Got ah buddy?

So it's the end of a workday and it's time to hit the road jack. Head home and chill right along with the weather. Been cloudy, rainy, and cold all day long. Outside. That is. Good thing this wimp wore his heavy coat.

So I'm going to nag about a work related inconsistency that's bugging me. Upper management is attempting to re-enforce the buddy system in our facility. During regular operating hours, users of our facility may do their work alone. Due to the fact that there are more people around to find you in the event of an accident. During non standard working hours, you must have a BUDDY with you when working (qualified buddies must meet certain requirements) to cover you in the event of an accident.

So, some users have requested the right to enter the facility after hours alone if they are only going to use basic analytical tools of no harm (well, hold that thought). But upper management has said NO because WE cannot know for sure of the user will be an honest soul. Allow me to state that the use of basic solvents constitutes a hazard, requiring a buddy.

So, here's my gripe. Apparently, STAFF is allowed to enter the facility alone to do basic stocking and routine checks. Two of these routine activities include handling liquid nitrogen and filling solvent bottles. Hmmm. Is staff more competent than the most experienced user? Is staff somehow immune to accidents?

So I posed the question to two upper level folks via email. Decipher these responses . . .

[Mighty]
Just FYI. I'll be informing A. that the buddy rules apply to his work as well. (A. is staff)

B.'s comment:
As long as A. is not operating facility equipment, he will be allowed in the facility without a buddy.

R.'s comment:
If A. is running equipment and doing so after hours, then I would agree. But, if he is stocking chemicals, supplies, etc. then I don't agree.

I followed up with this response to both (including in the body the above comments).

[Mighty]
Ahh, but stocking chemicals entails a potential hazard. Also filling the LN2 tank on the SEM is also potentially hazardous. Stocking wipes and acid gloves are about the only two other non-hazardous activity.

We'll see how popular I am on Monday.

What I really wanted to say was:

[Mighty]
Regarding the buddy system, does this mean staff is somehow privileged? Does staff have substantially less accidents that any general user? What I want to avoid is users seeing staff doing activities that require a buddy for them, and then asking, "Where's STAFF'S buddy!"

Hope I didn't wear y'all out.
Cheers