September 2002
INTRODUCTION:
This document provides guidance for
managing safety concerns at HET. This
guidance is meant to go hand-in-hand with common sense and situational
awareness.This bulletin is focused on
the HET environment specifically and is not intended to supercede any other
observatory or University of Texas health and safety guidance.
All HET team members and
visiting work crews are required to become familiar with this document and to
follow guidance contained in it. Any
questions or concerns should be directed to the HET Facility Manger.
If the Facility Manager is unavailable,
contact the Deputy Facility Manager, the Assistant Director, or the Physical Plant Manager.
The first priority at HET is personnel safety, followed by equipment protection.
HET’s #1 Safety Rule:
If you are in a situation that you feel is unsafe,
stop work until the
problem is remedied!
1.0
RESPONDING TO EMERGENCY
CONDITIONS
This section serves as initial guidance for HET
personnel and visitors regarding responses to emergencies.It's located at the front of this document
for easy reference. More detail is contained in the appendix.
1.1
Rescue and Emergency
Response - While
the goal of this safety program is to prevent accidents from ever occurring,
all personnel should be aware of proper emergency response procedures. At McDonald Observatory, the emergency
number is 691 from any telephone. Make
sure you reach a real person! If conditions allow, a team member should call
this number if an accident or extremely dangerous situation occurs. If using 691 fails to reach emergency
services, then dial 9-911 to access Ft. Davis emergency support. See
Appendix 1 for more details on emergency
response guidance.
1.2
Use of Emergency Stop Buttons - Emergency Stop buttons
are found at numerous locations within the HET facility. All personnel are authorized to activate
these buttons ANY time they detect a
dangerous condition (either to people or equipment).
1.3
Interlock key switches - keys are located on the panel in the HET
control room. Team members are
encouraged to use them when needed. Use
of interlock keys is required when working on movable portions of the telescope
structure such as the cable wrap.
2.0
HET SAFETY HAZARDS
The major safety hazards at the HET fall into three
general categories, falling, crushing, and electrocution. In addition
to these life threatening categories, environmental conditions exist
which can cause harm to team members.
These include conditions which can cause exposure to mildly dangerous
chemicals, potential sight damage, and hearing loss.
2.1
Falling
Work on the HET and auxiliary systems often involves
working at heights and in conditions of unsteady footing. The primary fall hazard exists upon the HET
structure and in particular the tracker.
The dome catwalk, receiving bay mezzanine, and CCAS tower are additional
falling hazard areas. Personnel must
exercise extreme caution when working in these areas. All team members are required to use fall
protection devices when working in these areas outside of installed protection
rails.
An additional hazard when teams are working at
heights is the danger of persons being hit by objects and equipment dropped
from above. This condition can occur at
any location in the HET facility and personnel should be aware of work parties
above. Team members and visitors are
required to wear the supplied hard hats when in the vicinity of overhead work
crews or lifting operations. Under
certain conditions listed below, the HET dome becomes a "hard hat
area".
This document provides additional fall protection requirements
and procedures below in a separate section.
2.2
Crushing
The HET is a large, movable, highly massive
structure. Serious injuries can occur if
it is not operated safely. All personnel
should be aware that components can move at any time. Prior to rotating the structure, the operator
must complete a visual check of the dome area to ensure no one is at risk of
being caught by the structure. The
operator should especially check the area under the structure to make sure no
one is in a position to be trapped by the cable wrap mechanisms.
Prior to rotating the structure, ensure no cables or
other equipment items are hanging in such a way as to become entangled in the
machinery.
Personnel working in areas posing potential crushing
risks are required to use the key lock or emergency stop button systems as an
added measure of safety.
The JLG is another potential crushing hazard. It is possible for one to become trapped between
the JLG body and the dome wall when the JLG is rotating. Also the boom can trap individuals on the
ground below as is lowered. All personnel should remain away from the base of
the JLG and avoid placing themselves under the boom at any time operations are
underway. Under no circumstances will
team members or visitors pass between the JLG body and either the dome wall or
the pier while the JLG is in use.
