Help Non-Profits, Needy
By Donating to SHARES

The Berkeley Lab SHARES charitable giving campaign is under way, and all employees are urged to review the literature contained in information packets sent to them this week. Anyone who has not received a packet should call x5771 or e-mail here to request one. Forward any questions about the campaign to the SHARES answer line here. SHARES is a convenient way to assist non-profit health and service agencies while supporting the Laboratory's commitment to our communities. Payroll deducation and one-time gift options are available. The campaign will run through Nov. 24.

UC Regent Gets Close-up
View of Lab, Programs

Gary Novack, one of 26 Regents who govern the University of California, took time out from his schedule to visit Berkeley Lab monday and was given an overview of facilities and programs by Director Steven Chu and Lab scientists. Novack, president of UC's Alumni Associations and president of Pharma Logic Development, Inc., is shown above getting a briefing on the x-ray microscopy beamline at the Advanced Light Source from Physical Biosciences' Carolyn Larabell while Chu and postdoctoral employee Weiwei Gu look on.

Interim Rules Issued For Live Electrical Work

In response to the recent electrical accident at Stanford Linear Accelerator Center that left one worker critically injured, Berkeley Lab management has agreed with the Department of Energy's Berkeley Site Office to implement additional interim approval requirements for work on energized electrical components. Requirements include written authorization for all "mode 3" work -- i.e. work on live electrical circuits -- from Environment, Health and Safety Division Director Phyllis Pei and Deputy Director for Operations Sally Benson , and copies of those authorizations furnished to the Laboratory's Electrical Safety Engineer, before the work begins. The requirement is invoked on mode 3 work involving live circuits meeting certain energy thresholds (go here for a complete discussion). Go here to read the official memo on these changes, and here to access the revised approval form for "hot work."

Don't Let the Flu
Catch Up With You

The shortage of flu shot vaccines this season means many people will be on their own when it comes to protecting themselves from this miserable ailment. The Lab's Health Services department has put together some guidelines to help employees avoid getting the flu or spreading it to others. It includes a side-by-side comparison of flu and cold symptoms to help staff determine how sick they really are. Go here to read the guidelines.

Be Sure to Store Gas Grill Propane Tanks Safely

With winter on its way, many gas grills are going into storage for the winter, both here at the Lab and at home.   Remember to keep your propane cylinder outdoors in an upright (vertical) position.   For those who want to store their grill indoors, just detach the cylinder. And remember, don't smoke near cylinders or store them near high temperatures. Go here for more tips.