Apologies

Apologies: Dr. Jenny York

1. Minutes of Previous Meeting

- The minutes for the previous meeting (No.2/2007) were accepted by the members of the Committee.

2. Matters Arising/Action Sheet

- Nil.

3. Safety Officer’s/Statistics Report

Summary of Incidents of the last 3 months:
- Laptops were stolen from the I.T. Office - The locks have since been changed and new lockable cabinets have been put in place.
- Faulty electric light switch in the store caused a sizzle and produced a burning smell.
- Back injury in the Part 1 laboratory from pushing a trolley full of bottles and boxes up a steep ramp.
- Potential exposure to arsein gas in the BHP Lab.
- Fall from height hazard in the NMR Lab - An aluminium stepladder has since been purchased.
- Water leakage in the East wing of the Masson Building has damaged computers - John Nuske has repaired the damage.
- Glassblower singed his eyelashes.
- Chemical splashes in the Part 1 Lab - Procedures have since been changed.
- Fainting in the lab due to lack of breakfast.
- 2 chemical spills in Bio21.
- Head was hit in the low areas of the store.

4. Report by Safety Officer on Quarterly Inspection of Laboratories, Workshops and Offices

- Workplace inspections are due in November.

5. Laser Officer’s Report

- Laser Officer suggested that eye test reports be formalised through Themis or some other University information system.
- There were discussions as to whether there was a Health and Hazard form that students fill in. There is a Health and Hazard form that is filled in when students (demonstrators/ research assistants/ summer vacation studentships) are employed by the department, however, committee members are not certain if there is one solely for students. The safety officer will look further into this.

6. Radiation Officer’s Report

Nil

7. Designated Work Group Representative’s Report

- An email was received from the EH&S General Manager advising that each faculty, budget unit and controlled entity is located a primary EHS Adviser. The allocated adviser should be the primary contact for all EHS Unit enquiries.
- Chemistry's controlled entity is Science Faculty and the new EHS Adviser is John Carmichael. Contact details can be found at http://www.pb.unimelb.edu.au/ehs/ehs/general/contact.php3

8. SafetyMAP

- Internal audit took place in July. Auditors went to Trevor Smith's Laser Lab, the BHP Lab and to the store.
- The external audit took place in August. The auditors went to the same labs as the internal auditors. Auditors were satisfied.
- Auditors will be going to Bio21 in a couple of weeks.
- Internal audit will be held at the end of September.

9. Any Other Business

- The fume hoods have been fixed.
- It was thought that the fibrous seal on the grey cabinets in the Bio21 labs might be asbestos. On checking further, it was found that it was glass wool fibre.
- 4 recirculating fume hoods are to come before Christmas.
- Discussions were made about replacing the broken chairs in Bio21.
- The safety officer tabled the OH&S Guidelines from the University of Queensland regarding the use of headphone audio devices in the workplace - These audio devices are not banned but there are guidelines to ensure the safety of users and others. Discussions were made as to whether or not we should implement a similar sort of guideline.
- Safety signage needs to be updated and place around the school.

10. Next Meeting

- 13th December 2007 at 10.00am in the Conference Room (Masson Building).

Meeting closed at 10.40am

Meeting No.2/2007

The second meeting of the Environmental Health & Safety Committee for 2007 was held on Thursday 21 June at 10.00pm in the Conference Room (Masson).

Apologies

Apologies: Dr Evan Bieske, Nicholas Fitzgerald, Dr. Robert Gable, Dr. Martin Grannas

1. Minutes of Previous Meeting

- The minutes for the previous meeting (No.1/2007) were accepted by the members of the Committee.

2. Matters Arising/Action Sheet

- Nil.

3. Safety Officer’s/Statistics Report

Summary of Incidents:
- Back injury in the Part 1 laboratory from pushing a trolley full of bottles and boxes up a steep ramp.
- 2 minor chemical spills in the research labs.
- Dim lighting in the Scheisser lab, which has caused some accidents. This has been previously brought up at the Bio21 EH&S Meeting. This is currently getting rectified.
- Back injuries in the chemistry store.

4. Report by Safety Officer on Quarterly Inspection of Laboratories, Workshops and Offices

- Quarterly inspections done.
- Noise from the fume hoods had been tested. 64dBA
- The frequency of laboratory inspections could be increased to once every 2 months

5. Laser Officer’s Report

Nil

6. Radiation Officer’s Report

Nil

7. Designated Work Group Representative’s Report

Induction of local area EH&S contacts information on EH&S Unit websites. The information is now linked from:
- http://www.pb.unimeb.edu.au/ehs/; and
- http://www.pb.unimelb.edu.au/ehs/ehs/general/contact.phps

8. SafetyMAP

- External audit will be at the end of August.
- Internal audit will be at the end of July.
- Draft procedures: Electrical testing procedures will be modified. New electrical appliances will be tagged to improve testing efficiency.
- Discussions on the risk factors involving travelling on international and domestic University business.

