DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive

Tim,

Cell phones are not intrinsically safe and should not be used in a classified area. It is not the static, it is the little DC motor that makes it buzz that creates the ignition hazard.

The point you make about contamination seems valid but could be mitigated with awareness training. What about relaxing the rules for hands-free phones e.g., those with bluetooth enabled earpieces?

We have no such prohibition in our labs and we have never had a phone related injury...I'm glad to be able to direct connect our lab's emergency action coordinator on our company-provided Nextels.

Our biggest concern is the potential for an employee to violate confidentiality by taking pictures with a camera phone.

jsbonnell
Barr Laboratories, Inc.

---- Tim Hauser  wrote: 
> Hello all,
>       I am interested in some feedback on cell phones in laboratories. I
> don't believe the "static spark - fire" is too big of an issue as we really
> don't have very much in the way of flammables due to the nature of our
> work. My problem is more about distraction and chemical hygiene.
> Supervisors (and myself) were finding employees talking away while handling
> hazardous materials. We also saw employees reaching into their pockets and
> handling phones immediately upon ringing...while their hands were still
> gloved much less not washed.
>       We have forbid cell phones in our labs but are receiving a fair
> amount of complaints about the new rule. Has anyone had any similar
> experiences or comments they could add?
> Thank you for any help in advance.
> 
> Timothy M. Hauser
> Health, Safety & Environmental Specialist / Radiation Safety Officer
> Phone: 608 -442-4042
> Fax:     608-238-1388
> Email:   Tim.Hauser**At_Symbol_Here**emdbiosciences.com