Make safety awareness a priority: Use a login software in your research facility

A facility login software, whose objective is to improve safety in multi-user research facilities, is reported. Its most important safety features are: (1) blocks users from entering the lab after being absent for more than a predetermined number of days; (2) gives users a random safety quiz question, which they need to answer satisfactorily in order to use the facility; (3) blocks unauthorized users from using the facility afterhours; and (4) displays the current users in the facility. Besides restricting access to unauthorized users, the software keeps users mindful of key safety concepts. In addition, integration of the software with a door controller system can convert it into an effective physical safety mechanism. Depending on DOE approval, the code may be available as open source.