Officer.

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3.9.2

31: Citizen Committees

Functions
The Committee:
Keeps interested parties informed about relevant safety controls.
Makes inspections of installations, as needed.
Recommends appropriate safety controls and other non-ionizing radiation
safety policies.
Reviews new electromagnetic-power generator installations in the
laboratory.

3.9.3

Meeting Schedule
Meetings will be held at least once per year.

Note:

3.10

See Chapter 10 Laser Safety of this manual for more information on the SLAC
laser safety program.

Pressure and Vacuum Vessel Safety Committee


The Pressure and Vacuum Vessel Safety Committee establishes SLAC standards for pressure safety and provides reviews of pressure and vacuum vessels within its jurisdiction.
3.10.1 Composition
Membership includes:
A pressure safety inspector who serves as chairperson.
A data support representative from SEM.
A representative from HEEC.
An ES&H representative.
At least four pressure safety representatives (the group leader or area manager who controls the area of operation that has a pressure or vacuum vessel shall designate a pressure safety representative for the area).
3.10.2 Functions
The Committee:
Keeps a master list of all the pressure and vacuum vessels registered under
this program.
Provides consulting services regarding pressure and vacuum vessels upon
request.
Reviews all pressure and vacuum vessels except:
Vessels, such as American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
code-stamped vessels, that are periodically inspected by alternate
authorities such as state or insurance inspectors.
Vessels that are under the jurisdiction of HEEC and do not meet the
requirements of this committees inspection program.
Vessels that have a low-energy content and have no chance of becoming
overpressured.
Reviews the re-use of any vessel, including surplus units, after the original
purpose has been met.
Verifies that vessels that do not have ASME stamps, or are not approved by
the National Board, provide worker safety protection equal to or surpassing
the intent of the ASME code.

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3.10.3 Emergency Powers


The Chairperson of this committee has Stop Work Authority, in accordance with
the Emergency Powers Section of the General Charter for Citizen Committees.
3.10.4 Meeting Schedule
Meetings will be held at least twice a year.

3.11

Radiation Safety Committee


The Radiation Safety Committee advises on radiation safety matters, reviews projects,
recommends radiation safety policy, studies accidents, and approves plans to protect
personnel in the area of radiation safety.
3.11.1 Composition
Membership includes:
ADSO.
A supervisor from OHP.
Representatives from the Research Division, Technical Division, and SSRL.
The SLAC Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).
3.11.2 Functions
The Committee:
Acts as an advisory group on radiation safety matters to the RSO.
Approves plans to protect personnel from radiation during emergencies
and during normal beam operation.
Keeps informed of current radiation information and ensures that those
concerned are informed of Committee plans and activities.
Recommends changes in existing radiation safety policy and recommends
new
policies.
Reviews new facilities and experiments for compliance with radiation
safety policy.
Studies accidents involving radiation to ascertain causes and recommends
remedial action.
3.11.3 Emergency Powers
The Chairperson of this committee has Stop Work Authority, in accordance with
the Emergency Powers Section of the General Charter for Citizen Committees.
3.11.4 Meeting Schedule
Meetings will be held as necessary, or at least once every six months.
Note:

31-14

See Chapter 9 Radiation Safety of this manual, Volume 01-01 of the SLAC Guidelines
for Operations, and the Radiological Control Manual (SLAC-I-720-0A057-001) for more
information on SLAC radiation safety policies.

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32

PCB and Oil-Filled Equipment


Related Chapters
Chemical Carcinogen Control
Hazard Communication
Hazardous Waste
Industrial Hygiene Program
Secondary Containment of Hazardous Material and Waste
Spills

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

32-2

2 Responsibilities

32-2

2.1

Departments

32-2

2.2

Environment, Safety, and Health Division

32-3

2.3

Environmental Protection and Restoration Department

32-3

2.4

Plant Engineering Department

32-3

2.5

Waste Management Department

32-3

2.6

Managers and Supervisors

32-4

2.7

All Others

32-4

3 Inspections

32-4

3.1

Inspection Specifications

32-5

3.2

Inspection Logs

32-5

3.3

Inspection Forms

32-6

4 Spill and Leak Cleanup

32-6

5 Labeling Requirements

32-6

5.1

Equipment Containing Oil

32-6

5.2

Equipment Containing PCBs

32-7

5.3

Hazardous Waste

32-9

6 Installation, Maintenance, and Disposal

32-9

6.1

Installation

32-9

6.2

Maintenance

32-9

6.3

Disposal

32-9

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32: PCB and Oil-Filled Equipment

SLAC ES&H Manual

Overview
Equipment 1 containing oils2 or significant levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can be a
potential threat to human health and to the environment, particularly in the event of a spill or fire.
This chapter outlines SLAC policy, which is aimed at reducing the environmental impact of PCB
and oil-filled equipment. The chapter includes sections on installation, use, maintenance, and disposal of such equipment.
SLAC policy applies to the following kinds of equipment:

Single pieces of equipment containing concentrations of oil or similar fluids


5 percent (by fluid weight) and a volume 660 gallons
Multiple container storage areas with containers that have concentrations of
oil or similar fluids 5 percent (by weight) and an aggregate volume 1,320
gallons
Oil-filled equipment that has no secondary containment and contains < 660
gallons, if such equipment poses a threat to the environment by virtue of its
location relative to storm drains, streams, or storm water run-off channels3
Equipment containing fluids with concentrations of PCBs 5 parts per million
SLAC policy reflects requirements found in the following: federal regulations (Clean Water Act,

Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 112; Oil Pollution Prevention; Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA); Regulations on Handling, Storage, and Disposal of PCBs, Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations,
Part 761); state regulations; National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 110, Emergency
and Standby Power Systems; and the SLAC Plant Engineering Department (PED) document entitled
Guidelines for the Management of Oil-Filled and PCB-Containing Equipment, Volume 11-40.
For health-related concerns regarding PCB and oil-filled equipment, see Chemical Carcinogen
Control and Industrial Hygiene in this manual. For specific names and telephone numbers of
departments and individuals referred to in this chapter, see the ES&H Resource List.

Responsibilities
2.1

Departments
Departments that are owners or operators of equipment containing oils or PCBs shall:
Determine the need for secondary containment and spill-control measures in
consultation with EPR during planning stages and before purchasing oil-filled
equipment (see Secondary Containment and Spills in this manual).
Ensure that equipment meets the guidelines outlined in Surface Water in
this manual.
Observe the guidelines in Guidelines for the Management of Oil-Filled and PCBContaining Equipment to repair, service, and prepare the equipment for disposal.

32-2

In this chapter, the word equipment includes storage containers.

The term oil includes, but is not limited to, petroleum, fuel oil, sludge, oil refuse, and oil mixed with wastes.

For more information on how to determine if equipment poses a threat to the environment, contact the Environmental
Protection and Restoration (EPR) Department.

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32: PCB and Oil-Filled Equipment

Review equipment requirements with the Environment, Safety, and Health


(ES&H) Division and develop procedures that are consistent with the guidelines outlined in this chapter.
Store all applicable drawings and specifications, such as specifications for secondary containment, in a centralized document control system.
Ensure that equipment containing oil or PCBs is correctly labeled.
Conduct equipment inspections as specified in Tables 32-1 and 32-2.
Maintain equipment inspection log, submit copies of all required equipment
inspection logs to the Environmental Protection and Restoration (EPR) Department, and retain copies in their record system.
Perform the following in accordance with Spills in this manual:
Report incidents of spills to the WM Department.
Clean up spills.
Follow Waste Management (WM) Department procedures for disposing of PCB and oil-filled equipment spill cleanup material.
Report purchases, and equipment removal and transfers of applicable oilfilled equipment to PED for inventory update purposes.
Notify PED of equipment that has been removed from service.
Note:

2.2

Inspections and equipment maintenance may require entering restricted areas.

Environment, Safety, and Health Division


The Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Division shall review equipment requirements with departments and develop procedures that are consistent with the guidelines
outlined in this chapter.

2.3

Environmental Protection and Restoration Department


The Environmental Protection and Restoration (EPR) Department shall:
Review environmental protection requirements for oil-filled and PCB-containing equipment with departments.
Maintain copies of required equipment inspection logs forwarded by departments.

2.4

Plant Engineering Department


The Plant Engineering Department (PED) shall maintain a database inventory of oil-filled
equipment, including equipment that has been reclassified to a lower or non-PCB content
category, and equipment that has been removed from service. PED will update the database annually.

2.5

Waste Management Department


The Waste Management (WM) Department shall:
Respond to oil or PCB spills, in accordance with Spills in this manual.
Dispose of hazardous waste associated with oil or PCBs (see Hazardous
Waste in this manual).

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32: PCB and Oil-Filled Equipment

2.6

SLAC ES&H Manual

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors shall:
Determine appropriate training requirements and qualifications for persons
under their supervision, using the Task/Hazard Survey (SLAC-I-720-0A04Z-001).
Assign departmental responsibilities related to PCB and oil-filled equipment
(including equipment inspections and maintenance of inspection logs) to qualified employees.
Ensure that employees observe safe work practices, particularly for equipment
in restricted areas.

2.7

All Others
All other persons on the SLAC premises (including subcontractors, users, and visitors
working at SLAC) who perform work on PCB and oil-filled equipment shall:
Review projects with their supervisor to determine what training is required to
perform work related to PCB and oil-filled equipment, and be trained accordingly.
Use safe and environmentally sound work practices.
Inspect equipment according to Section 3 of this chapter.
Report incidents of leaks or spills to their supervisors and to WM, in accordance with Spills in this manual.
Note:

Obtain supervisor approval and appropriate clearances to enter restricted areas.

Inspections
The recommended or required frequency of inspections is provided in Guidelines for Management of
Oil-Filled and PCB-Containing Equipment and in Tables 32-1 and 32-2.
Note:

In-service capacitors do not require inspection.


Table 32-1.Inspections for Oil Filled Equipment
Description of Contents

Inspection Frequency

Volumes 660 gallons

Required annually

Aggregate volumes 1,320 gallons

Required annually

Equipment that has secondary containment and volumes


660 gallons

Annually or required weekly if stored in a


hazardous Waste Accumulation Area (WAA)

Equipment that has no secondary containment; has volumes < 660 gallons; and is not located near a storm drain,
stream, storm water run-off channel, or off-site property1

Quarterly or in accordance with existing


inspections, if existing inspections occur at
least quarterly

Equipment that has no secondary containment; has volumes < 660 gallons; and is located near a storm drain,
stream, storm water run-off channel, or off-site property

Monthly or in accordance with existing


inspections, if existing inspections occur at
least monthly

Klystrons

When removed from service

Backup diesel generators

In accordance with NFPA Code 110

1. For more information on how to determine if equipment poses a threat to the environment, contact the Environmental Protection and Restoration EPR Department.

32-4

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32: PCB and Oil-Filled Equipment

Table 32-2. Inspections for Equipment Containing PCBs


Description of Equipment and Contents

Inspection Frequency

Transformers (in use or stored for reuse) containing concentrations of PCBs 500 parts per million (ppm)

Required quarterly

Transformers (in use or stored for reuse) containing concentrations of PCBs between 50 ppm500 ppm

Required annually or in accordance with


existing inspections, if existing inspections
occur at least annually

Leaking transformers containing concentrations of PCBs


500 ppm

Daily inspections until cleanup is completed and until the transformer is repaired
or replaced

Capacitors1 (in use) containing concentrations of PCBs


500 ppm

Annually or in accordance with existing


inspections, if existing inspections occur at
least annually

Electromagnets, switches, and voltage regulators (in


use) containing concentrations of PCBs 50 ppm

Quarterly, or in accordance with existing


inspections

Large capacitors (containing three pounds or more of


dielectric fluid2) stored for disposal and containing concentrations of PCBs 500 ppm

Required weekly

Containers and articles3 stored for disposal and containing concentrations of PCBs 500 ppm

Required weekly

1. A capacitor is used for accumulating and holding a charge of electricity.


2. A dielectric fluid is a fluid that conducts virtually no electricity.
3. PCB containers and articles are items whose surfaces have been in direct contact with concentrations of PCBs 500
ppm.

3.1

Inspection Specifications
Visual inspections of the equipment shall include checking for:
Correct labeling (see Section 5 of this chapter).
Presence of oil stains near the equipment or its secondary containment.
Presence of leaks or weep marks on the equipment. Leaks must be corrected as
promptly as safety and operations permit.
Significant physical damage, such as cracks.

3.2

Inspection Logs
Inspection logs maintained by the responsible department shall contain the:
Date and time of inspection.
Name and signature of the inspector.
Findings (such as incorrect or missing labels, damage to equipment, and presence of leaks). Findings shall be followed by corrective actions and the date
that these actions were taken.
Notes on any leaking PCB articles and PCB containers.

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3.3

SLAC ES&H Manual

Inspection Forms
The responsible department shall submit completed copies of all required inspection
forms to EPR and retain copies of the completed forms in their department records.

Spill and Leak Cleanup


Any spills or leaks of oil or PCBs found during inspections shall be contained and cleaned up
immediately, when it is safe to do so. PCB articles and PCB containers and their contents must be
transferred immediately by the responsible operation group or department to properly marked,
non-leaking containers. Cleanup of oil or PCB spills and leaks shall be in accordance with
approved spill cleanup criteria (see Spills in this manual and Guidelines for the Management of
Oil-Filled and PCB-Containing Equipment, 11-40-05-00).
Note:

If a transformer containing concentrations of PCBs 500 ppm leaks, cleanup must be initiated
within 48 hours of discovery. The transformer must be inspected daily until cleanup is complete
and until the transformer is repaired or replaced. Copies of the daily inspection logs shall be forwarded to EPR.

Labeling Requirements
5.1

Equipment Containing Oil


Equipment containing oil shall have NFPA hazard identification labels (or equivalent
labels approved by EPR) applicable to their contents, in accordance with SLACs hazard
communication policy (see Hazard Communication in this manual). The labels shall be
affixed to the equipment prior to, or at the time of installation.
Permanent and fixed storage containers shall also have identification labels containing the
following information:
Type of oil
Volume of oil
Responsible person or department
Telephone number of responsible person or department
Emergency telephone number in the event of a major spill
Drums and transportable and fixed storage vessels shall have identification labels listing
the content and the name of the person responsible for the equipment.

