Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:23:07 -0500
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
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From: List Moderator <ecgrants**At_Symbol_Here**UVM.EDU>
Subject: 3 RE: [DCHAS-L] Minor Chemical Incidents in Undergraduate Labs

From: "Robert Hill" <roberth_hill**At_Symbol_Here**mindspring.com>
Date: February 16, 2010 9:32:58 PM EST
Subject: RE: [DCHAS-L] Minor Chemical Incidents in Undergraduate Labs


Personally I think it is always good to do a lessons learned with incidents.  The depth of the lessons learned discussion or investigation depends upon the seriousness, but this can be a good learning tool for students - and it is usually of great interest to them. 

 

Robert Hill, Ph.D.

 

 

===
From: Marc Majewski <majewski.marc**At_Symbol_Here**gene.com>
Date: February 16, 2010 6:36:38 PM EST
Subject: RE: [DCHAS-L] Minor Chemical Incidents in Undergraduate Labs

Hi Mary,
While it might be satisfying to do RCA on all incidents, it=92s not practical.
Reserve RCA for times when the potential benefit is worth the effort.

 

What makes sense to me is investigating all incidents and near misses to determine the level of potential risk involved.

 

Preventable high potential risk incidents deserve the RCA effort.

 

The key is focusing in on the potential rather than actual severity experienced.
And,focusing on =93preventable=94 incidents.

 

Definition: A preventable accident is one which occurs when one fails to act in a reasonably expected manner to prevent it.

 

Good luck,
MM

===
From: Ernest Lippert <ernielippert**At_Symbol_Here**toast.net>
Date: February 16, 2010 9:11:36 PM EST
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Minor Chemical Incidents in Undergraduate Labs


Mary,
I would say no. There would be a lot of attendent problems that might result. Instructors and students must take responsibility for their actions. After a "thorough" safety indoctrination, every one is responsible for their own actions. Reportable incidents might include those requiring a 911 call or those which might lead to litigation. I propose the best way to deal with a minor situation is to fill out an Incident Report (as opposed to investigating) to file and leave it at that. Th file should be reviewed from time to time to see if there is root cause for certain kinds of incidents.
Regards,
Ernie Lioppert




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