Monday - June 9, 2008

SAFE08: SLAC Tackles Nanoparticle Safety

by Calla Cofield

Nanoparticles are becoming more and more common in the laboratory landscape. As scientists make new and innovative discoveries with these fantastically tiny particles, they must also stay one step ahead of the potential risk that they pose. "Nanoparticle safety is a new world," says SLAC Environmental Health and Safety Division (ES&H) Industrial Hygienist Phil Hoyt. "There's a lot that hasn't been done before."

At the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL), John Bargar and his team are using high-intensity synchrotron X-rays to study the nano- and atomic-scale structures of uranium dioxide (UO₂) nanoparticles made in soils by bacteria. They're looking for ways to enhance the stability and longevity of these natural nanoparticles in soil in order to help remediate uranium contamination in the ground.

As part of this project, Bargar and his team needed to prepare a significant quantity of dry uranium dioxide nanoparticles. The need to identify and mitigate potential hazards posed by these nanoparticles was immediately recognized as part of SLAC Integrated Safety and Environmental Management System (ISEMS) implementation. 

Read more...

Navigating the Labyrinth: Energy Sinks and Other Career Barriers for Women

by Kelen Tuttle

Reports such as Rising Above The Gathering Storm stress the importance of increasing the number of scientists and engineers in the U.S workforce. The changing demographics of the U.S. population suggest that this will only be possible if we can recruit and retain women and members of other under-represented groups into science and engineering careers.

In this afternoon's colloquium, Patricia Rankin of the University of Colorado will present Navigating the Labyrinth: Energy Sinks and Other Career Barriers for Women. Her talk will consider the questions of why more women don't pursue careers in the sciences, what the research tells us about the barriers they may face, and what must change to alter the current situation.

The colloquium takes place at 4:15 p.m. in Panofsky Auditorium. All are invited to attend.

Learn more...

A Commitment to Safety

Click on image for larger version.

Last Thursday, more than 60 workers gathered between Buildings 24 and 25 to attend a product demonstration on hazardous energy lock out safety devices sponsored by Master Lock. These lock out devices offer a variety of ways to ensure that hazardous energy points (including electrical wires and water pipes) are turned off and stay off during maintenance. The large turn out for this voluntary event shows just how committed SLAC's workers are to safety.

You can learn more about SLAC's Control of Hazardous Energy Program on the ES&H website.

Blood Drive This Wednesday

by Kelen Tuttle

SLAC will host a blood drive in the Panofsky Auditorium Lobby on Wednesday, June 11, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. This drive is open to all members of the SLAC community and the general public.

Each donor will receive a coupon for a free pint of Baskin-Robbins ice cream.

Appointments will be given priority, but walk-ins are always welcome!

More information...

Linear Café Survey

• Flea Market
• Linear Café Menu
• Employee Milestones
  
  
• Search the Archives
• Subscribe non-SLAC e-mail
• Send Us Your Feedback