[labnetwork] Question regarding Headphones / Earphones use

[Tony L Olsen]

We recently updated our safety protocols, too, and this issue deserved some attention.  We found it difficult to prohibit the use of cell phones in the lab - even Staff uses them for work-related issues.  Our initial effort was to forbid all headphones and earbuds.  We did allow a single-ear Bluetooth device for the purpose of cell phone usage.  However, within weeks of this change, I had multiple users express their dislike for Bluetooth devices.  So, it seemed prudent to allow a single earbud as another option for cell phone usage.  The unused earbud must be inside the bunnysuit.  We specifically forbid listening to music, although it is impossible to monitor and enforce.  Regardless, there is still one ear free for conversation and communication needs.

tonyO


Tony Olsen
Nanofab Cleanroom Supervisor/Process Engineer
University of Utah
36 S Wasatch Dr, Suite 2500 SMBB
Salt Lake City,  UT  84112
801-587-0651 office
801-587-3077 fax
www.nanofab.utah.edu<http://www.nanofab.utah.edu/>



From: Lavallee, Guy P. [mailto:gpl107 at psu.edu]
Sent: Monday, March 03, 2014 8:04 AM
To: labnetwork at mtl.mit.edu
Subject: [labnetwork] Question regarding Headphones / Earphones use

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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