What to Do When an Event Occurs at Jefferson Lab

When an unanticipated event occurs, there are a number of steps that need to be taken to assure the injured are taken care of and the scene preserved so that an effective investigation can be conducted.

1. First and foremost, assure that any injured are receiving medical attention. No other action trumps this unless there is a need to safely secure equipment in order to get to the injured. Do not place your self in harm’s way trying to help your co-worker. Dial 911.

2. If you are trained and qualified, and can do so safely, secure any equipment so that others cannot be injured.

3. Notify your line management and ES&H Reporting Officer (876-1750).

4. If the event constitutes a Notable Event (see ES&H Manual Chapter 5200), secure the scene untouched. Collecting and preserving evidence and documenting the particulars of an incident is essential for an effective investigation. Remember the reason for the investigation is to identify how we can avoid a repeat.

5. If the event constitutes a Notable Event, it is formally investigated. Witnesses should write down what they saw as soon as practical while the information is fresh. This will help the investigation team.

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Scene PreservationSecuring and isolating the scene of an unwanted event protects people from any remaining hazards, prevents the scene from being disturbed or altered, and prevents items from being removed from or relocated within the event scene so that an accurate reconstruction of events is possible.

A scene is generally secured by:

1. Cordoning the area off with rope, tape, or barricades2. Locking doors and gates3. Posting warning signs4. Using a log to document who can enter the area and their

justification for entry5. If necessary, posting guards to control and limit access

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What is a Notable Event?ES&H Manual Chapter 5200 defines a Notable Event as:

• Fatalities or injuries other than first aid• Exposure to hazardous materials which exceed DOE limits • Unplanned operational emergencies, shutdowns, or evacuations• All formal Stop Work Orders, whether Jefferson Lab, subcontractor or TJSO initiated• Unplanned activation of a Safety System, whether personnel or equipment related• Fires or explosions• Electrical shocks • Any type of Lock-Out / Tag-Out violation• Release of radiation, spread of radioactive contamination, or loss of control of RAM that exceeds DOE

limits• Radiation barrier breach or unauthorized entry• Significant property damage• Unexpected discovery of hazardous energy, including pressurized or electrical systems• Discovery of an Unreviewed Safety Issue (Accelerator Safety Term) • Discovery of reduced effectiveness in a Safety System• Discovery of suspect or counterfeit material• Environmental release of hazardous material, of any severity, including that which occurs as a result of

off-site transportation• Any DOE or regulatory body initiated non-compliance notification• Any near miss, where only one or no barriers preventing an above listed event from occurring• Any management concern item where the information is deemed valuable for others, either at Jefferson

Lab or the DOE complex• Any item or activity which Jefferson Lab Management directs to be investigated

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