Labs & Studios - March 20, 2019

Date: 
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - 9:00am
Location: 
AC 147
Minutes: 

Present: C. Surette, A. Diochon, M. Moore, T. Moore, M. Sorokopud, J. Sylvestre, K. Bhatia

TIME Commenced:     9:06 AM

1.0   Agenda :  Approved.

 

2.0   Review of Minutes : January 16, 2019 – Approved

 

3.0   Inspection Reports: Biology/ATRC

-          Phone not working

-          Inventory on paper only

-          Clutter

-          Chemical leaking from bottle, repeat from 2 years ago

-          Eyewash checked and supply was hot

-                  Eyewash test procedures updated and distributed widely

                                        Anthropology

-          Phones not working in a couple locations

-          Room numbers missing

-          Eyewash needed?

-          Lights not working

-          Coat rack obstructing electrical panel

                                        BRI

-          Eyewash stations and showers overdue for checks

-          New EW and SS record tags needed

-          First aid kits require signage

-          Unlabelled chemical

                                        Chemistry

-          Emergency shower test overdue

-          Eyewash station records illegible

-          Unlabelled containers

-          Clutter

 

4.0            Incident Reports:

4.1   Visual Arts

4.1.1   Exhaust fan in kiln room failed and exhaust from firing was accumulating due to the lack of ventilation.

4.1.2   Work order submitted and issue corrected. 

4.1.3   No injuries or property damage.

 

5.0            Old Business:

5.1   CB 3035 blocked exits – Tif went to investigate and is trying to determine who “owns” the space to determine what changes can be made.  Dean is aware of situation and working on a solution.

5.2   Injury Stats – presented and discussed.  2015-2019 segment to be normalized for grad students and plotted by year to see if there is a correlation.  All new incidents discussed by committee will be assigned standard root causes as well as recommendations made to avoid issue in future, to make the tracking easier to manage.  – Deferred until April meeting

5.3   MOL/WHMIS 2015 – We are still waiting for direction from University’s group regarding labelling.  In the meantime, Tiffany and Debbie P (chemistry) have been updating SDSs, and cleaning up the system.  An updated WHMIS 2015 training program has been purchased and is now installed and available on D2L. A universal, annual WHMIS expiry date, to assist training tracking, was discussed.

    

Statement from COU regarding the labelling issue has been received. 

Committee recommends that Lakehead approach will be to place a WHMIS 2015 compliant workplace label on bottle with old labels, and if outdated WHMIS symbols are on the product, they will be replaced with current WHMIS pictograms.

 

5.4                   New Reps

                                              Eric will be leaving the Committee in March.

 

              5.5          Fume Hood Decontamination

Use of strong mineral acids has corroded the fume hood ducting in CB 0021 and CB 2029.  Perchloric acid was also used in these spaces, which necessitates a complete decontamination of the fume hoods and ducting from the roof down in order to safely dismantle the ducts.  This work will be completed during the break week and will require a shut down of all fume hoods that are supplied by two fans.  Occupants will be notified as soon as the dates are scheduled and signage will be placed on all affected fume hoods.

 

                                Work is complete.  Perchlorates were measured in the samples taken, but were not found to be high.                                                Full decontamination of the ducts was not possible due to leaks, but enough work was completed to                                   make any future work safe.

 

6.0   New Business:

 

6.1   Workplace Violence Policy Review

Committee made some suggestions to expand definition and provide contact information to training section.

 

6.2   Noise from compressor

        Kailash measured 97 dB.  There is a plan to move the compressor to an uninhabited area, but it has yet to be scheduled.  Tiffany will follow up with Steve.

 

6.3   Field Safety

ORPT has brought in a speaker on preventing fatalities in outdoor research.  Amanda and Tiffany will be meeting with him as well to speak about field safety initiatives.

Further discussion on bringing in MNR worker that was attacked by a predatory bear.  Tiffany will check on availability.

 

7.0               Adjournment: 9:48 AM

8.0               NEXT MEETING: April 17, 2019

Labs and Studios - January 16, 2019

Date: 
Wednesday, January 16, 2019 - 9:00am
Location: 
AC 147
Minutes: 

Present: C. Surette, A. Diochon, E. Searle, M. Moore, S. Girvin, T. Moore

1.0   Agenda :  Approved. Addition of 6.5 Chem Waste

 

2.0   Review of Minutes : October 17, 2018 – Approved

 

3.0   Inspection Reports: none

 

4.0            Incident Reports:

4.1   Biology

4.1.1   Student was using a mason jar to heat a mixture of formalin and sugar on a hot plate.

4.1.2   The thick bottom of the jar cracked, and when lifted to take of heat, broke and spilled the mixture inside the fume hood.

