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 shall result in disciplinary action. Authorized removal of the tag indicates that the equipment is safe to use.

1. All equipment shall 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 shall not require such frequent inspection. Defective items shall be either repaired or scrapped.


2. Equipment shall be maintained in safe operating conditions.
 
3. Frayed electrical cords and plugs shall be repaired or destroyed.
   
 
4. Electrical plugs shall be 3 pronged and all outlets shall 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 shall 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 shall be replaced or fixed immediately.
   
 
7. Other forms of good technique in the use, care and maintenance of instruments and equipment shall 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 shall 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 shall have a JAC staff member associated with them. In the case of long-term visitors (students and the like), this shall normally be the supervisor. In the case of visiting astronomers, this shall be the support astronomer or in their absence, the telescope scheduler. In the case of short-term visitors and casual visitors, it shall 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, except general delivery personnel, shall normally sign in at the receptionist desk upon entry to the JAC during normal working hours.
2. Visitors entering laboratories, shops and other hazardous areas shall 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 shall 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 shall remain at JAC for more than two months shall 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 fire alarm pull stations. In this case they shall sign the memo in Addendum 6 and submit it to the SSA.
   

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

 

4. Visitors to JAC sea-level facilities:
1. Children under 16 years old shall be properly supervised and under the charge of an adult while at JAC.
   
 
2. Large tour groups shall be given permission by the JAC Director prior to the visit and shall be escorted by an appropriate number of JAC escorts. A risk assessment shall 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 shall be at the JAC (for example to use or commission a new or visiting instrument), extra care shall 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 shall all the team members be, including those who arrive during the run?
• What are the dates of arrival and departure of the individual team members?
  
• How shall EVERY member of the team be briefed on safety?
• Are there any special hazards such as cryogens involved?
• Shall there be weekend working involved?
• What shall 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 shoes, protective eye wear and hearing protection.
 
2. Visitors who are to be with the JAC for longer than two months shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 in 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 shall vary according to circumstances and the supervisor shall 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 shop 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.
 
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 shall be free of unnecessary apparatus and materials.

2. Doorways and aisles shall not be blocked.

3. Scientific apparatus shall 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 shall be placed near the floor.

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

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

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

9. Eating, drinking, chewing tobacco and/or gum, and application of cosmetics shall 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 shall 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 shall be conducted using safe work practices. Office and administrative areas shall be maintained free of recognized hazards.

2. Responsibilities

1. Supervisor
1. The ultimate responsibility for office safety rests with the supervisor. All work hazards shall 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 any damaged electrical cords, broken switches, loose connections or bare wires immediately 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 shall 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 resonably practicable.

18. Power switches shall 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 shall be kept clear of moving parts.

21. If it is necessary to run a cable or electrical cord across the floor, a cable cover shall 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 Display Screen Equipment 

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1.Background

The use of Display Screen Equipment (DSE), in particular personal computers, is now a common feature of most roles at the JAC. This Section establishes consistent standards and controls to effectively manage the risks to health created by the use of DSE in the workplace. 

Failure to manage the hazards associated with DSE can result in a wide range of injuries and ill health which can result in significant personal suffering, reduced operational efficiency, and a loss of time and money. 

Common symptoms arising from poor consideration of DSE hazards include:

• musculoskeletal upper limb pain and discomfort (Work Related Upper Limb Disorders);
• backache; 
• visual fatigue and headaches; and 
• mental stress 

The following legislation provides the regulatory framework for managing DSE and related workplace safety:

• Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, 1992, amended by the ‘Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations’, 2002, (DSE Regulations);
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, 1999; and 
• Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations, 1992. 

2.   Definitions 

1. Display Screen Equipment(DSE)

Any alphanumeric or graphic display screen, regardless of the display process involved, also known as Visual Display Units (VDUs)

2. DSE Workstation

• DSE: monitor, keyboard or any other input device;
• Optional accessories used with the DSE for example mice or other pointing devices; external disk drives; speakers; telephone; printer; document holder; and
  
• Work desk, chair and other items peripheral to the DSE.

3. DSE User
   

A person, employee, temporary worker, or tenant who regularly uses DSE as a significant part of their normal work - specifically, someone who uses DSE for continuous periods of 30 minutes or more on average more than three times per week.

4. DSE Advisor

3.    Policy

DSE users shall be provided appropriately designed workstations to minimise eye strain and to maximise operator comfort. A DSE risk assessment shall be available for every DSE user.

4.    Responsibilities

1. Supervisors shall:

1. Ensure that their DSE users are aware of the requirements set out in this Section and seek advice on DSE issues in designing roles, workstations and work schedules. 

2. Ensure that staff know that they shall take adequate breaks away from work stations to exercise eyes and body as described in paragraph 5 below.

3. Ensure that their DSE Users and Advisors undertake the training detailed in paragraph 7, and know who their local DSE Advisor(s) are.

4. Ensure that DSE self assessments are undertaken by their DSE Users (permanent and temporary) when setting up a workstation and following significant change. 

5. Ensure that control measures identified through DSE assessments undertaken by their DSE users are implemented as soon as is practicable.

2. Employee:

1. Adhere to the requirements of this Section in adjusting their workstation and managing their work schedules to take breaks as appropriate to exercise their eyes and body, attending DSE training detailed in paragraph 7.  A guide to setting up a workstation can be found at Addendum 15.

2. Carry out a DSE self assessment (see the Ergonomics Officer/DSE Advisor for the self-assessment checklist) when commencing work at a new workstation or when significant changes occur to their workstation(s) or to the DSE User, for example pregnancy. Once completed DSE self assessments shall be discussed with their line management and control measures identified in the assessment implemented promptly. 

