DEAS/Physics Safety Committee

Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, April 14, 1999
Noon-1:00PM

1. Video - "Chemical Hazards"

2. Inspection Reports

Cruft/Pierce - Simson Alex - Completed March 31, 1999. The following list contains some of the concerns in Simson's inspection:

• Cruft G10 - has a laser, but there is no laser sign.
• Cruft 111 - needs a ground fault.
• Cruft 219 - fire extinguisher signs are absent.
• Pierce B5 - needs waste water alert on sink.
• Pierce B4 - needs laser sign and fire extinguisher sign.
• Pierce B7d - needs fire extinguisher mounted on wall.
• G7A - needs waste water alert on sink.
  

3. Follow-up Inspection Reports

1. McKay:
   • 5th floor - leak was patched.
   • 512 - gas cylinder was secured.
   • 417 - chemical bottle was stored properly
   • 409 - This room contains an electromagnet. Unsure if it is a hazard for people with pacemakers. A warning sign will be posted stating "Strong Magnetic Field".
   • 318 - a box of chemicals underneath sink need to be stored properly.
2. ESL:
   • 305 - fume hood has been checked.
   • 304 - container over sink has been removed.
3. Jefferson/Lyman:
   • 227 - door sign was updated; outlet groundfaulted.
   • 31 - safety showers clear.
   • 32 - fire extinguisher is OK; all issues addressed.
   • 134 - coffee cups in lab and sink; another sink needs to be installed.
   • 150 - fire extinguisher mounted; cylinders secured.
   • 164 - neon bottle properly stored; HF antidote replaced; will look into unshielded x-ray; blocked door is now labeled.
   • 230 & 232 - fire extinguishers are OK.
   • 160 - everything has been fixed; power strips are mounted; unlabelled bottles have been taken care of; gas tank secured.
4. HEPL:
   • 103 - fire extinguisher sign posted; everything is OK.

4. Hazardous Waste Training Report

Nothing significant to report. Rob asked members to remind a few people to take the retraining course.

5. Web Page Update

The Standard Operating Procedure list is almost complete. It can be read at: http://www-safety.deas.harvard.edu/sop/chart.html.

6. EH&S Five Minute Report

Peter Bochnak reported that we haven't heard from the EPA yet. They could visit Harvard at any time. Also, he said the hazardous material satellite areas have had no violations--everything has been OK.

Henry Littleboy said the Compressed Gas Cylinder Committee is checking out several vendors.

7. Spring Safety Seminars

Lenny Solomon reminded the Committee of the upcoming seminars. He also mentioned that the Compressed Gas lecture had good attendance.

8. Old Business

Lenny said Eric Mazur's Laser Safety lecture was video taped. It is hoped that eventually the Committee will be able to offer it as online training.

9. New Business

Lenny announced that the Iron Age Shoe Truck will be at Harvard near Pierce Hall on Tuesday, May 11th, at 11:00am - 2:00pm. Lab workers can purchase steel-toed shoes from the truck. The Safety Committee will reimburse purchases up to $70.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 12, 1999, 12:00-1:00pm, Pierce 100F