4.1.3   Student was unsure of the location of SDS in the lab and unfamiliar with how to clean up.

4.1.4   Student located a technician to clean up the spill.

4.1.5   PPE was being worn at the time of the incident.

4.2   Biology

4.2.1     Student using screwcap bottle on hotplate to dissolve and boil media.

4.2.2     Bottle cap may have reseated.

4.2.3     Bottle cracked violently, spilling media over hotplate causing the media to burn.

4.2.4     No injuries from glass or media.

4.2.5     PPE was worn at time of the incident

4.3   Anthropology

4.3.1     Small vial of Ethidium Bromide missing from lab.

4.3.2     Lab is shared between two departments/supervisors

4.3.3     Locks now placed on cabinets for certain chemicals.

 

5.0            Old Business:

5.1   CB 3035 blocked exits – Tif went to investigate and is trying to determine who “owns” the space to determine what changes can be made. 

5.2   Injury Stats – presented and discussed.  2015-2019 segment to be normalized for grad students and plotted by year to see if there is a correlation.  All new incidents discussed by committee will be assigned standard root causes as well as recommendations made to avoid issue in future, to make the tracking easier to manage.

5.3   MOL/WHMIS 2015 – We are still waiting for direction from University’s group regarding labelling.  In the meantime, Tiffany and Debbie P (chemistry) have been updating SDSs, and cleaning up the system.  An updated WHMIS 2015 training program has been purchased and is now installed and available on D2L. A universal, annual WHMIS expiry date, to assist training tracking, was discussed.

                                             

 

6.0            New Business:

 

6.1   New Reps

6.1.1     Eric will be leaving the Committee in March.

6.1.2     Tricia has left the University and Committee will invite the RVT to join.

6.1.3     Steve will have the Services Supervisor act as his alternate.

 

6.2   Lab Signage

6.2.1      New format for Lab signs was presented.  First building to be issued will be CASES, as they have yet to be issued signage.  Laboratory layouts will be on each sign, but have to be drawn lab by lab.  Half of CB basement has been completed, but remaining will postponed to complete CASES.

 

6.3   Needle Pick-up training

6.3.1      There has been another incident of used needles being left out on the University grounds.  Tiffany created some pick-up kits and provided training to housekeeping, grounds and security personnel so they can safely take care of future incidents.

 

6.4   Fume Hood Decontamination

6.4.1     Use of strong mineral acids has corroded the fume hood ducting in CB 0021 and CB 2029.  Perchloric acid was also used in these spaces, which necessitates a complete decontamination of the fume hoods and ducting from the roof down in order to safely dismantle the ducts.  This work will be completed during the break week and will require a shut down of all fume hoods that are supplied by two fans.  Occupants will be notified as soon as the dates are scheduled and signage will be placed on all affected fume hoods.

 

6.5   Chemical Waste

6.5.1     Waste that has been entered into the system before January 6, 2019 will be included in the next hazardous waste pickup.  The list is currently with the service providers for quotes.  Tiffany doesn’t expect the pick-up will occur before the end of February.

 

6.6   Keys and access

6.6.1     Discussion around old lab/office keys not being returned, and issues around lab and office access.

 

 

7.0            Adjournment: 10:08 AM

NEXT MEETING: February 20, 2019

Retail Physical and Support Service Meeting - November 15, 2018

Date: 
Thursday, November 15, 2018 - 9:00am
Location: 
AC 147
Minutes: 

Present: Ursula MacDonald, Mike Davis, Stan Nemec, Fred Plank, Steve Girvin, Brian Cox

 

Regrets:  Hugh Briggs, Darren Carlin, Heather Spivak, Rob McCluskey

 

 

OLD Business:

  1.        A.        Steve reported that the floor in the Power house 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. Jan.21, 2016 Steve            advised that this project will be put on a list of capital projects for the 2016-2017 fiscal   year. 

                        Nov. 15/18 – Steve advised that jack posts will be installed under the floor to provide the necessary support.

 

            B.  Radio communications in PACI continues to be a problem, especially the         basement.

                 March 15/18 – Steve will be setting up a meeting with Hugh and TSC to discuss             communication options for the mechanical crew. It seems that the issues with the            radio are ongoing and Steve would like to see a permanent resolution.

            June 21, 2018 update;

 

            1. UC0035

            Antenna will be moved to a more central area further down towards the caged      mechanical room. This has been reviewed and should be completed shortly. Sept.20, 2018 -The work has been completed but the mechanical group advises there is no           noticeable improvement.

 

            2. PACI

            We found a major issue at PACI, the main component which operates the antenna for             reception in the building has failed. This explains why no one has been able to             communicate within the building. The only signal the radios have been receiving has       been directly from main campus, hence why the radios only seem to be working             outside of the building. There is a work order in for additional repeaters for the       building, however once the unit has been repaired or replaced we should have normal            function again in PACI, and not require the extra repeaters.

 

            C.  There is a meeting set up for Thursday, June 29, 2017 with Physical Plant, Security and Health and Safety to discuss and hence develop a procedure for responding to natural gas call outs.  October 19, 2017 – we are waiting for Security to review and finalize the procedure.  Mike Davis will provide an update at the next meeting. Ursula will follow up. Sept.20, 2018 – Heidi Forsyth has been hired by Physical Plant to work on various projects. This project is one of the items she will be completing. Nov.15, 2018 this project is 80% complete.      

