[labnetwork] Engineering controls to replace a buddy? Can it be done?

[Luciani, Vincent (Fed)]

Hello All,

Michael Hume brings up an interesting and poignant topic for us as we are also reexamining our after-hours access  and buddy-system policy.  It is always interesting to see what others are doing and this is always an interesting topic.  Here at CNST our policies are pretty much in alignment with the "best practices" that are being described;  buddy system, CCTV cameras buddy matchmaking etc.  We do allow 24/7 use of our external microscopy labs that pose little risk.  However, we have recently been discussing options to permit more 24/7 flexibility in a safe and cost effective manner.  So, I'll as the group:

Has anyone found a technology solution they like?  We have discussed the "I have fallen and can't get up" type monitors; CCTV surveillance; phone apps that detect falls etc.  At a minimum we are pondering a system where there are 3 categories of activities:
1) Activities where no buddy system is needed.  For example:  operating a SEM or an AFM.
2) Activities that require an electronic buddy at a minimum:  For example: Operating a sputter system or RIE system.
3) Activities that must have a nearby buddy.:  Anything that requires manual handling of dangerous liquids.

Has anybody tested the viability of these electronic devices to augment a buddy system?

Best,
Vince


Vincent K. Luciani
NanoFab Manager
Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology<http://www.cnst.nist.gov/>
National Institute of Standards and Technology
100 Bureau Drive, MS 6201
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-6200 USA
+1-301-975-2886

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