labs and studios - march meeting
labs and studios minutes –march 27, 2024
present: j. sylvestre, t. moore, m. sorokopud, m. moore, j. miller, j. gao, c. hubbard
time commenced: 10:32 am by zoom
agenda : additions motion j.s second c. h. carried.
january 24, 2024 minutes –. amendments motion j.s. second m.m. carried.
injuries/incidents
chemistry
student lab supervised by tas. aluminum block on hotplate, heated and hot after use. hotplate and block put on shelf hot. a student went to move the block and burned their hand. ta offered first aid, student declined and went to a meeting. student returned and then was seen at er. the department will be updating and expanding their ta safety training. 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 will be reminded to leave the hotplates plugged in at the bench. t. moore will ask teaching commons to clone the biology ta training site on d2l to help departments fulfill training needs and due diligence.
mechanical engineering
welding flashes and fumes mechanical engineering machine shop was observed from the hallway and a concern was raised. the lab has a shield in place to protect non-users in the area from the arc (it was in place), and the door must be kept open for safety reasons. the supplemental exhaust fan has failed and a replacement fan is being sourced. the strong odour in the hallway was actually caused by grinding work that was done before the welding activity. until the new fan is installed, the back door will be opened while welding/grinding is being done to reduce the smell in the hallway.
- engineering
concern was raised regarding paint smell in the far wing of centennial building on the 4th floor. car team was painting the car frame in the structures lab. they moved the work to the lot 5 research lab space.
inspections
powerhouse
eyewash and safety shower. flammables cabinet corroded and needs replacement (materials require corrosive resistant cabinet). unlabelled chemicals stored in tunnels.
geology
ppe use will require fit test for respirators.
recommended make an inventory of field test certifications/stickers in case the sticker is lost.
improper storage of materials in diesel/gasoline cans.
out of date inspections to complete
chemistry/luel - m. sorokopud to inspect
nrmt/atrc - j. sylvestre and j. miller to inspect.
old business
civil complaint - cutting silica samples. extra cleaning was done. review and sharing of sop for safe work is in progress. all current workers involved have been fit tested, and a new hepa vacuum purchased.
silica testing
16 testing locations reduced to 6-7 due to change of procedure or consolidation by different groups that identified silica hazard. awaiting results to report to the committee.
cases smell
smell coming from basement research lab to the second floor administrative offices of graduate studies. exhaust fan (and backup) has issues. one fan is failing, but the system reporting did not flag the issue properly. the secondary fan is now in use full time to keep the fumehood exhaust working. replacement fan motor on order, fan will be disassembled and repaired. all exhaust fan motors in cases will be inspected and serviced this year.
new business
vet school update
first cohort will start sept 2025 at guelph campus
first year to start at lakehead september 2026
plan is to build a barn and utilize existing lecture/lab space
biosafety committee will oversee biohazard program and l&s will oversee laboratories in use
adjournment: 11:40 am
next regular meeting: april 24, 2024 10:30 am on zoom