Lessons Learned

Identifier: Y-1999-OR-BJCETTP-0302
Date: 3/18/99 
Title: Near-Miss Potential for Exposure to Sludge Vapors
Summary: Procedure requirements for work planning and control, that assure health and safety professionals designate appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), must be followed to ensure personnel performing the work are protected from identified hazards.

Identifier: Y-1998-OR-BJCETTP-1203
Date: 12/22/98 
Title: Development of a Facility Deactivation Surveillance and Maintenance Plan
Summary: Prior to commencing facility deactivation, a plan integrating safety management at all levels should be developed that considers potential for bioaerosol exposure.

Identifier: 1998-ID-INEEL-467
Date: 11/19/98 
Title: Trimethylamine Gas Released from Resin
Summary: MSDSs may not indicate product instability or breakdown products. Unwanted chemical changes may occur when product is kept in a temporary staging area for longer than anticipated. Inventory and storage control (e.g., time, temperature) may reduce or eliminate safety hazards. Safety hazards posed by trimethylamine gas may be reduced or eliminated by using an eductor.

Identifier: CP-98-115.GP
Date: 11/9/98 
Title: Pyrophoric Reaction During Glovebox Size Reduction
Summary: Personnel working with processes involving pyrophoric metals must fully understand the potential reactions. Hazards that could cause or contribute to the severity of a combustible metal fire should be identified by a hazard analysis, and measures to minimize the hazards should be implemented. This event illustrates the importance of the Integrated Safety Management Program. The extensive pre-planning by the D&D team prepared the work force for the worst case scenario. All personnel responded appropriately to this incident.

Identifier: Y-1998-OR-LMESY12-0302
Date: 3/11/98
Title: Health and Safety Concerns During Floor Tile Installation
Summary: PRIOR to beginning work involving chemicals or materials which can release fumes or vapors, building managers and supervisors should ensure that employees with respiratory problems and/or increased sensitivity to chemicals, such as those with Chronic Beryllium Disease, are informed of the use of the chemicals and that accommodations are made.

Identifier: L-1997-OEWS-43
Date: 1/19/98 
Title: Acid Leak from Improper Material Selection
Summary: Improper material selection caused a nitric acid leak, interrupted process operations, and created a personnel safety and health hazard.

These Lessons Learned were derived from the DOE Lessons Learned Information Services database.

For additional information, contact Dave Weitzman and Joel Rabovsky.