Labs and Studios Minutes –March 27, 2024

Present:   J. Sylvestre, T. Moore, M. Sorokopud, M. Moore, J. Miller, J. Gao, C. Hubbard

TIME Commenced: 10:32 AM by zoom

1. Agenda :  additions MOTION J.S  SECOND C. H. Carried.

2. January 24, 2024 Minutes –.  amendments MOTION J.S.  SECOND M.M.  Carried.

3. Injuries/Incidents

1. Chemistry

• Student lab supervised by TAs. Aluminum block on hotplate, heated and hot after use. Hotplate and block put on shelf hot. A student went to move the block and burned their hand. TA offered first aid, student declined and went to a meeting.  Student returned and then was seen at ER.  The department will be updating and expanding their TA safety training. Students will be reminded to leave the hotplates plugged in at the bench. T. Moore will ask Teaching Commons to clone the Biology TA Training site on D2L to help departments fulfill training needs and due diligence.

• Mechanical Engineering

Welding flashes and fumes Mechanical Engineering machine shop was observed from the hallway and a concern was raised. The lab has a shield in place to protect non-users in the area from the arc (it was in place), and the door must be kept open for safety reasons. The supplemental exhaust fan has failed and a replacement fan is being sourced.   The strong odour in the hallway was actually caused by grinding  work that was done before the welding activity.  Until the new fan is installed, the back door will be opened while welding/grinding is being done to reduce the smell in the hallway. 

- Engineering

Concern was raised regarding paint smell in the far wing of Centennial Building on the 4th floor.  Car team was painting the car frame in the structures lab.  They moved the work to the Lot 5  Research lab space.

4. Inspections

Powerhouse

Eyewash and safety shower. Flammables cabinet corroded and needs replacement (materials require corrosive resistant cabinet). Unlabelled chemicals stored in tunnels.

Geology

PPE use will require fit test for respirators.

Recommended make an inventory of Field Test certifications/stickers in case the sticker is lost. 

Improper storage of materials in Diesel/Gasoline cans.

Out of date inspections to complete

Chemistry/LUEL - M. Sorokopud to inspect

NRMT/ATRC - J. Sylvestre and J. Miller to inspect.

5. Old Business

Civil Complaint - cutting silica samples. Extra cleaning was done. Review and sharing of SOP for safe work is in progress. All current workers involved have been fit tested, and a new HEPA vacuum purchased.

Silica Testing 

16 testing locations reduced to 6-7 due to change of procedure or consolidation by different groups that identified silica hazard. Awaiting results to report to the committee.

CASES Smell

Smell coming from basement research lab to the second floor administrative offices of Graduate Studies.  Exhaust fan (and backup) has issues.  One fan is failing, but the system reporting did not flag the issue properly. The secondary fan is now in use full time to keep the fumehood exhaust working.  Replacement fan motor on order, fan will be disassembled and repaired. All exhaust fan motors in CASES will be inspected and serviced this year. 

6. New Business

1. Vet School Update

• First cohort will start Sept 2025 at Guelph Campus

• First year to start at Lakehead September 2026

• Plan is to build a barn and utilize existing lecture/lab space

• Biosafety committee will oversee biohazard program and L&S will oversee laboratories in use

7. Adjournment:  11:40 am

8. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: April 24, 2024 10:30 am on zoom

Present:  S. Girvin, J. Sylvestre, T. Moore, M. Sorokopud, M. Moore, S. Zaker, J. Gao, C. Hubbard, A. Diochon.

TIME Commenced: 10:32 AM by zoom

1. Agenda :  additions MOTION J.S  SECOND C. H. Carried.

2. December 18, 2023 Minutes –.  amendments MOTION J.S.  SECOND M.S.  Carried.

3. Incidents/Accidents  - NO Injuries

1. Civil Complaint

• Complaint made about concrete dust in space CB0038 on horizontal and vertical surfaces.  Dust generating procedures in use.  Respirator training unverified and will be offered. The excessive dust needs to be cleaned up safely using wet methods.    Other issues found upon inspection include chemicals to be added to inventory,  eyewash station needs to be checked regularly, first aid kit to be updated.  Update/Discussion at meeting: materials might be silica and not concrete. S. Girvin/T.Moore/C.Hubbard to reinvestigate following new developments. 