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5.2

32: PCB and Oil-Filled Equipment

Equipment Containing PCBs


Equipment containing concentrations of PCBs 500 ppm shall have affixed to its surface
the type of label depicted in Figure 43-1. This label has black letters on a yellow background, surrounded by a black border.

Figure 32-1.

Label for Equipment Containing Concentrations of PCBs 500 ppm

Equipment that is contaminated with concentrations of PCBs ppm 50 but < 500 ppm shall have
affixed to its surface the type of label depicted in Figure 32-2. This label has white letters on an
orange background, surrounded by a white border.

THE DIELECTRIC FLUID IN


THIS TRANSFORMER HAS BEEN
TESTED TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT
OF POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL(S)
(PCB CONTENT). WE CERTIFY THAT, BASED ON
THE TEST SAMPLE, THE FLUID CONTAINED
BETWEEN 50 AND 499 PPM OF PCB AND IS THEREFORE
CLASSIFIED AS A PCB CONTAMINATED TRANSFORMER
AS DEFINED IN THE MAY 31, 1979, VOL. 44,

NO. 106 OF THE FEDERAL REGISTER.

397

Figure 32-2.

15 December 1997

8289A2

Label for Equipment Contaminated with Concentrations of


PCBs 50 ppm but < 500 ppm

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SLAC ES&H Manual

Equipment that has concentrations of PCBs > 50 ppm shall have the label depicted in Figure 43-3.
This label has white letters on a green background, surrounded by a white border.

397

8289A3

Figure 32-3. Equipment Containing Concentrations of PCBs < 50 ppm

The following shall be marked with an appropriate label:


Containers, electric motors, hydraulic systems, and heat transfer systems that
contain concentrations of PCBs 50 ppm
Any transformer manufactured with or containing total concentrations of
PCBs 500 ppm
Large, high voltage capacitors4 containing concentrations of PCBs 500 ppm
Vehicles that carry or use a PCB transformer
Equipment removed from service that has large, low voltage capacitors;5
transformers; or large, high voltage capacitors
PCB-article containers6
Means of access to a PCB transformer, such as a vault door or hallway
Equipment that contains PCBs and has been removed from service shall have an additional information label containing the:
Date that the equipment was removed from service.
Words temporary storageif the equipment will be reused, the label should
also indicate the purpose of removal (such as Removed for engineering evaluation).
PCB concentration written in permanent ink.
Type of oil.
Name of the responsible department.
Name and telephone extension of the emergency contact person.
Hazardous waste label (if applicable).

32-8

A large, high-voltage capacitor contains 1.36 kilograms or more of dielectric fluid and operates at or above 2,000 volts.

A large, low-voltage capacitor contains 1.36 kilograms or more of dielectric fluid and operates below 2,000 volts.

A PCB-article container is any device used to contain PCB articles whose surfaces have not been in direct contact with
PCBs.

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32: PCB and Oil-Filled Equipment

For more information about how to obtain required labels, contact PED or the EPR
employee in charge of PCB and oil-filled equipment compliance.

5.3

Hazardous Waste
All items contaminated with oil or PCBs and equipment that is non-reusable shall carry
the appropriate labels in compliance with state and federal regulations and SLAC policies
and procedures (see Hazard Communication in this manual or call WM).

Installation, Maintenance, and Disposal


All persons who work on PCB and oil-filled equipment shall take precautions to ensure that oil
and PCBs are contained and do not contaminate the surrounding environment during installation,
use, maintenance, disposal, or removal from service of oil-filled and PCB-containing equipment.
Precautions may include wrapping the equipment or setting up temporary secondary containment.

6.1

Installation
Installation of oil-filled equipment shall be performed by trained and qualified individuals, in coordination with, or under the supervision of, the SLAC Facilities Department or
qualified PED employees.
Prior to installation, new oil-filled equipment that conforms to the inclusion criteria of this
chapter shall be inspected by EPR for environmental protection requirements.

6.2

Maintenance
Procedures for specific or unusual maintenance requirements shall be handled by the
responsible department.
Oil that will be reused or recycled shall be drained into an approved container and labeled
appropriately.
Note:

6.3

Capacitors shall not be repaired and shall be disposed of as hazardous waste when removed
from service.

Disposal
Oil waste, PCB waste, items contaminated with either oil or PCB, PCB and oil containers,
and non-reusable equipment containing PCBs shall be disposed of in accordance with
established procedures (see Hazardous Waste in this manual) and in coordination with
WM. Contact WM before disposing of these items and notify PED when equipment is
removed from service.
If departments cannot clearly determine whether or not a piece of equipment contains
PCBs, the equipment shall be disposed of as PCB waste.

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33

Self Assessment
Related Chapters
ES&H Program

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

33-1

2 Safety and Environment Discussion Program

33-3

2.1

Responsibilities

33-3

3 Peer Review

33-6

3.1

Periodic Peer Review

33-6

3.2

Additional Peer Review

33-6

4 Internal Oversight Program

33-7

4.1

Responsibilities

33-7

4.2

Planning, Inspections, and Follow-Up Actions

33-8

Overview
This chapter outlines the SLAC Self-Assessment Program (SAP). The Program has three main components: the Safety and Environment Discussion Program (SEDP), the Peer Review process, and
the Internal Oversight Program (IOP).
SEDP is an annual process involving the SLAC work force that identifies hazards and concerns
related to environment, safety, and health (ES&H). SEDP is based on information gathered from
annual ES&H discussions and stated, current SLAC objectives. Figure 33-1 outlines SEDP in flow-

chart form.
Peer Review is an annual process that brings ES&H professionals from the Department of Energy
(DOE), other DOE laboratories, universities, and private industry to SLAC to review portions of the
SLAC ES&H Program. Figure 33-1 outlines the peer review process in flowchart form.
IOP is an ongoing program of surveillance and auditing of ES&H programs to identify actions that
do not conform with SLAC policies and procedures or the SLAC Work Smart Standards. The IOP

procedures are outlined in the Quality Assurance and Compliance (QA&C) Oversight Procedure.
The IOP is based on applicable DOE orders; federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances; SLAC policies and procedures (such as performance objectives, criteria, and measures);
and accepted industrial practices and procedures. DOE performance assessment review and operational awareness issues are not dealt with in this chapter; for more information on these topics,
see the DOE Performance Assessment Plan.
There are two main objectives in the SAP:
1. To ascertain the state of environment, safety, and health at SLAC and identify
strengths and deficiencies.
2. To provide a formalized system to resolve deficiencies.

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33: Self Assessment

SLAC ES&H Manual

Safety and Environment Discussion Program


(SEDP) Process

Peer Review Process

SEDAC reviews SEDP process, based

ES&H management determines

on experience from previous year.

program areas to be reviewed.

SEDAC proposes process and focus


guidelines to ES&HCC and Director.

ES&H management nominates


members of review committee.

ES&HCC and Director approve

process and focus guidelines.

SLAC Director appoints

review committee.
SLAC Director sends out all hands
memo announcing discussion date.

Divisions confirm discussion


group leaders.

Committee conducts review.

Committee prepares final report


and presents it to the Director.

SEDAC provides training for

discussion leaders.
ES&H Associate Director recommends
corrective action to ES&HCC.

Divisions hold discussions, identify


improvement areas, and suggest
corrective actions.

ES&H Associate Director implements


corrective actions following ES&HCC

concurrence.
Associate Directors
designate individuals
responsible for
corrective actions
required within their
divisions.

SEDAC reports site-

wide discussion
findings and
suggested corrective
actions to ES&HCC.

ES&HCC designates
priorities/responsibilities
for implementing
corrective actions.

ES&H Associate Director forwards com-

mittee report and corrective action


information to SEDAC.

Designees report
corrective action plans,
milestones, and progress
to PPO.

SEDAC writes annual report.

Figure 33-1. Outlines of the SEDP and the Peer Review Processes

33-2

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33: Self Assessment

Safety and Environment Discussion Program


SEDP has six main objectives:

1. To identify ES&H focus topics of importance to SLAC


2. To identify pressing ES&H problems at SLAC and to develop detailed information and documentation on these problems
3. To suggest options and responses to ES&H problems at SLAC
4. To provide common methods, education, and positive motivation for the problem-solving process
5. To document the problem-solving process
6. To improve the SLAC ES&H Program
The Director shall order a shutdown of SLAC operations on an annual basis, for a minimum of two
hours. During this period, each division shall organize and coordinate division-wide ES&H discussions. Discussions shall be guided by and centered around topics suggested by the Safety and
Environment Discussion Assistance Committee (SEDAC) and approved by the Director. ES&H topics of concern to attendees shall also be discussed.
For specifics on the annual discussion group process, see the Environment, Safety, and Health
(ES&H) Self-Assessment Program Proposal (SLAC-I-730-0A18U-001).
Issues raised during the annual discussion group process and pertaining to specific divisions shall
be referred to those divisions and shall be written up in divisional corrective action plans. Sitewide issues raised during the annual discussion group process shall be referred to the ES&HCC
through a corrective action plan devised by SEDAC.

2.1

Responsibilities
2.1.1

Director
The SLAC Director shall:
Order an annual shutdown of operations for ES&H discussions.
Approve focus topics submitted by SEDAC for the annual ES&H discussions.

2.1.2

Associate Directors
Associate Directors shall:
Designate ad hoc Divisional Response Groups (DRGs).
Appoint an appropriate individual (such as an ES&H division safety
coordinator) to lead division DRGs.
Appoint SEDP group leaders within their divisions.
Define the scope of SEDP groups within their divisions.
Refer site-wide issues raised in the ES&H discussions to SEDAC.
Review the discussion findings, including the summary report prepared by the Program Planning Office (PPO) and approved by that
divisions SEDAC representative, and the data supplied by the respective divisions SEDP group leader.
Forward data on the top priority issues1 identified during the ES&H
discussions to the ES&H Division and the corresponding associate
directors.

During the safety discussions, each discussion group votes on which two issues are top priority, that is, most likely to
compromise the environment or cause illness or injury to employees.

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Assign individuals to implement corrective actions.2


Determine the need for participation of subcontractors, users, and visitors in annual ES&H discussions.
2.1.3

Divisional Response Groups


Divisional Response Groups (DRGs) shall:
Review results of the annual ES&H discussions within their own
division.
Determine appropriate corrective action responses related to issues
brought up in the annual ES&H discussions.
Consult SEDAC for technical expertise needs and other issues, as
needed.
Work with the SEDAC division representatives to develop solutions for
assigned ES&H problems.

2.1.4

Environment, Safety, and Health Coordinating Council


The Environment, Safety, and Health Coordinating Council (ES&HCC) shall determine appropriate corrective actions for site-wide ES&H issues referred to it by
SEDAC and assign corresponding priorities and responsibilities.

2.1.5

Program Planning Office


The Program Planning Office (PPO) shall:
Collect corrective action plans pertaining to the annual ES&H discussions from SEDP discussion group leaders, divisions, and SEDAC.
Produce an annual summary report on the ES&H discussions results,
in conjunction with SEDAC. The report shall include input from citizen
committees, DRGs, and SEDAC.
Forward the annual summary report to the SEDAC division representatives.
Assemble and maintain a database of identified issues, planned corrective actions, and completion of corrective actions.
Produce the Discussions Corrective Action Summary.

2.1.6

Safety and Environment Discussion Assistance Committee


The Safety and Environment Discussion Assistance Committee (SEDAC) shall:
Report to the chair of the ES&HCC.
Submit for approval suggested focus topics for annual ES&H discussions to the Director and provide approved topics to discussion
groups.
Provide the Discussion Leader Briefing Information packet and other
guidance material to SEDP Leaders.
Provide technical expertise and other support to DRGs.
Address ES&H issues referred to it by the DRGs.
Report findings from ES&H discussions and suggested corrective
actions identified by DRGs to the ES&HCC.

33-4

A corrective action is a measure taken to rectify underlying conditions adverse to ES&H and to prevent repetition of
findings/observations.

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33: Self Assessment

Produce a corrective action plan for site-wide issues identified during


the annual safety discussions and send the plan to the ES&HCC.
Produce an annual summary report, in conjunction with PPO, that is
based on input from the committees own members, citizen committees, and DRGs.
2.1.7

Safety and Environment Discussion Assistance Committee Division Representative


The Safety and Environment Discussion Assistance Committee (SEDAC) Division
Representative shall:
Assist DRG members in developing solutions to assigned ES&H problems.
Serve as the central point of contact with the ES&H Division.
Provide technical expertise.
Review the summary report prepared by PPO.
Ensure that resolution of ES&H discussion issues is communicated
back to the discussion participants.
Assist in preparing the annual summary report.

2.1.8

Safety and Environment Discussion Program Group Leaders


Safety and Environment Discussion Program (SEDP) Group Leaders shall:
Organize all the activities related to their divisions ES&H discussions,
such as:
Coordinating with management to determine how ES&H discussions shall affect operations.
Distributing the previous years ES&H Discussions Corrective
Action Summary produced by PPO and any other appropriate
documents to their discussion group members prior to the
meeting.
Verifying that they have received a Discussion Leader Briefing
Information packet, including forms for collecting Phase I
information.
Conduct ES&H discussion meetings according to the directions in the
Discussion Leader Briefing Information packet and other guidance materials provided by SEDAC.
Notify their divisions associate directors and the ES&H Associate
Director of any highly hazardous situations or environmental threats
immediately after the meeting.
Provide data from the SEDP discussion groups to their divisions associate director and to the ES&H Division within the predetermined time
period and in the requested format.

2.1.9

All Others
All other persons on the SLAC premises, including subcontractors, users, and visitors who are working at SLAC, may attend the ES&H discussions and contribute
ideas for improving safety.
Note:

15 December 1997

The need for participation of subcontractors, users, and visitors will be determined by individual associate directors.