9. Any Other Business

- 2 CDs have been produced to introduce students to our safety procedures. This may replace our safety lectures, but will be used for mid-year entries.
- George Khairallah reported that Ipods are still being used in labs. A reminder needs to be sent out that the usage of Ipods are strictly not allowed in the labs.
- The suction function in the mass spectrometry laboratory is running on reverse as it had been wired incorrectly. It is blowing inwards instead of outwards. George Khairallah will report this to Garry Clarke.
- The School will be installing 2 vented waste cabinets per laboratory in Bio21.

10. Next Meeting

- 21st September 2007 at 10.00am in Lvl 5 Meeting Room (Bio21 Institute).

Meeting closed at 10.30am

Meeting No.1/2007

The first meeting of the Environmental Health & Safety Committee for 2007 was held on Thursday 29 March at 10.00pm in the Level 3 Meeting Room (Bio21 Institute).

Apologies

Apologies: Dr Evan Bieske, Richard Mathys, Dr. Jenny York

1. Minutes of Previous Meeting

- The minutes for the previous meeting (No.1/2007) were accepted by the members of the Committee and subsequently place on the EH&S website.
- Jenny Scott will be following up on Themis Online incident reporting that was brought at the last meeting.

2. Matters Arising/Action Sheet

- Floor Tiles / Inorganic Teaching Lab:
The floor tiles have been replaced in the Inorganic Teaching Lab.

3. Safety Officer’s/Statistics Report

Summary of Incidents:
- Laptop Theft: Thief came in through the door grills.
- Cleaning ceramic glassware: Incorrect method of cleaning causes a chemical reaction and breakage to the ceiling of the fume hood in the lab.
- Phenol Burn.
- Mercury Exposure: Broken barometer causes spillage of mercury.
- Window shattered outwards in the Davis Lab.
- Electrical outlet trip: Fume hood shut down during a reaction.
- Splashed in the face by chemical: Forgot to turn on nitrogen line, which cause pressure to build up.
- Waste spill in Teaching Lab.

4. Report by Safety Officer on Quarterly Inspection of Laboratories, Workshops and Offices

- Quarterly inspections are due in May.
- Draft inspection criteria have changed and hopefully will now be faster since it will be a more visual sort of inspection.

5. Laser Officer’s Report

Nil

6. Radiation Officer’s Report

Management licence will be handled by the University and will no longer be segregated into different departments.

7. Designated Work Group Representative’s Report

- Brought up Maintenance department's lack of response to urgent issues that are raised.
- Plumbing issues have been ongoing for almost a month.

8. SafetyMAP

- Internal audit will be at the end of July.
- The safety officer is hoping to get the Laser Labs audited for a change. This is to better prepare us for the WorkSafe audit.
- External audit will be at the end of August. SafetyMap + Environmental auditor.
- The safety officer has also ordered some spill trays to be given out to all the labs.
- There will be a new model for SafetyMap next year.

9. Any Other Business

Usage of Ipods have been banned in the labs. Students are unhappy with the decision but the decision made was based solely on safety reasons.

10. Next Meeting

- 28th June 2007 at 10.00am in Conference Room (Masson Building).

Meeting closed at 10.50am

Meeting No.4/2006

The fourth meeting of the Environmental Health & Safety Committee for 2006 was held on Thursday 14 December at 10.00pm in the Conference Room (Masson Building).

Apologies

Apologies: Nicholas Fitzgerald, Jonathan White, Charles Young, Colin Skene.

1. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes for the previous meeting (No.3/2006) were accepted by the members of the Committee and subsequently place on the EH&S website.

2. Matters Arising/Action Sheet

Sioe See's Lab floor tiles: Ken has sent a letter to GM and is waiting to hear back from them. Jenny York to follow up on action.

3. Safety Officer’s/Statistics Report

Summary of incidents:
2 lots of statistics, end of year and quarterly.
- 2 back injuries;
o Dry ice trolley with small wheels and
o Stores - storage of winchesters to be redistributed so that nothing is stored in awkward corner positions.
- Chemical spill
There was a Chemical spill in a research lab resulting in a 50ml spill.
- Glass cut
Minor cut on finger from using a chipped burette: Any chipped glassware suck as beakers and flasks etc, should be put out of use. They need to be sent to Les for repair or disposed into the glass bin.
- Heat burn
There was a splash of burning water from a boiling urn in the Amenities room.

