Reducing Risk: Working Alone in the Laboratory

Sarah Meyer, MSPH, CIH, CSPLaboratory Safety Compliance Specialist

Janette de la Rosa Ducut, Ed.D.Training and Communications Manager

Russell Vernon, Ph.D.Director

Project Objectives

1. Reduce risk for lone workers in Chemistry laboratories

2. Identify the program components needed to implement on campus

3. Review best practices and lessons learned

Working Alone

EvaluationDo you have employees who work alone routinely, periodically, or occasionally?What type of hazards are they exposed to?What type of controls should be implemented?

Working Alone

ComplianceCalifornia Code of Regulations, Title 8 §3400(f) Effective provisions shall be made in advance for prompt medical treatment in the event of serious injury or illness…avoid unnecessary delay in treatment…

(1) A communication system for contacting a doctor or emergency medical service, such as access to 911 or equivalent telephone system…

OSHAGeneral Duty

Clause

(March 2014)

Who is a lone worker?

Lone worker is someone who cannot be seen or heard by another person, or cannot expect a visit from another employee.

Keeping Lone Workers Safe

(March 2014)

Check-in procedure1. Use a daily work plan2. Contact an employee or

supervisor at designed times

3. Follow the emergency action plan for missed check ins

Assess the hazards Take corrective action to

minimize potential risks Provide appropriate

training Schedule higher-risk tasks

during normal business hours, or when someone else is present

Create a check-in procedure

BackgroundThe “No working alone in labs” rule was commonly ignored through at least the late 1980s to today.Late nights and weekend work are the normBuddy system is often claimed to be used, but rarely implemented“Remote Buddy Alert Tool” developed from a garage door opener by Dr. John Palmer while at UCSD“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” alert systems were investigated

. developed the first commercially available system for a an institution with multi-story buildings

Incidents at UCR

Five incidents occurred in one year while people were working alone in a single building

Lone Worker Program overviewLength: 5 min http://ehs.ucr.edu/resources/videos/#laboratory

GPS Comparison

Satellite & Cell Phone GPS Lone Worker GPS

Loner SMD Device

Alert Types

Audible Silent Fall

Manually pull the latch down

Push the (white) button

(Automaticfall sensor)

Acknowledging an Alert

Video Tutorial

At UCR, Alerts acknowledged by UCPD.

There is an option to use a third party monitor.

Acknowledging an Alert

Informing the PIs

The program was introduced through a series of fact sheets, guides, emails, meetings, and word-of-mouth.

https://loner.blacklinegps.com/sign-in

A simple web-based form was created to enable PIs to customize their contact settings. This was entered into the system by EH&S.

PI Alert preferences

Beacon position

Beacons were positioned near laboratory exits to maximize

visibility, and provide consistency for maintenance.

Beacon installation

Beacons were installed using self-adhesive Velcro® so that they could be easily relocated later.

Step 1 Step 2

Beacon placement

Beacons were placed centrally between rooms,

and in restrooms.

Training the Laboratory

Training the Police

Lessons Learned

1. Use industrial Velcro to attach beacons to the wall

2. Getting a cell phone signal inside buildings (especially basements) is challenging

Elevators & stairwells are dead spotsLoner SMD uses AT&T service in USCell phone booster might be necessary in poor cell reception areas

3. Log in/off alert can result in several texts/emails

Other applicationsHousing and Dining (HDRS) department is interested in mitigating the risks for delivery drivers and convenience store clerks working evening shifts

HDRS recognized the possible friction caused with some unions AND asked that EH&S discuss the program with Labor Relations

Labor Relations subsequently notified both unions that represent Graduate Students and Post-Docs; neither have protested.

Lesson Learned:Inform unions before implementation

The big question: What’s the cost?Loner SMD Device (not the intrinsically safe version)

$399 per unit

Beacon Device $129 per unit

Managed deployment service $30 per unit

Annual service per Loner Device $300 per unit

Premium call center annual service per Loner Device (UCR not using)

$150 per unit for 24/7 coverage

Metrics

Usage ActivityOn average the devices are used 74 times per hour during a 2 month period (April 2014 – May 2014). The highest use occurs in the afternoon, peaking at 1:00 pm (total of 175). The lowest use occurs in the early morning at 4:00 pm (total of 2).

175

2

Metrics

Alert TypesNotwithstanding system checks, the most frequent alert types are audible (24), followed by silent (10), and fall detections (4). Other types include: system GPS checks, tests, and false alarms.

For more information

Blackridge SolutionsLance Kellough (778) 686-5799http://www.blackridgesolutions.comlance@blackridgesolutions.com

EH&S Safety & IH (951) 827-5528http://ehs.ucr.edu/safety ehs@ucr.edu

Teamwork wins!

Source:Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology

http://www.sustainable-nano.com

UCPDLt. Jason DayJudy Lane (Dispatch)

EH&S Mary Amimoto, Nicole Clark, and Jack Thompson

CNAS Machine Shop

Jeff Leffler