Labs and Studios February 2022
Present: T. Moore, M. Moore, M. Sorokopud, A. Diochon, K. Bhatia, C. Hubbard, J. Sylvestre, G. Oba, T. King, R. Wilkie, F. Appoh
Commenced 10:03AM
G. Oba - When will masking requirements for instruction be lifted?
There was no official information yet.
Council of Ontario Universities has mentioned that they would support retaining the current public health measures to the end of the semester, but there is no guidance from the Provincial government at this time.
J. Sylvestre - build up of chem waste in stores. Wondering about upcoming waste pickup schedule.
T. Moore processing current waste requests, but there were system issues with chemicals on hand not matching chemical waste pickup requests.
Backlog of waste pickup requests are being reconciled for pickup, but this is a slow manual process.
New eRPortal version will be demonstrated soon, and there are better accessibility features and compatibility with multiple browsers, not just internet explorer.
Communications Bulletin will be sent out soon.
Incidents - Structures Lab
Complaint received regarding delivery of large laminated beams/panels
(2 packages of 6 slabs 90cm wide x 5.3m) each package of 6 was 4000lbs
Handles installed (nailed in) for lifting each slab, but the handles were steel pull handles for containers and not designed for hanging support/rigging of materials.
The structures lab does not have load distribution equipment for the lift crane available.
Upon further inspection, workers have not been provided with lift crane training, or with forklift training - the workers periodically use a forklift to move materials to/from the lab(s). There is no lockout for the crane controls, and no remote installed. Currently the crane is operated by a single user, but concerns were expressed that sometimes it was difficult to lower materials alone because the cord gets in the way or there are line of sight issues.
Recommendations to be made:
That proper training be provided to workers of the structures lab for crane and forklift operation, and work from heights training.
That proper tools and equipment required for safe crane operation be made available for use, including operation remote.
That there are written SOPs for crane and forklift operation.
That a buddy system is used when operating the crane and forklift.
MOTION - CH/MM Carried
Other Business
Discussion of the changeover in housekeeping in CB. ‘Best’ staff have received lab orientation training, but a laboratory walkthrough is proposed to make new staff aware of lab contents and particulars. Discussion of an incident where a bag of potentially biohazardous material was removed along with general lab garbage. Staff made aware of the issue, and there was no exposure to biohazards. Lab occupant will increase visibility of signage, and the housekeeping staff will only remove lab garbage from standard locations/receptacles.
Discussion of lights replacement. Concerted replacement campaign during December/January resulted in over 700 lamp replacements. Housekeeping staff will notify Physical Plant of any burned out lamps in the buildings they are cleaning. During discussion it was noted that there is a switched receptacle in BB that was turned off during the light assessment, shutting down equipment. Signage will be sent to the occupants so that the receptacle switch is labeled and visible
Discussion of unplugging of freezers. Reports of periodic unplugging of freezers by staff, or other individuals and the freezers defrosting. This has led to destruction of the materials inside the freezer and can create hazardous conditions. Some discussion of tamper resistant receptacle covers that freezer owners could use.
Adjourned 10:45AM (approx)