Minutes - DEAS/Physics Department

Safety Committee Meeting 12/10/97

1. The video entitled "Electrical Safety in the Laboratory" was shown and several past incidents involving electrical safety were discussed. Among others, an incident several

years ago in McKay lab where an unfused 15A plug strip was inserted into a 20 A circuit was discussed. In this case, several pieces of electrical equipment were tied into the plug

strip that caused an overheating of the wire to the wall receptacle. The insulation melted and a small trash fire ensued. Our yearly lab inspections have, hopefully, eliminated the use of this type of plug strip.

2. Lenny Solomon provided an update regarding the tracking of those individuals who are required by law to have training in the disposal of hazardous materials. Lenny is assembling a list of people in both departments who work in labs where chemicals are present. He will try to have this list completed by the January meeting.

In parallel, Peter Bochnak (EH&S) will work with the EH&S web site provider to add fields for all personnel who should be trained, and when these people took the initial training. An e-mail system will be constructed that will send out reminders several weeks before any given person's certification lapses. At that point they will be encouraged to take the on-line training refresher course.

1. Lenny asked for lab inspection schedules from the five team chairs. Carla Levy tentatively scheduled inspections for McKay on January 6 and 8 (1998). Steve Shepard tentatively scheduled inspections for the Link on Tuesday, January 20^th. Paul Evans tentatively scheduled inspections for ESL sometime in January. Jennifer Mullins (Cruft & Pierce) and Jessica Smith will (Jefferson & Lyman) will present their schedules at the

January meeting.

1. Pete Bochnak and Henry Littleboy reported on EH&S activities. Henry spoke about the growing concern about the safety issues surrounding the use of peroxides (they can tend to explode on shaking). The chemistry department is currently compiling a list of those peroxides and reactions that produce dangerous peroxides in an effort to minimize any danger. Now in place is a six month shelf-life rule. Any bottles whose dates indicate that they are over 6 months old should be disposed of via our hazardous waste program.

The requirement (OSHA regulation) for training in the use of respirators

was stressed. If one's work requires the use of a respirator, call either

Pete or Henry. They will select the appropriate filter and will make certain

that you obtain a baseline lung capacity check before you begin to use the

respirator.

1. Old Business- None

1. New Business-

Jennifer Mullins reported an HF accident in her lab. The antidote was right at hand, the student went to EH&S, and no damage was done. She will make certain that the antidote is re-supplied.

A small mercury spill (a broken thermometer) was reported. This led to a discussion about spill kits. Lenny will assign a specific person at each station where the spill kits are located who will have the responsibility of ensuring that the kits are fully stocked.

Lenny reminded everyone that the Division purchased a mercury vacuum cleaner for large spills.

At 1:00 PM the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held on January 14,

1998, at noontime, in Pierce 100f.