CHAPTER 4:

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A. General Use, Care and Maintenance of Equipment 

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1. Policy

2. Responsibilities

1. Supervisor
1. Ensures employee is aware of and follows the requirements for the use, care and maintenance of equipment.
2. Periodically surveys and inventories all equipment in the area of responsibility.
3. Designates an individual who is responsible for the maintenance and proper function of each major instrument or piece of equipment.
 

2. Employee
1. Inspects equipment before each use.
2. Maintains all the equipment they use or for which they are responsible.
3. Provides regular preventive maintenance in order to attain or prolong the service life of equipment.
4. Immediately initiates appropriate repair requests on all malfunctioning equipment.
   
 
3. Site Safety Advisor
1. Assists in designating equipment in need of repair, storage or disposal.
2. Maintains record of ETS yellow tags.
   


4. Engineering and Technical Services
1. Modifies or repairs equipment so that it conforms to fire and electrical codes and OSHA regulations and policies such that it can be used safely.
2. Expediently repairs, when possible and practical, malfunctioning equipment. Disposes of equipment otherwise.
3. Removes unsafe equipment from service via a yellow ETS tag.  A record of all yellow tags is kept by the Site Safety Advisor.

3. Procedure

NOTE:  Equipment removed from service via a yellow ETS tag may only be returned to service by the person signing the tag or by the Chief Engineer.  Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action. Authorized removal of the tag indicates that the equipment is safe to use.

1. All equipment must be inspected before use. Portable electrical equipment and any item subject to frequent handling shall be inspected every time it is used. Stationary items such as computer equipment will not require such frequent inspection. Defective items will be either repaired or scrapped.


2. Equipment will be maintained in safe operating conditions.
 
3. Frayed electrical cords and plugs will be repaired or destroyed.
   
 
4. Electrical plugs will be 3 pronged and all outlets will be grounded.

NOTE: Equipment which is double insulated may not require 3 pronged plugs. If in doubt, check with the Site Safety Advisor.
 
5. Fluid leaks in equipment will be fixed immediately. Use of the equipment is not allowed until the leak is fixed.
   
 
6. Malfunctioning or broken switches, knobs, valves, gauges, indicators, alarm or warning devices will be replaced or fixed immediately.
   
 
7. Other forms of good technique in the use, care and maintenance of instruments and equipment must be carried out by the users in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

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B. Visitors 

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1. Policy

All visitors entering JAC buildings, grounds, or facilities must comply with applicable health and safety policies and procedures.

2. Responsibilities

1. JAC Visitors Coordinator
   
Is responsible for coordinating support for visitors of two months or longer.  For visiting observers or casual visitors see below.
 
2. JAC staff member associated with the visitor
Escorts visitors; provides safety instruction and equipment as needed in accordance with the procedures in this section.
 
3. Site Safety Advisor
Ensures availability of protective equipment for visitors and participates in enforcing the JAC's visitor policy.

3. Procedures

1. Associated staff member. All visitors must have a JAC staff member associated with them. In the case of long-term visitors (students and the like), this will normally be the supervisor. In the case of visiting astronomers, this will be the support astronomer or in their absence, the telescope scheduler. In the case of short-term visitors and casual visitors, it will be the person inviting them to the JAC. In all cases, it is the responsibility of this JAC staff member to ensure that the visitor is aware of, and follows, all relevant JAC safety procedures.
   
 
2. General provisions:
1. Visitors should normally sign in at the receptionist desk upon entry to the JAC.
2. Visitors entering laboratories, shops and other hazardous areas must be escorted by a JAC employee.
3. Restricted areas may be visited only by permission of the supervisor in charge of the restricted area.
 


3. Information for visitors:

1. Visiting observers are issued a standard packet of information whose contents include the following safety related information:
• Registration on arrival
• Use of JAC Vehicles
• JAC Policy on Stays at High Altitude
• Operating Instructions for JAC Vehicles
• Medical Alert Waiver
• Red and yellow emergency cards 

2. Other visitors who are with JAC for less than two months will be issued with the visitor's information packet (for summit visitors) or with a single sheet safety summary (Addendum 5)
   

3. Co-Op students who will remain at JAC for more than two months will be given an initial briefing on Chapter 2 of the JAC Safety Manual, and on Chapter 9 before their first visit to any JAC summit facility by the student's direct supervisor, and backed up with suitable tours of the buildings to locate fire exits and pull points. In this case they must sign the memo in Addendum 6.

