June 18, 2013 - Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Of particular concern are clubs like Formula SAE, who use potential dangerous equipment andmaterials – engine fuel, exposed moving parts - and given that the department provides them withspace, practical advice and funding, there is an inherited responsibility to oversee the health &safety of the students.3.3) On behalf of the MIE departmental H&S group, Joe formally requested JHSC oversight for allstudent clubs, and asked JHSC to assist with the creating of policy to guarantee student clubs aremanaged and supervised. Joe stated that he would like the recommendation to be made to theChairs & Directors. Bruno said that it would be good to involve EngSoc. Steve mentioned a priordocumentation/ application process that included a number of risk assessments and a list ofguidelines and suggested recirculating it to both EngSoc and JHSC.4.1) Steve reported that the mercury contaminated flooring was sealed with an acrylicsealer. Geoff conducted a reading and determined that the levels were safe. Steve asked Geoff todo a six month follow-up.5.2) Found that EHS no longer has the budget to send first aid trainers out to sites. As it would bedifficult to get anyone from UTIAS to come downtown for training, Jeff said that he’s likely goingto have to pay an outside company to do it.5.3) Committee discussed the campus police response situation with UTIAS, that their Honeywellsystem alerts the campus police who are stationed at the St. George campus and who are unable torespond in an adequate time-frame. As a result they are considering outsourcing to a privatesecurity company who can be close and on stand-by.6.1) Sal updated the situation with the non-functional Perchloric Acid fumehood in Pratt andexplained that it is in the process of being decommissioned, which will likely be an expensiveventure, around $100,000, due to the dangers involved. The accumulation of perchloirc acidcrystals that has resulted from an inadequate wash-down system threatens to be shock sensitiveand ultimately explosive. Crystal deposits were discovered along the horizontal run outside of thebuilding and the decommissioning process involves cleaning with steam and dismantling byspecialists wearing protective bomb gear.8.1) Student shocked. Committee discuss safety around voltage levels and mentioned that 24 volts isconsidered low voltage as noted in the electrical safety act. Electricians are not required forworking with 24 volts or under.8.2) Andrey mentioned common issues with CCBR being air quality, temperature and drafts. Joe saidthat he uses a thermometer when investigating complaints about temperature.Capital Projects is embattled with designer over temperature problems. Especially problematic isthe new microscope room (MB 325C), which must maintain positive pressure. The main lab (MB325) is cold and the small room not functioning as it should, too hot. Despite ongoing problems,the DEEP group still wants to use the same space this year.8.3) Improving the design of the microfluidic device (with company) with thicker material and a betterholder and mounting apparatus. As well, TAs will now be required to run through preventativecare measures.

OTHER BUSINESS:1) Geoff further discussed EHS web hosting of JHSC reports and minutes.2) Online safety orientation is going well – Ministry of Labor will be requiring all workers to take theorientation now.FUTURE MEETINGS:Proposed Future Meeting Dates for 2013: TBASIGNATURES:________________________________________Brad Saville, Management Co-Chair_______________________________________Bruno Korst, Worker Co-Chaircc:Engineering Health and Safety WebsiteOffice of Environmental Health and Safety, 215 Huron Street, 7 th Floor