Labs and Studios Minutes – September 16th, 2015

Date: 
Wednesday, September 16, 2015 - 9:00am

Present:

E. Searle, K. Bhatia, M. Moore, T. Moore, P. Alderson, S. Girvin, C. Surette, M. Sorokopud, J. Joncas, J. Sylvestre

TIME Commenced: 9:00AM

Agenda: 

1.0 Agenda : Approved (KB/ES)

2.0 Review of Minutes May 20, 2015: Accepted (JJ/JS)

3.0 Inspection Report:
3.1 PHYS – Suspected Asbestos-containing items found during lab cleanup. Physical Plant notified, and occupants reminded of asbestos reporting procedure to limit accidental exposure.
3.2 Student Health & Counselling – Re-inspection deferred to 2016; move to Prettie residence complete.
3.3 BIOL – CB3005 New researcher is to move into this lab. 3005 was evaluated for residual radioactivity by Mike Campbell (TBRHSC) since previous occupant worked with H3 and I125. It was indicated that levels are very low, and a thorough cleaning of all surfaces would negate any hazard. Other issues to be rectified before new occupant can begin work include: improper chemical storage and segregation, excessive clutter, expired chemicals and poor condition of storage bottles.

4.0 Injury Report :
4.1 GEOL - Geology 4161 Field School
● Ankle sprain
● Student wearing shoes with no ankle support
● Footwear not addressed during prep talk
● Medical suggestion for student to withdraw from course.
MOTION: The Committee recommends a communication is sent to all Departments directing them to review all field lab requirements for staff and student footwear. (JS/ES)
4.1.1 The Committee may request information from Departments concerning their review findings.

5.0 Old Business
5.1 Animal Handling
5.1.1 Re-evaluate Animal Handling SOPs
5.1.2 Letter referring to Animal Handling Practices
5.2 Eyewash policy/tags
5.2.1 Ready for distribution
5.2.2 Users should use dry-erase markers to for entries.
5.3 Policy Review Status
5.3.1 LASER Policy reviewed and submitted for approval
5.3.2 WHMIS Policy reviewed and submitted for approval
5.3.3 One policy review left for 2015
5.3.4 Documents for Policy Review will be saved and shared via Google Docs to facilitate Committee member commenting.
5.4 Plumbing in Civil Eng
5.4.1 Previous occupant of space created a sink drain that led to a damaged sanitary sewer cleanout.
5.4.2 Cleanout cap was damaged.
5.4.3 Physical Plant to repair the cleanout cap, and the sink has been disconnected.
5.5 Perchloric Acid Use
5.5.1 Perchloric Acid use is rare in Universities due to the damage it can cause
5.5.2 Ducting has been damaged from strong acid use
5.5.2.1 It is unclear if there was damage from the perchloric acid, since other strong acids have been used in the same fumehoods.
5.5.2.2 Some perforation of the ducting
5.5.2.3 Potential for fume leaks
5.5.3 Stainless steel ducting will be installed in areas with frequent strong acid use, to slow ducting corrosion.
5.6 Fumehood certifications and repairs
5.6.1 HEPA completed all certifications for 2015, with one repair.
5.6.2 Some user confusion over 12" Test height stickers and safe working height
5.6.3 Users informed that safe working sash height is anywhere below the alarm point, due to the variable rate fans.
5.6.4 Any fumehoods that do not pass safe levels are locked out.

6.0 NewBusiness
6.1 Biosafety Cabinet Certifications
6.1.1 24 Units were certified in 2015
6.2 LASER Safety
6.2.1 New ANSI Standard
6.2.2 T. Moore has requested a copy for our LASER operators.

7.0 Other Business – None

8.0 Adjournment: 9:50 AM

9.0 Upcoming Inspections
9.1 Visual Arts
9.2 Physics
9.3 Biology
9.4 Geography

 

Labs and Studios Minutes – May 20th, 2015

Date: 
Wednesday, May 20, 2015 - 9:00am

Present:
E. Searle, K. Bhatia, M. Moore, T. Moore, P. Alderson, T. Sapic

TIME Commenced: 9:05 A.M.

Agenda: 

1.0 Agenda : Approved (MM/TA)
1.1 The Committee welcomes E. Searle (CUPE), and thanks P. Gaulthier for his service.
1.2 The Committee welcomes T. Sapic (LUTA/Natural Resources Management)
1.3 The Committee thanks D. Vasiliu for his service.

2.0 Review of Minutes March 25, 2015: Accepted (TA/MM)
2.1 Clarification – Letter to be drafted from 4.2.2 Motion to Lakehead University Animal Care Committee. Added to Agenda item 5.2

3.0 Inspection Report:
3.1 LUIL – Ceiling tiles need repair/replacement – W/O Submitted
3.2 GEOL – Cluttered space; obstructed eyewash
3.3 Student Health & Counselling– No Issues. Facility will move to Prettie Residence Building; a re-inspection will be done at that time.

4.0 Injury Report – None

5.0 Old Business
5.1 ErPortal
5.1.1 Can now be used campus-wide.
5.1.2 T. Moore will offer individual training to new users, as required.
5.1.3 Only hazardous waste entered and marked in ErPortal will be picked up for disposal.
5.2 Animal Handling
5.2.1 P. Alderson and T. Moore observed LUACF Mouse Handling training session.
5.2.2 Training quality high. A video of the training will be posted to D2L for user refresher training.
5.2.2.1 Committee to review video once posted
5.2.3 Puncture resistant gloves issued to Facility Manager for testing
5.2.3.1 Committee to review testing comments once received.
5.2.4 The Committee will draft a letter referring the issue of animal handling, and potential restraints, to the Lakehead University Animal Care Committee, as per the Motion in 4.2.2 of the March 25th Minutes.

6.0 New Business
6.1 Global Harmonized System (GHS)
6.1.1 Replaces Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
6.1.2 Training module on D2L projected for December, 2015.
6.1.3 MSDS expiry will no longer be an issue; supplier to send any updated MSDS to purchaser.
6.1.4 Transition period will be determined once a date is announced.
6.2 CL1 Draft Regulations/Guidelines
6.2.1 Similar format to previously released CL2 version.
6.2.2 Comment period has ended
6.2.3 LU CL1 practices and guidelines will be revised once the official version is released
6.3 Eyewash Policy and Tags
6.3.1 Procedure/Policy has been approved
6.3.2 Permanent, reusable tags will be distributed
6.4 Hazardous Waste Disposal Procedure
6.4.1 MOTION: Approval deferred until June 1, when final version is distributed to committee. Final comments to be submitted to T. Moore prior to June 1.
6.5 Health and Safety Procedure – Working Safely with Animals
6.5.1 MOTION: Approval deferred until June 1, when final version is distributed to committee. Final comments to be submitted to T. Moore prior to June 1.

7.0 Other Business
7.1 New LUFA Representative – The Committee will solicit requests for a new representative from LUFA.

8.0 Adjournment: 9:37 AM

9.0 Upcoming Inspections
9.1 Visual Arts
9.2 Physics
9.3 Biology
9.4 Geography

 

Labs and Studios Minutes – March 25th, 2015

Date: 
Sunday, March 15, 2015 - 9:00am

Present:
P. Gauthier, K. Bhatia, M. Moore, T. Moore, C. Surette, D. Vasiliu, P. Alderson, M. Sorokopud, J. Sylvestre, F. Appoh,

Agenda: 

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

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