4. Visitors who are with JAC for longer will be given access to a copy of the full manual and must be briefed on it by their associated staff member or a relevant deputy. In this case they must sign the memo in Addendum 6.
   

 

4. Visitors to JAC sea-level facilities:
1. Children under 16 years old must be properly supervised and under the charge of an adult while at JAC.
   
 
2. Large tour groups must be given permission by the JAC Director prior to the visit and must be escorted by an appropriate number of JAC escorts. A risk assessment must be performed prior to the visit.
   
 
5. Visitors to summit facilities: See the provisions in Chapter 9 section G 2 d for summit visitors and follow the link there to the policy for summit visits.
 
6. Parties of visitors for more than one day:
1. Where a party of visitors will be at the JAC (for example to use or commission a new or visiting instrument), extra care must be taken that all members of the party are familiar with the relevant safety rules and procedures. The visiting team is required to produce an outline plan of their activities and complete the VIP Guidelines, Addendum 10, in advance. These are to be reviewed by the associated JAC staff member. The review need not be long or complex, and particular points to bear in mind are:
• Who will all the team members be, including those who arrive during the run?
• What are the dates of arrival of the individual team members?
  
• How will EVERY member of the team be briefed on safety?
• Are there any special hazards such as cryogens involved?
• Will there be weekend working involved?
• What will the supervision be?
  
 
2. If needed, the assistance of other staff shall be sought in carrying out this review.
 
7. Personal protective equipment for visitors
1. Chapter 3 of the manual describes provisions for personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety boots, protective eye wear and hearing protection.
 
2. Visitors who are to be with the JAC for longer than two months will be provided with PPE by their employer or, failing that, by the JAC. Any equipment provided by JAC remains JAC property and shall be returned. Visitors of shorter duration will need to make their own provisions unless suitable spare equipment is available at JAC and can be loaned. Note that if suitable equipment is not available then the tasks must not be carried out.
 

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C. Working Alone in Hilo

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1. Policy

Working alone is only allowed when it can be done safely. Specific examples of hazardous activities are given below. Policy on working at the summit is covered under Chapter 10.

2. Responsibilities

1. Supervisor
Schedules work procedures to minimize potential hazards of working alone.


2. Employee
Consults with supervisor as necessary to schedule work done after hours or otherwise in isolation.

3. Procedures

1. When working under potentially hazardous circumstances, employees are normally accompanied. The level of proximity required will vary according to circumstances and the supervisor will need to exercise discretion and shall consider a risk assessment to help focus on the issues. Typical potentially hazardous work includes:

1. Moving equipment.
2. Welding
3. Oxy-acetylene cutting
4. Working with machine shope tools and equipment
   
5. Electrical work (see Chapter 12)
6. Any work requiring a ladder
7. Work involving use of lasers
8. Work with cryogens
9. Work on high pressure or vacuum equipment
10. Work involving hazardous/flammable liquids

2. When working outside of normal hours employees shall secure the building upon leaving and follow the "Late Working Procedures"  located in the JAC Internal Web.

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D. Laboratory and Housekeeping Policies 

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1. Policy

This section sets policy and procedures on laboratory and general housekeeping safety topics.

2. Responsibilities

1. Supervisor
Ensures that the policies are implemented by routine inspection of the work place and by allocating sufficient time and other resources to allow them to be accomplished.
 
2. Employee
Carries out all work in accordance with the procedures below. Alerts supervisor to any infringements of the policy or procedures.
 
3. Site Safety Advisor
Schedules periodic inspections and alerts supervisor to any infringements of the policy or procedures.

3. General Procedures

1. Good housekeeping is essential for laboratory and office safety. Shelves, bench tops, and floors must be free of unnecessary apparatus and materials.

2. Doorways and aisles must not be blocked.

3. Scientific apparatus must be away from the edge of the bench, leaving adequate room to work and reducing the possibility of an accident.

4. All bottles and containers holding chemicals shall be accurately and clearly labeled. Whenever possible, hazards and necessary precautions shall also be included on the label. All unlabeled or illegibly labeled chemicals are subject to immediate disposal. See further information in Chapter 6 section A3c.

