Safety and health are not dissimilar: everything goes unnoticed until something goes wrong, leading to all kinds of unpleasant consequences. “We have strict safety protocols, but the alarm still goes off once every two months on average. Sometimes because of a minor incident, but it’s mostly false alarm. Nevertheless, we learn something from each situation,” Ronner says.

It’s important to react swiftly should a serious incident occur. Evacuation is part of the safety protocol. Approximately 400 to 600 people are present in the faculty building each day. “We have regular evacuation drills, and everyone manages to evacuate the building within ten minutes.”

Safety instruction

Each newcomer is immediately informed about the special circumstances at Chemical Engineering. First-year students are required to follow a safety course and a fire extinguishing training. They are also required to take a tour of the Chemical Distribution Center as well as a test for practical lessons. The students who continue their study in one of the groups receive specialized instructions. New members of staff and external parties on work-related visits follow a similar program.

Ronner says the workplace at the Chemical Engineering faculty can’t be compared to that of the chemical industry. “People at this faculty are highly educated. They have a great understanding of the substances they work with and of the chemical risks. But it’s still important to direct them. To call them to account and to make them aware of their working method.”

Risk analysis

Ronner not only monitors the behavior and awareness of students and staff, he also keeps a close eye on safety devices, the general safety organization and other risk indicators. “The managing director and I take photographs of both positive and negative things during our periodical safety rounds. We then discuss these issues with our safety commission and submit our findings to those concerned.”

A risk analysis is carried out prior to every adjustment to the building. The ventilation of the labs and fume hoods is a prime example. Real Estate Management wanted to reduce the high energy consumption of extraction and fresh air supply. The installment of different air valves and sensors with a faster response time made it possible to save energy without compromising safety norms.

Issue a warning

Ronner has been working at TU/e since 1992 and became Health, Safety and Environment Specialist at the department of Chemical Engineering in 2001. He tries to make several daily rounds of the building. A familiar presence who may issue a warning now and when someone fails to comply with safety regulations. “Yes, I have to be strict sometimes, especially when someone slips up once again. My work is for the benefit of everyone’s safety, and that is one of the reasons why people accept and respect me.”

This article is part of the special CursorOnTour@CE&C series, with on-site reporting, this time from the department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry.