Labs and Studios - March
Labs and Studios Minutes – March 18, 2026 AC 147 and zoom
Present: B. Huska, A. White, M. Sorokopud, A. Diochon, S. Azarhazin
TIME Commenced: 11:15 am hybrid by zoom
Agenda : MOTION A.W. SECOND A.D. Carried.
February 2026 Minutes: No Changes, MOTION A.D. SECOND A.W.
Injuries/Incidents
None
Inspections -
Completed
Chemistry
Science Workshop
Psychology
Outstanding
Outdoor Recreation, Parks, & Tourism (Requested April)
Powerhouse (in process)
Anthropology
Fire Lab
Visual Arts
Student Health and Wellness
Old Business
Nominations for secretary – no nominations were received. Committee is OK with health and safety continuing to take minutes. The vacancy for the secretary will remain open as a standing item on every agenda. In case worker members feel differently in future.
Management member search still ongoing, have talked to one individual who was not sure if they had interest in joining. Search ongoing. Will remain as a standing item until position is filled.
After Hours Access subcommittee had first meeting. Went over the issues with current access system, what each department is doing, and things to take into consideration moving forward. A second meeting is being scheduled to discuss how to resolve the issues and the outcome of the subcommittee.
Pool safety protocol review subcommittee met and went over the procedures in place at the pool. Some areas of safety concern were noted related to the lack of accessible emergency shutoff for pumps, lack of accessible eyewash and shower when adding pool chemicals, risk of adding chemicals alone, bulkhead moving concerns and update, and heating and cooling issues. Protocols have been sent over, will review and meet again to discuss report.
Risk assessment tool will be sent to the committee for testing and review. This tool will be available on the website to help supervisors complete risk assessments for their personnel and areas. The tool itself is a google sheets document that contains a tab for examples of risk assessments. These examples are explained fully on a separate walkthrough document. The walkthrough document goes over the decisions made and steps fully. There is also a guidance document that gives an overview of what a risk assessment is and how it is completed. All three of these items are being sent to the committee so they may test out the tool, provide feedback on any of the elements, or provide examples that may be useful that are not covered in the current examples provided. Update March 18, will give more time for committee, may need reminder email.
Free training for health and safety is available through WSPS until March 31. There is JHSC inspections courses as well as a number of other training available. You can enroll yourself on their website or reach out to Tiffany Moore to have us enroll you.
New Business
New iPads have been purchased for use during inspections. Currently no software to do inspections, waiting on approval to purchase the subscription. In the meantime, a google sheets inspection page can be used to enter the information. This will allow it to be accessible to H&S immediately and reduce typing out written inspections. Pictures can also be taken directly on the iPad to make it easier for H&S to access.
Hazardous waste pickup is occurring next week. No additional items can be added, but hoping to have the pickups occur more frequently moving forward. This will free up additional space for items that need to move for space in labs.
Silica Hazard Update: Researcher has made the decision to remove silica powder from use and opt for a product with a lower percentage of silica. Cutting has been switched to hand cutting instead of the saw and all users are now fit tested on the respirators provided and have a large supply. Vacuum log books to track cleaning and filter changes as well as existing dust control measures are in place. Final inspection of the room, showed dust had been cleaned up. Committee should monitor condition moving forward.
Other Business
S.A.: Smell in CB that students are noticing on third floor. Updated that I could not find the source or the smell when I checked. Advised students to call me directly or put in a smell call when they are actively smelling it so we can investigate and have the best chance of locating the smell.
Adjournment: 11:41am