 

            D.  The mechanical group is requesting a review of our confined space procedure. The group is asking for an official review of our space to ascertain which areas are considered as confined space. The group would also like to receive some training in regards to confined space.

                        March 15/2018 – Steve has been in touch with Intola Safety to provide training and inspection of areas at the University which are under question for confined space.

                        Apr.19/18 – it is anticipated that Intola Safety will be here in the month of May to begin this process.

                        May 17/18 – Intola is expected on site in the next two weeks.

                        Sept.20/18 – Physical Plant is waiting for a report from Intola.

                        Nov.15, 2018 – four (4) locations have been identified as confined space. Two (2) of the areas will be retrofitted to eliminate the hazard of confined space. The other two (2) spaces will be contracted out to qualified firm when works needs to completed in the space.

 

            E.  The electrician raised a concern about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in residence. Many times when the electricians arrive to install/fix them they have already been disconnected.  Brian will look into the situation and reinforce the seriousness of the matter. Students who are dismantling/damaging lifesaving device are fined by the University. A suggestion was made to have stickers by the devices advising that no one should be tampering with the life saving device.

           

            F.  Housekeeping are requesting that a new BFI bin with a side door be provided at the back of CB. A side door allows employees to throw out garbage without having to reach above their shoulder. 

 

            G.There is a floor hatch in this BB1047 and people working in this area have expressed concerns of asbestos possibly seeping into the room via the hatch. They would like the area tested to confirm that it is in fact a safe environment to continue their work in.        Nov.15, 2018 – Shanon A, Ursula M and the concerned employee have

 

     

New Businees:

 

  1.  A TSC employee requested air quality assessment in the LB 1015.

 

Injury Report:

 

None

 

Near Misses:

 

None

 

Inspections Outstanding;

  • Braun Building – Darren, Rob and Steve
  • Centennial Building –
  • Tungsten Street – Ursula & Heather

 

NEXT MEETING:    Thursday, December 20, 2018 in Avila – Physical Plant meeting room at 9:00 a.m.

Labs & Studios - October 17, 2018

Date: 
Wednesday, October 17, 2018 - 9:00am
Location: 
AC 147
Minutes: 

Present: C. Surette, M. Sorokopud, A. Diochon, J. Sylvestre, E. Searle, T. Moore

TIME Commenced:     9:29 AM

1.0   Agenda :  Approved.

 

2.0   Review of Minutes : July 18, 2018 – Approved with amendment (add E. Searle to attendance)

 

3.0   Inspection Reports:

 

4.0            Incident Reports:

4.1   Biology

4.1.1   Student lost consciousness while on field trip to Mount McKay

4.1.2   Student felt it was due to overheating

4.1.3   Students will continue to be reminded the importance of eating prior to excursions and dressing in appropriate clothing

4.2   Chemistry

4.2.1      Student was adjusting apparatus in an undergraduate lab.  Aluminum block was used on heat plate and warmed up faster than student had expected.

4.2.2      Student moved the block with bare hand after the heat plate had been turned on and received a small burn to a finger.

4.2.3      Injury was reported immediately and first aid administered.

4.2.4      Students to be reminded that metal conducts heat quickly and appears identical to cold metal (or glass)

4.2.5      No further recommendations from Committee.

 

5.0            Old Business:

5.1   CB 3035 blocked exits – deferred

5.2   Fumehoods - deferred

                                             

 

6.0            New Business:

 

6.1   Injury Stats

6.1.1     Committee reviewed a preliminary charting of incident and injury data for LU labs historically

6.1.2     Tiffany to make some changes for next meeting

6.1.3     This information will be shared within committee/departments and during new hire orientation

 

6.2   Lab Map Updates

6.2.1      During responses to lab incidents, responders who may/may not be very familiar with the lab in question find it difficult to know where emergency items or hazards are stored. 

6.2.2      H&S working with Plant to re-draw maps of all lab floorplans to note hazards, emergency equipment locations etc. on floor plan to assist in emergencies, inspections/investigations, training of new personnel.

6.2.3      Starting with Centennial building due to the greatest number of lab hazards in that space. 

6.3   MOL/WHMIS 2015 Update

6.3.1      MOL visited for a proactive visit twice in September regarding WHMIS 2015 and assistance in procuring comparison lab injury stats for university labs.

6.3.2      Currently there is a legal challenge regarding the re-labelling of containers to remove WHMIS 1988 symbols.

6.3.3      We have been directed to concentrate on training and ensuring SDSs are up to date.

 

6.4   New Lab Spaces

6.4.1     Several areas on campus will need to be added to the Lab’s inspection list

6.4.2     CASES

6.4.3     Powerhouse Lab

6.4.4     LUARS

 

7.0            Adjournment: 10:08 AM

Office and Classrooms - October 9, 2018

Date: 
Tuesday, October 9, 2018 - 10:15am

Minutes

October 09, 2018

Start: 10:12 a.m.

