INTRODUCTION

This manual is intended to provide structure and guidance to the supervisors, staff, and visitors working in the research facilities aboard the JOIDES Resolution in complying with Texas A&M University (TAMU) and international marine safety programs. The section called "Important Definitions" provides definitions of important terms used throughout this manual. The remaining sections describe the following four main safety programs with which ODP is required to comply:

  1. Laboratory Security Program: This program requires that public access to TAMU laboratories be controlled and shipments of equipment and materials to and from the laboratory be monitored. See "Laboratory Security Plan" for the compliance plan for this program.
  2. Precursor Chemicals and Laboratory Apparatus Program: This program is based on a 1995 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Higher Educational Coordinating Board (THECB). Specifically, the MOU establishes procedures for maintaining controlled substances, controlled substance analogs, chemical precursors, and chemical laboratory apparatus used in educational or research activities at institutions of higher education. See "Precursor Chemicals and Laboratory Apparatus" for the compliance plan for this program.
  3. International Safety Management (ISM) Code: The ISM Code establishes procedures to ensure safety at sea, prevent human injury or loss of life, and avoid damage to the environment, in particular to the marine environment and to property. See "International Safety Management Code" for the compliance plan for this program.
  4. TAMU's Hazard Communication Program (HazCom). This program describes how TAMU complies with the Texas Hazard Communication Act (THCA). See "TAMU Hazard Communication Program" for the compliance plan for this program.

The Laboratory Safety and Hazard Communication Compliance Manual (B. Mills, unpubl. document, 2002 [N1]) should supplement the information in this manual. In addition, emergency assistance contact numbers and instructions are available in Figure F1.

Maintenance of This Manual

This manual will be reviewed, updated, and republished (as needed) each June by the Supervisor of Technical Support. The policies stated in this manual will supercede all other policies as of its publication and revision dates.

Other ODP Safety Documents

Specific safety-related topics are addressed in the following ODP documents. These documents are available from ODP/TAMU and on the JOIDES Resolution. This list will be updated periodically, as appropriate.

  1. Laboratory Safety and Hazard Communication Compliance Manual (B. Mills, unpubl. doc, 2002 [N1]) provides detailed guidance for scientific and technical staff on board JOIDES Resolution in complying with the TAMU HazCom. It also covers the basics of laboratory safety and management of hazardous chemicals.
  2. Hydrogen Sulfide Drilling Contingency Plan, ODP Technical Note, 33 (Mills et al., in press) provides guidance in recognizing, preparing for, and mitigating potentially dangerous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) situations during drilling and coring operations.
  3. Introduction to Shipboard Organic Geochemistry on the JOIDES Resolution, ODP Technical Note, 30 (Pimmel and Claypool, 2001) describes hydrocarbon monitoring procedures.
  4. Guidelines for Site Survey and Safety, ODP Technical Note, 32, addresses fundamental issues of site selection and operational procedures to minimize drilling hazards and risks of accident or pollution.
  5. The Crisis Management Plan provides a framework for response to and ultimate recovery from an emergency or crisis that threatens personnel and/or property both at ODP/TAMU Headquarters and on board the JOIDES Resolution.

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