Labs and Studios

Date: 
Wednesday, February 19, 2020 - 9:00am
Location: 
Avila Meeting Room

TIME Commenced:     9:02 AM

1.0   Agenda :  Addition of safety checklists, fire in fumehood, autoclaves and floor in machine shop added.

 

2.0   Review of Minutes : November 2019 approved

 

3.0   Inspection Reports: none discussed, T. Moore to schedule some in March

 

4.0   Accident Report/Investigations:

Security of Labs

Two incidents – A lab door was found not to be locking in November.  Upon inspection several small magnets were put inside the strike plate to impede the door from latching.  A notice was sent to all departments to alert them to the issue.

 

An unauthorized person was found sleeping in a lab on the third floor.  This person was discovered during a routine security patrol overnight after a door was found unlocked.  This individual had not tampered with anything in the lab and was escorted off campus.  A notice was sent to all departments with access to laboratories to ensure that doors close and lock each time the lab is left unattended.

 

Fire in a fume hood

A distillation of kerosene was being carried out in a fumehood using an open flame.  The vapors ignited and the subsequent fire destroyed the equipment and damaged the fumehood.  A new experimental set-up that uses a heating block as opposed to open flame will be used.  Apparatus will be checked by TAs before each use to ensure correct set-up.

 

5.0   Old Business:

5.1   Safety Showers

5.1.1      CB0014 – Handle too high to be reached by someone of smaller stature.  Steve to look into

5.1.2      Undergrad labs Chemistry – Concern that emergency showers are out in the hallway and whether that’s too far a distance to travel.  Steve to look into whether something can be retrofitted.

5.1.3      W/o in to lower handle 12”

5.2   CASES gas rooms

5.2.1      O2 sensor has tripped two times in the past five days.  There is no official procedure on who should be alerted and what measures to be taken.   Tiffany will email Instrumentation and set up a meeting between them, physical plant and security.

5.2.2      M. Sorokopud has provided a procedure to security to deal with the venting setting off the sensor.

 

6.0   New Business:

 

6.1   Day/time of meetings will remain Wednesdays at 9 am.

 

6.2   Unrepresented departments

6.2.1     Offer will be made to civil and chemical engineering

6.3   2020 focus

6.3.1      Two ideas presented were spring cleaning initiative and education piece to promote resources for supervisor’s.  This will be discussed at March meeting.

6.4   Lab Checklists

6.4.1  Safety checklists for Waterloo and LU were circulated for review to see if we want/need to add anything.

6.5   Autoclave maintenance

6.5.1   The university insurance inspector inspected the large autoclaves.  There is some concern that regular preventative maintenance isn’t being completed.  The training provided for the maintenance was not sufficient enough for technicians to feel comfortable with work.  T. Moore to arrange a meeting to discuss the issues and find a resolution.

6.6   Floor CB 1016

6.6.1  Floor is not repaired.  S. Girvin to talk to Physical Plant director to see if the work will be going ahead.

7.0               Adjournment: 9:53 AM

8.0               NEXT MEETING: 9 am – March 11, 2020 - Av 147

Labs and Studios - December 2022

Date: 
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 - 9:30am

Labs and Studios Minutes –December 7, 2022

 

Present: K. Bhatia, C. Surette, J. Sylvestre, S. Girvin, M. Moore, A. Diochon, C. Hubbard, T. Moore, J. Miller. T King, F. Appoh

TIME Commenced: 10:02 AM by zoom

  1. Agenda :  Accepted without changes 

 

  1. July 2022 Minutes – J. Sylvestre motion to accept, C. Surette second.  Carried.

 

  1. Incidents/Accidents

 

  1. Gas Regulator

Committee discussed an incident where a gas regulator was expelled from an Oxygen cylinder after opening the main valve.  An inspection of the regulator found that the locking nut had a mechanical failure and sheared off.  There were no injuries and a minor dent in the drywall where the regulator had struck.  Mechanical failure of this component can be caused by a defect in the part, over-tightening or a combination or over pressure in the cylinder, malfunction of the main valve.  The supplier arranged to test the cylinder, and will be reporting back with their findings.  A survey of other safety departments had never had similar incidents.  Ultimately, the investigation was unable to determine the root cause.   As a result of the incident the compressed gas policy will be reviewed at the next meeting, lab safety training will be expanded to provide additional safety information on compressed gasses and appropriate tools, a checklist for installation of regulators to be developed and a notice sent to all departments using compressed gasses to alert them to the incident and changes.