Human Resources Meeting room

 

Present

Employee Members                                                          Management Members

Cindy Haggerty (COPE)                                              Leslie Malcolm, Coordinator

Shanon Arnold (Schedule II)                                    Learning Technologies & Innovation

Dr. Juan Pernia (LUFA)

 

Regrets

Sue Viitala (Schedule II)

 

 

Ursula MacDonald (Ex-Officio member)

 

                                                                                                                                               

1.         Outstanding Business

 

A)   The Draft Terms of Reference for this committee are available in our google shared folder.  Members are asked to provide input directly in document before the next meeting.  A separate meeting will be set up to deal with this matter.

 

B)   Ursula circulated the following link to e-training opportunities: http://search.ccinfoweb.ccohs.ca/ccohs/jsp/search/ccohs.jsp?QueryText=workplace+inspections&MaxDocs=500&ResultStart=1&SortSpec=Score+desc&hTab=0&wb-srch-sub=

 

Members to forward requests for paid training to Ursula.  Ursula will keep

members apprised of training available locally (in-person).

 

 

2.         Inspections

            The only inspections outstanding for 2018 are CB and ATAC.  These will be          conducted during the December break.          

 

3.  Injury and Accident Reports

 

  • June 2018 – an Admin. Assistant tripped on a side walk and hurt her knee and throat. There were no obvious reasons why the employee fell, as the side walk was even, dry and there were no other obstructions noted.

 

  • July 2018 – no reports

 

  • August 2018 – an employee in the Office of Finance tripped on a broken tile in a hallway, fell and hurt left ankle, ham string and foot. Work order to replace the tile was put in with Physical Plant.

 

  • An employee with the Native Nursing Entry program was using a wheeled cart in the parking lot.  One of the wheels got caught in a pot hole and the employee was thrown over the cart.  A work order was placed to have the pot hole fixed.

 

Ergonomic Assessments; 

 

Approximately 15 ergonomic assessments have been completed from January to September, 2018.

 

 

4.  Business/Open Discussion;

 

1. Ursula advised that the removal of paint containing lead continued this summer.  Three (3) hallways on the 1st floor of School of Nursing had the paint removed and were repainted with new, non-lead containing paint.

 

2.  There will be additional work undertaken in the School of Nursing the week of Oct.09-12, 2018.  A type 1 operation using a HEPA fitted vacuum the contractor will be removing any pain that is peeling. The areas where this work will take place are;

 

1st floor Rooms: 1002F, X1011A, 1006C, 1045, 

2nd floor Rooms: 2002AA, 2002AB, 2008 & 2011.

 

3.  In July 2018 air quality testing was conducted in the School of Nursing focusing on the North West corner offices and a lab.  The scope of work included testing for: CO2, CO, VOCs, RH, ACM, and LC.  The test results came back as negative and/or not elevated. The test results of this assessment are similar to the results obtained in 2013 when a similar set of tests was conducted.

 

A full report is available electronically to anyone who wishes to obtain a copy. Please contact Ursula MacDonald in the Office of Human Resources.

 

4.  A bulk sample located in the SN 1021 offices was submitted for an analysis. The sample was found to be made up of synthetic fibrous material with portions of white and black material.  NO asbestos was detected in the sample.

 

A full report is available electronically to anyone who wishes to obtain a copy. Please contact Ursula MacDonald in the Office of Human Resources.

 

5.  Juan asked about cannabis policy on campus in light of the legalization of cannabis on October 17, 2018.  Ursula advised that the policy rests with Senior Administration and it should be available this week.

 

6.  Shanon updated the Committee in regards to all areas where the asbestos removals have taken place. These areas are as follows; Type 2 removals in several mechanical rooms and service areas, Type 2 cleaning in few offices and one corridor and Type 3 in CB X4003 stairwell, (X) UC 0037 areas, UC 0037 A and CB 4066 mechanical rooms and Aramark storage.

 

 

Next meeting:  Next meeting – TBD.

                           

 

 

 

 

Labs & Studios - July 18, 2018

Date: 
Wednesday, July 18, 2018 - 9:00am
Location: 
AC 147

Labs and Studios Minutes – July 18, 2018     

Present: H.Forsyth, P. Alderson, S. Girvin, C. Surette, M. Moore, M. Sorokopud, W. Gao, E. Searle

TIME Commenced:     9:03 AM

1.0   Agenda :  Approved. Additions added: Temperature in Chem Stores/Solvent room & Fume Hood Certification

 

2.0   Review of Minutes : May 16, 2018 - Approved

 

3.0   Inspection Reports:

3.1   Outdoor Rec – No issues

3.2   NRM – Test showers every 6 months, test eye washes weekly, remove extension cords, propane tank stored in lab

3.3   ATRC – No issues

3.4   BAF – No issues

3.5   BRI – Get rid of cardboard boxes, unlabelled chemicals, chemicals stored alphabetically

3.6   Paleo – Eye washes leak after use

 

