Memo Example #5 LBD ASSOCIATES, LLC

ICM IN-HOUSE MEMO #5

The following was written to the employees at ICM Laboratories.
A laboratory is a hazardous environment. It was critical to work safely.

Memo to All
January 29, 1986
Subject: You Never Know…

The space shuttle disaster moved us all. While we did not know any of the seven people directly or even indirectly, I believe that people over the entire world were saddened by the loss. But there is an extremely important lesson for us to be learned from the shuttle disaster.

As most of us grew up with the space program, we became comfortable with it. In fact, the whole thing was becoming routine - no big deal. As the news media quickly points out, the space program is a high-risk business - lives are at stake. The same thing is true here.

We work with dangerous and unknown chemicals. Secretaries handle samples; everyone in the lab works with who knows what. These things can be dangerous. Our little skirmish with the Hydrogen Sulfide points out just how simple it is to have a problem

But if we recognize the potential for disaster, then we can prepare for and avoid it. It is strictly a question of attitude. If you work with something so much that it becomes friendly to you, then you lose track of the dangers lurking about. There is absolutely nothing friendly about cyanide, for example. A cylinder of compressed gas is a guided missile in disguise. A broken piece of glassware is like an enemy pungi stick used in warfare. Coated with chemicals, a broken glass can poison you if it cuts your skin.

These and other dangers are constantly about, and we interact with them daily, dozens of times. Recognize what they are and respect them. Check with Audrey about safety procedures.

It is everyone's responsibility to himself or herself and to us all that our work be performed safely. We don't want to be headline news in this regard.

Rich

LBD ASSOCIATES, LLC
Randolph, New Jersey USA
973.895.5207
salevine@lbdassociates.com