2. CASES Smell

• Offensive smell continues in upstairs offices from the basement lab.  Workers have had to make alternate work arrangements due to the strong smell several times.  Pressure test conducted to confirm negative pressure for the lab space and adjacent graduate student offices.  The Physical Plant is waiting for the report.   Upon further investigation or air handling, it was found that make-up air for supply of offices had closed dampers.  Dampers were readjusted and the air clearing from offices should improve to clear offensive odours.

3. CB Smell

• Security called after hours about a smell coming from equipment outside CB3016. It was unclear whom security should contact.  It was normal use of equipment for Mammalogy, but highlighted a need for accessible and current emergency contact information for equipment in public spaces. Similar to lab signage, an equipment inventory with emergency contact information will be compiled and shared with security.

4. Inspections

1. Outstanding 2023  -  Powerhouse, Geology

2. 2024 schedule 

• Members sign up for two inspections each to start. 

• Month of inspection in the spreadsheet

• Members should choose different departments than 2023.

5. Old Business - No updates

6. New Business

1. Respirator Program

• Respiratory Safety Course on D2L.  

• No self-registration, contact labsafety@lakeheadu.ca to gain access.

• Information page under HR Health and Safety in LU website with eligibility or when respiratory protection is required. 

• Fit testing will be conducted by T. Moore or A. White at cost.

2. Silica Testing

• Waiting for PO to be issued to schedule testing. 

3. Fume hood ducting

• Duct from adjustable valve to wall installed as galvanized.  Most galvanized sections are corroding to various degrees, especially in the Chemistry Department.  No perforations at this time.  Sections will be replaced by stainless steel on a priority basis.  Picture will be added to inspector document so committee members will be aware of what to look for.

4. X-ray device registration

• Ministry of Labour - Radiation Protection division has asked for an update of all x-ray devices on campuses.  All devices must be registered with the H&S office.  Email to go out to department chairs

5. Laser Follow-up

• ESA conducted an inspection last year and identified several lasers and their power supplies that do not meet the certification requirements.  T. M. to follow up with Physics and see what resolution they have come to.

7. Adjournment:  11:28 am

1. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Feb 28, 2024 10:30 am

Present:  C. Surette, J. Sylvestre, T. Moore, M. Sorokopud, M. Moore, A. Diochon, G. Oba, S. Zaker

TIME Commenced: 10:00AM by zoom

1. Agenda :  No additions, J. Sylvestre motion to accept  SZ second Carried.

2.  July 26  2023 Minutes – J. Sylvestre motion to accept,SZ second.  Carried.

3. Incidents/Accidents 

1. LUARS - While unloading a wagon, worker was hit with the handle of a hay fork. Safety boots and helmet worn. No eye protection, but not generally require for the work done.  No recommendations,

2. Anthropology - Briefly unsupervised student doing necropsy, cut her finger on a clean scalpel (laid out the tools for work and inadvertently moved her hand into the scalpel). A tool tray could be used to keep track of tools while working so they don’t get missed while working. 

3. Biology -  mercury thermometer was in block.  Thermometer was struck by user in the area, breaking the top of the thermometer.  Mercury was contained within the bulb and did not spill.  T. Moore to send out reminders to departments to replace if able, and use only when no other alternative is available.  

4. Biology - Trichloroacetic acid spill Bottle was picked up in a fumehood by the lid.  The lid was brittle, broke and spilled the contents on the floor.  User was wearing all appropriate PPE.  Acid was neutralized and cleaned up.  T. Moore to include not lifting bottles by lid in lab safety presentation, as well as periodic inspection of condition of reagent bottles/containers.  T. Moore to send out email Jan/Feb to Lab supervisors to update their inventory and check the conditions of their bottles/containers.