4.0            Incident Reports:

4.1   Biology

4.1.1      One Student working with nitric acid and hydrochloric acid and another working with salicylic acid in the same lab at different times

4.1.2       Both students used a fume hood to work with the chemicals that was turned off for asbestos abatement

4.1.3      The students breathed in acid fumes and became light-headed/felt funny

4.1.4       The students moved the acids to a working fume hood in a different room and did not return to the room with the non-working fume hood until the fumes had subsided

4.1.5    Signs warning not to use the fume hood were put up on all fume hoods that were affected by the asbestos abatement

 

4.2   Paleo

4.2.1       Technician was autoclaving old samples containing biological materials and hazardous chemicals

4.2.2       Technician grabbed the freshly autoclaved bag out of the autoclave and the contents containing hazardous chemicals fell out and spilled on the floor

4.2.3       Technician reviewed the MSDS and attempted to clean the spill using kitty litter

4.2.4      The technician inhaled the fumes of the chemicals and felt light headed

4.2.5       The technician reported the spill to Security

4.2.6       Security advised technician to evacuate building and called the Fire Department

4.2.7       The Fire Department cleaned the spill and it was disposed of

4.2.8       JHSC recommendations: chemicals are not to be autoclaved, but should be disposed of as hazardous waste. In the event of a chemical spill, if the spill is isolated (ie. Inside the lab and small volumes), the spill can be covered with absorbent material. The lab can be evacuated and Physical Plant can be contacted to increase ventilation in the area. Once increased ventilation has occurred for some time, the lab can be re-entered and the spill can be cleaned up and stored in a fume hood. Additionally, a second container should be used for the autoclave bag to transport it out of the autoclave. N95 respirators can be purchased.

 

5.0            Old Business:

5.1   Natural Gas Training Overview

5.1.1     Hard to teach a smell – gas scratch n’ sniff cards available at HR

5.1.2     Our protocol is appropriate – when natural gas smell is called in, Security attend to call and ask a series of questions to determine if it is actually natural gas.

5.1.3      If they believe it is natural gas, Security will pull fire alarm and evacuate the building.

5.1.4       Fire Department will deal with the situation.

5.2   WHMIS changeover requirements and eRPortal training

5.2.1     WHMIS changeover requirements scheduled for July 30th at 10 am in ATAC 3004

5.2.2     eRPortal training scheduled for July 23rd at 10 am in ATAC 3004

5.2.3     Committee is encouraged to pass on this information to colleagues or anyone they think may require training

 

6.0            New Business:

6.1   CB 3035 blocked exits

6.1.1     This lab only exits into other lab spaces.

6.1.2     One exit is through CB 3037 which is deadbolt locked, another exit is through the prep hallway and the 3rd exit goes through a door to CB 3034

6.1.3      There used to be a hallway between CB 3037 and CB 3035 but over the years, it was removed.

6.1.4      Committee members discussed solutions: one solution being to permanently open CB 3034 to CB 3035 by removing the door and the other option being to reinstate the hallway that was removed.

6.1.5      H. Forsyth to contact the Fire Department to determine whether one room can exit through another room.

 

6.2   Temperature in Chem Stores/Solvent room

6.2.1     Cooling coils are not repairable for roof unit on a section of the CB

6.2.2     Chem stores is located within the area affected and experienced increases in temperature

6.2.3     Concern was raised that there may be damage/degradation of chemicals

6.2.4      Portable air conditioners have been brought to the area

6.2.5     The air conditioning system compressor failed in the solvent storage room

6.2.6     Temperature has remained constant due to air handling system turning over the air

6.2.7     Replacement air conditioning system has been ordered

6.2.8     As a precaution, diethyl ether was moved to alternate lab flammable cabinets on campus

 

6.3   Fume Hood Certification

6.3.1      Two fume hoods, one located in CB 2051 and the other in CB 3028 failed their certification testing

6.3.2      Physical Plant is looking into the issue, the units passed last year and may need air dampers adjusted

 

7.0            Adjournment: 9:52 AM

NEXT MEETING: September 19th 2018

Office and Classrooms - May 11, 2018

Date: 
Friday, May 11, 2018 - 10:00am
Location: 
Human Resources Meeting Room

Lakehead University

Joint Employee-Management Occupational Health & Safety Committee

Office and Classrooms

 

Minutes
May 11, 2018
Start: 10:00 a.m.
Human Resources Meeting room
 
Present
Employee Members                                                          Management Members
Cindy Haggerty (COPE)                                              Leslie Malcolm, Coordinator
Shanon Arnold (Schedule II)                                    Learning Technologies & Innovation
Dr. Juan Pernia (LUFA)
Sue Viitala (Schedule II)
 
Ursula MacDonald (Ex-Officio member)
 
                                                                                                                                          
1.         Outstanding Business
 
A)   The Draft Terms of Reference for this committee are available in our google shared folder.  Members are asked to provide input directly in document before the next meeting.
 