 

  1. While measuring the growth of plants in the Greenhouse, a student noticed irritation in their eye after rubbing it and used the eyewash station in CB for relief.  The student felt that they may have gotten something in their eye, but wasn’t sure.  Student went to ER as a precaution, but the irritation cleared up within 2 hours.  Eyewash station was provided in Greenhouse and was accessible, but the students were unaware of the location and were working without a TA or technician nearby.  Committee suggests better signage and that students are properly orientated to safety equipment in the greenhouse prior to using the space unsupervised.

 

  1. Inspections

 

Visual Arts, Chemical Engineering, Kinesiology, Civil Engineering, Physics, ATRC, LUARS and LUEL were inspected and the inspection reports reviewed.  Several departments are outstanding and members were assigned to inspect them before the end of 2022 if possible.

 

  1. Old Business

    1. ErPortal Upgrade – Nearly complete

    2. Visual Arts Class 4 Laser – installation of the exhaust is complete, training and final approval of SOPs in progress.

 

  1. New Business

    1. MOL Proactive visit

Inspectors visited on December 1 and discussed the requirement for a silica control program.  Some areas of campus may be at risk of exposure.  Regulations and guidance documents have been received and are being reviewed.  Committee to review the requirements at the January meeting.

  1. Lab Cleanliness/Housekeeping

Some members reported inconsistent housekeeping service in labs and washrooms in our science buildings.  When service is needed, please put in a work order and if service continues to be inconsistent, please follow up with the housekeeping manager directly.

  1. Adjournment:  11:20 AM

  2. NEXT MEETING: TBA

RPSS - September 22, 2022

Date: 
Thursday, September 22, 2022 - 9:15am

Date:  September 22, 2022

Place: In person & ZOOM - Physical Plant meeting room

Time: 1:00 p.m.

 

Present: Ursula MacDonald, Stan Nemec, Fred Plank, Chris Schooler, Darren Carlin, Steve Girvin, Tina Falcino, Steve Elsey

 

Regrets: Shannon Foster, Hugh Briggs, Greg Croft, Heather Spivak

 

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

 

           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

 

 

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

 

a)    request for body armour (vests)

b)    request for training for the Security team

 

Sept.22, 2022 Ursula has advised that she has been copied on an email dated Sept.21, 2022 from supplier to Lorne indicating the price for the vests.

 

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.

 

E. 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.

 

-sixteen (16) electrical vehicle chargers will be installed in two different locations on campus (main parking lot behind the Library and ATAC.) This project is nearing completion.

 

- Fred Plank was advised to reach out to Brian Shott and Keith MacMillan respectively for TSC employees to join physical plant in the upcoming training; asbestos, respirator, defensive driving. – Ursula to check with Brian Shott.

 

-the parking lot with the sink hole will be fixed soon although it will have disruption to pedestrian traffic

 

 

Injury Report:

 

A) TSC employee injured their back while performing odd/awkward tasks connecting cables. The employee had one day off work and seems to have recovered well.

 

Near Misses:

 

 

            None

 

NEW Business:

 

1.  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.

 

2.  Members of the Committee wanted to thank the University for the two Wellness days this year. It was especially appreciated by the employees who were need to be on campus throughout the entire pandemic.

 

 

 

 

Inspections Outstanding;

 

                                    University Centre

                                    Building Maintenance – Steve & Buddy

                                    PACI – Ursula & Heather            

                       

 

Meeting adjourned: 1:58 p.m.

 

 

NEXT MEETING: October 20, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.

RPSS - June 23, 2022

Date: 
Thursday, June 23, 2022 - 9:15am

Place: In person – Physical Plant meeting room

Time: 1:09 p.m.