2.3
Electrocution
The HET facility contains a significant amount of
electrical and electronics equipment. A
few common sense rules will help staff members and visitors avoid accidents and
injuries.
2.3.1
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Process - HET teams and visitors should not work
on high voltage/ high current systems without employing an approved LOTO
process. See the staff Electrical
Engineer or Electro-mechanical Technician for details.
2.3.2
"Two person" rule - Personnel should avoid working on
electrical systems alone.
2.3.3
Use of ground straps - liberal use of grounding straps is encouraged.
2.3.4
Maintaining Grounds and lightning protection systems - the HET Electrical
Engineer and Electro-Mechanical Technician are responsible for maintaining the
facility grounding and lightning protection systems in coordination with the
Physical Plant team.
2.4
Environmental Exposures
The HET presents a moderate risk to personnel with
regard to environment issues. A few
things personnel should be mindful of are listed here.
2.4.1
Chemicals - The HET systems contain several chemicals and personnel use
chemicals in the normal course of their duties.
Some examples include: glycol, oil, fuels, lubricants, CO2, and
alcohols. HET personnel and visitors
should follow University of Texas guidance when working with chemicals
necessary for maintaining HET systems. The following link is to the UT lab safety manual.
http://www.utexas.edu/safety/ehs/lab/labman/toc.html
Personnel should be familiar with this guidance as
it pertains to chemical safety.
CO2 Cylinders - The HET staff frequently uses CO2 to
clean the mirrors. All team members
should exercise care when handling these cylinders. Personnel should make sure the bottles remain
in secure areas protected by railings or chain anchors. Team members need to be cognizant that a CO2
bottle that falls over can become a missile if the pressure regulator or valve
is damaged.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available in
the HET control room, located outside the electrical closet.
Information on MSDS is also available at:
http://www.utexas.edu/business/oehs/msds
2.4.2
Optical - HET systems contain a number of small lasers used for
alignment. Personnel should be aware of
these devices and exercise caution.
These are located at the prime focus, CCAS tower, instrument room, and
optical lab.
2.4.3
Hearing - The HET has a number of systems which can cause hearing
damage during prolonged exposure. These include the HVAC in the dome, the
emergency generator, and the compressors in the Krabbenhut. The oil less and "Quincy"
compressors are particularly loud. The
dryer system in the Krabbenhut is especially loud when blowing down. Personnel should wear hearing protection when
in this area. Earplugs are available at
the entrance to the HET dome.
3.0
FALL PROTECTION
Falling from a height presents the greatest danger
to personnel. Following are basic guidelines for fall protection. It is
difficult to predict every scenario when fall protection should be worn. In general, personnel are expected to wear
fall protection in any situation that may pose a danger due to falling.
3.1
Harnesses – Full body harnesses are
available for all personnel. These
harnesses should be worn as snugly as comfort will permit. Lower
body only (diaper) harnesses are not permitted. Persons have been known to fall upside down,
and out of, diaper harnesses in emergency situations. Inspect harnesses and lanyards prior to use.
3.2
Do not use any equipment that appears worn out or damaged. Store harnesses and lanyards properly to
protect them from wear and tear. The HET Mechanical Technician is responsible
for ordering and maintaining climbing equipment and can provide assistance.
3.3
Lanyards – Lanyards are attached to
the full body harness at the ring in the upper center of the back. The expandable portion of each lanyard is
attached closest to the harness. The
other end is attached to stationary points that are capable of supporting a 5000-lb
load. Lanyards may not be “doubled-up” in series to provide additional length.
3.4
“Two-Lanyard Rule” – Persons working at height
are required to use two lanyards. When
moving from one location to the other, one attaches the second lanyard prior to
detaching the first lanyard. At no times
shall a person at height be unattached for any reason, for any length of
time. Seasoned construction workers have
fallen to their deaths during brief moments in time when they were momentarily
unattached, yet felt safe.