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Peer Review
3.1

Periodic Peer Review


There shall be periodic peer review of the SLAC ES&H Program by an off-site committee.
Broad segments of the ES&H Program shall be selected at each review period since the
program is too extensive and complex to be reviewed as a whole. The Peer Review committee shall be assembled consisting of individuals who:
Are professionals from DOE, other DOE laboratories, universities, and private
industry.
Have a broad perspective on ES&H management systems.
Have expertise on the topics covered during the corresponding review period.
3.1.1

Responsibilities
3.1.1.1 SLAC Director
The SLAC Director shall appoint the Peer Review Committee, based upon
recommendations received from ES&H Management.
3.1.1.2 Environment, Safety, and Health Division Management
Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Division management shall nominate members for the Peer Review Committee.
3.1.1.3 Peer Review Committee
The Peer Review Committee shall:
Report directly to the SLAC Director.
Evaluate the:
Quality of SLACs ES&H management system.
Integration of ES&H in the workplace.
Effectiveness of the ES&H Division organization and management.
ES&H Divisions responsiveness to the needs of the research
community.
Quality and effectiveness of each of the ES&H program elements included in the review.
Prepare a final written report within one month of the review and
make the report available for the annual DOE appraisal.

3.2

Additional Peer Review


From time to time, there may be additional peer reviews of specific portions of the ES&H
Program. These reviews will occur when an ES&H Department Head identifies a particular portion of the program within his/her responsibility that would benefit from an outside review. The committee for such a review would be composed of individuals who
have special expertise in the area to be reviewed. The committee would typically report to
the Associate Director for ES&H.

33-6

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33: Self Assessment

Internal Oversight Program


The Quality Assurance and Compliance (QA&C) Group administers the Internal Oversight Program (IOP). The QA&C Group utilizes independent audits3 and surveillance inspections4 in order
to evaluate requirements, activities, and functions related to:
Limiting occupational risk to SLAC personnel, contractors, visitors and the
general public to acceptably low levels.
Managing and protecting environmental and cultural5 resources.
Adequately protecting property against accidental loss and damage.
Audits and surveillance inspections are conducted independently to ensure that ES&H requirements are appropriately implemented by line organizations, staff members, and subcontractors. In
general, audits have a broader scope than surveillance inspections. Audits usually concentrate on
programmatic strengths, weaknesses, and needs, and normally involve senior- and area-level
managers in addition to personnel at the operations level. Surveillance inspections, on the other
hand, usually concentrate on specific requirements and normally only involve personnel at the
operations level.
Typical activities and functions related to this program include environmental protection, occupational safety, fire protection, construction safety, industrial hygiene, radiation protection, process
and facilities safety, emergency preparedness, quality assurance, radioactive and hazardous waste
management, and maintenance of ES&H-related equipment.

4.1

Responsibilities
4.1.1

Consultants
Consultants shall audit facilities, buildings, projects, programs, or operations
(both offsite and onsite), as needed.

4.1.2

Environment, Safety, and Health Division Associate Director


The Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Division Associate Director shall
develop the Quality Assurance and Compliance Audit and Surveillance Activity Schedule (QA&C Schedule), in consultation with the QA&C Group Leader.

4.1.3

Program Planning Office


The Program Planning Office (PPO) shall:
Maintain the Quality Assurance Tracking System (QATS) for the QA&C
Group.
Forward findings to appropriate line organizations and individuals.

An audit is defined as a documented assessment of a facility, building, project, program, or operation (both onsite and
offsite) designed to monitor the progress of necessary corrective actions, to verify compliance with laws and regulations
as well as SLAC policies and procedures, and/or to evaluate field organization practices and procedures.

A surveillance inspection is defined as a documented examination of a facility, building, project, program, or operation
designed to verify compliance with laws and regulations as well as SLAC policies and procedures, and to monitor or
assess necessary corrective actions. The scope of a surveillance inspection can range from examination of a single item
of equipment to a detailed inspection of an entire process or project. Given the emphasis on compliance to specific
requirements, a surveillance inspection shall usually involve a visit to an activity site to view the action being taken and
discussions with facility supervisors or operating personnel.

A cultural resource example would be the preservation of archaeological sites.

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4.1.4

SLAC ES&H Manual

Quality Assurance and Compliance Group


Quality Assurance and Compliance Group consists of QA&C engineers who will:
Conduct audits and surveillance inspections in accordance with established procedures.
Perform verifications of corrective actions, as required.

4.1.5

Quality Assurance and Compliance Group Leader


The Quality Assurance and Compliance Group Leader shall:
Develop the QA&C Schedule, in consultation with the ES&H Division
Associate Director.
Initiate and manage audits in accordance with the QA&C Schedule.
Approve all audit reports.
Validate corrective action responses.
Assign a lead auditor to oversee QA&C activities.
Assign specific areas of responsibility to individual QA&C Engineers.
Resolve and provide guidance related to quality assurance in the following areas:
Regulatory compliance
SLAC policies and procedures
Conflict resolution
Coordinate consultant activities.
Control consultant activities and determine the scope of those
activities.
Be responsible for consultant findings and observations.6

4.2

Planning, Inspections, and Follow-Up Actions


4.2.1

Planning
The QA&C Group Leader shall develop an annual QA&C Schedule, in consultation
with the ES&H Division Associate Director. This schedule defines the type and frequency of audits and surveillance inspections performed, based on SLAC requirements; outside agency requirements such as DOE and Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) requirements; inherent risk; public sensitivity; accident experience;
and lack of current ES&H information about an organization, facility, or function.

4.2.2

Inspections
The methods used to perform audits and surveillance inspections are defined in
the approved SLAC QA Policies and Procedures Manual. The manual contains individual procedures and checklists and also provides lines of inquiry to assess an
organizations adherence to accepted industrial practices and procedures.
All audit and surveillance inspection activities consist of two phases: pre-inspection planning and preparation activities, and inspection activities. Pre-inspection
planning and preparation activities may include:
Procedure development and guidance for audits or surveillance
inspections.

33-8

An observation is a documented recognition of a potential problem with compliance, an area where improvements can
be made, or a questionable activity or process that may develop into a noncompliant condition if left uncorrected.

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33: Self Assessment

Facility or building selection.


Management and staff member notification.
Document reviews.
Specific audit plan development.
Team preparation.
Inspection activities include:
Employee interviews.
Work place surveys.
Operational reviews.
ES&H records review.
Further information on audit and surveillance inspection criteria, individual procedures,
and/or administrative checklists for each ES&H discipline can be found in the SLAC QA
Policies and Procedures Manual.
4.2.3

Follow-up Actions
The QA&C Group uses audit and surveillance findings to identify strengths and
risk areas in established standards, analyze their causes, and suggest corrective
actions.

4.2.4

Types of Findings
Findings fall into three general categories: compliance/performance findings,
best management practices (BMP) findings, and noteworthy practice findings.
Compliance/performance findings address conditions that:
May put an individual or the environment at risk for injury or harm.
May not satisfy applicable requirements; regulations; ordinances;
laws; standard operating procedures (SOPs); performance objectives,
criteria, and measures; permits; or agreements.
Result in the near-certain probability of causing a noncompliance with
applicable Work Smart Standards, as a result of a noncompliance with
a SLAC SOP.
Result in insufficient characterization of ES&H issues or unresolved
ES&H issues.
BMP findings address conditions indicating that, in the absence of a regulatory
requirement and in the professional judgment of the audit or surveillance inspection team, best or accepted industry practices are not being applied.
Noteworthy practice findings address conditions or activities that are identified
as noteworthy and will have general application to other SLAC organizations. A
practice may be noteworthy because its design and/or execution successfully
addresses activities that have frequently resulted in compliance/performance
problems SLAC-wide.
In addition to identifying findings, audits identify and document observations as
well as probable causal factors for each finding. An observation addresses conditions or activities that, in the judgment of the audit or surveillance team, is a
potential problem with compliance areas, and where improvement could be
made. An observation also may address a questionable activity or process that
could develop into a noncompliant condition if left uncorrected. Probable causal
factors are the underlying reasons why findings occur or continue to occur. If the
causal factors are addressed, future related findings will be eliminated.

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Audit findings are communicated to the ES&HCC and to appropriate senior management and staff members via the audit report. The audit report always contains
a request for an action plan from the audited organization that addresses audit
findings. In contrast, surveillance inspection findings are communicated to line
organizations and staff members only through individual findings.
4.2.5

Tracking System
The status of all findings and observations identified during audits and surveillance inspections are tracked using the QATS. QATS is a computer-based tracking
system that is maintained by PPO for the QA&C Group. It is the mechanism that
ensures that all findings and observations are tracked to their ultimate closure or
final disposition. QATS is designed to provide a means of:
Capturing pertinent data about findings and observations identified
by QA&C evaluations.
Verifying and certifying the data entered into the system.
Monitoring the completion of required corrective actions.
Accessing certified online data.
Generating quality, standard reports.
The QA&C Group performs follow-up inspections to validate corrective actions in
order to ensure implementation of appropriate resolutions of findings and observations.

4.2.6

Continuous Improvement Actions


Continuous improvement actions are undertaken both at the institutional and the
programmatic levels of SLAC. For example, the ES&HCC and line organizations
review audit reports using process knowledge in order to identify any additional
measures that should be taken to prevent future repetitive findings or problems.

33-10

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34

Biohazards
Related Chapters
Accidents, Injuries, Illnesses,
and Exposures
Industrial Hygiene Program
Medical

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

34-1

2 Responsibilities

34-2

2.1

Medical Department

34-2

2.2

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

34-2

2.3

Division Safety Officers/Safety Coordinators

34-2

2.4

Researchers

34-2

3 Classification

34-3

4 Administrative Procedures

34-3

5 Storage and Disposal

34-3

6 Animal Handling

34-3

7 General Safety Guidelines

34-4

Overview
A biohazard is defined as a microorganism that is a biological pathogen capable of replication and
of causing disease in humans, animals, or plants. For the purposes of this chapter, biohazards refer
only to organisms used at SLAC for research. SLAC conducts limited research involving biohazards
in restricted, pre-approved areas.1
This chapter defines SLACs biohazards policy, which is based on National Institutes of Health
(NIH) Guidelines, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations, and the
Stanford Biosafety Manual.
1

The majority of research involving biohazards is conducted at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL).

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SLAC ES&H Manual

This policy applies to all personnel at SLAC, including visitors, users, and employees.

Responsibilities
2.1

Medical Department
The Medical Department shall treat personnel who have skin punctures from needles or
other objects that could be contaminated with biohazards.2 To obtain treatment outside of
normal business hours, go to:
The Palo Alto Medical Clinic Urgent Care Center, 920 Bryant Street (at Channing Avenue), Palo Alto. (Urgent Care is open 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Clinic
switchboard is open 24 hours at 9-853-2958.)
Stanford Hospital Emergency Room off Quarry Road (24-hour service; phone
(415) 723-5111).

2.2

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


Industrial Hygienists from the Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department shall provide industrial hygiene surveys and consultation on biohazard issues to division safety
officers/safety coordinators.

2.3

Division Safety Officers/Safety Coordinators


Division safety officers/safety coordinators shall:
Assign hazard levels to each proposed experiment.
Ensure that copies of the Stanford Biosafety Manual are available for review,
upon request.3
Ensure that all personnel in their division who might come in contact with biohazards receive appropriate on-the-job training.
Consult with industrial hygienists on biohazard issues, as needed.
Provide on-the-job training to researchers working with biohazards.

2.4

Researchers
Researchers working with biohazards shall:
Complete the application form required by the Stanford University Administrative Panel on Biosafety (APB) entitled, Request for Institutional Review/
Approval for Research Involving Biohazardous Agents, Recombinant DNA,
and USDA-Regulated Material.4
Receive all appropriate on-the-job training before working with biohazards.
Conduct experiments, store and dispose of biohazards, and comply with
safety controls, all in accordance with the Stanford Biosafety Manual.

34-2

See Accidents, Injuries, Illnesses, and Exposures and Medical in this manual for more information.

Copies can be obtained from the Stanford Biosafety Office at (415) 725-1473.

This form can be obtained from division safety officers/safety coordinators or by calling (415) 725-1473.

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34: Biohazards

Notify the APB of any accident resulting in injury or release of biohazardous


agents.
Consult their division safety officer/safety coordinator before making changes
in original experimental protocol.
Keep records of all biohazards brought to SLAC and send copies of the records
to their division safety officers. Records should indicate the location, method
of storage, and method of disposal of the material.

Classification
Division safety officers/safety coordinators shall use the Stanford Panel on Biosafety document
(Classification of Biohazardous Agents) to assign hazard levels for proposed experiments. If necessary, this guide will be supplemented by relevant documents from the Public Health Service, the
NIH, and the US and California Agriculture Departments. Experiments involving recombinant
DNA will be classified according to the NIH guidelines.

Administrative Procedures
The Stanford University Administrative Panel on Biosafety will review all experiments involving
the use of Class 2 or 3 biohazards or recombinant DNA research proposals. Researchers should
obtain an application form from their division safety officers/safety coordinators.
Researchers working with biohazards at SSRL must complete and sign the SSRL Biohazards Handling Agreement and submit written response procedures that shall be followed in the event of accidental spills of sample material.5

Storage and Disposal


Researchers shall store only the minimum required amount of biohazardous material for each
experiment. As SLAC is not equipped to store biohazardous waste, researchers shall remove or
destroy all biohazards when their experiment is complete, in accordance with the Stanford Biosafety
Manual.

Animal Handling
Research involving animals shall comply with all rules and regulations mandated by the Stanford
University Animal Care and Use Panel. For applications and forms, call the Administrative Panel
for Laboratory Animal Care (APLAC) at (415) 723-4550. For information on animal handling, call
the Department of Comparative Medicine at (415) 723-3876.

Contact the SSRL Safety Officer for more information.