5. Heavy items should be placed near the floor.

6. Laboratory equipment with moving parts (e.g. vacuum pumps, etc.) will have necessary safeguards in place.

7. Laboratory reagents containers will not be used for food or drink.

8. Chemicals which might react and emit dangerous fumes, or present fire or explosion hazards will be segregated.

9. Eating, drinking, chewing tobacco and/or gum, and application of cosmetics will not be allowed in laboratories where toxic, flammable, carcinogenic, mutagenic, biological agents or radioactive chemicals are used or stored.

10. Nothing shall be stored on top of tall cabinets because of the risk of injury during earthquakes.

11. Sets of shelves shall be anchored to the walls when heavy items are stored or when the shelves rest on the tops of tables. Free standing shelves shall not be used for storage of heavy items.

12. Liquid spills shall be cleaned up immediately, taking note of MSDS requirements in Chapter 6 and bloodborne pathogen hazards in Chapter 7.

13. Access to emergency exits - areas in front of fire extinguishers, fire alarm console, doors and exit passages must be kept clear at all times.

14. Flammables shall be stored in approved flammable storage cabinets.

15. When deemed necessary portable eyewash bottles shall be provided.
    

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E. Office Safety 

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All work performed in JAC offices and administrative areas will be conducted using safe work practices. Office and administrative areas will be maintained free of recognized hazards.

2. Responsibilities

1. Supervisor
1. The ultimate responsibility for office safety rests with the supervisor. All work hazards must be anticipated and appropriate safeguards utilized.
2. Ensures all employees are properly trained and instructed in safe office practices and aware of all hazards associated with their work.
 

2. Employee
1. Follows the JAC's health and safety policies and instructions of the responsible supervisor and Site Safety Advisor.
2. Brings to the attention of the supervisor and/or Site Safety Advisor potential hazardous situations.
 

3. Site Safety Advisor
1. Assists supervisors in correcting hazardous situations and designating safe working practices.
2. Periodically inspects all office facilities to ensure compliance with existing JAC policy.

1. Guard the sharp edges of furniture to prevent personal injury. Keep desk "pull-out" writing surfaces closed when not in use.
 
2. Practice good housekeeping. Keep floors free of items that might cause tripping. Keep waste cans out of the way; do not overfill them.
 
3. Prevent slipping accidents by cleaning up spills immediately.
   
 
4. Report all defects such as loose tiles, broken steps, railings and doors immediately to the Facility Maintenance Manager.
   
 
5. Do not participate in horseplay.
   
 
6. Keep razor blades, tacks, and other sharp objects in closed containers.
   
 
7. Use the proper tool for the job at hand (e.g. a staple remover to remove staples).
   
 
8. Do not overload electrical outlets. Do not plug a multiple outlet strip-- an extension cord with multiple electrical receptacles--into a second multiple outlet strip.
   
 
9. Report immediately, any damaged electrical cords, broken switches, loose connections, or bare wires to the Site Safety Advisor.
 
10. Unplug any office machine that smokes, sparks, or delivers an electrical shock. Have it inspected by the appropriate repair personnel.
    
 
11. Avoid overloading the top drawers of filing cabinets to avoid the possible tipping of the cabinet when the drawers are opened. Open one drawer of the file cabinet at a time to prevent tipping. File cabinets shall be placed where their use will not interfere with office traffic patterns. Where possible, new filing cabinets shall be purchased with the feature that prevents more than one drawer being open at a time.
    
 
12. Keep file and desk drawers closed when not in use to help prevent tripping accidents.
    
 
13. Be sure to use proper lifting techniques. Make arrangements with personnel skilled in moving to shift furniture and other heavy objects.
    
 
14. Do not lean too far back in chairs. This may result in over-balancing and a fall.
    
 
15. Use only safety step stools or ladders for climbing. Don't stand on swivel chairs or use them as step stools.
    
 
16. Be careful with flammable liquids. They shall be kept in a ventilated area, away from excessive heat or ignition sources.
    
 
17. Book cases or file cabinets shall be secured or anchored where reasonably practicable.
    
 
18. Power switches must be off, or the cord unplugged, when electrical equipment, such as a typewriter, is being cleaned or serviced.
    