5. CASES - Smell complaint (multiple) - release of offensive odours from the lab into surrounding offices. 

Equipment working with toll oil boiling off acetone under vacuum.  The apparatus is exhausted to the lab fume hood.  The viscous fluid boiled over, so workers vented the vacuum system and opened the oven door releasing the odours to the lab.   The area in the lab has separate ventilation from the surrounding office, but workers repeatedly entered and exited the lab, causing mixing of the office air with the lab air.  Users were instructed at inspection to remain outside the lab if they need to leave due to chemical/odour release.  Users were instructed at inspection to put their fume hoods into emergency exhaust to help bring in fresh air to clear the smell faster.  Workers were reminded that any release of bad smells or chemicals are to be reported to security, so that Physical Plant can increase ventilation of the building.   Followup with the lab supervisor and workers: Physical plant will see if dedicated supplementary ventilation can be added for the equipment; procedures to be checked to see if temperatures can be reduced, the system should not be vented, or oven door opened, until the unit is cooled down. 

4. Inspections

1. Engineering - one eyewash station with low water pressure

2. Student Health and Counselling - some lights burned out

3. Kinesiology - Gas cylinders unsecured, with no cylinder cart for movement. Inadequate ventilation for 3D printer. Mix of technical repair workshop with graduate student office, leading to mix of food/drink/office and other hazards. Some items addressed at time of meeting.

4. Nursing - temperature control of labs in the Braun Building  an issue for student comfort. 

5. LUARS - extension cord altered, flammable solvents stored improperly, exits and fire extinguishers obstructed, food and chemicals stored together, combustible materials accumulated, general housekeeping needed.

5. Old Business

5.1   Gas Policy Update

No update

5.2 ErPortal Upgrade

Printer issue if you don’t have a label maker attached.  Contact Tiffany if you encounter any issues, take a screen shot if able.

5.3    Respiratory Protection Program

Program is live; training of individuals can start

5.4 Silica Program Update

Quotes for testing received, recommendations to be sent for funding

6. New Business

1. PHAC VISIT Results

Munro facility officially removed from licence (the facility will need many updates to be compliant if it will be used again).

NOSM to change autoclave SOPs and autoclave procedure.  These changes will be applied campus wide.

2. LLumin

  Lab based reports can now be generated.  There is now a hyperlink that can be used while working in LLumin to help you see what chemicals are there and access to SDS.  The links will be on your inventory homepage.  Waste request history from LLumin will also be coming.

7. Adjournment:  11:17 AM

8. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Dec 18, 2023 11:00 am

Present:  C. Surette, J. Sylvestre, T. Moore, M. Sorokopud, M. Moore, J. Miller, A. Diochon

TIME Commenced: 2:00 PM by zoom

1. Agenda :  No additions, J. Sylvestre motion to accept  M. Moore second Carried.

2.  July 26  2023 Minutes – J. Sylvestre motion to accept, A. Diochon second.  Carried.

3. Incidents/Accidents - NONE

4. Inspections

Behind - Finish by the end of October for all outstanding inspections.  See Google drive for inspection assignments.

Contact T. Moore if there are access/scheduling issues.

5. Old Business

5.1   Gas Policy Update

It’s going on a near-future agenda of Executive team.

5.2 ErPortal Upgrade

Printer issue if you don’t have a label maker attached.  Contact Tiffany if you encounter any issues, take a screen shot if able.

5.3    Respiratory Protection Program

T. Moore distributed materials for review to the committee. No issues arising from review. RPSS will review next

5.4 Silica Program Update

No update

5.5 Fire Lab

Several issues were discussed at the last meeting. SOPs to be shared with Health and Safety, along with response to the inspection report. 

A number of issues were addressed in the response.  The SOPs have still not been shared with Health and Safety.

[MOTION ARISING FROM BUSINESS] 

The committee requests that S. Salem submits whatever documentation exists for the fire lab SOPs to T. Moore within the next week for review. JS/MS - Carried

6. New Business

1. PHAC VISIT October 25th.

Documentation review, and inspection of one or more CL2 Facilities on campus.

2. Health and Safety Policy Review

      [MOTION] To accept the Health and Safety Policy with no changes. JS/CS - Carried.