3. When using portable DSE follow the guidance given in paragraph 6 below.

4. Where self assessments indicate the need for an eye or eyesight test and/or glasses for DSE use, users shall arrange to have an eyesight test. The cost of eyesight tests, and as appropriate the provision of glasses for DSE, use shall be borne by the JAC as follows:

• when taking an eye test, DSE users shall take a copy of the DSE eye wear form (Addendum 7) for the eye examiner to complete. This shall indicate whether corrective eye wear is needed or not;

• DSE users may claim (against a receipt) for any costs not covered by their insurance. Prior approval to claim these shall be sought from the Head of Administration where the cost is likely to exceed $200

5. Attend relevant DSE training and refresher training detailed in paragraph 7.
   

3.  DSE Advisors shall:

1. Attend relevant DSE and refresher training detailed in paragraph 7

2. As required by DSE users provide advice on DSE workstation set-up, equipment, and work time scheduling issues.

3. Maintain a general vigilance on the state of DSE workstations within their Department, as appropriate providing advice to DSE Users.

5.    Work Routine of Users

1. DSE users shall plan their activities at work so that their daily work using DSE is periodically interrupted by breaks or changes of activity.

2. Breaking up long spells of DSE work helps prevent fatigue and may prevent work related upper limb problems.  Where possible, work routines shall include activity which take staff away from their DSE for regular periods during the day.

3. If varying the type of work is not possible, supervisors shall plan for users to take breaks, away from the screen if possible, typically 5-10 minutes every hour.

4. The following are examples of ways of reducing any health risks associated with the work:

• Varying tasks to include other duties;
• Stretching and changing position periodically;
• Taking breaks before becoming tired;
•  Understanding that short frequent breaks are better than longer, infrequent ones;
•  Discouraging Users from working intensely for too long; and
•   Imposed rest breaks may sometimes be the only solution.

6.    Portable DSE

1. DSE guidelines apply equally to portable DSE such as laptop and notebook computers as their desktop equivalents and other hand held devices.

2. The design of portable DSE, making it compact and easy to carry with smaller keyboard, integral screen and mouse, may make prolonged use uncomfortable unless care is taken. The use of portable DSE shall in general be avoided in preference to standard desktop computers where these design compromises are avoided.
   

3. By intent portable DSE is used in a wider range of environments some of which may be poorly suited to DSE work.

4. DSE users using laptop computers shall endeavour to apply the same principles and practices employed in setting up DSE in permanent office locations when using portable DSE. By definition this shall not be ideal and specific care shall be employed when using portable DSE for extended periods of time, for example greater than 1 hour.

5. Practical points to consider when selecting a portable computer include:

• The computer’s weight and the availability of a carrying case with handle and shoulder straps;
• Its screen size - as large and clear as possible;
• Compatibility with a docking station, external mouse and keyboard when in use at the user’s normal place of work;
• Effective friction pads underneath portable equipment to prevent sliding.

1. DSE Users – On appointment undertake the AssessRite on-line training package (Appendix 1) with refresher training every 5 years.

2. DSE Advisors – Continuous professional development with, as a minimum, attendance at a formal event (training/conference) every two years.

Accessing the AssessRite Program

*        Using Internet Explorer 8.0 and above, follow this link to the AssessRite program located on the STFC On-line Training site: http://hsweb3.dl.ac.uk/assessrite/start.html

*        The “Welcome to AssesRite” menu screen will appear.  Click on the “log on” button to begin.

*        If you are logging in for the first time click the “New User” button and enter the following details to create an account:

o       Forename: First Name

o       Surname: Last Name

o       Email address: Your JAC email address

o       Department: Undefined

o       Location: Undefined

o       Username: STFC Username (contact JAC IT if needed)

o       Password: Your choice but do not use your STFC system password

o       Confirm: Enter the password used above

*        When you are ready to begin the assessment click the ‘forward’ arrow from the bottom right corner of the screen.

*        Keep your Username and Password available for future use.

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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 a project supervisor. A record is kept by the Site Safety Advisor.

2. Project Supervisor

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

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. 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 shall 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 shall report all injuries and illnesses to the project supervisor or the JAC Site Safety Advisor.

4. The contractor shall comply with good housekeeping requirements.

5. The contractor shall comply with all signs and tag requirements.

6. The contractor shall provide ground fault circuit interrupters on all single-phase 15 and 20-ampere receptacle outle

7. The contractor shall provide first aid supplies and a qualified personnel to administer first aid at the job site.

8. The contractor shall 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 shall 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 shall be contacted before lockout and tagout procedures are commenced.

11. Accumulations of combustible waste material, dust and debris shall be removed from the construction site at the end of each work shift, or more frequently if necessary for safe operation.

12. The contractor shall 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.

1. Employee

Takes care to assess any tasks before carrying them out and see that there shall 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 shall 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 shall be needed for the lift and if extra people shall 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.  

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 shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 (mW).
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 shall 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 shall 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 shall be avoided as a matter of good safety practice.

 
2. Class 2 - Low Power Visible Lasers

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

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

3. The laser beam shall 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 shall have a label affixed bearing the word "danger" and the laser sunburst. 

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

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

 
4. Class 3b - Medium Power Lasers

1. Each Class 3 laser shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall be taken in their use. 

7. The laser beam shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall rely on more positive methods (engineering them out rather than relying on safety procedures) 

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

2. Each Class 4 laser shall 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 shall be enclosed. Enclosures shall be equipped with interlocks so that the laser system shall 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 shall 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 shall 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.