There have been fewer incidents reported than last year. Possibly because not everyone has been submitting incident reports, two Chemical spills that are known of, have not been reported so far. George tabled a report to members present for this meeting.
- There needs to be follow-up on incidents that have happened and not been reported, action needs to be taken.
- During the Honours safety program and Induction, emphasis is made on this process.
- The S3 form will soon be updated to S4, which will come into effect beginning of 2007.
- There is a time factor involved for keeping the necessary people informed.
- An electronic version is available via Themis, partly because Worksafe needs to be kept informed within the necessary time frames incase immediate action is needed. The form immediately goes to the supervisor then to the Risk Management office, with a copy to the respective EH&S Officer.
- Software called Ranger, will be implemented shortly to help reporting etc.
- There was a suggestion, to keep a stock of paper forms readily available for students to use in all the Labs.
- The School shall continue with paper copies and George will lodge electronically until the electronic system is sorted out. If this system runs smoothly George will email all accordingly
- 23 January 2007, University OH&S meeting, Jennifer Scott to email Belinda to put the above item on the agenda for that meeting.

4. Report by Safety Officer on Quarterly Inspection of Laboratories, Workshops and Offices

-George has started to do safety checks around labs and writing out recommendations,
-2 lots of Audits are due, the internal - July and the Safety map accreditation audit - September.
-Planning and Budget committee have decided to issue fines for non-conformances in Internal audits. If one gets a non-conformance and don't have an action plan within 30 days, they will be fined $20,000, after 4 months of no action a further $30,000 and so on.
-If it is a historical non-conformance then it is $30,000. It is at the discretion of the Dean who gets fined and where the money goes. Starting February 2007, there will be a document on this procedure.
-A Cultural change in Upper level receiving training. A survey was received by The Head and Executive Manager, the form has been filled and returned back.
-Half yearly inspections: Still waiting on X-ray lab and Michelle Gee's group, George will be chasing that up. The Safety Officer from Physics is visiting Chemistry to cross check department wise regarding, recording and files etc.

5. Laser Officer’s Report

Nil

6. Radiation Officer’s Report

Radiation, will have its own piece of legislation coming into effect from next year.

7. Designated Work Group Representative’s Report

Jennifer Scott has completed the designated training course on Nov 21, 2006, nearly 12 months have gone by, codes of practice are all changing and she became the 6th member to be elected on the OHSC Committee and will report back to the School EHSC Committee.

8. SafetyMAP

-George has already mentioned about audits next year,
-New lab books, will be looking at trying to implement and get them bound, in time for the new Honours year
-Electrical testing, this process has been ongoing for the past 2 years. Bio21 has not been done as yet.

9. Any Other Business

None.

10. Next Meeting

- End of March 2007, to be announced.

Meeting closed at 10.55am

Meeting No.3/2006

The third meeting of the Environmental Health & Safety Committee for 2006 was held on Thursday 5 October in the Level 5 Meeting Room (Bio21 Institute).

Apologies

Apologies: Mrs Christine Callahan, Nicholas Fitzgerald, Dr. Colin Skene

1. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes for the previous meeting (No.2/2006) were accepted by the members of the Committee and subsequently place on the EH&S website.

2. Matters Arising/Action Sheet

Floor Tiles / Inorganic Teaching Lab Incident Forms are being completed for every tripping incident in the lab to encourage Property and Campus Services to act on this Safety hazard.

3. Safety Officer’s/Statistics Report

Summary of incidents:
- Computer theft
Laptop computers were stolen from IT Offices. Still being investigated. Computers will be located in the Store..
- Leg injury
Sore knee problem.
- Smell
Smell detected throughout parts of the Masson building. Suspected Gas leak. Actually someone using a thiol.
- Small fume hood fire
During the distillation of 1.5 litres of Carbon Disulphide, the solvent ignited while it was cooling, causing a small fire in the fume hood. A detailed Risk Assessment may have prevented this incident.
- Undergraduate labs
No incidents from teaching labs.

New Incident Reporting procedures (via Themis) being drafted at the moment.

4. Report by Safety Officer on Quarterly Inspection of Laboratories, Workshops and Offices

Quarterly inspections are due next month (November) - reminder email will be sent out.

5. Laser Officer’s Report

Nil

6. Radiation Officer’s Report

2 people in Bio21 with badges. Either submit badges to Mike Tuohy and then bill Chemistry or to be brought over to Robert Gable for renewal.