3.5
In general, team members should not be more than 6 feet away from
protection (max lanyard length) unless special circumstances necessitate.
4.0
DOME, Danger Conditions and Guidelines
4.1
The dome is a “hard-hat area” whenever any persons are working up in
the JLG, working up on the catwalk, or lifting a load via the dome crane. The responsible person (JLG driver or work
crew leader) is primarily responsible for enforcement. Prior to going up, the responsible person
must do the following:
4.1.1
Post the “CAUTION DO NOT ENTER” signs and barrier chains across the
overhead door entry and in the single doorway entry into the dome.
4.1.2
The work crew must have, and test, a radio prior to ascending to the
work location. In general, teams will
use Channel 1.
4.2
Non-HET staff persons will not be permitted to enter the dome during
overhead activities without first checking with the work crew, the Facility
Manager, or a designated acting manager. The dome access will be controlled to ensure that only essential
personnel are in the dome while work is being done overhead. Tours and visitors may be allowed to enter
portions of the dome under special situations, but only under direct
supervision of the appropriate HET staff member.
4.3
HET personnel are allowed continuous access to the dome during overhead
work, but must wear hard hats.
5.0
JLG
5.1
Harnesses are required when operating or riding in the JLG. The JLG driver is required to do the
following:
5.1.1
Warm the JLG for a minimum of five (5) minutes prior to driving.
5.1.2
Verify adequate fuel supply.
5.1.3
Verify that the JLG radio is in the basket and is operational by performing
a radio check with ground personnel.
5.1.4
Post the “CAUTION DO NOT ENTER” sign in the doorway entry into the
dome.
5.1.5
Verify that all riders are wearing safety harnesses.
5.1.6
Verify that all persons are tethered (“clipped off”) at all times, in
accordance with the two-lanyard rule.
5.1.7
Do not overload the JLG basket or use the JLG as a crane. JLG operating limits are documented in the
operator's manual available from the HET Mechanical Engineer or Physical Plant.
5.1.8
When parking the JLG after use, ensure the basket is rotated away from
the pier so it will not become entangled in the structure.
5.2
Riders are required to do the following:
5.2.1
Assist the driver by watching for safety issues such as running into
telescope structural members etc.
5.2.2
Keep limbs inside the basket while in motion.
5.2.3
Remain tethered at all times.
5.2.4
Assist the driver with ground communications.
6.0
TRACKER
The tracker is a 4,000 pound mechanism which can
move. Under certain failure conditions,
the Y-stage of the tracker (the carriage) can slide to the lower hard stops in
an uncontrolled fashion. Additionally,
care should be taken whenever working near the tracker while it is powered up,
as movement can occur along any axis. Prior to working near or on the tracker, team members must follow these
guidelines. "Access" and
"Personnel" refer to physical presence or contact by any part of
one's body.
A tie-off strap for securing the tracker is
available at the Telescope Operator's console. This strap is to be used in all cases where personnel will be working on
or near the tracker.
6.1
Powering up the tracker.
6.1.1
The tracker shall not be powered up while it is
tied-off. Before powering up the
tracker, it is imperative that ALL operators verify that the tracker is not
tied off.
6.1.2
The tracker tie-off strap is ALWAYS stored between the
TCS computer monitor and keyboard. All
operators will verify the presence of the strap at this location before
powering up the tracker.
6.1.3
Prior to powering up the tracker, all operators will
verify that the tracker is not tied-off by performing a visual inspection in
the dome.
6.2
Access to certain areas is restricted while the tracker
is powered up.
6.2.1
A minimum safe distance of 3 feet is required between
the JLG basket and the tracker while it is powered up.
6.2.2
All access to the Y-stage (carriage) is prohibited.