 

Present: Ursula MacDonald, Stan Nemec, Fred Plank, Heather Spivak, Chris Schooler, Darren Carlin

 

Regrets: Shannon Foster, Hugh Briggs, Steve Girvin, 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

 

           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

 

 

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

 

a)    request for body armour (vests)

b)    request for training for the Security team

 

Greg explained that the City of Thunder Bay deals with various issues of concern. The Security staff believe that some of these situations are spilling over to Lakehead University. Greg provided examples of such situations (ie. a vehicle parked in parking lot at night at BL with people in it, some concern that the occupants may have had a weapon, TBay transit dropping off/kicking out unruly passengers at the Agora bus station, unwanted persons on campus etc.,) Greg advised that most of these situations occur at night. The Security team are requesting that they be supplied with soft body armour (vests.)

 

In terms of training Greg asked for specific training for patrol guards. Hugh asked Greg if the Security team wasn’t receiving some training and Greg advised that they did receive some training but they were seeking training for guards on patrol who may come into contact with aggressive persons.

 

The Committee advised that all issues of safety must first be submitted to the immediate supervisor for a response. The Committee has advised Greg to contact the Director of Security to ascertain if the soft body armour will be supplied or not, and what if any additional training will be provided.

 

After a response from the Director is received and if the issues remain, the Committee

will review the matter at that time and provide a recommendation to management.

 

Feb. 24 – The AVP of Human Resources I have just informed Ursula that she can convey to the H&S committee today that HR/HS expressed their support for the purchase of the soft body armour and that Kathy Pozihun is taking this request it up for final approval.

 

May 20, 2022 – Greg advised that he has had no communication with his supervisor regarding the soft body armour. Ursula advised Greg to reach out to his supervisor via email and request an update.

 

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. Updates from Physical Plant;

 

 -a small building will be constructed behind the Lakehead University sign (Beverly and Balmoral) for the backflow prevention purposes

 

-four (4) bathrooms in the Bora Laskin are slated for a complete renovation

 

-sixteen (16) electrical vehicle chargers will be installed in two different locations on campus (main parking lot behind the Library and ATAC.)

 

- Fred Plank was advised to reach out to Brian Shott and Keith MacMillan respectively for TSC employees to join physical plant in the upcoming training; asbestos, respirator, defensive driving.

 

 

Injury Report:

 

A) Mechanical group - a mechanic injured shoulder when attempting to assist a contractor

to open/pull an extension ladder. The mechanic required medical attention, had one lost

day and has been placed on modified duties.

 

B) An incident took place in the filed where two researchers had an accident with an ATV.

While driving the ATV the front compartment lid became completely separated from the

ATV blocking the drivers view. The driver lost control of the ATV and it ended up upside

down in the ditch. The two occupants were thrown from the ATV but fortunately suffered

only minor injuries with one having a mild concussion.

 

A long discussion was held with the JHS group about circle checks and importance of daily

inspections. The committee also asked that this information be reiterate this information to

Keith so he can share it with his group, especially around the front compartment lid.

 

 

Near Misses:

 

 

            None

 

NEW Business:

1.  Darren asked if there were any updates on Covid; there are no new updates.

 

2.  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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspections Outstanding;

 

                                    University Centre

                                    Fieldhouse – Stan & Greg

                                    Building Maintenance – Steve & Buddy

                                    PACI – Ursula & Heather            

                       

 

Meeting adjourned: 1:58 p.m.

 

 

NEXT MEETING: September 15, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.

Labs and Studios - July 2022

Date: 
Wednesday, July 20, 2022 - 10:00am

Present: M. Moore, J. Sylvestre, T. Moore, A. Diochon, S. Girvin, K. Bhatia, 



TIME Commenced: 10:02 AM by zoom

  1. Agenda :  Accepted without changes (MM/SG)

  2. Minutes: Accepted without changes (AD/SG)

 

  1. Incidents/Accidents

    1. ELA - 6x6 on Trail, supervisor and passenger driving/riding and towing boat.  Front cowling flipped up into the driver's vision, and while attempting to safely stop, the ATV crashed and occupants thrown from the vehicle. 

      1. Minor scratches noted 

      2. Goose egg was found the next day, and the student was seen by a doctor, diagnosed with a mild concussion.

      3. Questions from the committee:

  • Were there seatbelts?

  • Was there a rollbar?

  • Were circle checks done (do they include cowling check)?

  • Training on equipment?

  • What was the speed?   

  • Follow-up discussion to incident: Does the committee have sufficient expertise to evaluate field work incidents/safety.  Topics included.