7. Designated Work Group Representative’s Report

Refer to item 3 (Safety Officer's Report) Incident Reporting Procedures.
First draft was released on 27th September 2006; next review will be on 11th October 2006. Details on how to report incidents electronically (via Themis) and use of hard copy Incident Report forms will be found on the EHS Unit webpage http://www.pb.unimelb.edu.au/ehs/ehs/incidentreporting/

8. SafetyMAP

Audit results from other Departments will be discussed at Faculty of Science EHS Meeting today (5th October 2006).

9. Any Other Business

(i) Chemwatch - MSDS online: Chemical manifests are still being uploaded. Training will be organised by Safety Officer on how to use Chemwatch (password required).
(ii) Research Lab Book: Has been modified and trialed by a few groups. Risk Assessment form now on every 4th page. May need more modifications on this form. Supervision requirements may be needed.
(iii) Facilities/Cabinets: Work being carried out on bench that should be done in fume hoods - Risk assessment being carried out
(iv) Corrosive/Flammable Cabinets (Bio21): Still to be decide but will probably need to be purchased from individual group accounts.

10. Next Meeting

- 14th December 2006 at 10.00am in Conference Room (Masson Building).

Meeting closed at 10.55am

Meeting No.2/2006

The second meeting of the Environmental Health & Safety Committee for 2006 was held on Thursday 22 June at 10.00pm in the Conference Room (Masson Building).

Apologies

Apologies: Nicholas Fitzgerald, Robert Gable

1. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes for the previous meeting (No.1/2006) were accepted by the members of the Committee and subsequently place on the EH&S website.

2. Matters Arising/Action Sheet

Nil

3. Safety Officer’s/Statistics Report

Summary of incidents:
- Liquid Nitrogen Spill
The strap was missing on the liquid nitrogen trolley. This resulted in the chemical almost being spilt on someone's leg after they had filler the dewar Suggestions were made that maybe the Liquid Nitrogen was filled all the way to the top, resulting in the cylinder being top heavy and therefore more likely to spill.
- Glass Cut
A pipette was snapped and it cut someone's hand.
- Fainting incident
A student fainted in a lab and it was suspected that might have been some gas leak that caused it. It was later established that the student fainted due to not having breakfast.
- Glass Vessel shattering in Bio21
A student was cleaning a round glass vessel with acetone. As there was initially peroxide in the glass vessel, the combined reaction made it shatter.
- Chemical spraying out of flask
The student was meant to insert a syringe to release the pressure in the sealed flask but failed to do so. Upon opening the flask, the chemical sprayed out and went into the student's eye despite them having safety glasses on.

Evan Bieske suggested that these incidents are reported on Chemistry News/emails so that students etc are alert or these incidents and can hopefully learn from them. George Papadopetros also suggested that a refresher course be put in place at the start of 2nd year PhD so that these incidents are be brought up again as a safety reminder.

4. Report by Safety Officer on Quarterly Inspection of Laboratories, Workshops and Offices

There are 2 outstanding issues: Sioe See's floor and the Chemical storage on Level 5.

5. Laser Officer’s Report

Nil

6. Radiation Officer’s Report

Nil

7. Designated Work Group Representative’s Report

Jenny Scott mentioned that there might be a refresher training for the HSRs.

8. SafetyMAP

(i) A training matrix is required for training of all employees.
(ii) We are currently updating risk issues in the Workshop.
(iii) There is another internal audit at the end of the month and the School of Chemistry might be audited.

9. Any Other Business

(i) Fume hood space will be required by the Robson and Best groups while their fume hood motor is being repaired after it shattered.
(ii) George Papadopetros is requesting a point of contact for each research group.
(iii) There will be a new Lab Book and George is requesting some feedback.
(iv) There will be a new batch of First Aiders that are about to attend training.
(v) Dangerous goods signage will be changing in a couple of years to become more universal. It will highlight not only the dangerous goods factor but also the harm it can cause to people.

10. Next Meeting

- 28 September 2006 at 10am in Bio21.

Meeting closed at 10.45am

Meeting No.1/2006

The first meeting of the Environmental Health & Safety Committee for 2006 was held on Thursday 30 March at 10.15pm in the Bio21 Meeting Room on Level 5.

Apologies

Apologies: Dr. Evan Bieske, Dr. Colin Skene, Dr. Jenny York, Dr. Charles Young

1. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes for the previous meeting (No.4/2005) were accepted by the members of the Committee.

2. Matters Arising/Action Sheet

Nil

3. Safety Officer’s/Statistics Report

There were 3 incidents in January and February and then it skyrocketed to 7 incidents during the first 3 weeks of Semester 1 2006. Here is a summary of all the incidents:

4. Report by Safety Officer on Quarterly Inspection of Laboratories, Workshops and Offices

Nil. Due in May.