6.2.3
The tracker should not be tied off while it is powered
up.
6.3
Access to certain areas is restricted while the tracker
is powered down but NOT tied-off.
6.3.1
Personnel shall not enter the downward range of motion
for the Y-stage (carriage).
6.3.2
Personnel shall not enter the central portion of the
carriage below the SAC.
6.3.3
Personnel shall only access the outermost equipment
mounted on the PFIP without the tracker tied-off.
6.4
Tracker Tie-off
Procedures: - Tracker tie-off is
required when any work is performed that, in the event of a sudden carriage
drop, would result in injury to personnel or damage to equipment.
6.4.1
Ensure that the tracker is powered off. The little red light on the tracker-3P box
should not be illuminated.
6.4.2
Place a large, prominent notice at the TCS monitor and
keyboard stating "Tracker is Tied Off". (An 8.5" by 11" paper sign is
sufficient).
6.4.3
Retrieve the "Tracker Tie Off Strap" from the
telescope operator console. This strap
is kept there when not in use. DO NOT
use a spare tie-off strap. If you forget
the strap located at the TO console, go back and get it. Under no circumstances should the strap be
left at the console while another one is used to actually tie off the tracker. Inspect the strap to ensure it is in serviceable
condition.
6.4.4
Go up in the JLG and tie off the tracker using the
strap. Use care not to drop any
components of the strap. The strap
should encircle one structural member of the carriage and one of the main
tracker chassis.
6.4.5
Drive the JLG to the work site and complete the work.
6.4.6
Once work is complete, remove the strap and drive the
JLG to the ground.
6.4.7
IMMEDIATELY enter the control room and place the strap
between the TCS monitor and keyboard. Remove the sign placed in accordance with Section 6.4.2.
6.5
Working on
the tracker.
6.5.1
If a task requires physical contact with the tracker,
the tracker should be powered down completely.
That is, the little red light on the Tracker-3P box should NOT be
illuminated. The TSS software should NOT
be running on Crockett.
6.5.2
Place notices in the control room per section 6.4.2 or
ensure that ground personnel are able to monitor access to tracker and
telescope control software.
6.5.3
Perform the tracker tie-off procedure if work is to be
conducted in the Y-stage downward range of travel, in the PFIP, on the
carriage, or any other circumstance described in section 6.4.
6.5.4
When working on the tracker, choose lanyard tie-off
points carefully, considering the resultant danger if the tracker carriage
should move.
6.5.5
Minimize the amount of time you are on the tracker, but
tethered to the JLG.
6.5.6
Choose hand and foot holds carefully, be mindful of
stability and potential damage to equipment.
6.5.7
The "Two Lanyard Rule" applies when climbing
on the tracker structure.
6.5.8
Avoid placing your body in a position where you can be
injured if the tracker carriage moves downhill.
6.5.9
All tools must be tethered to avoid dropping them on
the telescope mirrors.
6.5.10
Exercise care when handling fasteners and other small
items. When possible, secure items with
safety wire, nylon filament, or tape.
6.5.11
If you are working on the tracker and hear the
telescope air up (or any other unexpected noises such as glycol starting to
flow), activate the nearest EMO button immediately, leave the tracker area, and
notify ground personnel.
7.0
PRIMARY MIRROR TRUSS:
7.1
Harnesses are required when working in the primary mirror truss at
heights greater than 6-feet above solid footing, such as the decking. The two-lanyard rule applies.
7.2
Ensure ground personnel are aware of your activities in the truss,
secure the structure control system (use key interlock system, post notices at
TO console, etc.) - Note: In general, when team members are working on the
telescope (structure, tracker etc., there should be someone on the ground to
act as safety monitor. This is
especially important during weekend work. Under no circumstances should an individual or team work on the
telescope structure without ground support.
7.3
Primary Mirror Handling - the most risky procedure associated with the
truss is removal and replacement of the primary mirror segments. This process will be covered in a separate
document. The HET Opto-mechanical
Technician and the HET Mechanical Engineer are responsible for this process.
