Re: Signs, Signs, Everywhere the Signs

["Robert R. Milwicz" <milwicz@arundel.Princeton.EDU>]

Charles B. Mitchell requested information on getting the word out without 
having to put up many signs that become so cluttered  
that there are "Signs, Signs, Everywhere the Signs."

What we do, if there is a serious matter that needs attention, is to 
have a personal conversation with those who really need to know about 
the matter. Others not directly affected would be sent a memo.  Fortunatly
we do not have that large an audience. Then during our annual refresher training
the subject of concern is presented as part of the refresher training. The item
of concern also becomes part of the initial training after it was 
identified as being a problem. That way we address the problem 
immediately, remind people about it in the refresher and make sure 
all new people get the word. 
We have identified  some problems are cyclic and these just need to 
be continually readdressed. 
The key factor is feedback. You have to look at the practice 
and see if people are remembering what they were told. And if, the 
results of the review show that the item of concern is still 
happening, then training needs to address the matter again..
People will ignore signs with time but when you have a face to face 
discussion and follow through with compliance checks you are at least 
trying to keep the problem under control. 
A typical example at a University might be reminding people that 
easting and drinking in a laboratory is not permitted. Universities 
have had this tradition of gathering for "tea' at the end of the day 
and the tendency might be to walk back to the lab with some food. You
can put up all the signs you want to remind them they are not to eat 
in a lab  but they can still try to do it. So we tell them during the initial
training and the annual refresher and we 
inspect for it with each lab visit. The problem seems to be under 
control and we do not have signs to tell them eating and drinking is 
not permitted. 


BOB Milwicz
Princeton University                                             
                                                                        
  
Tennessee Valley Authority                        
Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant
Phone: (205) 729-2400
Fax: (205) 729-3157
mailto:cbmitchell@tva.gov