5. Laser Officer’s Report

Nil

6. Radiation Officer’s Report

Nil

7. Designated Work Group Representative’s Report

Jenny Scott attended the Health Safety Representative (HSR) Meeting on 15 March.
- There is going to be a spill in the HSR positions.
- Anyone that has been a HSR for less than 12 months though, will be excluded from the spill.
- Jenny says that there will be more clarification in a couple of weeks.
- Designated Work Groups (DWG) will be extended to other Science departments.
- Risk Manager in procedure is under review.

8. SafetyMAP

- WorkSafe have removed the prohibition notice from Lab 289 but have left one in 288.
- We have forwarded risk assessment to WorkSafe outlining our control measures.
- Lloyds external audit will be in May. The Chemistry Store and Bio 21 will be audited.
- There will be an internal audit in July and the School of Chemistry might be audited.

9. Any Other Business

(i) - Fume Hoods will be tested.
(ii) - Avian Flu - The Victorian government has announced that public places, Universities included, will be shut down, should there be more than 4 cases of human-to-human transmission.

10. Next Meeting

- 22 June 2006 at 10am in the Conference Room.

Meeting closed 11.00am

Meeting No.4/2005

The fourth meeting of the School of Chemistry Environmental Health & Safety Committee for 2005 was held on Thursday, 15th December at 10.00am in the School Conference Room.

Present:
Dr. J. White Chair/Academic Staff Rep
Dr. E. Bieske Laser Officer
Dr. R. Gable Radiation Officer
Dr. M. Grannas Research Rep/Masson Precinct
Mr. R. Mathys Deputy Safety Officer
Mr. G. Papadopetros Safety Officer
Ms. J. Scott Tech & General Staff Rep/Minutes
Prof. A. Wedd Academic Staff Rep/ Bio21 Precinct
Dr. J.York Management Rep

1. Apologies

Nil.

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes for the previous meeting (meeting No.3/13th October, 2005) were accepted.

3. Matters Arising/Action Sheet

(i) 610320/325 Organic Practical Manual
- safety caution to be added to start of notes on Vacuum Distillation
- Appendix D to be moved to the front of the Manual

(ii) Laboratory Notebooks
- Sample distributed to Committee members for discussion
- To be used for Research Labs only, probably just Chemistry
- Trial period to be run during 2006 with some of the Research Labs in Chemsitry.

4. Safety Officer’s Report/Statistics

See attached Document - End of Year EHS Statistics 2005

5. Report by Safety Officer on Quarterly Inspection of Laboratories, Workshops and Offices

- To be completed twice during 2006 May and November

6. Laser Officer’s Report

Nil.

7. Radiation Officer’s Report

- Training records to be completed and kept for the users of the X-Ray Lab

8. Designated Work Group Representative’s Report

Jennifer Scott elected as Health and Safety Rep.

- HSR Meeting 31st October. 2005 which was attended by Ian Marshman(Senior Vice-Principal)and Stefan Delaney (Manager, EH&S Unit)
- RMO (Risk Management Office) to be separated into three parts:
(i) Insurance Financial Operations
(ii) EH&S Property & Buildings
(iii) WorkCover & OH&S Human Resources
- January 1st, 2006 changes to Property & Buildings structure
- Risk Management Strategic Planning will be overseen by the Vice Principal Corporate Services
- Extra $200, 000 allocated to EH&S and $100, 000 to OH&S
- Review of University Committee Structures
- New initiatives for the EH&S Unit
- Attended a WorkSafe survey meeting on Thursday, 8th December
- Asked that the inspectors have a more educating and advising role when they come to Workplaces. Rather than the adversary/policeman role that seems to be the general image of WorkSafe inspectors.

9. SafetyMAP

- Audits possibly to continue in 2006
- Combine Masson & Bio21 chemistry labs in the audit

10. Any Other Business

(i) Sample Chemicals Being left when students have completed their research. Supervisors to take responsibility for these and will be included as part of the exit checklist.
(ii) Thefts in the Building Camera in the East Wing (Exit Door) needs replacing, early 2006
(iii) Formaldehyde Users Alternatives may have to be used (GENELIN) possibility of being included in the Schedule 2 Carcinogen category
(vi) Deputy EH&S Officer Completed two day course

11. Next Meeting

TBA Meeting closed 11.00am

Meeting No.3/2005

The third meeting of the School of Chemistry Environmental Health & Safety Committee for 2005 was held on Thursday, 13th October at 10.00am in the School Conference Room.