    • Ad hoc committee

    • Separate JHSC for field matters

    • Current size of committee

    • Frequency of field incidents

    At this time, field incidents are at a manageable level and we have sufficient field expertise on the committee to review accidents etc. in a subcommittee, reporting findings back to the main committee.  T. Moore will make revisions to Terms of Reference to expand Committee scope to include field.  Revised terms will be reviewed at the next meeting.



    1. Inspections

      1. Chemistry - Regular eyewash and shower inspections, or obstructions. Some bottle labels not legible. Tripping hazard. 

      2. Anthropology- Regular eyewash checks,  obstructions. 

      3. Outdoor Recreation - Canoe storage rack needs repair. Online Chemical Inventory required.

      4. LUARS - Switch Cover needs replaced, Floor lifting/trip hazard, Fire extinguishers out of date and need remounting, HAlf mask respirators need fit test. 

    2. Old Business

      1. Structures lab update.  Fork lift training has been completed and a forklift SOP submitted for review.  Will be reviewed by members with forklift experience.  T. Moore to send out.

      2. Science workshop water infiltration from satellite conduit. 

        1. Engineering has agreed to have cables cut, so water infiltration can be remedied.



    1. New Business

      1. None

     

    1. Adjournment: 11:00 AM

    Labs and Studios February 2022

    Date: 
    Wednesday, February 23, 2022 - 9:30am

    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)

    Labs and Studios August 2021

    Date: 
    Friday, August 27, 2021 - 9:30am

    Present: M. Moore, J. Sylvestre, T. Moore, C. Hubbard, G. Oba, T. King, M. Sorokopud, R. Wilkie, K. Bhatia, 



    TIME Commenced: 10:02 AM by zoom

    1. Agenda :  Accepted without changes

    2. Minutes: Accepted without changes 

     

    1. Incidents/Accidents

      1. NONE

     

    1. Inspections

      1. DEFERRED to September Meeting

     

    1. Old Business

      1. Return to campus

        1. Vaccine Policy: At Executive Team, expect First week of september.  No attestations - valid proof will be required.

        2. Supplies: Paper towels - recommended spill kits are kept with a roll of paper towels in case of situations where the dispensers run out and a spill occurs.  CB Biology paper towel dispensers getting installed next week.  Paper towels are now ordered via work order.  Hand sanitizer dispensers may not be installed in labs. Handwashing should be encouraged in labs instead, especially due to chemical hazards that might be present.

        3. Masks: exemptions listed on posters - we can make masks mandatory, but current exemptions apply.  We can advise them that masking is mandatory, but if an exemption is claimed, then the claim is taken at face value.  Distancing of unmasked students can be required by instructors, but students requesting to work with unmasked students is allowed, but not required.

        4. Screening: Not likely for vaccination status. Checking for badges prior to lab/class start is fine and prudent.  If there is no badge to show (no app or no phone), then asking screening questions prior to entry/participation is a valid option. Flagged screening = no participation. 

        5. Contact Tracing: Attendance list to be required for contact tracing.  TBDHU will contact H&S or University administrative contact.  Contact tracing lists will then be requested for submission.  Format not standardised.

        6. Ventilation: Using recommendations from U of T.  Do not have Provincial directives. Air handlers are now on extended operation to increase fresh air. 2 hrs prior to opening, plus 2 hours after building close.  Filtration in process of upgrade to MERV 13 from MERV 8. Some areas (air exchange deficient) will have HEPA air purifier units installed, e.g., Braun, ATAC. Focused on areas of congregation. Units with low noise and low accessibility for public tampering selected. Goal is 6 air changes per hour, minimum is 3 changes per hour.  CB has high air exchange rates due to the large number of fumehoods, but CB measurement ongoing to confirm each lab/classroom. If any fumehoods are user controlled, they should be left operational 24/7.  Due to design, CB has better than MERV 13 filtration in most areas.

        7. General Cleaning: Increased staffing. Details of cleaning protocols not finished.Might include fogging.  

     

    1. .



