Chapter 2
EH&S CHARTER

Contents

Approved by Howard Hatayama
Revised 1/99

2.1 Mission and Objectives
2.2 Organization and Administrative Responsibilities and Authority

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2.1 Mission and Objectives

Berkeley Lab is committed to perform all work safely and in a manner that strives for the highest degree of protection for employees, participating guests, visitors, subcontractors, the public, and the environment. In addition, Berkeley Lab seeks continuous improvement and sustained excellence in the quality of all safety (environment, health and safety) efforts.

To achieve these goals, Berkeley Lab has adopted the seven principles and five functional practices of the Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS), as prescribed in Department of Energy DEAR Clause 970.5204-2 (see Chapter 1).

The primary objective of the Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) Division is to protect workers, the public, and our environment by providing professional and technical expertise, follow-on services, and integrated ES&H policy to the Lab's research and support programs.

  • The EH&S Division supports and acts as a partner with line management as it meets direct responsibilities to ensure that protection of workers, the public, and the environment is integrated into the primary research and support functions of each division or unit.
  • Of equal importance, the EH&S Division supports and provides expertise directly to each Lab worker who seeks ES&H advice and help, or who voices a concern.

    • In carrying out its primary mission, the Division is committed to six basic objectives:

  • Provide employees with a safe workplace.
  • Design and operate facilities and research activities to minimize adverse impact on public health and the environment.
  • Produce and use only materials that can be disposed of safely and will minimize waste.
  • Promptly communicate to affected persons the known hazards of our activities and the related methods necessary for safety and health protection.
  • Use available technology, engineered safeguards, and responsible science to mitigate all significant risks arising from its research and related activities.
  • Train and develop staff to meet the commitments to a safe workplace and minimal adverse impact on public health and the environment.

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    2.2 Organization and Administrative Responsibilities and Authority

    The EH&S Division is organized into six functional areas: one interdisciplinary support group and four specialty program groups. Two division deputies and four group leaders directly report to the Division Director. One division deputy also functions as the Integrated Health and Safety Group Head.

    The Integrated Health and Safety Group is aligned closely with the Laboratory organizational structure. The mission of the Field Support Department is to provide safety, health, and emergency services in support of Berkeley Lab’s mission and line management’s commitment to a safe work environment. This includes providing technical consultation and responsive customer service, partnering with customers to implement cost-effective injury and illness prevention/loss control programs, assisting line management in the implementation of Division EH&S Plans, and facilitating compliance with Work Smart Standards in order to achieve ISMS.

    To enhance service, EH&S Division Liaisons (primary and associate) have been designated for each Laboratory organization. These individuals are considered points of contact between a customer division (typically via Division Safety Coordinator) and the EH&S Division. They function as troubleshooters and problem solvers. This relationship does not preclude any Laboratory employee from directly approaching an EH&S professional/subject matter expert to address a particular issue or need.

    The five specialty program groups address core technical areas that impact institutional ES&H requirements: Environmental Protection (and Site Restoration), Waste Management, Radiation Protection, Health Services, and the Office of Assessment and Assurance (OAA).

    The department head and group leaders are responsible for management of their organizations, including planning, staffing, and budgeting, and for the development and implementation of Laboratory policies and procedures in their functional areas. The division deputies and group leaders also represent the division in contact with internal and external organizations and individuals on matters of major significance to the success of Laboratory programs and activities.

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