Present:
Dr. J. White Chair/Academic Staff Rep
Dr. E. Bieske Laser Officer
Dr. Z.Dinev Research Rep/Bio 21 Precinct
Dr. R. Gable Radiation Officer
Dr. M. Grannas Research Rep/Masson Precinct
Mr. J. Johnson Student Rep/Bio21 Precinct
Mr. R. Mathys Deputy Safety Officer
Mr. G. Papadopetros Safety Officer
Ms. J. Scott Tech & General Staff Rep/Minutes
Prof. A. Wedd Academic Staff Rep/ Bio21 Precinct
Dr. J.York Management Rep

1. Apologies

Mr. C. Scholes

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes for the previous meeting (meeting No.2/23rd June, 2005) were accepted.

3. Matters Arising/Action Sheet

(i) Incident Bio21 Lab - Risk Assessment not thorough enough
- Concern there wasn't enough consultation with Supervisor
- Three different Risk Assessment Forms available at the moment
- Risk Assessments are covered in the Safety Training Course
- These are not being transferred to the labs
- Courses for Staff on Risk Assessments
- Distillation of any Peroxides, the documentation to be submitted to the Safety Officer prior to starting reaction.
- Risk Assessments to be completed for all aspects of work being carried out.
- Risk Assessments as part of laboratory work books i.e Cambridge a good model to follow
- Email to all staff/students on Risk Assessments
- Check 300 Level Organic practical manual on vacuum distillation notes- JJS
- Bad practice a probable cause

4. Safety Officer’s Report/Statistics

5. Report by Safety Officer on Quarterly Inspection of Laboratories, Workshops and Offices

- Six monthly inspections instead of quarterly
- More thorough inspections to be done
- Next one due at the end of October
- Cross inspections will be carried out by other departments
- For 2006 inspections will be May and November

6. Laser Officer’s Report

Nil

7. Radiation Officer’s Report

Nil

8. Designated Work Group Representative’s Report

Jennifer Scott elected as Health and Safety Rep.

- Course completed ( 19th Sept - 23rd Sept)
- Refresher course Annually
- Health and Safety Representatives Seminar 26th October, 2005

9. SafetyMAP

Internal audit 16th December, 2005

10. Any Other Business

(i) Bio21/White Lab
Corrosives' cabinet to be purchased
(ii) Lockable Cabinets
Have been installed in the Masson and Bio 21 precinct for Schedule 7 poisons.
MSDS to be available
(iii) Distillation Lab
Query about availability for use.
(vi) Tiles/ Inorganic Teaching Lab
Letter to be sent to Property /Buildings requesting that the floor tiles to be done.

11. Appointment of a Deputy Environment, Health and Safety Officer

- Dean suggested that there be a contact person to back up the Safety Officer
- Appointment of Mr. Richard Mathys as Deputy
- Two day Course available for Management Reps at Trades Hall

12. Next Meeting

15th December

Meeting closed 10.44am

Meeting No.2/2005

The second meeting of the School of Chemistry Environmental Health & Safety Committee for 2005 was held on Thursday, 23rd June at 10.00am in Meeting Room, Level 5, Bio21 Building.

Present:
Dr. J. White Chair/Academic Staff Rep
Dr. M. Grannas Research Rep
Mr. J. Johnson Student Rep/Bio21 Precinct
Mr. G. Papadopetros Safety Officer
Mr. C. Scholes Student Rep/Masson Precinct
Ms. J. Scott Tech & General Staff Rep/Minutes
Dr. T. Smith Laser Officer
Prof. A. Wedd Academic Staff Rep/ Bio21 Precinct
Dr. J.York Management Rep

Thank you : Dr. Melissa Laws

Welcome: Prof. Tony Wedd, Dr. Martin Grannas and Mr. James Johnson

1. Apologies

Dr. R. Gable

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes for the previous meeting (meeting No.1/24th March, 2005) were accepted.

3. Matters Arising/Action Sheet

Room 207 Lighting
Brett Lord has organized for this to be done.

J.O.L Vacuum System
Plumbers don’t attend to waste bottles at end of benches. We have to attend to these ourselves. Brett Lord has requested that the vacuum taps be looked at. Using copper reagents over a period of time can cause corrosion of the taps.

4. Safety Officer’s Report/Statistics
13 incidents in total mainly due to carelessness, rushing and no forethought before carrying out tasks.

Incidents:
- Hand on hotplate
- Minor cuts from broken glass
- Glass implosion using an Erlenmeyer flask instead of a Round Bottom Flask
- Fumecupboard explosion Bio21(distilling TMS Peroxide) wasn’t cooled before opening minor cuts. Will not be done again.
- Alarm magnet in Store fell down hurting staff member’s foot
- Builders removed a dewar from the lift which was going to the 5th Level and just left it unattended on the 2nd Level.

