A researcher in the Materials Sciences Division was suspicious of a newly purchased bottle of tetrahydrofuran (THF), which is a type of ether. After testing, it was found to be highly peroxidized. If used in a distillation, it could have caused an explosion and potential injury. An incident like this occurred in MSD in 2006, which resulted in a student suffering facial lacerations. Chemicals that have a shelf life, whether brand new or sitting around the lab for a while, should be tested regularly and disposed of before they become dangerous.
Go to OurSafety for more on the Lab's safety efforts.
Special Event: Dark Energy Topic of Free 'Science at the Theater’ Talk Tonight at 5:30 p.m. Berkeley Lab physicist Eric Linder will discuss “Dark Energy Rules the Universe (and Why the Dinosaurs Don’t)” during a free lecture at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre on Monday at 5:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Lab’s Friends of Science organization. The theatre is located at 2025 Addison St., near Shattuck Ave. 
Commuting: Friday Glitch With Survey Fixed; Staff Encouraged to Try AgainA technical glitch that prevented some staff from taking the Lab’s commuting survey on Friday has been fixed. Those who were unable to take the survey are encouraged to try again, and those who have not yet taken the survey are invited to provide their feedback on getting to and from work. Answers to the survey are anonymous, but over 120 prizes will be given to a random selection of responders. Prizes include a family membership to the Chabot Space and Science Center, a $25 BART ticket, and 10 rides on AC Transit. The survey will be available until Friday, Dec 5.
People: Lab Nobelist to Assume Leadership of International Science CouncilBerkeley Lab Senior Scientist Yuan T. Lee has been elected as the future president of the International Council for Science (ICSU). Following his election to the post at the organization's 29th general assembly in Mozambique last month, Lee will take up the appointment in April 2010. Lee received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1986 for his contribution to the development of reaction dynamics. More>
The University of California has recognized Pro-UAW as the exclusive representative for postdoctoral scholars at the system’s ten campus locations. Berkeley Lab employees are excluded from UAW representation, and Lab post docs will not be subject to the collective bargaining agreement once it has been negotiated. Instead, they will remain under the policies and procedures of the Lab’s Regulations and Procedures Manual (RPM).
The Lab’s library will be undergoing another major change in layout during the next two months. More office space is needed urgently, and there is less need for physical library space as more materials are available online. More information is provided on the Library wiki page, or contact the library.
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 today from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Building 50 Auditorium. A help desk will be set up in the cafeteria following the workshop, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
In anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Lab’s shuttle bus services will alter final departure times on Wednesday:
Building 65: 6 p.m. for the Blue Route;
5:45 p.m. for Rockridge Route
Building 62/66: 5:52 p.m. for the Orange Route
Potter St: 5:25 p.m.
JBEI: 5:35 p.m.