Fine
Arts and Sciences Safety Committee
Terms
of Reference
| 1. |
This committee was struck to oversee the specific safety concerns
of the Science and Fine Arts Departments' Laboratory and Studio spaces
where there is usage and storage of a variety of chemical and biohazardous
products. These areas include all teaching and research laboratory
areas in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology, the painting,
photographic, sculpture studios of the Fine Arts Department and art
restoration area of the Owen's Art Gallery. |
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| 2. |
The committee is responsible for conducting Safety Audits of the above
named areas. The audits will include attention to the following: In
particular, checks will be made to ensure that all chemicals, biohazards,
broken glassware and sharps containers are properly labelled, that
the chemicals are separated appropriately, that the Material Safety
Data Sheets are located in a readily accessible area, that the basic
first aid equipment in each laboratory be located in an accessible
area and that the kits be complete, that the general laboratory/studio
work spaces be tidy and constitute a safe working environment. In
general, all aspects of compliance with WHMIS regulations is a part
of the safety audits. Reports of the individual audits will be forwarded
to the appropriate department head and the VP administration expeditiously. |
|
| 3. |
The committee will arrange and, when possible, finance basic first
aid training for laboratory technicians and laboratory/studio supervisors.
These courses will be conducted on an intermittent schedule as required. |
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| 4. |
Subject to budget constraints, the committee will arrange to purchase
items/software which will benefit the university members that the
committee represents. |
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| 5. |
The committee will investigate any complaints about safety practices
in the above fore-mentioned areas. Reports and committee recommendations
will be forwarded to the appropriate supervisors and levels of administration
as soon as possible. A copy of the report and recommendation will
be sent to the person who lodged the initial complaint. |
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| 6. |
The committee will be comprised of 4 members of the Science or Fine
Arts Departments including the Chemistry Laboratory Administrative
Assistant, representing the University Administration, who will serve
as one of the co-chairs of the committee. The term of service will
be 3 years which could be extended. |
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| 7. |
The chairpersons will reserve a meeting room; keep discussions focused
on the agenda; sign and distribute the minutes following each meeting;
and may accompany the WHSCC safety officeer on workplace inspections
or investigations. |
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| 8. |
The committee will meet on a monthly basis throughout the year. The
safety audits will be scheduled in addition to the regular meeting
time. |
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| 9. |
A quorum to hold meetings will consist of a minimum of one employee representative and one management representative. |
Maintained
by the Office of the Vice-President
(Administration)
October 7, 2004
October 7, 2004