5. Report by Safety Officer on Quarterly Inspection of Laboratories, Workshops and Offices

Power points to be installed in Rm 213. P&B – funds not available. (Has now been done). An inspection of the X-Ray Lab area has not been done for a while. Area needs cleaning up.

6. Laser Officer’s Report

• Bieske Lab new systems installed
• Smith Lab some high powered lasers still to arrive
• Eye Testing Initial test done, need to be done as well when finishing as part of the sign off procedure.

7. Radiation Officer’s Report

Nil

8. Designated Work Group Representative’s Report

Jennifer Scott elected as Health and Safety Rep.

Will complete 5 day training course 19th September – 24th September, 2005

9. SafetyMAP

Bio21 could be audited, will include lab inspections, risk assessments, storage of chemicals, in early August.

10. Any Other Business

(i) Research Representative/Bio21
Zoran Dinev to join the EH&S Committee

(ii) Bike Storage(Masson)
The repository room a possibility

(iii) Workcover
Attending next Monday 26th June
- chemical manifest updated
- floor plans have been changed
- hazard signs to change (RMO) attending to this

11. Next Meeting

29th September, 2005

Meeting closed 10.43am

Meeting No.1/2005

The first meeting of the School of Chemistry Environmental Health & Safety Committee for 2005
was held on Thursday, 24th March at 10.00am in the School Conference Room.

Present:
Dr. J. White Chair/Academic Staff Rep
Dr. R. Gable Radiation Officer
Dr. M. Laws Bio21 Rep
Mr. G. Papadopetros Safety Officer
Mr. C. Scholes Student Rep
Ms. J. Scott Tech & General Staff Rep/Minutes
Dr. T. Smith Laser Officer
Dr. J.York Management Rep

1. Apologies

Prof. A. Wedd

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes for the previous meeting (meeting No.4/2004, 16th December) were accepted.

3. Matters Arising/Action Sheet

Item 8 Designated Workgroup Representative’s Report
Departments not policy making committees but for advising and implementation.

Item 10 Any Other Business (ii) Bikes in Labs
Most people using bikes have relocated to Bio21, it has been noted that the bike cage at Bio21 is inadequate. Bikes are not to be left in pathways.

4. Safety Officer’s Report/Statistics
Lowest number of incidents for the quarter.

Incidents:
- deep paper cut
- staff in the Store slipped on wet floor after heavy rainfall
- Two thefts in the building, doors to be kept locked.

5. Report by Safety Officer on Quarterly Inspection of Laboratories,
Workshops and Offices

X-Ray Lab checklist to be done.

Extractor fan requested for solvent hut No.2

Room 207, more lighting requested. Brett Lord to address.

J.O.L vacuum system still to be done.

M key lock is for the Blue Lab only.

Safety Officer to check chemical storage issues

6. Laser Officer’s Report

Dr. Trevor Smith will be substituting as Laser Officer while Evan Bieske is away.

A couple of new Class 4 Lasers coming to the Bieske Lab. Not delivered yet.

7. Radiation Officer’s Report

There are 17 badges on issue in the School.

Both Prof. Franz Greiser and Dr. Paul Mulvaney groups use the Cobalt 60 source.

8. Designated Work Group Representative’s Report

Mike Blake has resigned as DWG.

Email will go out requesting volunteers to nominate for the DWG position.

9. SafetyMAP

Two audits for the Science Faculty in May and December, 2005

10. Online Chemical Inventory Database

UTS (University of Technology, Sydney)
- database similar to Infosafe that the Risk Management has purchased but no definite date has been set for the rollout of this database.

11. Any Other Business

(i) Cleaning
Contract has been renewed.
Seven day a week cleaning in Chemistry.
Signage for “Cleaners” – DO NOT ENTER available from the Safety Officer

(ii) Occupational Health & Safety Act (OH&S)
Being reviewed in July.
Psychological health is being recognized.
Health and Safety Officer will be a 3 year term.
Breach of Safety now $1,000,000.
Employees now have responsibility to follow directions/procedures and the failure to do so will result in fines.

(iii) Tram Terminus
Has been upgraded due care to be taken.

(iv) Outside Medical Faculty
Another area for potential accidents with people driving through the red lights, there have been a couple of near misses.

12. Next Meeting

23rd June - Level 5 meeting Room, Bio21

Meeting closed 10.56am

Meeting No.4/2004

The fourth meeting of the School of Chemistry Environmental Health & Safety Committee for 2004
was held on Thursday, 16th December at 10.00am in the School Conference Room.