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General Safety Guidelines


In addition to the more detailed safe-work practices found in the Stanford Biosafety Manual,
researchers shall follow the practices outlined below.
Do:
Limit access to areas containing biohazards.
Minimize the use of potentially hazardous procedures (such as use of sharps,
sonicating, grinding, vortexing, blending, slicing, or cutting) that could cause
cuts or generate aerosols or other inhalation hazards. Whenever possible, perform these procedures in a biosafety cabinet.
If sharps must be used, ensure that sharps containers displaying the universal
biohazard symbol are readily available in all areas where sharps waste may be
generated. Do not overfill these containers.
Call the SLAC Medical Department (ext. 2281) if accidental inhalation or ingestion occurs during regular business hours. Outside of regular business hours,
call:
The Palo Alto Medical Clinic Urgent Care Center, 920 Bryant Street (at
Channing Avenue), Palo Alto. (Urgent Care is open 7:00 AM to
10:00 PM daily. Clinic switchboard is open 24 hours at 9-853-2958.)
Stanford Hospital Emergency Room (24-hour service; phone (415) 7235111).
Place specimens inside leakproof, unbreakable containers that display universal biohazard labels during handling, processing, storage, transport, or shipping. Proper containers minimize risks if breakage occurs.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (including gloves, lab coat,
and face shield, if appropriate) and dispose of the equipment as specified in
the Stanford Biosafety Manual.
Decontaminate all work surfaces with appropriate disinfectants.
Wash hands with a disinfectant hand soap immediately after handling biohazards or as soon as possible after removing gloves or other personal protective
equipment.
Handle contaminated, broken glassware with tongs or other mechanical
devices such as dust pans and brooms. Place the broken glass in a red bag that
displays the biohazard symbol and place the bag inside a box.
Deactivate/disinfect biohazardous substances or contaminated equipment (by
using autoclaving or disinfectants) before disposal.
Note:

If autoclaving blood, the blood must be inside a red bag that displays the biohazard symbol.

Do not:
Eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics, handle contact lenses, or store food in
areas where biohazards are stored or used.
Mouth pipette or otherwise come in direct contact with biohazardous agents.
Leave the door open while an experiment is in progress.
Bring pets or family members into the lab while an experiment is in progress.

34-4

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35

Chemical Carcinogen Control


Related Chapters
Asbestos
Hazard Communication
Hazardous Material
Hazardous Waste
Industrial Hygiene Program
Medical
Spills

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

35-2

2 Responsibilities

35-2

2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

35-2

2.2

Waste Management Department

35-2

2.3

Medical Department

35-3

2.4

Managers and Supervisors

35-3

2.5

Personnel

35-3

3 Effects

35-4

4 Identification

35-4

5 Evaluation

35-4

6 Safety Controls

35-4

7 Medical Surveillance

35-5

8 Disposal

35-5

9 Labels and Signs

35-6

10 Training

35-6

11 Purchasing

35-6

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35: Chemical Carcinogen Control

SLAC ES&H Manual

Overview
This chapter outlines the SLAC Chemical Carcinogen Control Program (CCCP). The CCCP establishes policy to minimize use of chemical carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals) and keep personnel occupational exposure to chemical carcinogens below the Permissible Exposure Level (PEL)
set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 1910.1000 to 1910.1048. The term chemical carcinogen is used in this chapter to refer
only to industrial chemical carcinogens that are required to perform SLAC job duties.1
The CCCP applies to all SLAC employees and to non-SLAC employees who have a SLAC supervisor. SLAC subcontractor personnel are subject to the chemical carcinogen control regulations stipulated in contracts.
This chapter describes the identification, evaluation, and control of occupational exposure to
chemical carcinogens and outlines individual responsibilities.

Responsibilities
2.1

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


Industrial hygienists in the Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department shall:
Recommend non-carcinogenic alternatives to managers and supervisors, upon
request.
Evaluate occupational chemical carcinogen hazards, upon the request of managers and supervisors, by providing baseline monitoring and monitoring of
hazards during use.
Recommend engineering and administrative controls.
Develop safe operating procedures in conjunction with managers and supervisors.
Provide or coordinate training for personnel who work with chemical carcinogens.
Review plans for new operations and significant changes to ongoing operations that involve chemical carcinogens.
Maintain a current, comprehensive list of chemical carcinogens. This list is
based on industrial and scientific standards, including the International
Agency for Research on Cancer standards and OSHA standards.

2.2

Waste Management Department


The Waste Management (WM) Department shall coordinate spill cleanup and disposal of
chemical carcinogen waste. (See Spills in this manual.)

35-2

This chapter does not address non-industrial chemical carcinogens such as tobacco and food additives.

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35: Chemical Carcinogen Control

Medical Department
The Medical Department shall:
Perform annual medical monitoring of personnel who are classified as most
exposed and medical exams for other personnel who are referred by an
industrial hygienist (see Medical in this manual).
Provide information on health effects associated with industrial chemical carcinogen use, upon request.

2.4

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors shall:
Choose non-carcinogenic alternatives whenever possible, in consultation with
industrial hygienists.
Consult an industrial hygienist during the planning phase of new operations
and when significant changes occur in ongoing operations that involve chemical carcinogens. To find out if a chemical is carcinogenic, managers and supervisors should check the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).
Develop safe operating procedures in conjunction with an industrial hygienist.
Provide on-the-job training (OJT) for personnel.
Obtain an industrial hygiene survey before implementing, for the first time,
any new processes involving the use of chemical carcinogens.
Ensure that personnel:
Receive annual medical monitoring or baseline monitoring, as
required.
Employ appropriate safety controls when working with chemical carcinogens.
Ensure that all chemical carcinogen containers display appropriate labels.
Refer to Spills in this manual to find procedures for handling a chemical carcinogen spill.
Consult the Medical Department or an industrial hygienist when there is skin
contact with an occupational chemical carcinogen, or suspected high exposure to
an occupational chemical carcinogen.2 For the current telephone extensions, see
the Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Resource List, located on the World Wide
Web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/resource.html

2.5

Personnel
Personnel shall:
Receive the appropriate OJT from supervisors before working with chemical
carcinogens.
Receive annual medical monitoring if they are classified as most exposed
employees and baseline monitoring, as required (see Medical and Industrial Hygiene Program in this manual).

During normal working procedures, industrial hygienists use industrial hygiene survey results to design and implement controls to keep personnel exposure below the PEL. If managers or personnel suspect that the PEL has been
exceeded, they should contact the Medical Department or an industrial hygienist.

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35: Chemical Carcinogen Control

SLAC ES&H Manual

Know and comply with all work practices and safety controls to reduce occupational exposure to chemical carcinogens.
Report all occupational chemical carcinogen exposure incidents to their supervisor.
Be familiar with the proper disposal methods for chemical carcinogens (contact WM for more information).

Effects
Chemical carcinogens are found in industrial compounds, pesticides, food additives, and other
substances. It is estimated that occupational chemical carcinogen exposure accounts for 34% of
the estimated 1,000,000 new cancer cases diagnosed in the U. S. each year. Occupational exposure
to chemical carcinogens may cause personnel to become more susceptible to cancer.
Cancer risks associated with occupational chemical carcinogen exposure depend on potency and
dose. Dose is related, in turn, to length of exposure and route of entry into the body.

Identification
At SLAC, a chemical is identified as a carcinogen if the product label or MSDS identifies it as such,
or if a mixture contains 1/10 of 1% of a chemical carcinogen.
Chemical carcinogens found at SLAC include asbestos, beryllium, cadmium, benzene (in gasoline),
butyl cellosolve, chloroform, trichloroethylene, zinc chromate, and methylene chloride. To obtain
a comprehensive, current list of classified chemical carcinogens, contact an industrial hygienist.
For current telephone extensions, see the Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Resource List, also
located on the World Wide Web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/resource.html
Note:

Beryllium oxide ceramic is used as a klystron resonance cavity window. Beryllium copper alloys are
occasionally used in small quantities for special applications. Beryllium copper alloys may be
sheared, formed, or soft-soldered at SLAC, after obtaining an industrial hygiene survey. All other
operations involving beryllium must be done at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL).

Evaluation
Industrial hygienists shall evaluate work area hazards and assess the need for safety controls by
providing baseline monitoring for personnel and monitoring of hazards during use.

Safety Controls
Industrial hygienists determine safety controls by analyzing results of industrial hygiene surveys.
Engineering controls, such as fume hoods, eye washes, filters, and redesign of work stations shall
be the primary safety controls used to minimize occupational exposure to chemical carcinogens.
Administrative controls, such as changes in work habits and use of Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE), may also be required.

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35: Chemical Carcinogen Control

Personnel shall apply the following safety controls when working with chemical carcinogens:
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in areas where chemical carcinogens are used.
Check MSDSs and chemical container labels for instructions on the correct use
of chemical carcinogens.
Use the required PPE and other safety controls correctly.
Work with chemical carcinogens on non-permeable surfaces (such as absorbent paper with a non-permeable lining).
Open containers and perform all operations involving volatile chemical carcinogens in fume hoods or other suitable containment equipment, whenever
possible.
Use small amounts of chemical carcinogens whenever possible.
Transport chemical carcinogens in sealed containers.
Wash any contaminated skin with hand soap and water immediately. If contamination occurs during a regular day shift, go to the Medical Department to
receive further treatment. If the contamination occurs during a non-day shift,
go to the Palo Alto Medical Clinic3 or the Stanford University Hospital Emergency Room.4
Protect pumps used with chemical carcinogens from contamination by attaching absorbent pump traps.
Label contaminated equipment and supplies for waste disposal according to
the proper procedure (contact WM for more information).
See Spills in this manual before cleaning up any chemical carcinogen spills.

Medical Surveillance
The Medical Department shall provide annual medical monitoring of personnel. In addition, the
Department will examine exposed employees after an occupational exposure incident such as an
accidental spill or skin contact. Upon request, the Department shall provide information on health
effects associated with occupational chemical carcinogen use (see Medical in this manual).

Disposal
All chemical carcinogens shall be disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. See Hazardous Waste in this manual for more information.

Palo Alto Medical Clinic Urgent Care Center, 920 Bryant Street (at Channing Avenue), Palo Alto. Urgent Care is open
7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. The clinic switchboard is open 24 hours; phone number (415) 853-2958.

Stanford University Hospital Emergency Room (24-hour service; phone (415) 723-5111).

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35: Chemical Carcinogen Control

SLAC ES&H Manual

Labels and Signs


Managers and supervisors shall ensure that all chemical carcinogen containers display appropriate manufacturers warning labels, or, if the manufacturers label is missing, appropriate substitute labels (see Hazard Communication in this manual).5 Warning labels shall be placed on all
primary and secondary chemical carcinogen containers and shall identify other hazards associated with the material (such as corrosiveness). For more information on required signs and labels,
consult an industrial hygienist.
The need for area warning signs will be determined by an industrial hygiene survey.

10

Training
To assist managers, supervisors, and industrial hygienists to provide OJT, the ES&H Division offers
a training module that explains the safe handling of industrial chemical carcinogens.
The training module includes the following topics related to chemical carcinogens:
Safety controls and emergency procedures
Characteristics
Effects of occupational exposure
Safe work practices
Individual responsibilities
Labeling requirements
Correct disposal
Contact the ES&H Training Secretary for more information. For current telephone extensions, see
the Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Resource List, also located on the World Wide Web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/resource.html

11

Purchasing
Chemical carcinogens shall be used at SLAC only when no other practical substitutes are available.
Check with an industrial hygienist for more information on non-carcinogenic alternatives.

35-6

Substitute labels can be purchased at SLAC Stores.

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36

Cryogenic Safety
Related Chapters
Accidents, Injuries, Illnesses,
and Exposures
Compressed Gases
Confined Space
Hazardous Equipment and
Unsafe Operations
Personal Protective Equipment
Pressure and Vacuum Vessels

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

36-2

2 Responsibilities

36-2

2.1

The Hazardous Experimental Equipment Committee


and the Pressure Safety Committee

36-2

2.2

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

36-2

2.3

Medical Department

36-2

2.4

Managers and Supervisors

36-2

2.5

Personnel

36-3

3 Hazards

36-3

3.1

Hazards to Personnel

36-3

3.2

Hazards to Equipment

36-3

4 Safety Controls

36-4

4.1

System Design

36-4

4.2

Cryogen Storage

36-4

4.3

Personal Protective Equipment

36-4

5 Safety Precautions

36-4

5.1

Equipment Precautions

36-4

5.2

Safe Work Habits

36-4

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36: Cryogenic Safety

SLAC ES&H Manual

Overview
SLAC uses liquid nitrogen, helium, and other cryogens (liquefied gases) for a variety of applications, including the cooling of superconducting magnets and as a convenient source of contaminant-free gas for oxygen displacement and leak detection. This chapter describes SLACs cryogenic
safety policy, which reflects industry safe practices. For more information, see Guidelines for Operations, Chapter 26, Safe Use of Liquefied Nitrogen.

The requirements in this chapter apply to SLAC employees and to subcontractor personnel who
have a SLAC supervisor. Subcontractor personnel who do not have a SLAC supervisor are subject
to safety controls stipulated in contracts.

Responsibilities
2.1

The Hazardous Experimental Equipment Committee


and the Pressure Safety Committee
The Hazardous Experimental Equipment Committee (HEEC) and the Pressure Safety
Committee (PSC) perform safety reviews of new and extensively modified cryogenic facilities located in parts of the experimental equipment.1

2.2

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department:
Performs oxygen-deficiency and confined-space hazard reviews for new or
modified cryogenic facilities that are not under the jurisdiction of HEEC.
Provides consultation to managers, supervisors, cryogen users, and cryogen
system designers, upon request.

2.3

Medical Department
The Medical Department examines and treats personnel who have minor cryogeninduced injuries.

2.4

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors shall:
Consult HEEC, local safety offices, PSC, or SHA to ensure that plans and construction activities for new systems, or alterations to existing facilities, have
undergone safety reviews.
Ensure that:
Required safety controls, including Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) are in place.
Personnel comply with all relevant safety controls.

36-2

Either HEEC or PSC, or both, shall approve experimental equipment and installations that have cryogenic hazards.
Contact HEEC to determine which facilities need inspection.

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36: Cryogenic Safety

Personnel receive on-the-job training prior to working with cryogens.


All safety systems are operational and that the installation remains
within the parameters approved by HEEC.

2.5

Personnel
Personnel shall:
Comply with all relevant safety controls.
Receive on-the-job training.

