Today at Berkeley Lab Berkeley Lab logo US Dept. of Energy logoBerkeley Lab logo
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008
Our Safety, Our Laboratory's Future image

Outdoor Lights Fixed Thanks to Feedback From Employees


With winter approaching and the end of Daylight Savings, lighting around buildings, paths and stairways is of increasing concern. Thanks to two observant employees who reported problems to [email protected], outdoor lights were immediately replaced near two buildings, avoiding potential hazards for pedestrians. The light near the stairs on the Building 90 pathway, which had been out for some time, was replaced, as was the flood light over the stairs at the northwest corner of Building 70 leading to the Seaborg steps. Report any hazardous conditions to safetyconcerns@lblgov or your supervisor so they can be handled properly. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

auditoriumConstruction: Building 50 Auditorium Closes for Upgrades in January

The Building 50 Auditorium will be closed January to July 2009 for structural upgrades as part of the Seismic Phase 1 project.  The auditorium upgrades will include seismic bracing and replacement of the ceiling and walls to raise the seismic performance rating to "Good." Additional information will be posted in TABL and on the Site Construction website in the coming months. Contact Jack Heffernan (x5993) for more information.

spectrumALS: New Online Publication Provides Latest News on the Facility

The Advanced Light Source has created a new publication called the "ALS Spectrum." The online document encapsulates the same type of information contained in the ALS Activity Report but in a short, readable, newsletter-like format. Featured scientific and facility developments are front-paged, and a roundup of science highlights is provided in easily browsed summaries with links. Content also include brief reports from ALS staff and user groups, articles about ALS people and events, and facility updates.

busShuttle Bus: LabPorter Service, Route and Schedule Changes in Effect

As part of a recent restructuring of the Lab’s shuttle bus service, a pilot LabPorter service is now being offered. A van can be reserved for 15-minute periods for transporting passengers around the Lab for official business. There is no charge for this service, which is available between 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. and 1 and 3:45 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling x6274 or via e-mail. New shuttle bus routes and schedules started Monday, including changes to the Potter/JBEI route and schedule and the relocation of the Downtown BART Station stop to Shattuck Ave. between Center and Addison.

helping handCharitable Giving: Still Time to Donate to SHARES

For the 11th year, Berkeley Lab is sponsoring its charitable giving campaign called SHARES (Science for Health, Assistance, Resources, Education, and Services). Employees can contribute online via check or payroll deduction. If donating by check, print the completed form and send to the Payroll Office at Building 90G-117. Employees can request a paper pledge form by e-mailing [email protected]. The SHARES campaign ends Monday.

Benefits: UC Retirement Readiness Workshops Tomorrow

In response to the volatility that has spread through the financial markets, the Benefits Office has scheduled a series of workshops to help employees develop investment strategies. The next one will be held tomorrow from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Building 50 Auditorium. More>

Employee Activity: Runaround T-Shirts for Sale

The Employee Activities Association, sponsor of the Lab’s annual Runaround, is selling t-shirts from this year’s race as well as from 2006 and 2007. Various sizes are available and cost $5 for two. To purchase, contact Helen Jefferson.

Policy: Substance Abuse in the Workplace

The Laboratory recognizes dependency on alcohol and other drugs as a treatable condition and offers programs and services for employees and students with substance dependency problems. Employees are encouraged to seek assistance, as appropriate, from employee support programs, health centers, and counseling or psychological services available through the Laboratory's Employee Assistance Program. The Laboratory strives to maintain a work site free from the illegal use, possession, or distribution of alcohol or controlled substances, and has legal consequences for those who violate the policy, which can be found here. Information about the Laboratory's Employee Assistance Program is available here.