 
19. Office doors shall be free of obstructions at all times to permit egress in case of an emergency.
    
 
20. Jewelry, long hair, and clothing must be kept clear of moving parts.
    
 
21. If it is necessary to run a cable or electrical cord across the floor, a cable cover must be used to protect the wiring and prevent tripping.
    
 
22. Report any observed pest control problems to the Facility Maintenance Manager.

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F. Safety and Health Program for Video Display Terminal Operators 

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1. Background

The proliferation of video display terminals (VDT) in the modern office setting has generated concern relative to potential health hazards associated with their use. There have been numerous operator complaints of a wide range of symptoms including headaches, general malaise, eye strain and other visual/musculoskeletal problems. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has investigated these complaints and made measurements of both ionizing (x-ray) and non-ionizing (ultraviolet, visible, and radio-frequency) radiation emissions from video display terminals. Results of these investigations were published by NIOSH in a research report entitled, "Potential Health Hazards of Video Display Terminals". Major findings of the NIOSH investigations were:

• all radiation measurements indicated exposures to be below current occupational exposure standards and  in many cases, below detectable limits.
• eye strain experienced by video display operators was related to screen illumination and screen glare.
• workstation design features such as viewing distance, screen height and keyboard height contributed significantly to operator musculoskeletal complaints.

2. Definitions

1. Video Display Terminals (VDTs) include CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) video screens used on personal computers and computer workstations.
   
 
2. Video display terminal operators are JAC employees whose job duties require continuous use of VDTs for more than 3 hours per day or a total of more than 20 hours in a given week. Employees whose duties require only occasional or intermittent use of VDT equipment are not considered operators for purposes of these safety and health programs.

3. Policy

VDT operators will be provided appropriately designed work stations to minimize eye strain and to maximize operator comfort. A VDT risk assessment will be carried out for every VDT operator.

4. Responsibilities

1. Supervisor
1. Carries out, or arranges to have carried out, a VDT risk assessment.
2. Maintains a current awareness of JAC VDT policies and procedures and certifies whether or not an employee meets the JAC's definition of a VDT operator.
3. Provides appropriately designed work stations for VDT operators.
 

2. Employee
1. Follows the JAC's VDT policies and instructions of the supervisor and Site Safety Advisor.
2. Brings to the attention of the supervisor and/or Site Safety Advisor any potential problems associated with VDT operation.
 

3. Site Safety Advisor
Assists ergonomics officer, supervisor and employees in correcting problems associated with VDT work stations. Evaluates lighting levels, glare and work station design as necessary.

5. JAC VDT Program

1. Workstation Design
JAC will provide office work stations which satisfy the following design features.
 
1. Work desk or work surface:
• The work desk or work surface shall have a sufficiently large, low-reflectance surface and allow a flexible arrangement of the screen, keyboard, documents and related equipment.
• The document holder shall be stable and adjustable and shall be positioned so as to minimize the need for uncomfortable head and eye movements.
• There shall be adequate space for operators or users to find a comfortable position.
 
2. Work chair:
• The work chair shall be stable and allow the operator or user easy freedom of movement and a comfortable position.
• The seat shall be adjustable in height.
• The seat back shall be adjustable in both height and tilt.
• A footrest shall be made available to any operator or user who wishes one.

2. Workstation Equipment

JAC shall provide workstation equipment to help minimize fatigue and improve workstation safety, e.g. ergonomic keyboard/mouse, document holder, and foot rest  .


3. Illumination/Glare Control
1. Lighting levels in work areas will be set at the recommended levels for the specific equipment (e.g., office, lab). Measurements may be requested through the Site Safety Advisor.
   
 
2. Individual work stations will be evaluated for glare upon request. Screen hoods and anti-glare filters will be installed as needed.
 

4. Work-Rest Regimens

Video display operators will be allowed 15 minute break periods after two hours of continuous VDT  work.


5. Eye Examinations

VDT users will be provided with eye tests and with a provision for any required eye wear under the following rules.

1. When taking an eye test, VDT users shall take a copy of the VDT eye wear form (Addendum 7) for the eye examiner to complete. This will indicate whether corrective eye wear is needed or not.
   