Hazards
Health hazards involving cryogens include frostbite/burns, skin lesions, asphyxiation, and vision
impairment. Immediately call 9-911 if there is an emergency involving cryogens. See Accidents,
Injuries, Illnesses, and Exposures in this manual for more information regarding minor injuries.
Liquid flammables used at SLAC (which include hydrogen, propane, isobutane, and petroleum
gas) can cause fires and explosions. Fighting cryogen fires can be extremely dangerous, as hydrogen burns with a nearly invisible flame. In addition, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers can cause a
static discharge energetic enough to reignite a blaze.2
The sections below discuss the hazards to personnel and to equipment resulting from accidents
involving cryogens:

3.1

Hazards to Personnel
3.1.1

Frostbite/Burns and Skin Lesions


Cryogen-induced frostbite/burns and thermal burns have similar characteristics.
Burns may be severe where the liquid pools, such as under an eyelid, in a cupped
palm, or in a sleeve or cuff. In addition, cryogens can cause blindness if the cornea
becomes frozen.
Bare skin can instantly bond with unprotected cryogen supply lines or uninsulated equipment and may tear when pulled away, causing skin lesions.

3.1.2

Asphyxiation
When a cryogen is spilled in a small area,3 it will evaporate and expand rapidly,
displacing breathing air and eventually causing asphyxiation. Cold gases and
gases that are heavier than air concentrate in low places where ventilation is poor,
such as sumps or pits.

3.1.3

Obscured Vision
Spilled cryogens can condense water vapor from the air, producing a groundhugging fog that can obscure vision and cause trips and falls.

3.2

Hazards to Equipment
Equipment that comes in contact with cryogens can:
Burst, if it contains a rapidly boiling or evaporating cryogen.

See Fire Safety in this manual.

Small areas include confined spaces, small rooms, and other poorly ventilated enclosures. Please see Confined Space
in this manual for the precise definition of a confined space.

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36: Cryogenic Safety

SLAC ES&H Manual

Freeze, causing safety valve disfunction and subsequent pressure buildup.


Become brittle, causing it to shatter and release its contents.

Safety Controls
4.1

System Design
Cryogen system designers shall seek review of their designs and follow the recommendations from HEEC, PSC, and SHA.
Most cryogen storage containers and systems fall under the requirements outlined in the
SLAC Pressure Safety Program (see Pressure and Vacuum Vessels and Compressed
Gases in this manual).

4.2

Cryogen Storage
Only personnel who are authorized by the facility owner should have access to facilities
where cryogens are stored. Means of access control include, but are not limited to, gates,
doors, or fences.

4.3

Personal Protective Equipment


When working with uncontained cryogens, personnel shall wear PPE (such as safety goggles; dry, leather gloves; and clothing free of pockets or turned-up edges) as required by
their supervisor, HEEC, PSC, or SHA.

Safety Precautions
5.1

Equipment Precautions
Use only containers specifically designed for holding cryogens.
Follow approved procedures for handling and use.
Store small, empty containers indoors or in areas free from rain or excessive
moisture.

5.2

Safe Work Habits


Stand clear of cold gases and boiling or splashing liquids.
Wear appropriate protective clothing (see Section 4.3).
Fill containers slowly to minimize thermal shock to the container.
Use approved and appropriate means for filling portable cryogen containers.
Cover dewars when the liquid is not being transferred to prevent build up of
oxygen and subsequent explosion.
Always handle cryogens in a well-ventilated area.
Immediately call 9-911 in the event of an uncontrolled cryogen release that
could result in injury or destruction of property.

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37

Emergencies
Related Chapters
Accidents, Injuries, Illnesses,
and Exposures
Fire Safety
Medical
Evacuation, Exit Paths, and
Emergency Lighting
Hazardous Equipment and
Unsafe Operations
Hazardous Material
Hazardous Waste
Seismic Safety

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

37-2

1.1

Emergency Terms and Definitions

37-2

1.2

Goal of Emergency Management

37-3

2 Responsibilities

37-4

2.1

Emergency Management Coordinator

37-4

2.2

Palo Alto Fire Department

37-4

2.3

SLAC Fire Battalion Chief

37-4

2.4

Safeguards and Security

37-5

2.5

Incident Commander

37-5

2.6

Environment, Safety, and Health Division

37-5

2.7

Managers and Supervisors

37-6

2.8

Building Managers

37-6

2.9

Medical Department

37-6

2.10 Assembly Point Leaders

37-6

2.11 SLAC Emergency Response Teams

37-7

2.12 SLAC Personnel and Visitors

37-7

3 Types and Classifications of Emergencies

37-7

3.1

Types of Emergencies

37-7

3.2

Classifications of Emergencies

37-8

4 Emergency Prevention

37-9

5 Emergency Response

37-9

5.1

Calling 9-911

37-9

5.2

Response for Specific Situations

37-10

5.3

Evacuating

37-10

37: Emergencies

SLAC ES&H Manual

Chapter Outline

Page

6 Emergency Facilities

37-11

6.1

Emergency Operations Center

37-11

6.2

Fire Station

37-11

6.3

Rescue Trailer

37-11

6.4

Main Control Center

37-11

6.5

Medical Facilities

37-11

6.6

Disaster Supply Cache

37-12

Overview
All SLAC personnel must know how to react during an emergency to:
Protect people from injury
Protect the environment
Minimize property damage
Minimize any off-site effect of an on-site emergency
Restore operations
Effective emergency preparedness includes training response personnel, having an effective
communication system, and improving emergency information availability. SLAC Emergency
Management Organization personnel initiate appropriate action to restore operational integrity as
soon as possible after an emergency.
This chapter outlines personnel responsibilities, types and classifications of emergencies, and
explains what to do in emergencies. Emergency information in this chapter is based on National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1600 Recommended Practice for Disaster Management and the
Stanford University Emergency Plan.
For more detailed information on the SLAC Emergency Management Program, see the SLAC Emergency Preparedness Plan (SLAC-I-730-0A14A-001). It is available on the World Wide Web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/manuals/manuals.html

1.1

Emergency Terms and Definitions


The Emergency Response Organization at SLAC is based on the Standardized Emergency
Management System (SEMS) which was developed by the California Office of Emergency
Services (OES). As a result, several terms are used throughout this chapter that are used in
most SEMS, along with some terms that are specific to SLAC. The abbreviations, acronyms,
and their meanings are defined here.

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37: Emergencies

EAP . . . . . .Emergency Assembly Point


All buildings at SLAC have a designated area outside the building where
personnel are required to gather in the event of an emergency. Building
Managers define these locations in individual Facility Emergency Plans.
EOIC . . . . .Engineering Operator-in-Charge
The individual who has responsibility for carrying out scheduled accelerator
operations on a given shift in the Main Control Center (MCC), B005. The onshift EOIC has the authority to activate the EOC in the absence of the EOC
Director (for exceptions and conditions, see the SLAC Emergency Preparedness
Plan, Section 3.6).
EOC . . . . . .Emergency Operations Center
A location from which centralized emergency management can be
performed. EOC facilities are established to coordinate the overall response
and support to an emergency.
EPIO . . . . .Emergency Public Information Officer
The individual who oversees all inquiries from the public and media concerning emergency incidents.
Haz-Mat . . .Hazardous Materials
A Haz-Mat Team is trained in emergency response to the release of hazardous
materials.
IC . . . . . . . .Incident Commander
The individual responsible for command of all functions at the field level at
the scene of an emergency. See 2.5 for details.
ICP. . . . . . .Incident Command Post
A location established near the scene of a localized emergency from which
field level responses can be deployed. In larger emergencies where the EOC is
activated, the ICP coordinates with the EOC for centralized management.
SEMS . . . .Standardized Emergency Management System
A system developed by the California OES so that response agencies at all
levels may function together effectively in an integrated fashion.
SERT . . . . .SLAC Emergency Response Team
Volunteers trained in the emergency response procedures and the use of
emergency supplies that are stored at SLAC.

1.2

Goal of Emergency Management


The goal of Emergency Management is to minimize the effects of emergencies or to prevent emergencies from occurring through a continuous program of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

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SLAC ES&H Manual

The SLAC Emergency Preparedness Program has seven elements (listed below) that were
developed and managed by the Emergency Management Coordinator. These elements are
coordinated with the Main Control Center (MCC), Palo Alto Fire Department (PAFD),
SLAC Safeguards and Security, the SLAC Medical Department and the SLAC Environment,
Safety, and Health (ES&H) Division.
Hazard Assessment
Emergency Preparedness Plan
Emergency Preparedness Plan Implementing Procedures
Emergency Resource Database
Building/Facility Emergency Plans
Self-Help Program
Emergency Readiness Assurance Plan

Responsibilities
For more detail on responsibliities, see the SLAC Emergency Preparedness Plan.
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/manuals/manuals.html

2.1

Emergency Management Coordinator


The Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) is a member of the Safety Health &
Assurance (SHA) Department. The Coordinator is responsible for developing and maintaining the Emergency Preparedness Program, including the seven specific items listed in
Section 1.2.

2.2

Palo Alto Fire Department


The Palo Alto Fire Department (PAFD) is the primary responder to emergencies at SLAC.
Fire Station 7 is located in Building 82. It is staffed with three firefighters manning a fire
engine 24 hours a day. Additional fire units are dispatched from Palo Alto and Menlo Park
when needed. The PAFD provides:
Emergency medical response and patient transport
Fire Suppression
Rescue
Fire inspections
Hazardous materials spill response
Fire extinguisher training for SLAC employees and contractors
Welding and burn permits

2.3

SLAC Fire Battalion Chief


The Palo Alto Fire Department assigns a Battalion Chief to supervise the SLAC fire
protection contract. The Battalion Chief is responsible for:
Providing day-to-day administrative coordination of SLAC fire activities
Acting as liaison for the Fire Chief and SLAC administrators
Providing command functions as required for emergencies at SLAC

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37: Emergencies

Carrying out the provisions of the contract for fire services at SLAC
Supervising the preparedness and training of the Fire Station 7 crew
Note: After-hours and weekends the Battalion Chief will respond from off-site.

2.4

Safeguards and Security


Safeguards and Security personnel are responsible for:
Traffic Control
Emergency scene security
Acting as liaison with off-site law enforcement agencies
Surveying the site for damage after an earthquake

2.5

Incident Commander
The Incident Commander (IC) is the senior fire officer on site or, if the incident is a law
enforcement issue, the senior law enforcement officer on site. The IC:
Assumes operational command and coordination at the Incident Command
Post (ICP) or Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Maintains contact with and receives policy direction from the ICP
Initiates the SLAC emergency support response
Requests mutual-aid support from off-site agencies when needed
Coordinates the tactical actions at the scene of the emergency
Has full authority to make decisions and implement the necessary response
activities
Declares an emergency condition and determines its classification
Organizes the resources needed to respond, mitigate, and recover from an
emergency condition
Determines the level of response and the response priorities for the emergency
management organization
Issues protective orders for SLAC personnel
Makes recommendations to state and local emergency service organizations
for off-site protective actions
Organizes and leads the emergency management team/policy group
Approves press releases related to an emergency response
Approves any emergency policy issues

2.6

Environment, Safety, and Health Division


Subject matter experts in the ES&H Division are available for information and guidance
before and during emergencies. Areas of expertise include:
Safety
Industrial Hygiene
Confined Space
Fire Prevention and Safety
Electrical Safety
Construction Safety

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Radiation Safety
Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste
Environmental Cleanup

2.7

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
Knowing emergency and evacuation procedures for the area under their
supervision
Informing new personnel of emergency and evacuation procedures
Ensuring that exit paths are kept clear and unobstructed
Notifying the building manager of plans for modification of any part of an exit
path

2.8

Building Managers
Building Managers are responsible for:
Developing Facility Emergency Plans for their buildings, as identified in the
Building Managers Manual (SLAC-I-720-0A03Z-001).
Note: A template of facility emergency plans in MS Word format is available on the
ES&H website.
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/forms/feptinst.html

Updating their facility emergency plan as needed, to reflect all current hazards
Conducting an annual evacuation drill
Performing post-emergency duties that include assessing building conditions
after an earthquake, accounting for all occupants, securing utilities, and
issuing a status report related to the building to the EOC
Taking steps to protect employees and minimize environmental and property
damage

2.9

Medical Department
The Medical Department is located on the first floor of the A&E Building (Building 41,
Room 135). Staff are available from 8am to 5pm on weekdays. The Medical Department is
responsible for:
Managing and operating the medical triage point located at Building 250
Responding to medical emergencies at SLAC (in conjunction with the PAFD)
Providing occupational health screening of SLAC personnel and emergency
responders

2.10

Assembly Point Leaders


Each Facility Emergency Plan shall designate an Assembly Point Leader who, in an
evcauation, will check that the building has been evacuated and will coordinate personnel
outside the building. This information is then provided to the IC and the EOC, if present.

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37: Emergencies

SLAC Emergency Response Teams


Volunteers are divided into SLAC Emergency Response Teams (SERT). These teams are
trained in basic emergency procedures to assist in disaster response efforts. Members of
SERT are trained in the following subjects:
First Aid
Light Search and Rescue
Hazardous Material Recognition
Incident Command System
Team Organization
Building Damage Assessment

2.12

SLAC Personnel and Visitors


People not involved in an emergency are responsible for:
Keeping clear of the emergency scene
Evacuating immediately by the nearest safe exit when a fire alarm sounds
Refraining from reentering an evacuated area until notified by the IC or the
building manager
Educating oneself in emergency procedures
Knowing when and how to evacuate a building (know alternate exits)
Knowing where the local emergency assembly point (EAP) is
Knowing when and how a building can be re-entered
See Section 4 for more responsibilities of individuals.