    1. New Business

      1. NEW MEMBER - The Committee welcomes Ryan Wilkie

      2. The committee thanks Johane Joncas for her many years of service and contributions to the committee.

    2. Adjournment: 10:52AM 

    3. NEXT MEETING: Sep 29, 2021 10AM

    RPSS February 2022

    Date: 
    Thursday, February 24, 2022 - 9:30am

    Date:  Feb.24, 2022

    Place: Virtual & in person

    Time: 1:02p.m.

     

    Present: Ursula MacDonald, Stan Nemec, Fred Plank, Heather Spivak, Greg Croft, Steve Girvin

     

    Regrets: Shannon Foster, Hugh Briggs, Chris Schooler

     

    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

     

    B.        Security has raised the issue of soft body armour again. Ursula advised that this matter had been raised on and dealt with on two separate occasions including a special JHSC meeting for this purpose. The outcomes of these meetings have been articulated to Security including the Director of the department.  At this point the Committee has advised that the request be noted in the minutes as having been raised again.  See notes under new business

     

               C.         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

               

    D.         Ursula has asked Steve about reviewing the Lock Out/Tag Out procedure. May 27, 2021 Steve advised this should be completed shortly.

     

     

    NEW Business

     

    Updates from Physical Plant;

     

    Royal Bank – construction ongoing on 2nd floor by the cafeteria

    New fire panels installed in RB, ATAC, BB/SN as part of the new fire system

    Cooling coils are expected by the end of Feb and will be installed in RB

    There a lot of projects going on, at this time PP has approximately 36 projects on the go

     

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

     

    a)    request for body armour (vests)

    b)    request for training for the Security team

     

    Greg explained that the City of Thunder Bay deals with various issues of concern. The Security staff believe that some of these situations are spilling over to Lakehead University. Greg provided examples of such situations (ie. a vehicle parked in parking lot at night at BL with people in it, some concern that the occupants may have had a weapon, TBay transit dropping off/kicking out unruly passengers at the Agora bus station, unwanted persons on campus etc.,) Greg advised that most of these situations occur at night. The Security team are requesting that they be supplied with soft body armour (vests.)

     

    In terms of training Greg asked for specific training for patrol guards. Hugh asked Greg if the Security team wasn’t receiving some training and Greg advised that they did receive some training but they were seeking training for guards on patrol who may come into contact with aggressive persons.

     

    The Committee advised that all issues of safety must first be submitted to the immediate supervisor for a response. The Committee has advised Greg to contact the Director of Security to ascertain if the soft body armour will be supplied or not, and what if any additional training will be provided.

     

    After a response from the Director is received and if the issues remain, the Committee

    will review the matter at that time and provide a recommendation to management.

     

    Feb. 24 – The AVP of Human Resources I have just informed Ursula that she can convey to the H&S committee today that HR/HS expressed their support for the purchase of the soft body armour and that Kathy Pozihun is taking this request it up for final approval.

     

    1. Greg Croft advised that the Security team will be receiving First Aid/CPR training and Mental health first aid training in the near future.

     

    1. 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.

     

    1. There was a major power supply problem when an electrical cable underground went down.  It affected many things including boilers and some buildings were without heat for a period of time.

     

     

     

    Injury Report:

     

    Mechanical – 2 employees injured their heads while working in SN crawl space. Steve advised that this will be discussed at the next maintenance H&S meeting.

     

     

    Near Misses:

     

     

                None

     

    Inspections Outstanding;

     

                                        University Centre

                                        Fieldhouse

                                        Building Maintenance                  

                           

     

    Meeting adjourned: 1:35p.m.

     

     

    NEXT MEETING: March or April 2022

    Labs and Studios

    Date: 
    Wednesday, July 7, 2021 - 12:45pm
    Location: 
    zoom
    Agenda: 

    1.  New Members

    2.  Injury/Incident

    3.  Returning to teaching/campus issues.

    4.  Inspections required prior to September.

    Minutes: 

    Present: M. Moore, J. Sylvestre, A. Diochon, T. Moore, C. Hubbard, G. Oba, C. Surette, F. Appoh, T. King, M. Sorokopud, T. Ojo., J. Joncas

    TIME Commenced: 10:02 AM by zoom

    1. Agenda :  Accepted without changes

    2. Minutes: Accepted without changes (JS, JJ)

     

    1. Incidents/Accidents

      1. ATRC - Glass pipette to bulb injury causing cuts to hand.  Required First Aid, and was recommended to go to clinic/emerg. Unknown whether the worker sought medical help. T. Moore to follow up.

