Safety

CSL is totally committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment free from recognized hazards that could cause serious harm or even death.

Occupational Safety in the US is regulated by OSHA (OSHA Act of 1970, 29 CFR 1910.1200(a)(1), 29 CFR 1910, 29 CFR 1960, 29 CFR 1926, 29 CFR Part 1960.46); OSHA set standards apply since 1980 (US Presidential Executive Order 12196) to all US Federal Agencies, aside from the Military. At the DoC NOAA ESRL everyone (including anybody coming into the building: i.e. affiliates, contractors, guests & visitors, vendors) is obliged also to follow DoC OSH guidelines and NAO209-1.

Even though Employees of the State of Colorado (ie CIRES, CIRA) are normally exempted from OSHA, at DSRC and on NOAA projects, they must comply and adhere to CU EHS regulations (CO Governor Executive Order DO122-89) that must be at least as stringent as the OSHA regulations (CO Governor Executive Order DO122-89).

NOAA Safety and Environmental Compliance Office (SECO)

Applies to all NOAA Employees, Affiliates, Contractors, Guests and Visitors all the time, and everywhere
CSL Employees, Affiliates, Contractors, Guests and Visitors work

Training Requirements

NOAA Safety Seagull

CSL Staff Training Log

All Staff:

In addition, All new Staff:

In further addition, All Staff, as required by work space, job duties & tasks.

Determined by supervisor, unless Director and/or Program Lead decision overrides it. See the Lab Hazard and Risk Analysis then refer to the Safety Program information for:

  • Defensive Driving training is offered through the Department of Commerce Learning Center (CLC) for Federal employees. There are three courses:
    • Module 1 - Driving Safely, Driving Smarter, mandatory course (49 minutes)
    • Module 2 - Safe Vehicle Backing, optional course (27 minutes)
    • Module 3 - Emergency Situations While Driving, optional course (25 minutes)
  • Defensive Driving training is offered through GSA for Cooperative Institute and Other employees.
  • Upload your Defensive Driving training certificate of completion
  • NOAA ESRL Basic Radiation Safety Training
  • CSL Radioactive Source Information
  • NOAA ESRL possesses a materials license 05-11997-01 from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the use of three radioactive materials: Nickel-63, Polonuim-210, and Americium-241. Of these, CSL is actively using Polonium-210 and Americium-241 in some of our chemical ionization mass spectrometers and aerosol calibration equipment. Polonium-210 is marketed as a "nuclear static eliminator" or "alpha-energy ionizer". Americium-241 is commonly used in smoke detectors. Both Polonium-210 and Americium-241 emit alpha particles and low energy gamma rays. Americium-241 also emits some beta radiation. The risk for exposure to radiation from CSD's devices is quite low since the radioactive material is sealed in a foil and encased in either a stainless steel or tungsten housing.

    All CSL employees that work with licensed materials must complete the NOAA ESRL Basic Radiation Safety Training then read and sign the Radioactive Material Training record and submit it to ESRL Radiation Safety Officer through the portal (link provided in the training) before completing the training. In case of an emergency or other questions related to radiation safety, please refer to the Radiation Safety Program . For further information, contact the ESRL Radiation Safety Officer, Brian Vasel.

  • CU EHS Lab & Research Radiation Safety

Safety Resources

Hazardous Waste and Recycling

CSL manages small amounts of hazardous waste in labs in satellite accumulation areas (SAA); SAAs require weekly documented inspections:

NIST BSHED conducts twice annual inspections of the CSL SAAs. Refer to NIST Environmental Compliance - Hazardous Waste for more information.

NIST administers the Universal Waste and Recycling program for all agencies on site, including disposal of aerosol spray cans and batteries. Learn More