Types and Classifications of Emergencies


3.1

Types of Emergencies
Types of emergencies include natural disasters, technological events, and criminal activity
that can cause safety or security issues for the site. The type of emergencies which can be
experienced at SLAC include but are not limited to:
Natural Events:
Earthquake
Wildland fire
Floods
High winds
Low temperature
High temperature
Technological Events:
Hazardous material spill or release
Radiation contamination
Energy shortages
Vehicle or equipment accidents

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Explosions
Criminal Events:
Bomb threats
Terrorist activity
Workplace violence

3.2

Classifications of Emergencies
These Classification Levels coincide with the Stanford University and State of California
Classification Levels. The designation of an emergency level is initially made by the EOIC
in consultation with the Director or designate. Upon responding to the incident, the fire
department, security, or department head may designate an emergency level. The designated level of an emergency may change as the incident intensifies or comes under
control.
3.2.1

Level-1 = Incident
A Level-1 is a minor, localized department or building incident that is quickly
resolved using existing SLAC resources or limited outside help. A Level-1 situation has little or no impact on personnel or resources outside the locally affected
area. The security force, fire department, or building management normally handles an incident.
Level-1 incidents do not require the activation of the emergency plan or the EOC.
Impacted personnel or departments coordinate directly with security, fire department, ES&H, or Site Engineering and Maintenance (SEM) to resolve the situation.
Examples: Small spill, individual medical emergency, security alarm, small grass fire,
dumpster fire

3.2.2

Level-2 = Emergency
A Level-2 is a major emergency that disrupts sizeable portions of SLAC. Level-2
emergencies may require assistance from external organizations. These emergencies may escalate and threaten serious consequences for mission-critical functions
or may threaten life safety (including situations that could cause extensive damage to the environment).
Level-2 emergencies require a limited activation of the EOC. The person in charge
will determine which EOC functional areas need to be staffed.
Examples: Structure fire, large haz-mat spill, utility outage, flooding, large natural
cover fire, workplace violence

3.2.3

Level-3 = Disaster
A Level-3 disaster involves the entire SLAC site and surrounding community.
Normal operations are suspended. The effects of a disaster are wide-ranging and
complex. Resolution of disaster conditions requires a coordinated effort on the
part of all SLAC employees. Extensive coordination with Stanford University,
DOE, and other external jurisdictions will be needed.
In a Level-3, the Emergency Plan is automatically activated and all designated
members of the emergency organization report to the EOC.
Examples: Major earthquake, firestorm

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37: Emergencies

Emergency Prevention
Unfortunately, emergencies are inevitable. Regardless of how many precautions we may take,
some events are simply out of our control. Accidents will happen. Earthquakes will happen.
Storms will knock out power.
Although precautions you take now may not always prevent an emergency, preparation can significantly reduce the amount of damage to your equipment and reduce the amount of time your laboratory will be shut down following an emergency.
SLAC policy is to be as well prepared for each emergency situation as possible. Even though

systems are in place to respond to an emergency at the site level, the most important precautions
are those taken at the personal level, in the laboratory, by you.
Checklist for Emergency Preparedness
Reduce hazards in your area
Educate yourself in emergency procedures
Know when and how to evacuate the building (know alternate exits)
Know where your emergency assembly point (EAP) is
Know when and how you may re-enter the building
Take a first-aid class from Red Cross or ES&H
Take fire extinguisher training from the Palo Alto Fire Department
Participate in drills
Keep exit corridors clear
Be prepared mentally
Make back up copies of your computer files
The SLAC Emergency Management Coordinator has further information and brochures on emergency preparedness topics. Brochures are available in PDF or word formats and can be requested
by e-mailing <preparedness@slac.stanford.edu>. Any preparedness questions can also be
directed to this e-mail address.

Emergency Response
5.1

Calling 9-911
Call 9-911 from on-site phones at SLAC to reach the Palo Alto Emergency Communications
Center.
Note: Cell Phone 911 calls are answered by California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Vallejo, CA.
When using a cell phone to report an emergency at SLAC, a quicker response time can be ensured by
calling the Palo Alto Communications Center directly at (650) 321-2231.
The operator will request important information from you. Be prepared to tell him/her
the following:
Who you are and where you are - be sure and tell them you are at SLAC

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The nature of the emergency


The location of the emergency
The extent of any injuries
Any steps being taken to respond
Do not hang up until the operator tells you to!

5.2

Response for Specific Situations


Remember: Safety First, don't become a casualty, err on the side of caution.

Situation

Response

Hazardous Material Spill

Call 9-911. Also notify Security at Ext. 2551.


Alert other personnel in the area. More information is
contained in Chapter 16, Spills, in this manual.

Medical Emergency

Call 9-911, provide first aid to the extent of your ability.


Use caution not to come into contact with bodily fluids.
Refrain from moving the patient.
Notify the SLAC Medical Department at Ext. 2281, also
notify Security at Ext. 2551.

Fire

Sound the alarm, evacuate the building, call 9-911.


Use a fire extinguisher only if you are trained in their
use and will not endanger yourself. Notify Security at
Ext. 2551.

Earthquake

Duck, Cover, and Hold until the shaking stops.


Evacuate the building after the shaking has stopped
and go to your Emergency Assembly Point.
Do not re-enter building until cleared by emergency
personnel.
Use telephones only for emergencies.

Radiological Incident

Call Operational Health Physics (OHP), Ext. 4299. Also


notify Security at Ext. 2551.

Bomb Threat

Evacuate the building; call 9-911. Also notify Security


at Ext. 2551.
Do not touch or handle any unknown objects.

5.3

Evacuating
Every occupied building should have a specific Facility Emergency Guide. See your
Building Manager for a copy.
For details on the order of response on an emergency evacuation, please see Figure 37-1,
Building Evacuation Flowchart on page 13.

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37: Emergencies

Some general things to keep in mind when evacuating a building are:


Keep calm. Evaluate the situation carefully.
To help evacuate others, use appropriate alarms, phone trees, or voicemail
broadcast messengers
Communicate clearly and succinctly
Example:
We have a____________emergency. Evacuate to [the EAP], do not use the elevators.
Check offices, classrooms, labs, and restrooms
Turn equipment off, if possible
Take emergency supplies and staff rosters, if possible
Keep groups together
Account for personnel
Wait at the EAP for further instructions

Emergency Facilities
6.1

Emergency Operations Center


The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) may be partially or fully activated to coordinate
an emergency or disaster. The EOC will house the Emergency Management Team and the
Emergency Public Information Officer (EPIO). The EOC is located in the MCC conference
room (Building 5). The alternate EOC is in the conference room of Building 35.

6.2

Fire Station
Palo Alto Fire Department Station-7 is located in Building 82. The fire engine and firefighters are under the command of the PAFD Fire Battalion Chief.

6.3

Rescue Trailer
The rescue trailer at the fire station is equipped with several heavy rescue tools that are
available in an emergency. These include:
Generator
Pneumatic jack hammer
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus with remote air line
Air lifting bags
Confined space rescue equipment

6.4

Main Control Center


The Main Control Center (MCC) is located in Building 5. The MCC is staffed 24 hours a day
when the beam is in operation. The Engineering Officer-in-Charge (EOIC) will normally be
found here.

6.5

Medical Facilities
6.5.1

Medical Department
The SLAC Medical Department is located on the first floor of the A&E Building
(Building 41).

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6.5.2

Triage Trailer
The Medical Triage Area is located at Building 250 just southeast of the A&E
Building (Building 41). The SLAC Medical Department is responsible for the
Medical Triage Area. This facility contains first aid supplies needed to operate a
medical triage area.

6.6

Disaster Supply Cache


The Disaster Supply Cache is located in Building 249 (next to the security trailer). This
supply cache is available for emergency use. Security, PAFD, and MCC have a key. The
content includes:
Meals (ready-to-eat) (MREs)
Potable water
Flashlights
First aid kits
Backboards
Saws and pry bars
Hardhats
Spill pads
Wood cribbing
Megaphones

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37: Emergencies

Figure 37-1. Building Evacuation Flowchart

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Hoisting and Rigging, Chapter 41


Bulletin Updates
Note:

The following Bulletins have information that has not yet been incorporated into
this Chapter, or has changed since the publication of the Chapter. Information in
the Bulletins supercedes information in this Chapter.

Date
Issued

Bulletin 59

06/06/03

Title
Changes to the Hoisting and Rigging Program

41

Hoisting and Rigging


Related Chapters
Medical
Personal Protective Equipment
Training

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

41-2

2 Responsibilities

41-3

2.1

Hoisting and Rigging Safety Committee

41-3

2.2

ES&H Division

41-3

2.3

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

41-3

2.4

Hoist and Crane Engineer

41-3

2.5

Managers and Supervisors

41-4

2.6

Plant Engineering Department

41-4

2.7

Subcontractors

41-5

2.8

Rigging Personnel

41-5

2.9

Transportation Department

41-5

2.10 Customers

41-5

3 Training

41-5

4 Certifications

41-6

5 Medical and Physical Qualification

41-6

6 Rigging Operations

41-7

7 Safety Precautions

41-7

7.1

Lifting, General

41-8

7.2

Special Lifts

41-8

7.3

Lifting Fixtures

41-8

7.4

Suspended Loads

41-8

8 Inspections

41-9

8.1

Preliminary

41-9

8.2

Daily

41-9

8.3

Quarterly

41-9

8.4

Annual

41-9

8.5

Quadrennial

41-9

8.6

Cranes Not in Regular Use

41-9

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Chapter Outline
8.7

Page

Forklifts

41-10

9 Requirements

41-10

9.1

Maintenance

41-10

9.2

Recordkeeping

41-10

10 Hoisting in Construction Sites

41-10

Overview
The SLAC Hoisting and Rigging (H&R) Program is designed to provide a safe work environment
for those who perform H&R functions, and to minimize damage to equipment and property. This
chapter defines SLAC H&R policy and applies to all SLAC activities involving, but not limited to,
H&R equipment such as:

Cranes1 (including mobile cranes).

Hoists2.

Aerial lifts.

Forklift trucks3.

Chain falls.

Come-alongs.

Lifting fixtures.

Slings.

Note:

41-2

This chapter does not apply to pallet movers, dollies,4 or Tommy Gates.

A machine for lifting and lowering a load vertically and moving it horizontally with the hoisting mechanism.

A device that applies a force for vertical lifting or lowering.

A high-lift, self-loading truck, equipped with load carriage and forks, for transporting and tiering loads.

Dollies include hand carts, manually operated barrel handlers, and platforms on wheels used for moving loads.

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Responsibilities
2.1

Hoisting and Rigging Safety Committee


The Hoisting and Rigging Safety Committee (HRSC):
Establishes design parameters for all cranes and hoists.
Provides consultation on the OSHA and ANSI hoisting and rigging requirements, upon request.
Provides advice on H&R safety policies.
Reviews safety designs of H&R equipment.
Oversees the H&R Competency Program.
Determines the criteria for licensing all H&R operators.
Sets lift5 criteria and classifies lifts as either normal or special.
Determines the present status and future procurement of slings and fixtures.
Establishes policy for the procurement of commercially available secondary
lifting equipment, such as shackles, clevices,6 and slings.
Oversees the inspection program and subsequent documentation.

2.2

ES&H Division
The ES&H Division:
Designs and develops H&R courses in collaboration with Plant Engineering
Department (PED) subject matter experts.
Administers all H&R operator training programs by:
Coordinating the scheduling, registration, and presentation of
courses.
Documenting course content, attendance records, instructor qualifications, and evaluations.

2.3

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department inspects work sites at random intervals for compliance with the H&R Program.

2.4

Hoist and Crane Engineer


The Environment, Safety, and Health Coordinating Council (ES&HCC) approves the
appointment of a Hoist and Crane (H&C) Engineer,7 upon the recommendation of the
H&R committee. The H&C Engineer shall:
1. Before purchase or initial use, evaluate the safety of:
New primary equipment, such as hoists or cranes.

Lift is defined as:


(a) The maximum safe vertical distance through which the hook can travel.
(b) The hoisting of a load.

Clevices are -shaped shackles that are used in rigging operations.

The H&C Engineer tasks are expected to require approximately one tenth of a full-time employee (FTE).

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Used cranes, forklift trucks, or other handling or lifting equipment


acquired from salvage sources.
Special equipment designed by or for SLAC.
Modifications of crane, hoist, or rigging8 equipment.
2. Evaluate the thoroughness and accuracy of written lifting procedures.
3. Keep all records of quarterly, annual, and quadrennial H&C inspections, as
well as non-destructive examination records for crane hooks and lifting fixtures.
4. Witness all forklift, crane, and lifting fixture proof-load tests.
5. Arrange third-party inspections of cranes, when required.
6. Provide oversight for all special lifts9.
7. Participate in the training of SLAC personnel, as required.
8. The H&C Engineer reports to the PED Group Leader responsible for the PED
Rigging Group

2.5

Managers and Supervisors


Managers and supervisors must:
Ensure that only the personnel who are trained and certified operate H&R
equipment.
Enforce the use of safe lifting techniques.
Maintain the lifting equipment in good mechanical and operating condition.
Ensure that daily inspections of cranes are performed and documented.
Contact the H&C Engineer before the initial use of:
New equipment.
Salvaged equipment.
Modified equipment.
Special equipment designed by or for SLAC.
New or modified written lifting procedures.

2.6

Plant Engineering Department


The PED is responsible for most major hoisting operations. PED also:
Arranges quarterly, annual, and quadrennial crane inspections.
Assists the HRSC to establish design parameters for all cranes and hoists.
Develops and implements H&R training courses.
Certifies H&R operators.
Maintains H&R equipment, with the exception of forklifts under 10,000
pounds capacity.

The ropes, chains, and other gear used to support, position, and control equipment or materials.

Special lifts are parts, components, assemblies, or lifting operations designated as such because the effect of dropping,
upset, or collision of items could:
(a) Present a potentially unacceptable risk of personnel injury or property damage.
(b) Cause undetectable damage resulting in future operational or safety problems.
(c) Result in significant release of radioactivity, significant work delay, or other undesirable conditions.

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41: Hoisting and Rigging

Performs site hoisting and rigging services as requested (PED Rigging Group).
Performs and/or coordinates repair of all types of cranes, forklifts (more than
10,000 pound capacity), aerial lifts, and lifting fixtures.
Performs structural engineering of lifting fixtures.
Issues licenses for crane operators.

2.7

Subcontractors
Subcontractors performing hoisting and rigging operations at SLAC must follow all applicable safety requirements. Contact SHA for further information.

2.8

Rigging Personnel
SLAC H&R personnel consist of both professional and incidental operators. Personnel who
operate H&R equipment must:

Attend the required training for hoists, cranes, or forklifts before using the
equipment.
Observe all established safety regulations relating to safe lifting and handling
techniques.
Follow all safety procedures.
Visually inspect the equipment before each days use.
Note:

2.9

Accessories such as shackles, eye-bolts, slings, and hooks shall be immediately


discarded if found to be visibly deformed or cracked.

