Labs and Studios Minutes – March 25th, 2015

1.0 Agenda : Approved
1.1 The Committee welcomes P. Alderson (Management – Animal Users)

2.0 Review of Minutes Jan 21, 2015: Accepted (J. Sylvestre, D. Vasiliu)

3.0 Inspection Report:
3.1 CHEM ENG – Equipment logs, PPE
3.2 BRI – Training Documentation
3.3 PaleoDNA – No Issues

4.0 Injury Report
4.1 LUACF – Mouse bite – No Medical Aid Required.
4.1.1 Discussion of PPE and handling methods available
4.1.2 MOTION: The Lakehead University Animal Care Committee investigate the use of improved handling techniques, as well as potential chemical restraint, to ensure approved animal user safety.
4.2 Student Health and Counselling – Tripping with upper limb fracture.
4.2.1 Placement of Enviroshred bin with wheels out in aisle way.
4.2.2 Reported to MOL, but no resulting orders.
4.2.3 Worker has returned to work.

5.0 Old Business
5.1 Decommissioning Lab Policy Review
5.1.1 Presented to the Executive Team Working Group – approved.
5.2 New Worker Definition
5.2.1 No change with respect to WSIB
5.2.2 MOL inspector interpretation applies to senior undergraduate students performing internships/thesis projects, graduate students conducting research, and professional degree students taking part in practicum, clinical, and unpaid placements.
5.2.2.1 Lakehead University already treats all students, volunteers, and employees as workers under the Act.
5.2.2.2 Training documentation needs updating.
5.3 ErPortal MSDS
5.3.1 System Admins can override MSDS for a user for a specific catalogue number.

6.0 New Business
6.1 Certifications
6.1.1 Three (3) members newly certified for WSIB Level 1.
6.1.2 Process for Level 2 certification unclear with new program
6.1.2.1 T. Moore will check on next steps.
6.2 Chemical Security – Dealt with under 6.4
6.3 Oxide Forming Chemicals
6.3.1 Disposal of old sodium azide inventory was very costly
6.3.2 Current chemical disposal company is rejecting THF and Diethyl ether at pickup
6.3.3 T. Moore looking for new disposal contractor
6.3.3.1 Cost of THF disposal may still be prohibitive
6.3.4 At this time, limited use of THF is recommended.
6.4 Chemical Storage Procedure Review
6.4.1 Updated language and addition of two issues for Departments to address
6.4.1.1 Chemicals recommended to not be visible from public hallways
6.4.1.2 Areas where chemicals are store should be secured when occupants are absent.
6.4.1.3 Committee to review and submit comments to T. Moore by April 10, 2015
6.5 Biosafety Policy Review
6.5.1 Updated government agencies and documents
6.5.2 Section 5 needs rework to reflect current practices and requirements.
6.5.3 Committee to review and submit comments for additional changes to T. Moore by April 10, 2015.
7.0 Other Business - None
8.0 Adjournment: 9:36 AM
9.0 Upcoming Inspections
9.1 Geology – C. Surette, F. Appoh
9.2 LUIL – J. Sylvestre
9.3 Visual Arts – P. Gauthier
9.4 Physics – M. Sorokopud
9.5 SH&C - TBD