DOE Completes Its 2012 Safeguards and Security Directors Workshop

The Department of Energy's (DOE's) 2012 Safeguards and Security Directors Workshop concluded on April 18, 2012. Glenn S. Podonsky, DOE's Chief Health, Safety and Security Officer, and Douglas E. Fremont, the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA's) Chief of Defense Nuclear Security, jointly championed the two-day workshop in Denver, Colorado.

In recognition that the Department is operating in a time of significant change where many internal and external factors will influence how national security missions will be implemented over the coming years, the workshop focused on identifying the most important nuclear security priorities for 2012 and 2013, and provided a forum to discuss an integrated approach for addressing those priorities. The workshop was a tremendous success with over 120 of the Department's top security professionals in attendance. DOE thanks the many safeguards and security managers and technical experts who participated in this exchange.

Among the most challenging changes in the current security environment, evidenced by more than a decade of global war on terror, is the evolving capabilities and tactics of our adversaries. This change has resulted in the need to reassess the threat environment facing our national security-related facilities and assets.

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Availability of Department of Energy Operating Experience Level 3 Document, Radiologically Contaminated Respirators

The Office of Health, Safety and Security (HSS) has issued the Operating Experience Level 3 (OE-3) Document, Radiologically Contaminated Respirators (OE-3: 2012-02).

This report provides information on a safety concern related to radiological contamination of laundered/reconditioned respirators and parts that have been certified as clean.

Three events at different Department of Energy (DOE) sites underscore the importance of quality assurance programs, radiological surveys, and site verification that vendors meet all requirements.

Projects and sites that use respiratory protection equipment of any type or configuration should ensure that the requirements of DOE Order 414.1D, Quality Assurance, are being met.

This OE-3 document is being issued as part of the Department's Corporate Operating Experience Program to facilitate the sharing of lessons learned from operating experience and the prevention of adverse operating incidents.

2012 Occupational Medicine Workshop

The Department of Energy and the Energy Facility Contractors Group held an the 2012 Occupational Medicine Workshop and Webinar on March 15-16, 2012 at DOE Headquarters. This event brought together, among others, DOE Occupational Medicine professionals in order to:

• 1. provide training on matters relevant to occupational medicine practitioners within the Department and
• 2. enable those who attend in person to engage in valuable discussions with both colleagues from other DOE sites and personnel from DOE Headquarters whose functions include policy development, interpretation, revision, and assistance.

The workshop provided training by recognized DOE professionals on the traditional services associated with DOE Occupational Medicine Programs. In addition, training by both DOE and non-DOE subject matter experts was incorporated to address more specialized or emerging services associated with DOE Occupational Medicine Programs.

Lastly, discussions or "roundtables" were incorporated to support consensus building and the development of best practices where appropriate. For more information about the 2012 Occupational Medicine Workshop please go here.

Facility Representative/Safety System Oversight/Fire Safety Workshop,
Las Vegas, May 14-18, 2012

Join us at the Alexis Park Hotel in Las Vegas for the annual Facility Representative (FR) / Safety System Oversight (SSO) Workshop, and the 2012 Fire Safety (FS) Workshop. Glenn Podonsky, Chief Health, Safety and Security Officer, William Ostendorff, Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner, and Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Member Mr. Joe Bader are scheduled to speak.

FR/SSO training sessions will be on May 14-15 and workshop sessions on May 16-17. The FS Workshop is May 15-16 with training May 17-18. In addition, the Federal Technical Capability Panel will hold a face-to-face meeting May 15.

The FR/SSO workshop and the FS Workshop will feature training opportunities, sharing of best practices and lessons-learned, thought-provoking discussions, and an award ceremony recognizing outstanding performance by DOE safety professionals. We encourage and welcome presentations from the respective communities

Workshop information, hotel group rate information, and an on-line registration form are available at 2012 Facility Representative, Safety System Oversight Workshop; Fire Safety Workshop, FTCP Meeting web page.

Publication of the Former Worker Medical Screening Program (FWP) 2011 Annual Report

The Office of Health, Safety and Security (HSS) published the Former Worker Medical Screening Program (FWP) 2011 Annual Report in February 2012. This report documents the work conducted by the FWP during 2011. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 called for DOE to provide ongoing medical evaluations, at no cost, to all DOE Federal, contractor, and subcontractor workers.

Medical screening examinations are designed to check for adverse health effects related to occupational exposures and are conducted by dedicated medical experts from consortia of universities, unions, and commercial organizations with expertise in administering medical programs. This year marks 15 years of service to the former DOE workforce, providing 85,586 screenings.

One of our key Management Principles at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is, "we will treat our people as our greatest asset." We consider these assets to include both current and former workers who have served the Nation in its National security and other missions.

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Earth Day, Every Day!
Changing Behavior to Reduce DOE's Carbon Footprint

April 22, 2012 marks the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day and the beginning of the modern environmental movement. This year, the Sustainability Performance Office in collaboration with the Office of Health, Safety and Security will be leading DOE's Earth Week celebrations during the week of April 16th at Forrestal and the week of April 23rd at Germantown. DOE's theme for 2012 is "Earth Day, Every Day! Changing Behavior to Reduce DOE's Carbon Footprint."

Earth Week will feature offices showcasing the progress DOE is making to support clean energy and a healthy, sustainable environment.

• April 18th -- Environmental films will be shown at Forrestal between 11-2 pm
• April 19th -- Community Day at Forrestal between 11-2 pm will consist of the following activities:
  • Interactive displays
  • Live music
  • Games
  • A photo contest
  • Children's crafts and parades
  • Free stuff

What does Earth Day mean to you? Send us your most interesting, fun, or moving shot for the Earth Day 2012 Photography Contest!

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Chronic Beryllium Disease Awareness Card and Web Site

The U.S Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Health, Safety and Security (HSS) has launched a new awareness website about Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD). This website provides a broad-based set of information and resources about beryllium, CBD, CBD symptoms, and consequential conditions of CBD and its treatment. Along with the website, HSS has developed a wallet-sized card for workers and their treating physicians with summary information about CBD and a link to the more detailed CBD awareness website.

The CBD Awareness Card and Web site are part of HSS' corporate outreach initiative to provide information to the worker community, as well as the medical community, and to enhance the likelihood of timely diagnosis and treatment of potential CBD cases.

The primary audience for the CBD Awareness website is:

• 1. former and current DOE Federal and contractor    workers;
• 2. practicing clinicians; and
• 3. healthcare educators and researchers.

The information presented in the CBD Awareness Web site is intended as a general information resource. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice and the care provided by a physician.

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