Working in Isolation

Approval for high-hazard work in isolation will be granted if the supervisor of the work has done the following and completes the Working in Isolation Notification Form.

1. Conduct a hazard analysis by filling out the Working Alone Hazard Analysis Form to assess the work area to identify potential or existing hazards, determine if the hazards can be mitigated, and decide whether such activities should be closely monitored, restricted or disallowed.
2. Implement procedures and corrective actions to eliminate, minimize or control hazards when individuals are working in isolation.
3. Assess and document the requirements for emergency equipment, emergency aid, and a means of obtaining emergency assistance based upon the nature and degree of the exposure to the hazard.
4. Ensure emergency aid and communications systems are available and compatible with work assignments. This includes providing an effective communication system between any individual who works in isolation and person(s) capable of assisting the individual.
5. Ensure a point of contact is aware of the individual’s location and the timeframe they will be at the location while working alone.
6. Ensure the individual understands and is fully trained on emergency procedures.
7. Educate and train (training must be documented) the individual on all safety procedures, practices and protocols which include:
   1. Adherence to appropriate measures established for working in isolation; and
   2. Awareness of the hazards and the methods used to control or eliminate them so work can be performed safely.
8. Evaluate safety measures on a regular basis to ensure that the practices are applicable, effective, compliant and in consideration of any new changes in work tasks or operations.
9. Can ensure incidents and injuries are reported immediately to the person in charge of the work.
10. Will ensure all incidents are investigated, corrective action taken when necessary and documented.
11. Develop a system, such as after-hour permits or permission forms for undergraduate students, to prevent untrained persons from gaining access to laboratories and other hazardous locations within campus buildings.

Supervisors are solely responsible for approving work in isolation and must complete the Working in Isolation Notification Form Records are maintained by EHS.