With COVID-19 cases rising across Alameda County and in an abundance of caution, the Lab has postponed the wildland fire exercise initially set for June 17. The full-scale exercise, which is mandated by the DOE and helps the Lab better prepare for emergencies, is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 12. https://securityandemergencyservices.lbl.gov/2022/06/06/lbnl-full-scale-emergency-exercise-june-17-8a-1p/
New Chemical Management System to Launch July 2022
The Lab is replacing its existing CMS system on July 5. This new CMS system is more user-friendly with enhanced features that will ease inventory management tasks and improve chemical stewardship throughout the entire lifecycle, from working planning to disposal. https://sites.google.com/lbl.gov/chemical-safety/home/chemical-inventory-management/cms-2-0?authuser=0
Make Your Heart Healthy by Recognizing Colleagues
A UC San Diego study revealed that teammates who thanked each other before performing high-stress tasks had better cardiovascular responses than those who didn’t. Bucketlist offers an easy and fun way to thank and recognize those living the Lab’s values. Recognize someone for their great work today. http://bucketlist.lbl.gov/
Face Covers Required Indoors for All Beginning Today
Face covers are required beginning today, no matter vaccination status. Options are an N95 respirator without an exhalation valve, a KN95 or FK94 mask, a surgical-type mask, or a cloth face cover worn over a surgical-type mask. Surgical masks are available at the Blackberry and Strawberry Gates. https://ehs.lbl.gov/coronavirus/
Video Replay: Ventilation in Lab Buildings
There has been a new focus on building ventilation since the start of the COVID pandemic. Several Lab specialists recently took part in a seminar on ventilation in Lab buildings. Learn about indoor virus transmission, the Lab’s ventilation systems, and changes made to improve indoor air quality. https://youtu.be/WWX9xXIyGpw
Lab Drinking Water Test Results
The Lab is testing its drinking water sources, such as kitchen sinks and water fountains, to ensure they meet water quality standards following two years of limited use during the pandemic. Read more about this effort and its findings. https://ehs.lbl.gov/2022/05/23/site-wide-drinking-water-source-testing/
May 24: Veterans, PTSD and Stress: Creating Compassionate Workplaces
Curious about how we can create trauma-sensitive workspaces for veterans and other colleagues with histories of trauma here at the Lab? Join the Veterans and All Access Employee Resource Groups for a hybrid seminar in honor of Memorial Day and Mental Health Awareness Month. https://diversity.lbl.gov/2022/05/19/veterans-ptsd-and-stress-creating-compassionate-workplaces-may-24-2022/
Alameda County Moves to Medium Covid Risk Level
Alameda County has moved to yellow, medium risk of COVID, according to the Centers for Disease Control Community tracker. Masking is not required at Lab sites, but anyone wishing to wear a mask is encouraged to do so. Masks are still required on Lab shuttles and in Health Services Building 26. https://ehs.lbl.gov/coronavirus/
Save the Date: Seminar on Ventilation in Lab Buildings
There has been a new focus on building ventilation in the past two years since the start of the COVID pandemic. Several Lab specialists will take part in a seminar on ventilation in Lab buildings on Wednesday, May 18 at 11 a.m. Please send questions in advance to covidinfo@lbl.gov. https://calendar.google.com/event?action=TEMPLATE&tmeid=N2xiOWpvZzlubjA3aWwxbmRiZjBpa2dpNTcgbGJsLmdvdl80czRycmcxMmw2ZXFnNm5jbWMya3QwdmNnZ0Bn&tmsrc=lbl.gov_4s4rrg12l6eqg6ncmc2kt0vcgg%40group.calendar.google.com
Ventilation and Clean Air in Buildings at the Lab
The Lab is implementing many of the recommendations from the White House’s “Clean Air in Buildings Challenge,” including changes to Lab building ventilation systems that will better help address COVID-19. Learn more about ventilation and the Lab’s efforts to make a safer workspace. https://ehs.lbl.gov/2022/05/10/ventilation-at-the-lab-and-covid-19/