 
Members to forward requests for paid training to Ursula.  Ursula will keep
members apprised of training available locally (in-person).
 
 
2.         Inspections
  • February 22, 2018 – Library, Health Sciences Building
  • February 23, 2018 - 1294 Balmoral Street
Next round of inspections will be scheduled after the May long weekend.  Cindy
will schedule these inspections.
 
 
3.  Injury and Accident Reports
 
  • Feb. 2018
    • Instructor supervising clinical placement at the Thunder Bay Health Sciences Centre, slipped on ice in the parking lot and sustained fracture which resulted in loss of work time.
    • Staff member slipped on ice in Avila parking lot.  Medical aid only.
    • Staff member slipped on ice in Lot 5.
    • Mar. 2018
      • Staff member and student worker in Athletics were in car accident on their way to university event.  No medical issues were sustained.
    • Apr. 2018 – no reports
    • May (as of May 11), 2018
      • Delay in receiving WSIB claim from Feb. 2018 (lot 5) incident
      • Employee was reminded of protocols for WSIB submissions for workplace injuries.
 
Ergonomic Assessments;
 
Approximately 10 ergonomic assessments have been completed from January to April, 2018.
 
Brief discussion took place about procedures/practices on follow-up to implemented assessments (e.g., is accommodation is working).  Due to limited resources, no formal follow-up procedures are currently in place; however, HR will follow-up if contacted about an accommodation.
 
A question was asked about what happens to products after an employee for whom the product was purchased leaves the institution.  If purchased with departmental funds, resources remain with unit.  Products purchased with HR funds are retrieved and reused if possible.
 
 
4.         New Business/Open Discussion
  1.  Ursula indicated that Wellness now falls under her portfolio.  Currently a smoking cessation campaign is being planned by Health and Counselling. A poster is under development targeting students and staff. Ursula will provide language that targets staff.  Committee members are asked to provide Ursula with suggestions for where the posters should be distributed/posted.
 
  1. Ursula indicated that Shannon Scott is the new Human Resources Partner at the Orillia Campus.  A new Human Resources Partner will be starting at the Thunder Bay campus at the end of May.
 
  1. The University is dealing with two Ministry of Labour (MoL) complaints filed May 3 and May 10.  The May 3 compliant related to peeling and chipping of lead-based paint in the School of Nursing. The May 10 complaint relates to inadequate heating and air quality in a personal office space in the School of Nursing. The full MoL reports, including any required actions can be viewed here: May 3, 2018 and May 10, 2018  .  All field reports have been posted on main Health and Safety bulletin boards on campus.
 
Members of Physical Plant, Sue, Shanon, and Ursula met to discuss the plan of
action for responding to the MoL May 10th report.  The draft response will be
viewed by a representative of the JHSC.
 
  1. Shanon advised that asbestos has been removed in Residence, a mechanical room, and a mechanical room in the basement of the University Centre. Asbestos removal will commence May 22 in the Centennial Building and will include: stairwell, hallways, and offices.
 
Next meeting:  Next meeting – TBD.

Labs & Studios - May 16, 2018

Date: 
Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - 9:00am
Location: 
AC 147

Labs and Studios Minutes – May 16, 2018    

Present: H.Forsyth, E. Searle, P. Alderson, S. Girvin, C. Surette

TIME Commenced:     9:09 AM

1.0   Agenda :  Approved with Additions: Chem Stores SDSs & Big Thunder Use

 

2.0   Review of Minutes : March 21, 2018 - Approved

 

3.0   Inspection Reports:

3.1   Chemical Engineering – New eye wash tags needed, new emergency procedures charts needed, extinguisher tag almost overdue, flammables to be stored in a cabinet, outlets installed not by Physical Plant, chemicals stored in drying oven

3.2   Kinesiology – Electrical panel blocked, test eye wash weekly

3.3   Visual Arts – Test eye wash weekly, test shower every 6 months

3.4   Chemistry – Test showers every 6 months

3.5   Civil Engineering – Bear Veramixer cord needs repair, test eye wash weekly

3.6   Geology – Test eye washes weekly, label containers, chemical storage incompatibilities, hydrofluoric acid in use – update inventory, calcium gluconate – dried up, must replace, test shower every 6 months, plug cords in fully, device with exposed 120 V wires – needs enclosure

 

4.0            Injury/Incident Reports:

 

4.1   Chemical Engineering

4.1.1 Student cutting tubing for experiment with exacto knife.

4.1.2 Hand slipped and cut top of middle finger on opposite hand.

4.1.3 Student compressed the cut, washed hands and put bandage on cut.

4.1.4 Student went to Student Health and Counselling Centre to have cut looked at.

4.1.5 Student indicated that she could have cut the tubing using a safer method.

4.1.6 No recommendations from JHSC

 

