NSLS ESH Highlight #13

Stop Work – A Reminder: What is it and How is it Used?

Date: July 24, 1998 (Rev. 9/3/99)
Editor: N. Gmur, W. Thomlinson, R. Casey

All NSLS employees and all NSLS guests holding BNL appointments are required to receive training on the BNL Stop work Procedure. Following this training, all personnel are authorized and are responsible to immediately stop any BNL work process (within or outside of the NSLS) that creates an imminent danger to an individual or to the environment.

An imminent danger is a hazard that presents an unacceptable risk of death, serious injury, environmental impairment or significant property damage. Imminent dangers may result from defective equipment, failure to heed proper precautions or regulations (including radiological regulations), inappropriate operations, or unforeseen circumstances.

If you observe an activity or condition that could or has created an imminent danger, the following steps should be taken:

1. The initiator of a Stop-Work order for imminent danger shall state the following: "Stop work! You are in imminent danger because"
2. Any person receiving a Stop-Work order shall stop work immediately, if that can be one safely, or at the first opportunity to stop safely.
3. The person issuing a Stop-Work order MUST NOT verbally or physically interfere, whether or not the recipients of the Stop-Work order continue to work.
4. After the work is stopped, the recipient of the Stop-Work order shall notify his/her supervisor and his/her ES&H Coordinator that a Stop-Work order was issued, and of the nature of the imminent danger that exists.

An investigation will be conducted to determine what actions are necessary before work can begin again. Approval is required from the appropriate Department Chair for re-start of the work.

Full details are available in the official BNL Stop-Work Procedure.