7. Adjournment:  2:28 PM

8. NEXT SPECIAL MEETING (Fire Lab SOPs review): Sep 22, 2023 11am 

9. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Nov 1, 2023 3pm

Date:  May 18, 2023

Place: In person & ZOOM - Physical Plant meeting room

Time: 1:09 p.m.

Present: Ursula MacDonald, Stan Nemec, Fred Plank, Darren Carlin, Steve Girvin, Tina Falcingo, Heather Spivak, Steve Elsey

Regrets: Chris Schooler, Greg Croft

OLD Business:

A.        Steve reported that the floor in the Powerhouse is breaking.  There are no vehicles allowed inside. The area is cornered off with signs advising of the danger, until such time as a decision is made how the floor will be fixed.  There are no        updates at this time on this project.

Nov.18, 2021 update – a design is being developed in anticipation of the project going to tender

Feb.24, 2022 – no change, Feb.16, 2023 still no change, the area is blocked off

           B.         Steve has advised that he is scheduling “driver training” for his staff. There have been some unfortunate incidents recently with vehicles on campus. No updates at this time. Probably will wait till Spring 2022

         Feb.24, 2022 – Keith is working on arranging the training.

         Feb.16, 2023 since Keith is no longer working at the University, Steve advised that they planning to have this training completed in the spring of 2023.  Security would like to be part of this training as well.

          May 18, 2023 – working at heights training will be done at the end of May, driver training will be next

C. Greg Croft the representative of the Security team has raised two issues;

a)    request for body armour (vests) – approved and samples have been ordered

b)    request for training for the Security team

D. Greg Croft asked about a checklist for Security for newly appointed guards who are on patrol.  Greg advised that there is a checklist for guard in the office but none for guards on patrol. Ursula asked Greg to be discuss this with his supervisor about what a checklist would look like and what it would include.

May 20, 2022 – Ursula asked Greg to send her an email with some topics he feels should be covered, and in addition Ursula with reach out to Frank/Hilary to discuss what this checklist should include.

E. Fred recommended that numbers (i.e., 1, 2, 3 etc.,) be placed on every blue emergency phone that is locate outside, on the University property.  This way when someone calls due to an emergency, Security will ask for the number and will know exactly where this particular emergency phone is located. Fred had a conversation with a Security member who was very supportive of the idea. Ursula will follow up with Security operations supervisors.

F.  Greg raised a concern regarding a sidewalk leading to/from Lot 5, a section of it is sinking in and the water is pooling and freezing there. Heather will take pictures and send an email to Hugh.

G.  Steve Elsey Location - UC loading dock areas double door. Add removable mullion to double doors so it can be removed for Caretakers. This is required for safe access to bring/remove large objects through doors when setting up Conference Service events. A work order has been submitted. Building maintenance is looking into it.

Injury Report:

None

Near Misses:

            None

NEW Business:

Inspections Outstanding;

                                    Avila – Ursula & Heather

                                    Bora Laskin – Tina and Heather

NEXT MEETING: June 15, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Physical Plant meeting room

Date:  March 16, 2023

Place: In person & ZOOM - Physical Plant meeting room

Time: 1:07 p.m.

Present: Ursula MacDonald, Stan Nemec, Fred Plank, Darren Carlin, Steve Girvin, Tina Falcingo, Greg Croft, Heather Spivak, Hugh Briggs

Regrets: Chris Schooler, Steve Elsey

OLD Business:

A.        Steve reported that the floor in the Powerhouse is breaking.  There are no vehicles allowed inside. The area is cornered off with signs advising of the danger, until such time as a decision is made how the floor will be fixed.  There are no        updates at this time on this project.

Nov.18, 2021 update – a design is being developed in anticipation of the project going to tender

Feb.24, 2022 – no change, Feb.16, 2023 still no change, the area is blocked off

           B.         Steve has advised that he is scheduling “driver training” for his staff. There have been some unfortunate incidents recently with vehicles on campus. No updates at this time. Probably will wait till Spring 2022

         Feb.24, 2022 – Keith is working on arranging the training.

         Feb.16, 2023 since Keith is no longer working at the University, Steve advised that they planning to have this training completed in the spring of 2023.  Security would like to be part of this training as well.

