CLASSE Safety Handbook

Short Term Visitor Safety Policy

1. Applies for any Laboratory visit extending beyond one working day. It does NOT apply to those already trained and vetted as collaborators or CHESS users. It does not apply to Cornell staff from Facilities, EH&S, or C.I.T.
2. A CLASSE host should assist each visitor in completing a short online form, after arrival but prior to commencing observation or work. This form gathers identifying information and a confirmation of safety training provided. (Part of this form replaces the paper "CLASSE Guest Agreement", which is no longer required.) For contractors, vendors, Cornellians, or an external committee, the CLASSE host may choose to fill out the online form on behalf of the individual or group.
3. A stay of longer than 7 working days involving experimental, shop, or technical spaces or activities requires taking the CLASSE Safety Orientation (and perhaps other training) through arrangement with the Safety Director, preferably prior to arrival on site (clarification: taking the CLASSE Safety Orientation is not required for PSB visitors who do not frequently access laboratory or technical spaces during their stay).
4. A CLASSE host must accompany the visitor at all times when first entering laboratory, shop, or technical work areas. This host function may be shared among several individuals or passed from one to another, but the host(s) must be explicitly aware of their role and responsibilities.
5. The CLASSE host or contact should instruct the visitor prior to arrival to enter the building through a public reception area and not to enter laboratory or technical areas unescorted . At Wilson Laboratory visitors should check in at the second floor CHESS reception desk.
6. A CLASSE host must show the visitor two emergency exit routes from any likely work area, and summarize hazards and relevant procedures local to those areas. In Wilson Laboratory, if likely work areas include areas on the first or second floor, relevant entrances to controlled areas should be pointed out so they can be either avoided entirely or consciously crossed.
7. A visitor may only observe unless provided with task-specific training consistent with CLASSE policy on that task and location. Vendors and contractors may work on designated equipment if they are familiar with it or receive appropriate training.
8. A radiation badge should be issued if the individual is likely to enter controlled areas over the course of more than one working day, and used for the entirety of the visit; otherwise, a host may sign out a dosimeter and accompany the visitor while inside controlled areas. If work in controlled areas is estimated to exceed 8 hours, the visitor must satisfy one of
   • take an in-person training (contact the Safety Director or Safety Manager), or
   • take the online CLASSE General Radiation Safety Training through arrangement with the Safety Director, preferably prior to arriving on site.
   • if the work is deemed by a CHESS staff member to be CHESS-user-like, take the CHESS User online safety training
9. If work is to occur in the CESR tunnel, a CLASSE host should contact one of Facilities Engineer, Safety Director, or Safety Manager to arrange for specialized (online or in-person) training.
10. A visitor already briefed on this policy and safety information may be left alone in work areas not requiring additional training if a designated CLASSE host in the building (e.g. an operator) is aware of the visitor, and the visitor understands how to request immediate assistance (designated host) or summon emergency services (911, nearest pushbutton call boxes, fire alarm pulls). If there are imminent safety hazards involved in the visitor's activities, or such hazards are in close proximity, the visitor may not work alone.
11. Special considerations apply to any short term visitor under the age of 18. For such individuals, please consult at least one of: CLASSE Administrator, CLASSE Safety Director, CLASSE Safety Manager.

Hazardous Materials

Equipment Hazards

• Forklifts: Forklifts operate on the experimental floors at Newman and Wilson Labs. Stay clear of their paths. You must not operate a forklift unless you have been trained according to OSHA standards (see Safety Training).
• Overhead cranes: Overhead cranes are used to move heavy materials. When cranes are in use, lights flash and bells ring to alert those in the area, but hard hats are still required. Stay clear of overhead loads. Cranes must be operated only by properly trained personnel.
• Consult the EHS Mobile Equipment page

Shop Safety

• Consult the EHS Tool & Machine Safety pages.
• Eye Safety: You must wear safety glasses when you are in any of the machine shops. Grinding, cutting, and drilling generate particles of metal, wood, lead, and other substances that could cause eye injuries in the absence of appropriate eye protection. You can use the safety glasses located near the shop entrances, or you may obtain a personal set from the stockroom. Check with the business office at Wilson for information about prescription safety glasses.
• Foot Safety: When you regularly work in the experimental areas or shop spaces, you must wear footwear with a protective-toe to protect your feet from being crushed. You may obtain safety shoes and boots from the periodic shoe truck visits, or you may purchase them on your own and be reimbursed (up to a certain amount) through the Wilson business office. Check with your supervisor to see if your job requires that you wear safety shoes. In addition, no open-toed shoes are permitted in experimental or machine shops (e.g. L0, L0E, CESR tunnel, any room in use as a lab).
• Hand Safety: Keep the following tips in mind in order to avoid hand injuries:
  • Remove watches, rings, and bracelets before you start to work, especially if you work with moving machinery
  • Use gloves that are job-rated for the kind of work you do
  • Follow lockout/tagout procedures when cleaning, inspecting, or repairing machinery
  • Check tools and equipment for excess wear and dull cutting blades before using them
  • Do not ignore safety guards, which are on machines to protect you
  • Be aware of doorways and narrow spaces when you carry objects or push them with a handcart. Keep your hands where they can not get crushed
  • Keep your hands on the sides of objects when stacking them, not underneath, to avoid crushing your fingers
  • Use the right tool for the job, and be sure to use it correctly
• Clothing: hair and clothing can be snagged or grabbed by machinery, especially those with moving parts
  • Tie back long hair away from your face; hair still hanging below the collar must be tucked into a cap or hairnet if near moving parts
  • Remove neckties or other dangling clothing
  • Roll up long sleeves
  • Wear a safety apron to protect your body from flying particles of metal or wood

Other Hazards

• Back Safety: Before attempting to lift a heavy object, assess how to do so safely:
  • Is there a way to reduce weight or reconfigure the object(s) with handles?
  • Is the weight more than you can usually lift safely?
  • Is there a crane or other assisting device appropriate to the task?
  • Is there a safe way to share the lifting with another worker? Do not hesitate to ask your supervisor for a recommendation
  • Utilize lifting techniques that place minimum stress on the lower back
  • Use the OSHA Back Disorders website as a resource
• Musculoskeletal injuries: Proper workplace ergonomics can prevent such injuries, and Cornell has a free prevention program.
• Unexpected events or emergencies: see Emergency Response