2. VDT users may claim (against a receipt) for any costs not covered by their insurance. Prior approval to claim these allowances shall be sought from the Human Resources Manager where the cost is likely to exceed $200.
   

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G. Contractor Safety Policy 

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Contractors shall conduct their activities in a manner acceptable to JAC and in accordance with the prescribed standards listed in the job contract. Contractors are non-JAC staff hired to perform work in JAC facilities. Where the word "contractor" is used in this policy it shall also be understood to include subcontractors to the main contractor.

1. Engineering and Technical Services
The Chief Engineer appoints project supervisor. A record is kept by the Site Safety Advisor.


2. Project Supervisor
1. Ensures that the contractor fulfills the responsibilities specified by the contract.
2. Schedules contract work and informs staff of project, time schedule, and restricted work areas.
3. Monitors contractor personnel and reports unsafe conditions to contractor superintendent.
4. Advises contractor on posting safety signs.
5. Alerts/advises the contractor of any hazards.
6. Provides briefing on the JAC health and safety policies.
   
 

3. Contractor
1. Responsible for the safety of their personnel and for JAC personnel working with them.
2. Eliminates hazardous conditions.
3. Monitors their personnel for safe work practices.
4. Provides safety equipment for their personnel.
5. Informs and trains personnel to promptly report any unsafe condition to their superintendent.
6. Follows Hawaii OSHA regulations.
7. Assures that any subcontractor adheres to the above.
8. The contractor is responsible for proper disposal of chemical and hazardous waste generated by the contractor in the performance of the job.
 
4. Site Safety Advisor
Maintains a list of contractors and JAC supervisors.

1. The contractor must follow OSHA construction industry standards (29CFR, Part 1926) or relevant legislation.
 
2. JAC advises contractor of known potential hazards in the area of work.
   
 
3. The contractor must report all injuries and illnesses to the project supervisor or the JAC Site Safety Advisor.
   
 
4. The contractor must comply with good housekeeping requirements.
   
 
5. The contractor must comply with all signs and tag requirements.
   
 
6. The contractor must provide ground fault circuit interrupters on all single-phase 15 and 20-ampere receptacle outlets.
   
 
7. The contractor must provide first aid supplies and a qualified personnel to administer first aid at the job site.
   
 
8. The contractor must obtain permission from the project supervisor before using an open flame or electric arc.
   
 
9. The contractor cannot commence work on any energized equipment prior to lockout and tagout.  The contractor must inform the project supervisor and receive authorization prior to lockout and tagout of any energy sources (electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.).
   
 
10. The project supervisor must be contacted before lockout and tagout procedures are commenced.
    
 
11. Accumulations of combustible waste material, dust and debris will be removed from the construction site at the end of each work shift, or more frequently if necessary for safe operation.
    
 
12. The contractor must provide traffic control if required.

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H. Manual Handling (aka Lifting and Carrying)

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1. Policy

JAC policy is to design tasks in such a way as to avoid any injury from manual handling.

2. Responsibilities

1. Supervisor
Ensures that any manual handling tasks are properly designed and carried out to avoid injury and that staff are properly trained.


2. Employee
Takes care to assess any tasks before carrying them out and see that there will be no undue risk of injury. Does not carry out any manual handling unless there is enough help present.

3. Procedures

1. Assess the weight and size of the object to see if it can be lifted by hand. Check for sharp protrusions, and rotating parts. For heavy objects, establish the location of the centre of gravity.
 
2. Check the route along which the object will be carried, and decide from which side to lift, and any intermediate resting points. If possible use a cart or trolley instead of carrying.
   
 
3. Decide how many people will be needed for the lift and if extra people will be needed to open doors.
   
 
4. Get the help you need. If this is a team lift, establish who is the team leader and make sure everyone knows the plan.
   
 
5. If the object suddenly slips be aware of the danger of back injury in trying to recover it. It is often best to let it go - but think about this in advance especially if a team lift is involved.

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I.  Rendering First Aid 

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1. Policy

HIOSH 62-1 requires that in the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid.  Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.  In order to achieve this at the summit we require staff in the ETS and TSS groups to take first aid training.

2. Responsibilities

1. Staff member
Attends first aid training as required and administers first aid when appropriate.


2. Supervisor

Ensures that staff are allowed time to undertake training.