5.0            Old Business:

5.1   Natural Gas Training

5.1.1     Scheduled for June 8th at 9:00 am in AC 147

5.1.2     Some JHSC members as well as Security will attend

5.1.3      Committee suggested a September session be organized as well for Faculty/Staff in CB building who frequently report natural gas smells

5.1.4      Physical plant will also be installing Natural Gas sensors to the CB basement as a trial

5.2   WHMIS changeover requirements and eRPortal training

5.2.1     WHMIS changeover requirements scheduled for May 28th at 10 am in ATAC 3004

5.2.2     eRPortal training scheduled for May 31st at 10 am in ATAC 3003

5.2.3     Committee is encouraged to pass on this information to colleagues or anyone they think may require training

 

6.0   New Business:

6.1   MOL Inspection Blitz

6.1.1      MOL industrial inspection blitz for 2018-2019 will focus on machine guarding and new and young worker safety

6.1.2      Committee members during inspections should ensure examination of all machine guards to ensure they are not missing and that they are intact

6.2   Fire Extinguisher Training

6.2.1     Scheduled for May 31st at 1:30 pm starting in Avila Cafeteria

6.2.2     Committee encouraged to pass this information on to anyone they feel may need this training

6.3   Chem Stores – SDSs

6.3.1      Committee member brought up concern over students purchasing chemicals from Chem Stores but not getting SDS or enough information on the vial to determine where chemical comes from

6.3.2      Committee members suggested to add eRPortal item # on the vials so that students can use this to enter in the chemical to their inventory and access the correct SDS

6.3.3      H.Forsyth to consult D. Puumala from Chem Stores about JHSC suggestion.

6.4   Big Thunder Use

6.4.1      Big Thunder is now being used by police as a live training location

6.4.2      Even though a sign is posted stating that police training is in progress, those who use the area should be made aware that this training is occurring

6.4.3      H. Forsyth to look into informing departments that use the area

 

7.0   Adjournment: 9:41 AM

 

NEXT MEETING: July 18th 2018

 

Retail and Physical Support Service - April 19, 2018

Date: 
Thursday, April 19, 2018 - 9:15am

Health and Safety Committee Meeting

Retail and Physical Support Service

Lakehead University

955 Oliver Road

 

Date:  April 19, 2018

Place: Avila- Physical Plant meeting room

Time: 9:15 a.m.

 

Present:  Steve Girvin, Ursula MacDonald, Darren Carlin, Rob McCluskey, Stan Nemec, Mike Davis, Heather Spivak

 Regrets:  Hugh Briggs, Fred Plank, Brian Cox

 

OLD Business:

  1.        A.        Steve reported that the floor in the Power house 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. Jan.21, 2016 Steve            advised that this project will be put on a list of capital projects for the 2016-2017 fiscal   year. 

Nov.16/17 - a structural engineer has bene retained to complete an assessment a recommend a temporary fix. On going

Apr.19/18 – the structural engineer will be submitting drawings soon for a review by Physical Plant

            B.  Radio communications in PACI continues to be a problem, especially the         basement.

                 March 15/18 – Steve will be setting up a meeting with Hugh and TSC to discuss             communication options for the mechanical crew. It seems that the issues with the            radio are ongoing and Steve would like to see a permanent resolution.

            C.  There is a meeting set up for Thursday, June 29, 2017 with Physical Plant, Security and Health and Safety to discuss and hence develop a procedure for responding to natural gas call outs.  October 19, 2017 – we are waiting for Security to review and finalize the procedure.  Mike Davis will provide an update at the next meeting. Ursula will follow up.

                        Apr.19/18 – The director of Security has responded in an email identifying how the Security staff is to respond to calls/notifications of natural gas calls. He has requested that Physical plant provide information about the location of all natural gas shut offs on campus. Steve advised that this will be submitted to Security soon.

            D.  The mechanical group is requesting a review of our confined space procedure. The group is asking for an official review of our space to ascertain which areas are considered as confined space. The group would also like to receive some training in regards to confined space.

                        March 15/2018 – Steve has been in touch with Intola Safety to provide training and inspection of areas at the University which are under question for confined space.

                        Apr.19/18 – it is anticipated that Intola Safety will be here in the month of May to begin this process.

            F.  The electrician raised a concern about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in residence. Many times when the electricians arrive to install/fix them they have already been disconnected.  Brian will look into the situation and reinforce the seriousness of the matter. Students who are dismantling/damaging lifesaving device are fined by the University. A suggestion was made to have stickers by the devices advising that no one should be tampering with the life saving device.

            G. Heather raised a concern about Shipping and Receiving. The staff are concerned about black mould in this space due to presence of water. Anytime the snow melts or when it rains, the water pours into the building soaking and rotting the wood inside.

            Apr.19/18 – old furniture was cleaned and removed and additional cleaning is ongoing.

