Our Work
We are critical thinkers and problem solvers - we have helped numerous organizations solve their most complex problems. Our project portfolio includes complex root cause analyses, internal and external assessments, critical safety systems analyses, readiness review planning, facilities management, and work planning & control evaluations. Sample project summaries are provided below. Please contact us for more detailed information related to our capabilities.
Accelerator Safety:
Preparation for Readiness Reviews
Dunn Safe is providing accelerator safety subject matter expertise to a DOE national laboratory team that is preparing for two upcoming accelerator readiness reviews (ARRs) associated with a major upgrade to their existing light source accelerator facility. The project, a $590M upgrade that takes advantage of existing infrastructure, will replace an existing triple-bend achromat storage ring with a new, 2 GeV high-brightness, nine-bend-achromat storage ring. Additionally, a low-emittance, full-energy accumulator ring is being retrofit into the existing storage-ring tunnel to enable on-axis, swap-out injection using fast magnets. Two ARRs are planned, one to bring the new accumulator ring online, and a second following construction of the upgraded storage ring. Dunn Safe is providing senior-level expertise to guide the preparation efforts that are being conducted in accordance with the latest DOE accelerator-specific safety order, DOE Order 420.2D, Safety of Accelerators.
Root Cause:
Electrical Code Issues in Newly Constructed Facility
Electrical code noncompliance issues potentially affecting life safety were identified in a newly constructed Department of Energy national laboratory facility, shortly after staff had taken occupancy of the new building. Dunn Safe led a multi-laboratory, cross-disciplined team of causal analysts and subject matter experts to perform a root cause analysis to determine the causal factors that led to the design, construction, acceptance, and initiation of operations of a facility with the presence of electrical system and component code conformance deficiencies and concerns. The analysis was completed in 4 weeks and its associated recommendations garnered management praise for its accuracy and efficiency.
Root Cause:
Construction Worker Injury During Erection of Steel Structure
A subcontracted worker was seriously injured when a 2,200 lb roof rafter tipped over and fell onto his abdomen and right leg as workers were rigging the rafter. Two other workers were in the immediate vicinity of the load as it fell but were able to jump out of its path. Dunn Safe led apparent and subsequent root cause analyses to determine factors that led to the event. The analysis was completed over a 4-week duration, including 1-week of data gathering and analysis, 1-week of on-site interviews and causal analysis, 1 week of report writing, and 1-week of factual accuracy review. Results led to programmatic worker safety & health improvements at the laboratory.
External Assessment:
Hazardous Energy Control
Dunn Safe led an external assessment of hazardous energy control (HEC) for a DOE national laboratory that is in the midst of implementing an aggressive growth strategy. The assessment was aimed at providing institutional assurance of the lab’s readiness to safely perform HEC activities for both ongoing operations and new project initiatives. Dunn Safe led the assessment with subject matter experts from 3 other national laboratories. The team found that, while many processes and systems were working well, there were significant weaknesses in the implementation of critical safety controls, including zero energy verifications. Gaps were highlighted as areas of imminent, high risk for worker safety, and the lab took prompt action, leading to many program improvements.
Common Cause:
ESH Events Over 3-Year Period
Dunn Safe conducted a common cause analysis for ESH events occurring over a 3-year period at a DOE national laboratory. The managing contractor of the laboratory was concerned that, although events had resulted in only minor impact, the frequency in which events occurred suggested that corrective actions taken to date were not effective. The analysis also considered common factors and lessons learned identified as a result of two DOE Accident Investigation Board investigations. Recommendations led to improvements in configuration management, work planning & control, and increased supervisory and management presence in the field, especially for student workers.
Infrastructure Modernization:
ESH Project Documentation
Dunn Safe developed the Code of Record, Hazard Analysis Report, and ESH Resource Management Plan in support of comprehensive building system upgrades for three existing research and operations buildings dating back to 1949 at a DOE national laboratory. With over 100,000 square feet of deteriorated conditions, the project focuses on upgrades to building domestic water and sanitary sewer systems, building envelopes, emergency generators and uninterruptible power supply systems, and information technology improvements. The project is one of the largest ever undertaken by the Laboratory. Documents that Dunn Safe developed support the Lab's success in achieving a DOE critical decision approval for the project’s performance baseline as per DOE Order 413.3B, Program and Project Management for the Acquisition of Capital Assets.
System Resiliency:
Critical Systems Assessment
Our staff facilitated a critical systems assessment at a DOE national laboratory, to identify systems that are relied upon to maintain critical Laboratory operations and mission, understand and manage single points of failure related to any components within those systems, and ensure that critical spares are either maintained in-house in an acceptable condition, or a means to procure them within a required timeframe is in place. The work effort resulted in a detailed listing of critical systems and components, with details on current condition, reliability, potential impacts to operations, and recommendations to close any identified gaps.