     

    1. Inspections

      1. Spreadsheet to sign up on Google Drive.  Members will sign up to inspect various departments.  Members cannot be the inspector for their own department/unit. Planned inspection date and time to be recorded so that the Health and Safety Keys at Security can be available.  Two inspections cannot take place at the same time.  Pairs are fine, but a worker rep must be present.  Target date of August 20th to complete all inspections.

     

    1. Other Business

      1. Return to campus 

    - 14 day isolation after domestic travel removed

    - Vaccination only required for students staying in residence

    - Phased in approach for return to campus; workers still need supervisor approval during Phase/Step 2 and probably Phase/Step 3.

    - Air exchanges in classroom will be increased where possible

    - MERV 13 filters installed on building supply air where possible, or wall mount HEPA exchangers in some classrooms where air exchanges/filtered air cannot be supplied.

    - Labs with fumehoods will not have their air flow/filters changed as they already have recommended 6 air exchanges per hour.  Additionally, changing air supply may affect fume hood draw/function.

    1. Q&A for F2F teaching 

    - Distancing?  Current limit from the province to public indoor gatherings is the smaller of 50, or 50% of capacity.  No guidance from the Provincial government on whether post-secondary classrooms count as public gatherings, or publicly accessible spaces.

     

    - Does 50% include labs? Unclear at this time.

     

    - Will reduced capacity mean more lab sections will need to be offered, or labs repeated?  This is being decided at the department/instructor level.

     

    - Will we need to clean/disinfect between groups? Probably, but expecting more guidance

    - Are the paper towel dispensers installed for teaching labs?  Four department representatives reported no.  T. Moore will inquire with Physical Plant.

     

    - Will we need to ask screening questions for students entering labs?  Unclear at this time.

     

    1. Adjournment:  10:30 AM

    2. NEXT MEETING: TBA

    Labs and Studios Meeting

    Date: 
    Wednesday, March 24, 2021 - 10:00am
    Location: 
    zoom
    Minutes: 

    Present: M. Moore, K. Bhatia, J. Sylvestre, A. Diochon, T. Moore, C. Hubbard, G. Oba, S. Girvin, C. Surette

     

    1. Agenda :  Accepted without changes (JS/AD)

    2. Minutes: Accepted without changes (JS/AD)

     

    1. Incidents/Accidents

     

    1. Chem Eng  - Hotplate/stirrer transferred and used with  a plastic bucket.  Worker did not notice that the hotplate function was on when plugged in, and had left equipment to work elsewhere in the lab.  Lab manager noticed a burning smell and unplugged the equipment.   Recommendation to ensure all settings are correct for the procedure before turning on or leaving equipment. No further action recommended by the committee.

     

    1. Civil Eng - Tank overfilled and flooded room.  Tank issue resolved, but room was found to be cluttered and impeded cleanup properly.  

      

     

    1. Inspections

      1. Perchloric Acid - New entry found in inventory.  Lab had purchased through Datatel/Purchasing office. Prohibited purchase missed at time of order.  Lab group appropriately entered the item into inventory as required, and used approximately 5mL in a standard chemical fumehood.  The perchloric acid is currently in storage, and no use is allowed outside of the CASES perchloric acid rated fumehood. The committee recommended reminder of prohibited chemicals/items list be redistributed to faculty, and that list of dangerous/prohibited chemicals be sent to receiving for review when waybills reconciled.

     

    1. Biology - Multiple occupants of a large lab were wearing appropriate PPE upon random inspection, but when  inspectors re-entered the lab, the workers were found scrambling to don masks.  Contact tracing protocol explanation given was also vague.  Recommendation to supervisor that the COVID protocols discussed and clarified with all lab workers with approved access.  T. Moore confirmed that this discussion has occurred.



    1. Other Business

      1. Laser - Laser installation ongoing.  Warning sign at door to be installed.   Laser safety program now on D2L.

     

    1. Freezers in CASES - issues with frost buildup and concern of animal carcass if freezer power is off.



    1. Adjournment:  10:49 AM

    2. NEXT MEETING: TBA

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