Will You Be Working Off-Site?
Berkeley Lab policy requires the prevention of injuries, illnesses, and environmental damage at all locations it has responsibility for, including off-site activities. Off-site activities include all work performed at sites located away from the Berkeley Lab main site and satellite locations, which include Donner Hall, Potter Street, Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU), and the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI).
Off-Site Safety Resources
Work Planning
Work taking place off-site needs to be planned out and have an approved and active WPC. Log into Activity Manager to create one and have it reviewed. Reach out to your Project Lead or Activty Lead if you need additional help with the activity.
In addition, you should also have an Off-Site Safety Work Plan, which is a written plan that captures logistical and operational details which include travel, site information, contacts, communication, and emergency planning to supplement the hazard controls documented in the WPC.
Hazard Topics
Working off-site may introduce unique hazards not typically observed on the Hill nor in traditional laboratory settings. Hazards should be planned for and anticipated and are usually addressed in the WPC. For additional hazard considerations and gudiance, refer to the Common Off-Site Work Hazards resource page.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergencies may happen at any time while working off-site and actions taken to respond to those emergencies may differ than if they were to happen on-site. Review the guidance materials for the Domestic Emergency Response Plan and/or the Non-domestic Emergency Response Plan and incorporate applicable response procedures into your Off-Site Safety Work Plan before departure.
Travel & Logistics
Travel should be arranged in accordance with LBNL’s Travel Policy. Ensure that travel arrangements and logistics are reflected in the WPC. Additionally, templates for site and travel planning, as well as a communication plan, can be found in the Off-Site Safety Work Plan.
Tools & Templates
In addition to establishing a WPC and reviewing hazards and controls, off-site work planning may be made more effective by establishing clear coordination, communication, and documentation. The following tools and templates were designed to help teams think through trip logistics, identify gaps, align expectations, and prepare for contingencies. Using these resources early in the planning process can improve readiness and reduce risk during off-site work activities.
Inclusive and Professional Conduct
Berkeley Lab is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, bullying, or violence in any work setting, onsite or offsite. This commitment aligns with the National Science Foundation (NSF) Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) 23-1 requirement that grantee organizations certify plans for safe and inclusive research environments for proposals involving off-campus or off-site work.
Additional Resources
Have More Questions?
Contact your EHS Division Liason or Health & Safety Representative form this list.