3. Site Safety Advisor

Schedules first aid training by an outside agency.

3. Note on First Aid Outside JAC

We have taken advice on the requirements to render first aid outside the JAC, in order to clarify any possible implied commitments for trained staff. In a letter dated May 20th 1998 from Anna M Elanto-Sneed of the law firm Carlsmith Ball Wichman Case & Igichi she stated that "Your employees have no legal obligation to render first aid to persons outside of the workplace. However, if they should voluntarily decide to render first aid to strangers outside of work, they must exercise reasonable care in doing so. Failure to provide first aid correctly could result in a lawsuit against the individual for negligence".

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J.  Laser Safety 

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Our facilities contain many lasers and the dangers associated with the light they generate must be taken very seriously. Injuries such as permanent loss of vision can occur if someone is exposed to a laser beam. It is important to realize that because of the nature of our work, it is impossible to completely protect personnel from the dangers of accidental exposure to lasers. To minimize the risk of injury, personnel should be aware of the dangers and follow the policy below.

 2. Policy

It is the policy of the JAC to protect, as far as possible,  personnel, visitors and property from harmful exposure to laser radiation. The laser safety program described below is established in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry, 29CRF1910.

3. Responsibilities

1. Supervisor
1. Informs Site Safety Advisor of activities using lasers in which the laser power is more than 2 milliwatts.
2. Ensures that staff using lasers are familiar with the JAC laser safety program.
3. Checks classification of lasers and labels them accordingly.
 
2. Employee
Uses laser equipment in accordance with the requirements in this section.
 
3. Site Safety Advisor
   
Ensures that proper protective equipment is available and properly maintained.

4. Laser Hazard Classification

Class 1 - Exempt Lasers and Laser Systems

Class 1 lasers cannot, under normal operating conditions, produce damaging radiation levels. These lasers must be labeled, but are exempt from the requirements of the JAC Laser Safety Program. A laser printer is an example of a Class 1 laser.

Class 2 - Low Power Visible Lasers and Laser Systems

Class 3 - Medium Power Lasers and Laser Systems

Class 3a denotes lasers or laser systems that normally would not produce a hazard if viewed for only momentary periods with the unaided eye. They may present a hazard if viewed using collecting optics. Visible cw HeNe lasers above 1 mW, but not exceeding 5 mW radiant power, and solid state laser pointers are examples of this class.

Class 3b denotes lasers or laser systems that can produce a hazard if viewed directly. This includes intrabeam viewing or specular reflections. Except for the higher power Class 3b lasers, this class laser will not produce diffuse reflections. Visible cw HeNe lasers above 5 mW, but not exceeding 500 mW radiant power, are examples of this class.

Class 4 - High Power Lasers and Laser Systems

5. Procedures

1. Class 1 - Exempt Lasers
No control measures or warning labels are required for class 1 lasers, although any needless direct exposure of the eye should be avoided as a matter of good safety practice.

 
2. Class 2 - Low Power Visible Lasers

1. Each class 2 laser must have affixed a label bearing the word "caution" and the laser sunburst.

2. No person should be allowed to stare directly at the laser beam.

3. The laser beam should not be pointed at any person (especially at their eyes)

 
3. Class 3a - Medium Power Lasers

Note: Class 3a laser pointers are banned at the JAC. (Most common laser pointers fall in this category)

1. Each class 3 laser must have a label affixed bearing the word "danger" and the laser sunburst. 

2. No person should be allowed to stare directly at the laser beam. 

3. The laser beam should not be pointed at any person. (especially at their eyes)

 
4. Class 3b - Medium Power Lasers

1. Each class 3 laser must have a label affixed bearing the word "danger" and the laser sunburst.
   

2. A sign shall be conspicuously posted in the lab or area which serves to warn onlookers of the hazard. The sign shall bear the words "caution" and the laser sunburst.
   

3. The laser should be operated only by a qualified person.
   

4. Priority shall be given to incorporating safety mechanisms, such as beam stops, shutters, interlocks, etc.; directly into the laser system rather than to rely on procedural controls. The laser beam should be contained within an enclosure whenever practicable.
   

5. Eye protection devices, which are specifically designed for protection against radiation from the laser system in use, shall be used when engineering and procedural controls are inadequate to eliminate potential exposure.
   