C. Greg Croft the representative of the Security team has raised two issues;

a)    request for body armour (vests) – approved and samples have been ordered

b)    request for training for the Security team

D. Greg Croft asked about a checklist for Security for newly appointed guards who are on patrol.  Greg advised that there is a checklist for guard in the office but none for guards on patrol. Ursula asked Greg to be discuss this with his supervisor about what a checklist would look like and what it would include.

May 20, 2022 – Ursula asked Greg to send her an email with some topics he feels should be covered, and in addition Ursula with reach out to Frank/Hilary to discuss what this checklist should include.

E. Fred recommended that numbers (i.e., 1, 2, 3 etc.,) be placed on every blue emergency phone that is locate outside, on the University property.  This way when someone calls due to an emergency, Security will ask for the number and will know exactly where this particular emergency phone is located. Fred had a conversation with a Security member who was very supportive of the idea. Ursula will follow up with Security operations supervisors.

F. Darren spoke about the roof over Kinesiology department in Saunders Field house.  He would like us to advise the housekeeping (contract employees) to change the wet towels and buckets more frequently as it may be a cause for mould growth if not changed often.  Steve advised that the roof is getting fixed asap this fall.

Feb.16, 2023 – the work on the Fieldhouse roof has begun.

G.  Greg raised a concern regarding a sidewalk leading to/from Lot 5, a section of it is sinking in and the water is pooling and freezing there. Heather will take pictures and send an email to Hugh.

H.  Steve Elsey Location - UC loading dock areas double door. Add removable mullion to double doors so it can be removed for Caretakers. This is required for safe access to bring/remove large objects through doors when setting up Conference Service events. A work order has been submitted. Building maintenance is looking into it.

J. Updates from Physical Plant;

-four (4) bathrooms in the Bora Laskin are slated for a complete renovation; the work began in September and it is anticipated to last through at least the winter. Feb.16, 2023 the work is expected to be completed by the end of March.

Injury Report:

A) TSC employee was removing a computer from a box when he felt sharp pain in the lower back.  No medical aid, just modified duties for a few days to rest back.

Near Misses:

            None

NEW Business:

1. In BB 1066 there has been the occasional gas smell. The issue has been brought up to Physical plant and they had technician come in and check for any issues. No issues were found.  The office was equipped with two CO sensors.  At this time there is no smell, but the smell does occur intermittently. If it does occur again, we will bring it to your attention at that time.

2. Electricians have some concerns regarding Residence and fire alarms.  Ursula asked that they send her an email or contact her directly to discuss.

3. Accessibility committee will give presentation in the near future about all gender bathrooms.

Inspections Outstanding;

                                    Avila – Ursula & Heather

                                    ATAC – Fred & Stan

                                    LU Radio House – Chris & Steve G

                                    Bora Laskin – Tina and Heather

NEXT MEETING: April 20, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Present:  C. Surette, J. Sylvestre, T. Moore, M. Sorokopud, M. Moore, Jenn

TIME Commenced: 2:00 PM by zoom

1. Agenda :  No additions, J. Sylvestre motion to accept  M. Moore second Carried.

2.  June 20  2023 Minutes – J. Sylvestre motion to accept, M. Sorokopud second.  Carried.

3. Incidents/Accidents - NONE

4. Inspections

1. Fire Test Lab:  Inspection overdue.  Worker complaint raised.  Since complaint, training and other mitigation strategies had been offered/completed. At inspection some dust control issues during cleanup, eyewash to be checked weekly. Dedicated fall arrest tie offs to be clearly marked. Ladder to access the furnace top is awkward, alternatives to be discussed increase worker safety. Safety, training, and testing SOPs to be formalized and shared with Health & Safety. Safety binder to be created and maintenance log to be maintained. Furnace filters show no soot contamination.

5. Old Business

5.1   Gas Policy Update

Policy has been forwarded for review by the executive team. No update.

5.2 ErPortal Upgrade

We have been upgraded to Llumin for our chemical inventory system and waste request system.  The site is live and training is available. A Quickstart guide is on the LU inventory website.

