Laser Safety at a Research University DOE LSO Workshop Sep 11-13, 2012 R. DeWayne Holcomb, CLSO Laser Safety Manager University of Texas at Austin Began working in the Laser and Radiation Safety field in 1987, after leaving the US Navy. Past Experience: NASA-Ames Research Center UC Berkeley University of Cincinnati DOE Honeywell
Topics Public Universities Laser Safety at a Research University Overview of the UT laser program The Role of the University in Research Safety
University Management Large Institution Multiple Roles Finite Resources Conflicting Agendas
University Sub-Groups UT Austin 17 Colleges and Schools Many Departments within Colleges or Schools Institutes, Centers, Special facilities
University Sub-Groups Diverse Cockrell School of Engineering College of Communication College of Education College of Fine Arts College of Liberal Arts College of Natural Sciences College of Pharmacy Graduate School Jackson School of Geosciences McCombs School of Business School of Architecture School of Information School of Law School of Nursing School of Social Work School of Undergraduate Studies Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs
University Research
University Research Benefits Low Relative Costs Strong Infrastructure Synergy of Institution Wide Array of Expertise
University Research Benefits The Research is the End Game Motivated Researchers Motivated Administration! Flexible / Scalable Legacy for the Future
UT Austin Research ~3000+ Grants ~2100+ P.I.s ~3000 Research Grad Stud. $1.1 billion last 2 years McDonald Observatory Marine Science Institute Dell Pediatric Research Inst. Advanced Research Lab
More Lasers in Universities Drastic Price Drop Huge Variety Smaller Size New Applications
Trends in Laser Accidents (RLI)
Trends in Laser Accidents (RLI) Laser Research Migration to Universities?
It is not: What is Laser Safety? Inventory of Laser users, Equip, Parameters, Eyewear, etc Training / Documentation for all laser users Lab Audits for lasers, labs, configurations Laser beam Hazard Analysis Means to an End Laser Safety is: Lasers used in such a way that an injury cannot occur. Lab workers handling lasers in a safe manner
Research Laser Safety We ll keep your body safe and eyesight intact, when your mind is gone. Oops Oops Oops
Understand PI Survival and Success Tenure Track Extreme Competition Global Playing Field Grants = Labs = Status ~50% of Grant is G&A
How to Support the PI Something for His 50%!! Practical Viewpoint Professional Hazard Evaluation Safety Controls Match Hazard Viable Solutions and Low Cost Alternatives Make Compliance Easier *Something Free*
UT Austin Radiation and Laser Safety Radiation / Laser / MW 4 Full Time Employees RSO / LSO combined 3 FTE to Rad Safety 85 Rad PIs 1 FTE to Lasers 90 Laser PIs (3B & 4)
UT Laser Use 90 Laser PIs 300 Laser Trainees/Year Correlate to ~500 Grad Students 130 Laser Labs 425+ Class 3B and 4 50/50 ratio 3B to 4
UT Laser Program Lab Status What We Generally See in the Labs Labs have and use eyewear Warning Signs are posted Labs Utilize Curtains Laser Training is completed Past Lab Evaluations had a Real Effect PI and Lab Workers WANT our help
UT Laser Program Challenges Administrative Tasks Consume Efforts Program / Policy Documentation Database Software Inflexible Web Support Real Laser Safety Program Takes Time
Looking Forward Laser Safety Committee Value Added to Safety AND Research An Eyewear / Posting program is Inadequate Support PIs with Admin tools and hardware Partnership vs. Enforcement Don t ever say Audit, Inspection, etc
Looking Forward Lab Safety Cost in $$ to PIs for full compliance Optical Table Hardware Curtain Installation Warning light installation Interlock installation Time commitment for full Project Review Inventory, Laser parameters, Hazard Analysis Laser / Lab visit with recommendations, re-visit SOP review Hmm, let s see..230 work days, 425 lasers, 130 labs
Smart People on a Budget Cardboard inside Curtain
Smart People on a Budget Cluttered Optics Table
Smart People on a Budget Inside 30mW HeNe Laser Yert
Smart People on a Budget Yert II!!
University Influence on Safety Where do our scientists come from? Where do they learn about safe lab practices? Where do they end up in the workforce?
University Influence on Safety Institutions of higher education, which pride themselves on leadership formation and development of cutting-edge technologies, are in a unique position to influence the formation of appropriate habits and behaviors in the workplace. Susan Masih et al. Univ. Missouri, Kansas City Stack of Firsts at the University: Role as Lead PI Job in a Research Lab Time in Research Lab Time in America! Experience with HazMat Experience with Lasers, Radiation
EHS Early Influence on Safety Behavior EHS Firsts at a University Safety Training Safety Staff Contact Safety Advice Safety Conflict Classes available OH 101 Hazard Communication (general, available online) OH 102 Hazard Communication (site-specific) OH 201 Laboratory Safety (available online) OH 202 Hazardous Waste Management (available online) OH 204 Compressed Gases (available online) OH 207 Biological Safety (available online) OH 209 Asbestos Awareness OH 210 Concessions Food Safety (available online) OH 218 Blood-borne Pathogens (available online) OH 238 Laboratory Safety Refresher (available online) OH 301 Basic Radiological Health OH 302 Basic Radiological Health Refresher OH 304 Laser Safety (available online) OH 306 X-Ray Safety OH 500 Machine Shop Safety (available online) OH 501 Hearing Protection Training OH 503 Asbestos General Information Training (available online) OH 601 Dry Ice Shipping (available online)
What are We Producing?
Tying it all Together University Research Arena is Effective and Complex Strong and increasing presence of lasers on campus Laser Safety Effort should match Hazard Level Universities Generate Science AND Lab Behavior
Cooperation in Laser Safety Supplier and vendor information Creative methods to solve universal problems Alternative solutions Administrative Solutions
Questions THE END