Present:
Dr. E. Bieske Laser Officer
Mr. M. Blake DWG Rep
Dr. C. Hutton Bio21 Rep
Mr. G. Papadopetros Chair/Safety Officer
Mr. C. Scholes Student Rep
Ms. J. Scott Tech & General Staff Rep/Minutes
Dr. J.York Management Rep

Welcome: To Dr. Jenny York who has taken up the position of Executive Manager in the School of Chemistry and to Michael Blake who will be the Designated Workgroup Representative.

Thank You: To Michael Carland for his participation and contribution to the EH&S Committee.

1. Apologies

Dr. M. Carland, Dr. R. Gable

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting

Amendment to Item 10 Any Other Business (iii)
Our meetings don’t have to be in line with the Faculty.
The minutes of the previous meeting (meeting No.3/2004, 30th Sept)
Were then accepted.

3. Matters Arising/Action Sheet

Nil

4. Safety Officer’s Report/Statistics

• Incident Reports
(i) Post-Grad student (BHP) Lab had a mixture of Calcium Phosphine and Sulphuric Acid creating an exothermic reaction. Fumecupboard not being used and risk assessment procedure not being followed.
(ii) Leaking chemical bottle in box after delivery to Store, bottle was broken. Supplier has been notified.
(iii) Light effuser dropped onto the bench in the 1st Year Lab and broke a student’s sunglasses.
(iv) Small acid spill in the 1st Year Lab.
(v) Smells from Hydrogenation Lab (Room to the side of J.O.L) permeated the 1st Year Lab and the Store area. The Lab has been closed down.
(vi) Prana Lab now using re circulated water.

• Incidents 2004
3 floods
10 minor chemical spills
2 minor splash to eyes
6 near misses
3 cuts
2 serious chemical explosions
3 smells reported although there were many more. Still an ongoing issue
noise issues, with alarms going off
last evacuation was April, 2004

5. Report by Safety Officer on Quarterly Inspection of Laboratories,
Workshops and Offices

• Almost all done.
• Some housekeeping issues.
• Safety Officer to help out groups (~3) per quarter.
• Faculty still to report back to Chemistry on changes to Lab Inspection forms.

6. Laser Officer’s Report

• Evan Bieske will be on study leave 1st half ,2005.
• Possible substitute could be Trevor Smith?
• More formalized procedure for eye testing of students working in Laser Labs. Should be done before and after completing BSc(Hons) or PhD. Payment to be provided from the Safety Budget.
• Change requested on the form that the students complete.

7. Radiation Officer’s Report

Nil

8. Designated Work Group Representative’s Report

• Document on the Rights and Functions of Health and Safety Representatives circulated to the members of the EH&S Committee.

• Occupational Health and Safety Act is being rewritten at this moment.

• DWG represents all employees including students.

• Store Risk Assessment training completed with the help of Safety Officer. Recommend that all groups take this opportunity to organize Risk Assessment training with the Safety Officer. Recommend that the Bio 21 groups take up this training as well.

• School van under utilized a risk assessment on the van was completed and it was found that the current van is unsuitable for the needs of the Store. Dangerous Goods are delivered around campus by courier every 2nd day at the moment. Does the School need 2 vehicles?

• Members on the EH&S Committee should have a ratio of 50:50 volunteers/management – clarification needed.

• DWG role impacts on Bio 21 employees.

9. SafetyMAP

• Two audits conducted during July and December, 2004
• WorkCover audit - tripping issue ( compactus shelving) in the Store has been removed. Floor to be concreted.

10. Any Other Business

(i) Fumecupboards/Bio 21
Contained and bunded.

(ii) Bikes in Labs
Can be parked in offices as long as not blocking egress.
Not to be stored in Laboratories.
Building Supervisor (Brett Lord and the Safety Officer (George Papadopetros) to
identify where bikes are currently located in the School.

(iii) Water Aspirators
Ban on 24 hour usage of water aspirators. Staged removal to be looked into the only teaching lab still using water aspirators is the Inorganic Teaching in the East Wing.

(iv) Food in Recycle Bins
If this is the policy used by the cleaners then the bins must be emptied every night.

11. Next Meeting

TBA

Book Conference for 2005 EH&S Committee Meetings, Thurs 10.00am 24th March, 23rJune,
29th September and 15th December.

12. Morning Tea

At completion of meeting members of the Committee enjoyed the traditional end of year
morning tea.

Meeting closed 11.05am

Meeting No3/2004

The third meeting of the School of Chemistry Environmental Health & Safety Committee for 2004
was held on Thursday, 30th September at 10.00am in the School Conference Room.