5.3 Silica Program Update

Quotes have been requested and received for air sampling.  T. Moore to request funds to test locations as identified by the committee at the March meeting.

6. New Business

1. Respiratory Protection Program

1. In-house fit testing can now be done for respirators (NIOSH approved N95 or greater).

2. T. Moore and a physical plant employee completed fit test training.

3. Previous testing was off-site at cost of $40 per person. In-house testing will be at cost (expected $10-$20)

2. Membership Changes

1. R. Wilkie will be leaving the committee for new employment opportunities.

2. The committee thanks R. Wilkie for his service.

3. J. Bain-Manion will represent NRMT

4. New Graduate Student Representative Sayeed

7. Adjournment:  2:19 PM

8. NEXT MEETING: Aug 16, 2023 2pm

Present:  C. Surette, J. Sylvestre, T. Moore, G. Oba, M. Sorokopud, M. Moore, A. Diochon, J. Miller, R. Wilkie

TIME Commenced: 2:00 PM by zoom

1. Agenda :  No additions, J. Sylvestre motion to accept amended agenda, G. Oba second.  Carried.

2. March 23, 2023 Minutes – J. Sylvestre motion to accept, A. Diochon second.  Carried.

3. Incidents/Accidents

1. A worker from Anthropology was walking along the hiking path on the west side of McIntyre river after finishing up field school.  The worker rolled their right ankle on a root in the path, but was able to walk back to their vehicle.  As the ankle was still very sore, they attended the emergency room for evaluation.  It was determined that the ankle was chipped, and was reported the following morning to HR.  MOL was notified, as ankle fractures are considered to be a critical injury.  An inspector conducted a field visit on the same date, but there will not be an investigation conducted by the MOL. Following the MOL field visit, the designated worker member from RPSS and T. Moore took a walk to the location to verify there was nothing overtly hazardous on the trail.  The trail appears to be a typical dirt hiking trail with some root coverage.  Worker was wearing appropriate boots for walking a trail.  No further questions or concerns noted by the committee.

4. Inspections

1. Biology was inspected.  Substandard conditions noted were some labs are cluttered, a biosafety cabinet was crowded and an eyewash station obstructed.

5. Old Business

5.1   Gas Policy Update

Policy has been forwarded for review by the executive team. No update.

5.2 ErPortal Upgrade

We have been upgraded to Llumin for our chemical inventory system and waste request system.  The site is live and training is available (although is much more user friendly!).

5.3 Silica Program Update

Quotes have been requested and received for air sampling.  T. Moore to request funds to test locations as identified by the committee at the March meeting.

6. New Business

1. Radon Testing

In response to concerns voiced by an occupant of the basement of 1294 Balmoral Street, some long term radon tests were conducted.  Results have been received and are well below the action levels for Canada.  This building is representative of all major buildings on campus and no further testing is planned at this time.

7. Adjournment:  2:16 PM

8. NEXT MEETING: TBA  July 2023

Present:  C. Surette, J. Sylvestre, C. Hubbard, T. Moore, G. Oba, M. Sorokopud, M. Moore, A. Diochon

TIME Commenced: 2:02 PM by zoom

1. Agenda :  Violence Prevention Program added under New Business, J. Sylvestre motion to accept amended agenda, C. Surette second.  Carried.

2. January 25, 2023 Minutes – J. Sylvestre motion to accept, A. Diochon second.  Carried.

3. Incidents/Accidents

1. Oxalyl chloride purchased in 2014 and unopened was found to have evolved gas and breached the container.  This chemical must be stored in the absence of water as it will produce toxic gases.  The container had not been stored appropriately.  Following the incident, the reagent bottle was placed in a desiccator until it can be disposed of in the next chemical waste pick-up.  T. Moore to ensure that oxalyl chloride is on the list of chemicals that have a defined expiry date, and will periodically check the chemical inventory for expiry dates in the system to prevent this from occurring again.

4. Inspections

1. NRM was inspected.  Substandard conditions noted were eyewash station checks not being completed, a water leak from one window onto the floor of a lab, and numerous extension cords used in a permanent manner.

