The culture of an organization is complex to describe and measure yet influences how and what decisions are made by scientists. Influencing this culture to more proactively and constructively address the unique and emerging safety concerns scientist encounter when developing new research instrumentation or applications can be challenging. Over the last several years, we have started a more principled based approach to influence our culture, including safety discussions, training, and practices. Some of these principles are described in the Battelle Safe Conduct of Research, which includes: 1) Everyone is personally responsible for ensuring safe operations 2) Leaders value the safety legacy they create in their discipline 3) Staff raise safety concerns because trust permeates the organization. 4) Cutting-edge science requires cutting-edge safety 5) A questioning attitude is cultivated 6) Learning never stops 7) Hazards are identified and evaluated for every task, every time 8) A healthy respect is maintained for what can go wrong In this world of complex instrumentation and research, often involving a combination of home built, custom, and commercially available instruments, how do we ensure the safety of those operating them? In my talk, I will relate perspectives, experiences, and lessons learned on implementing these principles and related practices as we strive to always accomplish keeping ourselves and those around us safe.

Principles to influence culture and establish practices regarding safe operation of research instrumentation and application development

2019 Fall National Meeting

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