Transportation Department
The Transportation Department of the Facilities Office provides inspection, service, and
maintenance on all forklifts not exceeding 10,000 pounds capacity.

2.10

Customers
Customers are personnel who request H&R services. When requesting H&R services, they
must:
Provide technical information on relevant characteristics of the apparatus,
including special lifting fixtures, when required.
Provide technical information on any non-H&R hazards that may be encountered during the H&R operation.
Provide information on the equipment to be rigged or moved.

Training
SLAC hoists, cranes, and forklifts may only be operated by trained and certified operators. The
ES&H Division arranges training and is responsible for administering all H&R operator training
programs. Contact the ES&H training team coordinator for details.

Note:

21 March 1997

H&R operators must receive H&R training to assure competency and to be in compliance with
OSHA regulations and DOE requirements.

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SLAC ES&H Manual

All operators and riggers must be re-certified at least once every four years. They must have an
identification card which is provided and signed by the instructor.
SLAC equipment is to be used by trained SLAC personnel. Upon approval of the subcontractors
documentation by the H&C Engineer, subcontractors may be allowed to use SLAC equipment.

Note:

SLAC personnel are not authorized to operate subcontractor equipment.

Certifications
All certifications involve classroom lectures, written examinations, and practical examinations.
Certifications are required for:
Crane operators.
Forklift operators.
Hoist operators.

4.1

Basic Crane Operation


Basic crane-operation certification is required of those who use mechanical devices to lift
objects:
Weighing 6,000 pounds or less.
Not exceeding 5 x 5 x 5.

4.2

Advanced Crane Operation


Advanced crane-operation certification is required of those who lift objects:
Exceeding 6,000 pounds.
Larger than 5 x 5 x 5.

Medical and Physical Qualification


All crane operators and riggers shall be screened by the SLAC Medical Department to detect any
disqualifying medical or physical disabilities before receiving certification. All operators and riggers must be re-examined at least once every four years, before they can be re-certified.
The disqualifying medical and physical conditions for crane operators and riggers include:
1. Any medical history or clinical diagnosis of any disease or condition that may
interfere with the ability to control and operate a crane or perform rigging procedures safely. These diseases and conditions include, but are not limited to,
the following:
Alcoholism
Arthritis
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Muscular disease
Myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency thrombosis, or congestive heart failure

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41: Hoisting and Rigging

Neuromuscular disease
Orthopedic impairments
Respiratory dysfunction
Rheumatic disease
Vascular disease
2. Visual acuity less than 20/40 in both eyes.
3. Peripheral vision lower than 70 degrees.
4. Color blindness. (Personnel must be able to recognize the red, green, and
amber colors of traffic signals.)
5. Average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000
Hz, and 2,000 Hz, with or without a hearing aid.
6. Abnormal Rombergs sign. (Loss of balance during a neurological exam.)
7. Blood pressure greater than 160/90.
8. Loss of a foot, leg, hand, or arm.
9. Mental condition, such as schizophrenia, affective psychoses, paranoia, anxiety, or depressive neuroses.
10. The use of controlled substances such as amphetamines, narcotics, or any
other habit-forming drugs.

Rigging Operations
H&R operations at SLAC involve two types of rigging. They are:
1. Professional rigging. Only professional riggers or personnel who have been
specifically trained and certified may move objects that:
Weigh more than 6,000 pounds.
Will not fit within a 5 x 5 x 5 cube.
Require special handling or rigging.
2. Incidental rigging. Incidental rigging is generally performed by personnel
who are not professional riggers, but who lift equipment as an incidental part
of their job. Incidental lifts are those that:
Weigh 6,000 pounds or less.
Will fit within a 5 x 5 x 5 cube.
Do not require special handling or rigging.

Safety Precautions
Responsibility for all rigging jobs is shared between the rigging crew and the customer. Both riggers and customers must respect the responsibility and authority of the other to prevent or terminate any action that is judged to be unsafe or improper. Rigging and lifting procedures must be
developed and discussed with the H&C Engineer and the rigging crew supervisor. In addition,
final procedural review and approval for special-lift hardware must be obtained from the H&C
Engineer.

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41: Hoisting and Rigging

7.1

SLAC ES&H Manual

Lifting, General
Mechanical devices must be used for lifting and moving objects that are too heavy or
bulky for safe manual handling. Personnel who have not been trained must not operate
power-driven mechanical devices to lift or move objects of any weight.
Note:

7.2

A crane shall not be loaded beyond its rated load 10except for test purposes.

Special Lifts
The criteria for determining special lifts are:
Lifts that may require unconventional lifting equipment.
Lifts that, if the item is dropped, upset, or collided with may:
Present a danger to personnel or property.
Cause undetectable damage resulting in future operational or safety
problems.
Result in a significant release of radioactivity, such as items that have
radiation levels greater than 100mrem/hr, or lifting containers of
radioactive liquids.
Result in significant work delay, or other undesirable conditions.
While special lift procedures are customarily prepared for one-time use, general high-consequence special lift procedures may be employed to accomplish routine recurrent special
lift operations. Each person involved in a special lift must be familiar with the procedure
before beginning work. A pre-lift meeting with all participating personnel must be held
before the lift. The procedure must be thoroughly reviewed by the H&C Engineer. For
detailed lifting procedures, see the SLAC Hoisting & Rigging Manual,available from the
PED.

7.3

Lifting Fixtures
All lifting fixtures such as shackles, hoist rings, eye bolts, and SLAC-designed lifting fixtures shall be designed according to sound mechanical engineering principles. The owner
of a fixture shall arrange that the item:
Is inspected at least once every four years, or upon request.
Is load tested to 125% of rated capacity before initial use.
Is subjected to a magnetic particle inspection before and after a load test.
Is clearly marked with load capacity.

7.4

Suspended Loads
Loads moved with any material-handling equipment shall not pass over any personnel.
Choose the load path before moving the load. While moving the load, control the load
path to eliminate the possibility of injury to personnel in the event that the material-handling equipment fails.

10

41-8

The total superimposed weight on the load, block, forks, or hook.

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41: Hoisting and Rigging

Equipment worked on while supported by material-handling equipment must have a


redundant support system. This system must be capable of supporting all loads which
could result if the material-handling equipment failed.
Note:

Never leave a suspended load unattended. Before leaving, lower the load to the working
surface and secure the material-handling equipment.

Inspections
Upon request, PED will assist in arranging for examination and certification of hoisting and rigging equipment.

8.1

Preliminary
All cranes, hoists, and accessory equipment shall be examined, certified, and proof-loadtested as required by the ANZI B30 series before being placed in service for the first time.

8.2

Daily
All hoists, cranes, and accessory equipment must be inspected daily by the hoist and
crane operator to assure that all equipment is in proper working order and that hoist
chains or ropes are free of kinks or twists. Inspection tags must be completed daily and
attached to each hoist and crane and to all secondary equipment being used.
Note:

8.3

The daily inspection is required only on days when the equipment is used.

Quarterly
Cranes shall undergo inspection every three months. Additional inspections depend upon
the severity of service and the use environment. Contact the H&C Engineer for more information on these inspections.

8.4

Annual
Rope reeving must be inspected for compliance with the manufacturers recommendations before the first use and annually thereafter. Contact PED to arrange these inspections.

8.5

Quadrennial
All crane hooks and lifting fixtures rated at or above a ten-ton capacity must be submitted
to a non-destructive examination at least once every four years. Contact PED or the H&C
Engineer for more information on these inspections.

8.6

Cranes Not in Regular Use


A crane which has been idle for a period of more than six months shall be inspected
according to OSHA requirements before being placed in service. Standby cranes shall be
inspected at least semi-annually.

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41: Hoisting and Rigging

8.7

SLAC ES&H Manual

Forklifts
Inspection schedules and recommendations for forklifts with capacities of 10,000 pounds
or less vary by manufacturer. Contact the Transportation Department for details.

Requirements
9.1

Maintenance
All hoist, crane, and forklift maintenance and repair work must be performed in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations or requirements. Routine maintenance
shall be performed by PED according to its established schedules and applicable requirements. Equipment not maintained in accordance with manufacturers requirements shall
be removed from service.

9.2

Recordkeeping
In addition to the initial manufacturers data report and the mandated periodic inspection
reports, records should be kept of the equipments service history.

10

Hoisting in Construction Sites


Because construction sites contain many hazards, SLAC has special requirements for those using
cranes of any type for construction activities. For questions concerning construction sites, contact
the SHA Department.

41-10

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43

Industrial Wastewater
Program (Sanitary Sewer)
Related Chapters
Excavations
Secondary Containment
Spills
Stormwater
Waste Minimization and
Pollution Prevention

Chapter Outline

Page

1 Overview

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2 SLAC Industrial Wastewater Program

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3 Responsibilities

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3.1

Environment, Safety, and Health Coordinators

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3.2

Managers and Supervisors

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3.3

Project Managers and University Technical Representatives

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3.4

Site Engineering and Maintenance Department

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3.5

Mechanical Fabrication Department

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3.6

Environment, Safety, and Health Division

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3.6.1 Environmental Protection and Restoration Department

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3.6.2 Operational Health Physics Department

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3.6.3 Safety, Health, and Assurance Department

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3.6.4 Waste Management Department

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3.7

Building and Area Managers

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3.8

Personnel

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4 Discharge to the Sanitary Sewer

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4.1

Discharges Prohibited by Regulation

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4.2

Conditional Discharges

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4.3

Discharge Options and Considerations

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Chapter Outline
4.4

Page

Regulated Activities

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4.4.1 Sitewide

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4.4.2 Cooling Systems

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4.4.3 Water Discharged from Radiologically Control Areas

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4.4.4 Rinse Water Treatment Plant

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4.4.5 Batch Treatment Plant

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4.4.6 Cafeteria

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4.4.7 Grinding Operations

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4.4.8 Miscellaneous

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4.4.9 Non-Routine Discharges

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4.4.10 New or Modified Processes

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4.5

Accidental Discharges

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4.6

Implementation of Best Management Practices

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Overview
This chapter outlines the responsibilities and programs required to comply with the rules and
regulations administered by the West Bay Sanitary District (the sanitary district) and the South
Bayside System Authority (the sewage treatment plant). These rules pertain only to wastewater1
discharged to the sanitary sewer.
Our relationship with the sanitary district and the sewage treatment plant is formalized in
discharge regulations and wastewater discharge limits. These limits are necessary to protect the
sanitary sewer and treatment plant as well as its operators, and are based on the ability of the
sewage treatment plant to treat wastewater to safe levels before discharge to the San Francisco
Bay.
SLAC operates under three wastewater discharge permits. The first addresses sitewide

prohibitions and limits. Compliance is monitored at a discharge point at the site boundary on
Sand Hill Road. The second addresses discharge from the plating shop rinse water treatment plant
(RWTP). The last addresses discharge from the batch treatment plant (BTP). These permits may be
revised at any time for the purposes of protecting and accommodating new regulations impacting
the sanitary sewerage facilities.

Wastewater: Sewage and any and all waste substances, whether liquid, solid, gaseous, or radioactive, associated with human habitation, or of
human or animal origin, or from any producing, manufacturing or processing operation of whatever nature, including such waste placed within
containers of any nature prior to, and for purposes of, disposal and water, whether treated or untreated, discharged into, or permitted to enter into
the sewerage facilities

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43: Industrial Wastewater Program

Factors that may impact SLAC include increased restrictions and conditions on quality and
quantity of discharges to the sanitary sewer. The SLAC Industrial Wastewater Program addresses
these through current compliance and the establishment of a management system that can adapt
to a more restrictive regulatory environment in the future.
To prevent exceeding SLAC wastewater permit limits it is important that all discharges to the
sewer be evaluated. Pollutants can be introduced through industrial processes, or as a result of
dumping material down sinks or floor drains. SLAC is committed to working closely with our
local agencies to ensure the continued protection of the communitys sewage treatment plant and
ultimately the San Francisco Bay.

SLAC Industrial Wastewater Program


The purpose of the SLAC Industrial Wastewater Program is to meet the conditions of the Wastewater
Discharge Permits before discharging wastewater2 to the sanitary sewer system and to anticipate trends that
could negatively impact SLAC operations. To meet the objectives of this program and comply with SLAC
policy for the protection of human health and the environment, it is necessary to:
Implement Industrial Wastewater Best Management Practices (IW-BMPs). See Section 4.6 for more
information.
Implement the elements protecting against hazardous sanitary sewer discharges found in:

Spill Prevention, Countermeasures, and Control Plan (SPCC).

Hazardous Material Business Plan (HMBP).

SLAC Emergency Preparedness Plan, located on the web at:


http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/manuals/epp2000.pdf

Monitor water quality and flow.


The SPCC and HMBP are available for viewing in the Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Document
Room (Building 024, Room 217).

Responsibilities
3.1

Environment, Safety, and Health Coordinators


ES&H Coordinators are responsible for being familiar with all activities conducted within their

respective divisions. They must also be familiar with industrial wastewater permit requirements
and Best Management Practices (BMPs) that relate to those activities. The ES&H Coordinator may
bring compliance issues to the attention of the Associate Director and coordinate compliance
solutions with the ES&H Division. The current list of ES&H Coordinators can be found on the
web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/reference/safecoor.html

The Environment Restoration and Protection (EPR) Department must review and approve all new or non-routine discharges to the sanitary
sewer prior to discharge.

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3.2

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Managers and Supervisors


SLAC managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing ES&H policy with personnel

under their supervision. Responsibilities include:


Adding IW-BMPs into standard operating procedures and work practices for those
processes or storage areas requiring them3.
Ensuring that operations in buildings and areas under their control, including
wastewater discharges, comply with SLAC ES&H requirements4.
Identifying processes that may be sources of unpermitted discharges to the sanitary
sewer system. Report these processes to EPR for evaluation and possible inclusion in
the Wastewater Discharge Permit. Any process using or generating chemicals,
hazardous waste, fuel, oil, grease, or cleaning supplies that also has access to the
sanitary sewer system should be reported to EPR for evaluation. See Section 4.4 for a
list of permitted discharges.
Instructing employees on proper disposal and storage of material to prevent accidental
releases to the sanitary sewer.
Instructing employees on proper disposal of accumulated water and the process for
getting approval for a non-routine discharge to the sanitary sewer.