8.0
LIFTING AND RIGGING
OPERATIONS
Lifting and rigging, such as the use of facility
cranes, is a common operation at HET. The following guidelines must be followed:
8.1
The person in charge of the operation (“responsible person”) must do
the following:
8.1.1
Inspect all rigging (straps, clamps, fixtures, attach points) and
verify that this equipment is in proper condition. For example, if a strap is deemed to be
frayed, or otherwise damaged, the eyes should be cut and the strap discarded.
8.1.2
Once the load is rigged, the responsible person should step back from
the load and review the as-rigged configuration. Verify that straps and rigging are
appropriate for the size and weight of the load. Verify that the load is rigged in a stable
way.
8.1.3
The responsible person must ask a peer to review the as-rigged
configuration. This serves as a second
sanity check.
8.1.4
Once a load is rigged to the crane, lift a very small distance and
verify the stability of the load.
8.1.5
Persons are not permitted under any load!
8.1.6
Before a load is lifted above head-high, hard hats must be worn by all
persons in the area. When lifting with the dome crane, the area must be treated
as a hard-hat area in accordance with Section 4.1.
8.1.7
In typical lifting operations, two persons are involved with lifting
the load. One person operates the crane
(“operator”) and the other tends to the load (“tender”). Only the tender may issue commands to the
operator. All other personnel are to
remain quiet, but should closely monitor the operation. The operator should ask for silence if this
silence rule is violated. The only
exception: Others may yell “EMERGENCY
STOP” if they note a problem with the lift.
8.1.8
Mezzanine Crane Special Instructions
8.1.8.1 The doorway, under the
mezzanine crane, connecting the office and the mezzanine should be posted with
signage as a “DO NOT ENTER” area whenever the mezzanine crane is in use. This to prevent persons unknowingly walking
under a load as they exit the office area.
8.1.8.2 Persons working on the
mezzanine adjacent to the mezzanine guardrail when it is OPEN, must use fall
protection.
8.1.9
CCAS Crane Special Instructions
8.1.9.1 Fall protection must be worn
by all personnel in the CCAS tower whenever the cargo hatch is open.
8.1.9.2 Loads should not be lifted
up the CCAS tower when winds are unacceptably high.
8.1.9.3 A tag line must be used when
lifting a load. The person tending the
tag line must be in radio communication with persons in the tower. All persons
on the ground must avoid standing under the load and must wear hard hats.
8.1.9.4 Post the "hard hat
area" sign on the walkway from the HET control building whenever the CCAS
hatch is open or the crane is in use.
9.0
CCAS TOWER
9.1
Climbing the Tower
9.1.1
Fall Protection is required when climbing the CCAS ladder. Slider devices for use with the safety cable
are available. It is especially
important for team members to use harnesses and lanyards when spending extended
periods of time outside of the protective ladder cage.
9.1.2
Personnel should not attempt to carry bulky or heavy loads when
ascending the tower. Use the davit crane
for lifting tools and equipment. Small
backpacks etc. may be used if they do not interfere with climbing
abilities. Arrange packs so they will
not become entangled with the ladder and associated safety equipment.
9.1.3
Persons must not climb the tower when winds are high, or footing is not
sure, such as when wetness or ice is present.
9.1.4
Persons should avoid climbing the tower when thunderstorms are
threatening.
9.1.5
Prior to ascending: Inform other personnel in the facility of the
nature of your work. Take a radio and
verify the operation of the radio prior to climbing the tower. Call to ground support immediately prior to
climbing the tower. Climb the tower in a
slow, steady fashion, taking advantage of each landing to take a break. Clip on
to the structure during extended breaks. When a person finishes the climb, notify ground personnel
immediately.
9.1.6
Only one person at a time is permitted on each segment of the
tower.Personnel below climbers should
be aware of the possibility climbers may drop small objects.