5. Old Business

5.1   Gas Policy Update

Policy has been forwarded for review by the executive team.

5.2 Hazardous materials information sheet/lab signs update

The forms have been shared using google forms, and the data is being collected on google sheet, which can then be shared seamlessly with Security services.  33 forms have been updated and new lab signs will be printed shortly.

5.3 ErPortal Upgrade

A cheque req has been approved for the annual fees and upgrade, but the upgrade has yet to be scheduled.

6. New Business

1. Violence Prevention Program Review

Documents were shared with the text for two webpages to support this new program as well as an example reporting form.  No comments on the content were made, just an encouragement to have an awareness campaign once the program has gone live.

6.2 Silica Survey Review

91 responses so far with 66 outstanding.  39 responses have indicated some level of use of silica and will be evaluated by the committee.

Positive responses were reviewed by committee members to indicate which areas have the potential for exposure to airborne silica.  The next steps will be for a recommendation to perform air testing in high potential areas to confirm/exclude presence of a respiratory hazard from airborne silica.  Outstanding responses will be forwarded to the appropriate Dean if a response has not been received by the end of this week for follow-up.

7. Adjournment:  3:10 PM

8. NEXT MEETING: TBA  May 2023

Present: K. Bhatia, C. Surette, J. Sylvestre, C. Hubbard, T. Moore, J. Miller, G. Oba, M. Sorokopud
TIME Commenced: 10:02 AM by zoom
1.0 Agenda : Accepted without changes
2.0 December 2022 Minutes – J. Sylvestre motion to review via email and accept on January 26th, G. Oba second.
Carried.

3.0 Incidents/Accidents

3.1 Gas Regulator - Update
Documents to be reviewed at this meeting. Cylinder was tested by the manufacturer and no defects
were found.
3.2 Greenhouse Eyewash - Update
Signage provided and technician asked to review location and operation with students who use the

area.
4.0 Inspections
BRI, Paleo, Geology, Science workshop, Psychology, Nursing, Electrical Engineering and Powerhouse reports
reviewed.
Natural Resource Management, and Mechanical Engineering were inspected but report discussion deferred to
the next meeting.
5.0 Old Business
5.1 ErPortal Upgrade – Nearly complete - no change in status
5.2 Visual Arts Class 4 Laser – installation of the exhaust is complete, training and final approval of SOPs in progress.

No change in status.

5.3 Silica update
Stantec was contacted for advice on the silica program. We will start with a survey to ensure no areas are
missed for silica exposure air sampling/risk assessment. Committee reviewed survey form that will be sent to all
faculty/staff/chairs and deans in the science/engineering/NRM departments as well as grounds and visual arts.
5.4 Gas Policy Update
Policy changes were reviewed and no further comments made. Policy will remain open to comments until the
end of day January 27th, then will be forwarded to the executive team for review.
Lab safety slides were reviewed and one minor addition noted.
Regulator installation checklist is included as an appendix to the policy.

6.0 New Business
6.1 New Manager of Facility
Joe Benc has joined the university as Facilities manager and will be joining our committee as Plant alternate.
6.2 Chemical Waste pickup
Lab personnel are reminded that waste must be logged into the chemical waste request system immediately
following its generation. This allows for pick-up of the waste to happen as regularly as possible. Quite a bit of waste
was not taken this last pick-up due to a variety of reasons including three years of accumulated waste, time between
list generation and quotations being received and formatting issues with the waste reports. With the new software,
the report formatting issue should be resolved, and T. Moore has some ideas to address more frequent pick up of
“easy” waste, allowing speciality pickups to occur less frequently.
6.2 Inspections in 2023
We will continue with having committee members arranging inspections at their convenience throughout the
year. T. Moore will post a list to the JHSC google drive with department assignments, room listings and the previous
year’s inspection report. Members are reminded to inspect all offices associated with labs, as that is part of our
mandate.
6.3 Lab coat cleaning
Lab coats can be sent for laundering with an outside company. Contact Stephanie Marcinowsky to arrange.
7.0 Adjournment: 11:20 AM
8.0 NEXT MEETING: TBA