NOTE: The following message is being sent to the Lab community on behalf of Laboratory Director Sam Aronson.

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Clarification Memo on PPE

As I indicated in my memo of August 29 on ESH Policy Implementation, I have appointed a Laboratory PPE Working Group chaired by Bill Gunther.  This committee has representation across all activities at BNL and is working with a consultant, Rob Fisher, to take a comprehensive look at our PPE policies and their implementation.

I asked the working group to start with a recommendation on clarifying one point in particular in my memo - the use of long and short sleeve shirts.  A clarification memo based on their recommendations is included below.

The clarification cites examples of activities requiring long sleeve shirts, and under
what conditions short sleeves provide sufficient protection.  If this leaves unclear what to do in specific cases that were not cited, please ask for clarification as indicated.

I want to express my thanks for all the input we received in the last few weeks.

- Sam Aronson
Laboratory Director

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Long Sleeve Shirt Clarification

If there are specific requirements in SBMS, work planning documents, job risk assessment, department procedures, or area postings to wear a long sleeve shirt or lab coat, then they must be worn.  Examples of work activities where these requirements currently exist are:
- working with corrosive (pH <4 or >10) or other high hazard chemicals (carcinogens, etc.). 
- working with cryogens and uninsulated pipes or vessels containing cryogenic liquids. 
- welding, cutting, and brazing (non-melting, flame retardant long sleeve shirts)
- operating circuit breakers and disconnect switches (not wall light switches) that are rated 50 volts to less than 240 volts (non-melting, flame retardant long sleeve shirts). 

Additional specific examples are listed in Section 1, Planning for and Preparing to use Personal Protective Equipment of the SBMS subject area on PPE https://exchange2000.bnl.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=https://sbms.bnl.gov/sbmsearch/subjarea/119/119_Pro1.cfm).  It is permissible to wear low hazard protective clothing (short sleeve shirts) in labs, shops, or industrial areas if these hazards are not present [i.e. flying particles, molten metal, sparks, sharp objects, chemicals, harmful temperature extremes, and cryogens, or injurious light radiation (e.g., UV and IR)].  Additional examples are provided in the BNL Handbook on PPE Selection and Use (https://exchange2000.bnl.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=https://sbms.bnl.gov/sbmsearch/subjarea/119/2r01e011.pdf ). 

If there is a question regarding PPE requirements, then please contact your supervisor, ESH Coordinator, or Safety and Health Representative.  If organizations have concerns that strict adherence to PPE SBMS requirements will have unanticipated effects that will reduce worker safety, or need assistance in evaluating PPE requirements for specific task hazards not addressed in the PPE subject area, please contact the Safety and Health Services Division subject matter expert where the issue will be reviewed and resolved.   

Regarding tours and inspections: Tours conducted with a qualified escort are not subject to the PPE minimum requirements stated in the PPE subject area, unless they are entering a hazardous area.  For tours or inspections of laboratory, shop, and industrial work areas at BNL where known hazardous environments exist or where personnel are working on or near hazardous tasks, the host organization provides the appropriate PPE or other forms of hazard controls.  This could include suspending work activities or cordoning off areas to designate safe zones.

Safety and Health Services Division will conduct a series of workshops on the PPE subject area in the next few weeks to explain the current requirements and solicit feedback for improvement.  All supervisors are encouraged to attend one of these sessions. 


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