[labnetwork] Question regarding Headphones / Earphones use

[Hughes, John S]

Hi Guy,

Here's the mass mail I sent out to all our cleanroom users not too long ago. We do allow cell phones, but not as music listening devices.

Best regards,
John



Notice: The Use of Headphones While Working in the MNTL Cleanrooms is Prohibited

Hello MNTL cleanroom users,

At the most recent Cleanroom Operations and Safety Committee meeting, a number of people mentioned that they had safety concerns about people using headphones while working in the MNTL cleanrooms.

A number of instances were cited where researchers had difficulty communicating with someone else who was using headphones. On at least one occasion, someone using headphones committed a serious equipment operation error, but the person who made the mistake was totally unaware of it, despite the fact that there were very clear audible indications that there was a major problem.

As we all know, many of the fabrication processes being performed in the cleanrooms involve hazardous chemicals and/or equipment. It is vitally important that researchers minimize as much as possible any distractions that might occur while working in this environment.

Thank you for your cooperation.



-------------------------------------------------------------
John S. Hughes                         Office: (217) 333-4674
Associate Director                        FAX: (217) 244-6375
Laboratory Operations                     hughes at illinois.edu<mailto:hughes at illinois.edu>
Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2000E Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory
208 North Wright Street
Urbana, Illinois  61801              http://mntl.illinois.edu
-------------------------------------------------------------

On Mar 3, 2014, at 9:03 AM, Lavallee, Guy P. <gpl107 at psu.edu<mailto:gpl107 at psu.edu>> wrote:

Hi Everyone,
   We are in the process of reviewing our safety policy as it regards to the use of headphones / earphones in our facility.  Our current policy restricts the use of headphones / earphones in the facility however we do allow cell phones use.  This policy was mainly targeted to prevent users from listening to music while they are working as it can be a significant distraction and can lead to potential accidents.   Since we allow cell phones and the earphones are used for talking on the phone users are asking us to allow them but if we do it would be difficult for the staff to oversee the policy without checking up on every user who is wearing the earphones for use with the cell phone to ensure they aren’t listening to music.  I would be interested in seeing what policies other facilities have in regards to this issue.

Thanks,
Guy Lavallee


Penn State University’s Nanofabrication Laboratory
Lead Etch and Facilities Engineer
Materials Research Institute
N-105 Millennium Science Complex (MSC Bldg)
University Park, PA 16802
Email: gpl107 at psu.edu<mailto:gpl107 at psu.edu>
Phone: 814-865-9339
Cell: 814-777-0719

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