6. Optical systems, such as lenses, telescopes, and microscopes, may increase the hazard to the eye when viewing a laser beam. Therefore, special care should be taken in their use. 

7. The laser beam should not be pointed at any person. (especially at their eyes) 

8. Attempt to keep the laser beam path above or below, either sitting or standing, the person's eye level. 

9. No person should be allowed to stare directly at the laser beam. 

10. Remove any specular surfaces such as mirrors, polished metal, watches, rings and other jewelry from the laser beam path, which may reflect the main beam.

 
5. Class 4 - High Power Lasers


JAC does not use any class 4 lasers. In cases where the JAC requires the use of any class 4 lasers, the designated supervisor must complete a risk assessment taking into consideration the procedures below:

Class 4 lasers exhibit the highest potential for injury and damage. Specular and non-specular diffuse reflection are more likely to contain sufficient energy to be hazardous. Skin, as well as eye damage, are quite possible. Material hazards such as fire, vaporization of materials, and damage to objects entering the laser beam, are the greatest. For the above reasons, controls for the use of class 4 lasers must rely on more positive methods (engineering them out rather than relying on safety procedures) 

1. Each class 4 laser must have affixed a label bearing the word "danger" and the laser sunburst.

2. Each class 4 laser should be isolated in a lab or designated area.  Access to such an area shall require appropriate authorization. 

3. A sign shall be conspicuously posted outside the lab and in the area inside the lab which serves to warn onlookers of the hazard. The sign shall bear the word "danger" and the laser sunburst. 

4. Whenever possible, the entire beam path including the target area should be enclosed. Enclosures shall be equipped with interlocks so that the laser system will not operate unless the enclosure is properly installed. 

5. Eye protection devices which are designed for protection against radiation from the laser system shall be used when engineering and procedural controls are unable to eliminate potential exposure. 

6. Ancillary Hazards

Regardless of laser classification (which covers laser light output hazards only) some laser associated equipment present unique hazards, e.g. electrical hazards. Quite often these hazards are much more dangerous than the laser light itself. Many deaths resulting from the use of lasers were not from the beam but were due to electrical hazards that were overlooked.

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K. Ladder Safety

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1. Policy

Staff who use ladders must be trained in their use, proper selection, inspection and storage.  Improper use of ladders has caused a large percentage of accidents in the workplace.

2. Responsibilities

1. Supervisor
Ensures that their staff are properly trained before using ladders.

2. Employee

1.  Inspects ladders before each use.
2.  Uses proper ladder procedures.
3. Reports any defects or broken ladders to the supervisor immediately. Does not use a damaged ladder. 

3. Site Safety Advisor

1. Inspects ladders monthly and documents results.
2. Maintains records of employee training.
3. Coordinates and conducts training session.

3. Ladder Hazards

Falls from ladders can result in broken bones and death.  Ladder safety is a life saving program at the JAC.

Hazards include:

• use of a ladder with missing or broken parts
• use of a ladder with too low a weight rating
• use of a ladder that is too short for the job
• use of a ladder as a working platform
• use of a metal ladder near electrical wires
• objects falling from ladders

4. Procedures

1. Ladder Inspection
Inspect ladder for the following before each use:
1. All rungs and steps are free of oil, grease and dirt,
2. All fittings are tight,
3. Spreaders or other locking devices are in place,
4. Non-skid safety feet are in place,
5. No structural defects,  all support braces are intact.
 
2. Ladder Load Rating
Use ladder that is rated for the intended use.
 
3. Ladder Selection
Select ladder to suit intended use.
 
4. Ladder Set-up
These procedures must be followed to prevent ladder accidents:
1. place ladder on a clean slip free level surface,
2. extend the ladder to have about 3-4 feet above the top support or work area/landing,
3. never allow more than one person on a ladder,
4. use carriers and tool belts to carry objects up a ladder,
5. do not allow others to work under a ladder that is in use,
6. when using an extension ladder, place the ladder base 1/4 the height of the ladder from the wall.
 
5. Ladder Maintenance and Storage
1. keep ladders clean,
2. do not repair broken parts on ladder unless the part is provided by the original manufacturer,
3. store ladders on sturdy hooks or in an area where they cannot be damaged.