9.2
Working up in the CCAS Dome
9.2.1
Regularly inform ground personnel of any changes in your status.
9.2.2
Keep all hatches closed as much as possible.
9.2.3
Fall protection is required when the cargo hatch is open or when working
near the access hatch or the opening facing the HET primary array.
9.2.4
Chose lanyard anchor points carefully.
The top of the ladder is one secure point to use. Do not anchor to equipment which can come
loose.
9.2.5
Be mindful of the space between the inner and outer towers. Equipment, tools, and
people can slip into the space between and possibly fall to the bottom of the tower.
9.3
Descending the Tower
9.3.1
Prior to descending: Inform ground personnel that you are finished with
your work and are coming down. Keep ground support appraised of progress in
descending the tower. Ground personnel
should pay close attention to progress of those descending the tower. Descend
the tower in a slow, steady fashion, taking advantage of each landing to take a
break. When a person finishes the descent, notify ground personnel immediately.
9.3.2
The CCAS ladder cover must be closed and locked at all times the CCAS
tower is not occupied.
10.0
WEATHER
10.1
Lightning Hazards and Avoidance Procedures - The most hazardous weather
condition which can occur at Mt. Fowlkes and the HET facility is
lightning. Personnel should exercise
extreme caution when thunderstorms are in the vicinity.
10.1.1 Restrict outside activities
when there is potential for lightning.
Be especially careful to avoid using cranes and lifts outside when
lightning is possible.
10.1.2 Avoid standing near facility
grounding straps, flagpoles, guy wires, and towers.
10.1.3 DO NOT
climb the CCAS tower when thunderstorms threaten.
10.1.4 For personal lightning
protection guidance see the following web sites:
http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_pls.html
10.2
Cold Weather Cautions - Cold weather on Mt. Fowlkes presents an
additional danger to personnel. Use
common sense to avoid cold weather injuries and hypothermia.
10.2.1 Dress properly for
conditions, and avoid prolonged exposure.
10.2.2 Stay well hydrated and
nourished, the body needs water and adequate fuel, especially when subjected to
stress conditions.
10.2.3 During icy conditions, care
must be taken to prevent falling due to slick surfaces.
10.2.4 Personnel must avoid
walkways, such as the steps which lead to the CCAS tower, during icy
conditions.
10.2.5 Ice melting pellets are
available to de-ice sidewalks and walkways.
This may be found in the flammable storage cabinet or in the Krabbenhut.
Ice melting pellets should be sprinkled liberally on icy areas. The
best protection from falling is to avoid these areas in the first place!
Appendix 1 - Emergency Response Guidance
In the unlikely event of an accident or developing
dangerous situation, the following guidelines should be followed. The number one thing is to avoid panic.
A general rule would be to think about the
response and do nothing to make the situation worse or put others in unnecessary
additional danger.
The following guidelines are designed to assist team
members who find themselves in the vicinity of an accident scene.
·
Take
immediate action to secure the victim and equipment - do this only if it
will not result in further injury or unreasonable additional risk to the victim
or other team members. Complex rescues
of persons trapped at heights is a job for emergency professionals.
·
Notify
emergency personnel at 691 - ensure you contact real persons, not answering
machines, provide location and nature of the emergency. Call 9-911 to reach Ft. Davis emergency
personnel if you fail to make contact via 691 and you need ambulance, fire, or
law enforcement response.
·
Secure
the area to the best extent possible while awaiting rescue teams.
·
Notify
the HET Facility Manager as soon as conditions allow - if the Facility Manager
is not available, notify the Deputy Facility Manager, the Assistant Director or
the Physical Plant Chief.
·
Assist in
the rescue/recovery effort as directed by the on-scene rescue team leader - rescues
requiring climbing and work at heights should be done under proper supervision
by qualified climbers.
·
Identify
witnesses and be prepared to assist the accident investigation team.