FIELD PROJECT SAFETY AND SECURITY RISK ASSESSMENT

TITLE: Field Project Safety and Security Risk Assessment Procedure
REFERENCE:
ISSUED: June 2004
EFFECTIVE: June 2004
SUPERSEDES: None

1. SCOPE

Establishes and defines methods and responsibilities for conducting risk assessment of field projects in order to identify, analyze and control those conditions that create unacceptable risk to UCAR staff or property.

2. PURPOSE

UCAR/NCAR/UOP divisions and programs conduct field projects around the world. Projects can be relatively simple, consisting of 1 or 2 staff deploying standard instrumentation to local sites. Projects can also be complex, consisting of dozens of staff deploying multiple complex instruments in coordination with other research institutions in exotic locations. Each deployment has a unique combination of risks that must be understood and managed.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1. Division/Program Directors

3.1.1. Assign lead responsibilities for field projects, including the designation of a Project Safety Officer and development of a Field Project Risk Management Plan.

3.1.2. Assure resources are provided to adequately mitigate hazards identified by the risk assessment.

3.2. Project Safety Officer

3.2.1. Assures the HESS Manager reviews the Field Project Risk Management Plan prior to project deployment.

3.2.2. Implements the hazard controls identified by the Risk Management Plan.

3.2.3. Reviews the risk assessment with all staff, students and volunteers working on the project.

3.2.4. With assistance from HESS, evaluates risks recognized by project participants that were not identified during the initial risk assessment.

3.3. Health Environment Safety Services Manager

3.3.1. Conducts or coordinates the risk assessment of proposed field projects as requested by Division/Program management. Also reviews Division/Program developed Risk Management Plans.

3.3.1.1. Reviews available information from Department of State, subscription security services, and other information sources as necessary to assess site-specific security, health, and safety risks.

3.3.1.2. Reviews instrument/facility specific hazards.

3.3.1.3. Completes appropriate assessment form or checklist, see appendix A and B.

3.3.1.4. Communicates risk and recommended controls to Project Safety Officer for implementation.

3.3.2. Field Project Participants

3.3.2.1. Work within the controls specified by the risk assessment.

3.3.2.2. Informs Project Safety Officer of any health, safety, or security concerns that arise during the project.

4. DEFINITIONS

4.1. Field Project

The deployment of facilities and/or personnel for the ultimate purpose of data collection. This includes the staging of equipment for later use. It does not include site evaluations.

4.2. Risk Assessment

The systematic evaluation and documentation of health, safety, and security risks associated with a location and the facilities deployed to the location.

5. PROCEDURES

5.1. Planning

5.1.1. Divisions/Programs begin planning a field project. A Project Safety Officer is identified.

5.2. Risk Assessment Development

5.2.1. The Project Safety Officer or Division/Program staff responsible for the risk assessment requests assistance from HESS as needed, and provides information needed for the assessment.

5.2.2. HESS prepares the risk assessment, in conjunction with Division/Program staff, and transmits a report back to the Project Safety Officer.

5.3. Risk Assessment Communications

5.3.1. The Project Safety Officer informs project participants of the risk assessment findings. The means of informing participants of the findings will vary by project. Options include holding an ‘all hands meeting’, sending written procedures to all participants, or individual discussions.

5.4. Risk Assessment Modifications

5.4.1. Risks that were not anticipated and are identified during the field project implementation are communicated back to HESS by the Project Safety Officer for evaluation and recommendations.

5.4.2. The Project Safety Officer updates all project participants of the changes to the risk assessment.

6. RECORDKEEPING

6.1. The risk assessment report is retained with Division/Program project planning documentation.

6.2. HESS also maintains a copy of the report for a minimum of 5 years past the completion of the project.

 

Appendix A - Advance Notice of Field Project Facility Deployment and Safety/Security Review

Appendix B - International Travel Hazards Review

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