Creating Safe Work Environments with the
Integrated Operations System

Conducting world-class science requires outstanding technical capabilities, efficient operations and a safe, healthy work environment.

A unique approach developed at the Battelle-managed Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) helps create a safe laboratory environment that enables researchers to focus on their scientific research. The Integrated Operations System (IOPS)—a powerful tool designed to ensure that workers are adequately trained to perform their work and understand the hazards associated with their laboratory environment—can be applied to any research facility or industry that deals with hazards, including other laboratories, universities, and pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

While it was originally developed to quickly process and train incoming scientists at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory at PNNL, IOPS’s versatile approach has been successfully adapted for use laboratory-wide, including facilities for national security and nuclear and life sciences.

“IOPS is a slick system,” said Larry Casazza, who oversees IOPS for more than 35,000 square feet of radiochemical laboratories and 8,000 square feet of hot cell space at PNNL’s Radiochemical Processing Laboratory. “Since we implemented the system in 1998, our radiological problems reports have remained steady while our business volume has nearly doubled, on-time work completion has increased from 40 percent to over 80 percent, and we’ve streamlined the training process to get new staff working quickly.”

Accountability—a major IOPS component—ensures operational excellence. “With IOPS, we know who is in charge and accountable for safety and health in a particular workspace,” Casazza said. The IOPS Cognizant Space Managers (CSMs)—the primary researchers responsible for managing safe conduct of work in a specific workspace—have not only the responsibility but also the authority and the tools to make work proceed efficiently and flexibly.

IOPS is a web-based tool that comprises a powerful and comprehensive set of databases ranging from access control, hazard assessments, and required training to location-specific policies and work practices. CSMs and staff have quick access to the information they need to operate safely in their workspaces.

Web-based accessibility also makes IOPS efficient for processing visitors to PNNL who need to work in a hazardous environment. “IOPS is accessible by Internet connection,” Casazza noted. “People who are preparing to visit the Lab can arrange for access, find out key information about the lab they will be working in, find out what training they need and take 60 to 80 percent of it before they arrive. Then, when they show up, they’re nearly ready to go to work.”

For more information contact Larry Casazza at (509) 376-6323, larry.casazza@pnl.gov.