3.3

Project Managers and University Technical Representatives


Project Managers and University Technical Representatives (UTRs) are required to know
and adhere to all SLAC ES&H policies for systems or operations, and subcontractors under
their control. This includes:

Implementing construction management practices and performing construction


activities in compliance with regulatory requirements and SLAC IW-BMPs.
Notifying the Waste Management (WM) Department and the EPR Department of any
unplanned discharges to the sanitary sewer system arising form work conducted under
Project Manager or UTR direction.
Obtaining approval from the Site Engineering and Maintenance (SEM) Department to
make new connections to the potable water system, sanitary sewer, or storm drain
systems. It is desirable to obtain approval early in the design process.

3.4

Site Engineering and Maintenance Department


SEM must approve connections to the sanitary sewer. No portion of the sanitary sewer system may
be blocked, either temporarily or permanently, without SEM approval. SEM responsibilities
include:

Acting as the primary Point-of-Contact (POC) for engineering changes and


connections to the sanitary sewer system.
Approving new connections to the potable water system, sanitary sewer, or storm drain
system.
Cleaning the cafeteria grease traps and coordinating with the sanitary district for
grease trap inspections.
Complying with plumbing code regulations.
Coordinating payments to the sanitary district.
3

Contact your ES&H Coordinator or EPR for assistance.

For assistance in meeting these requirements, contact EPR.

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Coordinating with EPR and the Operational Health Physics (OHP) department to
ensure wastewater discharges are in compliance with permit requirements.
Coordinating with WM for disposal of hazardous waste.
Delivering cooling-system flushing effluent to the Mechanical Fabrication Department
(MFD) for treatment and disposal.
Inspecting, cleaning, servicing, calibrating, and maintaining flow meters required
under the sewage treatment plant permit. This must be done at least annually and
whenever required for proper operation.
Maintaining the sanitary sewer system on site. This includes replacement, repair,
cleaning and flushing, removing blockages, and implementing preventive maintenance
programs.

3.5

Mechanical Fabrication Department


MFD operates two wastewater treatment plants that remove pollutants from industrial process

effluents prior to discharge to the sanitary sewer system. MFD is responsible for:
Ensuring that discharges of treated wastewater for both the BTP and the Plating Shop
RWTP in Building 38 (B-038) comply with permit limits.
Complying with monitoring and record-keeping requirements for those operations
under their control. This includes documenting procedures, process upsets and
changes, and sampling results. Any process upsets and changes must be reported to
EPR as soon as possible.

3.6

Environment, Safety, and Health Division


3.6.1

Environmental Protection and Restoration Department


EPR is responsible for:

Acting as the primary POC for the sewage treatment plant.


Addressing any compliance issues concerning the SLAC Mandatory Discharge
Permit.
Coordinating payments to the sewage treatment plant.
Ensuring the ES&H Coordinators are informed of any activities occurring in their
area regarding compliance issues with the Mandatory Industrial Wastewater
Discharge Permit.
Initiating or preparing procedures for effective management of industrial
wastewater as required.
Maintaining records of inspections, corrections, status reports, current regulations,
permits and permit applications.
Preparing, submitting, and tracking non-routine discharge applications.
Providing technical and regulatory guidance for discharges of wastewater to the
sanitary sewer system.
Researching and generating reports for submittal to regulatory agencies.
Reviewing and documenting permitted discharges annually to verify compliance
with the permit conditions.
Reviewing new equipment and processes for compliance with the Wastewater
Discharge Permit conditions.
Self-monitoring of industrial wastewater compliance with the permits and the
splitting of all samples taken by the sewage treatment plant.

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3.6.2

SLAC ES&H Manual

Operational Health Physics Department


OHP is responsible for:

Performing radioanalysis of wastewater with known or suspected radiological


analytes prior to discharge to the sanitary sewer.
Summarizing their radioanalysis results in a quarterly report to the sewage
treatment plant.
Note:

3.6.3

Sample collection and delivery of samples to OHP is the responsibility of the


group generating the wastewater. Contact the OHP Hotline at Ext. 4299 for further information or to schedule analysis.

Safety, Health, and Assurance Department


The Safety, Health, and Assurance (SHA) Department is responsible for:
Conducting periodic audits of the facility to ensure compliance with the Industrial
Wastewater Program requirements.
Developing and implementing the SLAC Construction Inspection Program,
including the review of construction projects which may impact the sanitary sewer
system. The SLAC Construction Inspection Program may be viewed on the web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/manuals/QAdesign.pdf

3.6.4

Waste Management Department


WM is responsible for the handling and disposal of hazardous waste. For more information

see Chapter 17, Hazardous Waste, in this manual.

3.7

Building and Area Managers


Building and Area Managers are responsible for:
Identifying areas that may be sources of unpermitted discharges to the sanitary sewer
system.
Reporting these areas to EPR for evaluation and possible inclusion in the Wastewater
Discharge Permit.
Reporting any area that uses or stores hazardous materials, hazardous waste, fuel, oil,
grease, or cleaning supplies that has access to the sanitary sewer through sink or floor
drain to EPR for evaluation.
Hazard analysis checklists are available to help with this determination. Contact your ES&H
Coordinator or EPR for assistance.
Note:

3.8

SEM must be contacted before any changes to the sanitary sewer are made.

Personnel
SLAC personnel are responsible for:

Learning and complying with SLAC ES&H policies, practices, procedures and
requirements regarding acceptable discharges to the sanitary sewer.
Coordinating with EPR when evaluating the installation of new effluent-producing
processes. Only permitted discharges to the sanitary sewer system are allowed. The
EPR Department must review and approve all new or non-routine discharges to the
sanitary sewer system prior to discharge.
Coordinating with WM to dispose of chemicals and hazardous waste.

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Reporting accidental discharges to the sanitary sewer immediately (see Section 4.5).
For more information see Chapter 16, Spills, in this manual.5
Coordinating with SEM for proper connections of processes to the sanitary sewer
system.
Note:

Connection of any process stream to the storm drain system is prohibited.

Discharge to the Sanitary Sewer


4.1

Discharges Prohibited by Regulation


General prohibitions apply to all facilities that discharge wastewater to the sanitary sewer system
and include any discharges that may cause:
A detrimental environmental impact or nuisance.
Any adverse action that impacts the ability of the sewage treatment plant to protect the
San Francisco Bay.
Danger to human life or safety.
Dilution of a discharge of waste or wastewater as a substitute for adequate treatment.
Fire or explosion.
Flow obstruction or injury to the sewerage facilities.
Inhibition of maintenance or operation of the sewerage facilities.
Interference or overloading of the wastewater treatment or reclamation process, or
sewerage facilities, or excessive costs, or use of a disproportionate share of the
capacity of the sewerage facilities.
Introduction of hazardous waste to be discharged to the sanitary sewer.
Odors, air pollution, or any noxious, toxic, or malodorous gas or substance, or gas
producing substances.

4.2

Conditional Discharges
The following types of discharges are prohibited unless they are evaluated and included in the
SLAC industrial discharge permits or they receive a non-routine discharge permit (see 4.4.9):
Any stormwater, groundwater, rain water, street drainage, sub-surface drainage, or
yard drainage.
Any unpolluted water, including, but not limited to, cooling water, process water, or
blow-down water from cooling towers or evaporative coolers.
Waste from garbage grinders.

Any discharge that is reported to the sewage treatment plant or the sanitary district must also be reported to one of the following
to be entered in the Department of Energy (DOE) Occurrence Reporting and Processing System (ORPS):
ES&H SHA Department
Main Control Center (MCC) Engineering Operator in Charge (EOIC) or the Accelerator Department Safety office
when MCC is not operational
Stanford Positron-Electron Asymmetric Ring (SPEAR) Control Room EOIC or the Stanford Synchrotron
Radiation Laboratory (SSRL) Safety Office when the SPEAR Control Room is not operational

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Any substance discharged directly into an opening into the sewerage facilities other
than wastes or wastewater through an approved building sewer.
Any holding tank waste.
Any radioactive waste.

4.3

Discharge Options and Considerations


SLAC has a number of options to consider when evaluating the discharge of a specific source to the
sanitary sewer that include:

1. If it is a change to an existing operation, does the change affect the constituents,


concentration, and volume or discharge period of its wastewater? If so, it may trigger
the need to notify the sewage treatment plant.
2. Is the change temporary or permanent? A temporary change can be handled by obtaining a non-routine discharge permit, while a permanent change would require updating
the existing discharge permit.
3. If it is a new, permanent industrial source, has the wastewater been characterized? Will
it require pretreatment prior to discharge? In either case, SLAC will need to get
approval from the sewage treatment plant and update the existing discharge permit.
4. Are there BMPs that could be implemented that will reduce either the pollutants or the
volume of the wastewater or both prior to discharge to the sanitary sewer? These
actions will make it easier to obtain approval from the sewage treatment plant.
Contact EPR for assistance with evaluating and characterizing wastewater, identifying BMPs, and
identifying permit requirements.

4.4

Regulated Activities
SLAC has a number of permitted discharges. Specific operations and activities covered under the
SLAC permits are discussed below.

4.4.1

Sitewide
Mandatory Wastewater Discharge Permit WB 970401-F addresses sitewide discharge prohibitions and limits. Compliance with permit conditions is monitored at a discharge point
at the SLAC site boundary on Sand Hill Road. This permit can be revised at any time for
the purposes of protecting the sanitary sewerage facilities and workers, and accommodating new regulations impacting the sewage treatment plant or the sanitary district.

4.4.2

Cooling Systems
Cooling tower blow-down water is permitted for discharge to the sanitary sewer. Effluents
from periodic cleaning and flushing of heat exchanger lines and closed-loop cooling systems are transported to the RWTP or BTP for treatment prior to discharge to the sanitary
sewer. Contact MFD for details and requirements.

4.4.3

Water Discharged from Radiologically Control Areas


Any wastewater with the potential to contain radioactive analytes needs to be analyzed by
OHP prior to discharge to the sanitary sewer. Quantity and activity levels must be docu-

mented and submitted to the sewage treatment plant on a quarterly basis.


4.4.4

Rinse Water Treatment Plant


RWTP discharges are regulated under Mandatory Wastewater Permit WB 970401-P.
Discharge monitoring requirements and limits are in effect. Contact EPR for details.

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Batch Treatment Plant


BTP discharges are regulated under Mandatory Wastewater Permit WB 97041-HX.
Discharge monitoring requirements and limits are in effect. Contact EPR for details.

4.4.6

Cafeteria
Discharges of food, oil, and grease are restricted. Garbage grinders must have the capacity
to shred waste so that waste particles are carried freely into and through the sewerage
facilities under normal flow conditions. Food-preparation sinks and dishwashers must be
plumbed to grease traps that are inspected and pumped on a regular basis.

4.4.7

Grinding Operations
The discharge of water from the precision bench grinding of bulk silicon crystals at the
Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL) is permitted with the condition that
there are no chemicals used in this process and a 5-micron in-line filter is used to remove
particulates before the water is discharged.

4.4.8

Miscellaneous
SLAC is permitted to discharge:

Groundwater from underground sumps, vaults, and tunnels that meet permit concentration limits.
Monitoring well purge water with known constituents meeting permit concentration
limits.
Rain water from secondary containments that have been treated to remove solids
and organics.
4.4.9

Non-Routine Discharges
All discharges that are non-routine or unusual in nature must receive specific authorization
from the sewage treatment plant and the sanitary district prior to discharge. Contact EPR
prior to discharge to assist in characterization and coordination with these agencies.
Approval for discharge may include fees and constraints on quantity and timing of
discharge.

4.4.10 New or Modified Processes


Any change in operation that affects the constituents, strength, volume or discharge period
of its wastewater must be reported to the sewage treatment plant and the sanitary district.
Contact EPR prior to discharge to assist in characterization and coordination with
regulatory agencies.

4.5

Accidental Discharges
Any accidental spills or discharges to the sanitary sewer system that violate the permit conditions
must be reported. The following are examples of types of discharges to the sanitary sewer that must
be reported to EPR:
Non-hazardous waste discharges:
A non-routine discharge due to a pipe break or similar event
Any release having a pH less than 6 or greater than 12.5
Any release of potentially radioactive water (also report this to OHP)
Any treatment process upset that may allow a discharge outside of the permit
conditions (such as high or low pH, discharge prior to treatment, equipment failure
or operator error)

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Hazardous material or waste:


Any release of fuel or oil
Any release of chemicals or hazardous waste
EPR will notify the appropriate regulatory agencies as deemed necessary should an accidental spill

or discharge occur.6
Note:

4.6

For more information see Chapter 16, Spills, in this manual.

Implementation of Best Management Practices


BMPs are industry standards that have been accepted by regulatory agencies as a way to protect the
environment. IW-BMPs are ways in which SLAC can ensure compliance with the wastewater permit

discharge limits and ultimately protect the San Francisco Bay. Activities that are affected by the
implementation of BMPs include:
Clean-outs, Floor Drains, Sinks and Toilets.
Grinding Operations.
Machine and Maintenance Shops.
Power Washing Buildings or Shielding Material.
Power Washing or Steam Cleaning Equipment and Vehicles.
Steam Cleaning (Metal Finishing).
Wet Chemistry and Photographic Laboratories.
BMPs for specified activities can be found on the web at:
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/reference/Wastewater/index.html

Any discharge that is reported to the sewage treatment plant or the sanitary district must be reported to one of the following to be
entered in the Department of Energy (DOE) Occurrence Reporting and Processing System (ORPS):
ES&H SHA Department
Main Control Center (MCC) Engineering Operator in Charge (EOIC) or the Accelerator Department Safety office
when MCC is not operational
Stanford Positron-Electron Asymmetric Ring (SPEAR) Control Room EOIC or the SSRL Safety Office when the
SPEAR Control Room is not operational

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