Working Alone

Individuals conducting hazardous operations or using hazardous chemicals should not work alone. Another individual capable of coming to the aid of the worker should be in visual or audio contact.

• If working alone is absolutely necessary, the worker should have a phone immediately available and should be in contact with another person (who knows that he or she is being relied upon) at least every 30 minutes.
• If the operation is particularly hazardous such that an individual could be severely injured or overcome by the process, a capable person must be present at all times and know to contact Public Safety at 911 or 258-3333 in event of an emergency.

The supervisor or principal investigator is responsible for determining whether the work requires special precautions, such as having two people in the same room for particular operations.