DEAS/Physics/EPS Safety Committee

Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Noon-1:00PM

1. Video - no video was shown due to technical problems with the projector.

2. 2006/2007 Lab Inspection Schedules - Missing schedules

Lenny mentioned we are still missing the inspection schedules for the following lab areas:

1. Jefferson Lab (Kasey Russell)
2. Lyman Lab (Bob Graham)
3. High Energy Physics (Carl Gottlieb)
4. 60 Oxford Street (new chairperson is needed)

3. Lab Inspection Results

A. Cruft/Maxwell Dworkin - Xuan Liang was not present to give report.

B. Pierce Hall - Sue Carter

• B2-B6 (Thaddeus lab) Everything looks fine.
  Re last year’s comments: the door has been removed on the gas storage room to
  solve the ventilation problem. I am not qualified to evaluate the gas storage
  and tagging method, although the cylinders appear properly contained and
  clearly enough labeled.
• G13 (Hoffman lab) This appears to be an office with a minimal electronics lab.
  They have no hood, no eyewash or shower. They have two bottles of solvent in a
  secondary storage container, and a milli-Q water system. There is a space
  heater and a toaster oven. Fire extinguisher access ok now.
• G16abc (Habbal, instructional lab) This is brand new. There are no fire
  extinguishers.
• B12 (Madix lab) Also brand new; no contact information posted, no exit signs
  anywhere, no fire extinguishers.
• B11 (Crozier lab) All fine: The kitchenette noted last year appears to me to be
  in the office part of this space. Contact information is now posted and laser
  goggles available.
• G6 and G7 are under construction.

C. The Link and Hoffman - Greg Eischeid

• Hoffman G28A - Numerous gas cylinders, most properly supported, some multiple tanks ganged up on one strap, one of the exit doors partially blocked by storage
• Link 132 - Fire extinguisher unsupported on floor, serviced in 2002
• Link 129A - No laser goggles at either entrance
• Link 125,127,129
  • Fume hood has old dated chemicals languishing in degrading containers and labels, messy and dirty
  • Full broken glass container
  • Some messy corners, stuff on floor, unknown containers and equipment
  • 2X old vacuum pumps running in a pool of oil(within a secondary container)
  • Open plastic gas container next to hood on floor, no label

D. McKay 3rd Floor - Robert Ackert (Team 3, inspected on 12/5/06 at 1:30pm)

• ROOM 329A  -Laser setup did not have a curtain barrier around setup.
• ROOM 329  -Emergency Access Sheet needs to be updated. Last done 2/03.
                       -Emergency Guide Sheet not filled out at all.
                       -Waste accumulation area needs to be cleaned up.
• ROOM 328  -No Emergency Access Sheet on door.
• ROOM 330  -Emergency Access Sheet needs to be updated. Last done 2/03.
                       -Laser goggles need to be placed in a central location. Scattered over lab
                        area.
• ROOM 326  -Emergency Access Sheet missing from lab door.
• ROOM 322  -Emergency Access Sheet needs to be updated.
                       -Two glass jars with liquid in them unlabeled. Need to be labeled. 
• ROOM 320  -Emergency Access Sheet needs to be updated. Last done 2/03.
• ROOM 318  -Gas cylinder not secured.
                       -Three automobile type batteries are sitting on top of lab work area.
                         Is this a safety violation and if so, what should be done to correct?
• ROOM 314  -Trip hazards. Cords on floor.
                       -Small gas cylinders stored in cardboard box on floor.
                       -Small gas cylinders stored on table top horizontally. Not secured at all.
                       -Thick slab of metal needs to be stored properly. It is hanging out in the
                         air at knee level and could do damage.
• ROOM 312  -Flammable chemicals (Methyl Alcohol/Trichloroethylene) not stored in
                       -Flammable storage container.
                       -No instructions for how to use HF antidote.
• ROOM 304  -Emergency Access Sheet needs updating. Last done 4/03.
                       -Floor Hazards.
• ROOM 303  -No Emergency Access sheet on door.
                       -2nd Egress being blocked by large tool box.
                       -No instructions for how to use HF antidote.
                       -Antidote location not clearly marked.

Robert Ackert asked the question whether it would make more sense to keep some laser goggles outside the lab area so people can put them on before entering the room. Lenny said that each lab that has lasers is unique in how they are used, so it is not necessary for every lab.

4. EH&S Report

• The CNS group received fire extinguisher training from EH&S.
• The fire drill at 60 Oxford Street went very well.
• There is a mold/water problem in the Jefferson building that is being dealt with. It was caused by a problem with the sprinkler line.
• ChemTracker is being udsed by EPS now. Physics will start using it in January. ChemTracker is a web-based application that can be used to create emergency access info sheets to post in lab areas.
• There was a problem at 40 Oxford Street with a cryoglove. Please make sure you are wearing the right glove for your work situation.
• The explosion at Danvers should remind us aall that we need to be very careful while working with chemicals in our labs.
• Lenny mentioned that the Hoffman museum area was flooded last week when a water line broke. Even areas in the Link had damage in the hallway.

5. Hazardous Waste Training Report - Rob Stanhope

Rob reported on several people needing retraining.

6. Old Business

• Lenny told the committee that they should ignore the requirement of an eye exam before working with lasers. There is still no procedure for getting the eye exam at Harvard.
• Alarms - Lenny read a list of people who have not sent him info on the various alarms they may or may not have in their labs. He needs everyone to send him this info, even if you have no alarms in your lab.
• Standard Operating Procedures - all of the SOPs need to be checked and updated. Every safety officer should check their SOP before the January meeting and send Lenny the updated version.
• Fire alarms were tested in McKay. Linn Eichler could not hear the alarm in her office.
• The Scott Martin Group has been concerned about the strong smell of chemicals coming from the nearby contsruction. Lenny will tak to Ed Jackson about this. It was mentioned that Physics has a webpage that provides info about ongoing construction.

7. New Business - none

Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 10, 2006, 12:00 noon, Maxwell/Dworkin 119