            H.  Heather also raised a concern about the forklift in the Shipping and Receiving area.  The forklift is old and the engine burns oil and it creates hazardous gases harmful to the employees. The issue is worst during winter months    when they are unable to open the door.

            Apr.19/18 – need an update on this situation

 

New Businees:

  1. 1.     Housekeeping are requesting that a new BFI bin with a side door be provided at the back of CB. A side door allows employees to throw out garbage without having to reach above their shoulder. 
  1. 2.    Bathrooms in the loading dock of the UC center are very dirty. Armark is supposed to be cleaning them but they have not done so.

 

Injury Report:

Grounds – An employee injured his shoulder (rotary cuff strain) while throwing garbage into a BFI bin.  Employee on modified duties for several weeks.

 

Near Misses:

None

 

Inspections Outstanding;

  • Bike Shelter – Fred and Stan
  • Braun Building – Darren, Rob and Steve
  • Centennial Building
  • Radio House – Mike Davis

 

NEXT MEETING:    Thursday, May 17, 2018 in Avila – Physical Plant meeting room at 9:00 a.m.

Retail and Physical Support Service - March 1, 2018

Date: 
Thursday, March 1, 2018 - 9:00am

Health and Safety Committee Meeting

Retail and Physical Support Service

Lakehead University

955 Oliver Road

 

Date:  March 01, 2018

Place: Avila- Physical Plant meeting room

Time: 9:08 a.m.

 

Present:  Steve Girvin, Ursula MacDonald, Brian Cox, Darren Carlin, Heather Spivak, Rob McCluskey, Stan Nemec

Regrets:  Hugh Briggs, Fred Plank, Mike Davis,

 

OLD Business:

  1.        A.        Steve reported that the floor in the Power house 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. Jan.21, 2016 Steve            advised that this project will be put on a list of capital projects for the 2016-2017 fiscal   year.  This item has now been rolled into a co-generation project, if the project goes        ahead.

Nov.16/17 - a structural engineer has bene retained to complete an assessment a recommend a temporary fix. On going

            B.  Radio communications in PACI continues to be a problem, especially the         basement.

            C.  There is a meeting set up for Thursday, June 29, 2017 with Physical Plant, Security and Health and Safety to discuss and hence develop a procedure for responding to natural gas call outs.  October 19, 2017 – we are waiting for Security to review and finalize the procedure.  Mike Davis will provide an update at the next meeting. Ursula will follow up

 

Injury Report;

  1. An employee fell twice in the Avila parking lot about two weeks apart. She hurt both knees and an arm. The employee did seek medical attention about a month later as her knees continued to be sore. Medical aid.
  1.  An employee who works for the University as a clinical instructor fell at the TBRHSC parking lot while going to work to supervise LU students.  She broke her arm.  Lost time accident.

 

Near Misses:

A fall in the parking lot 5 resulted in an employee hurting her right hand and both knees.  First aid.

 

Inspections Outstanding;

  • ATAC – Fred and Stan
  • Bike Shelter – Fred and Stan
  • Bora Laskin/Faculty of Ed; Darren, Steve and Rob McCluskey
  • Braun Building

 

New Business:

  1. Heather Spviak is now replacing Ms. Rojik as the Unifor representative on the

RPSS - JHSC. We wish to thank Brenda for many years of service on this committee and wish her a wonderful, healthy retirement.

  1. Steve advised that the CASES project is on track. There will be significant amount of work around campus this spring/summer including work on the Greenhouse, Kitchen and Bora Laskin Faculty of Education.  LUSU will also be installing Booster Juice counter in the Outpost. The Residence will see a fair amount of maintenance related activity including installation of HAVC system in Bartley Conference Centre and upgrades to Apartments 1 & 2.
  1. The Library commons are almost complete. The space across form Security will then be remodeled to accommodate new tenants.
  1. The mechanical group is requesting a review of our confined space procedure. The group is asking for an official review of our space to ascertain which areas are considered as confined space. The group would also like to receive some training in regards to confined space.
  1. The electrician raised a concern about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in residence. Many times when the electricians arrive to install/fix them they have already been disconnected.  Brian will look into the situation and reinforce the seriousness of the matter. Students who are dismantling/damaging lifesaving device are fined by the University. A suggestion was made to have stickers by the devices advising that no one should be tampering with the life saving device.
  1. Heather raised a concern about Shipping and Receiving. The staff are concerned about black mould in this space due to presence of water. Anytime the snow melts or when it rains, the water pours into the building soaking and rotting the wood inside.
  1. Heather also raised a concern about the forklift in the Shipping and Receiving area.  The forklift is old and the engine burns oil and it creates hazardous gases harmful to the employees. The issue is worst during winter months         when they are unable to open the door.
  1. Stan is working with Canada Post in Winnipeg to allow our people better access to the Thunder Bay depot.  The current access is problematic due to hazardous conditions.

 

NEXT MEETING:    Thursday, March 15, 2018 in Avila – Physical Plant meeting room at  9:00 a.m.

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