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Three events have occurred recently at Jefferson Lab that appear to
involve forgetting important steps in a rush to complete the work.<br>
<br>
1. On Monday, Dec. 16, a GERT-trained subcontractor moved a
Radiation Control Department Controlled Area sign, which was hanging
on a fixed ladder, in order to gain access to the area located
directly above the VTA (Vertical Test Area in the Test Lab), while
the VTA was operating. The signage was attached to the ladder by a
magenta and yellow bungee cord, but the contractor did not pay
attention to the sign.<br>
<br>
2. On Dec. 17, it was discovered that a Physics employee moved some
radioactive material (RAM) from a properly posted RAM storage bin in
the EEL high bay area to an un-posted work area without contacting
the Radiation Control (RadCon) Department as required. The employee
was trying to complete measurements on the radioactive components.<br>
<br>
3. On Dec. 18, around 2 p.m., while trying to diagnose why the
North Linac would not go into sweep mode, a member of the Safety
Systems Group (SSG) discovered that a Personnel Safety System (PSS)
connection to the DOG1E Box Power Supply had been removed. An
employee, performing diagnostic work on the DOG1E Box Power Supply,
had removed the PSS connection to install a test box.<br>
<br>
All three events appear to have a common theme: an employee trying
to complete an assigned task too quickly. Whether by conducting task
steps out-of-sequence or by taking apparent short-cuts, each of
these events could have had serious safety implications had the
circumstances been slightly different.<br>
<br>
Remember that being in a hurry is not an acceptable reason for
taking shortcuts; indeed, if you are in a hurry, that is the time
for extra vigilance and focus. <br>
<br>
Prepare for the upcoming holiday break by working safely around your
colleagues and on behalf of your family. When you return, take time
to re-focus your thoughts and energies on the work you will be
accomplishing.<br>
<br>
<i>This message is being sent on behalf of Jefferson Lab's
management and the ESH&Q Division.</i><br>
<br>
Best regards,<br>
Deb Magaldi<br>
Public Affairs<br>
Jefferson Lab<br>
<br>
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