SAFETY & SECURITY
WHMIS Training Sessions
The acronym WHMIS refers to Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, which is legislation that came into effect on October 31, 1988. This legislation gives everyone the right to know about any hazardous materials with which they may work.
The WHMIS legislation makes it mandatory that all employees attend a short course (approximately three hours in duration), which will provide basic information.
In addition to WHMIS training, all graduate students are required to take:
Ergonomics
Fire Safety
Slips, Trips and Falls
Asbestos Awareness
All of the above courses are available through the on-line training portal of Environmental & Occupational Health Support Services (EOHSS). Please go their website at:
http://cll.mcmaster.ca/eohss/ to Register. A listing of the sessions offered is also posted.
You must complete WHMIS training before you will be issued keys to lab.
Safety Seminar
There is also a mandatory departmental safety seminar on:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 10:30 a.m. in JHE-326H
All graduate students are required to attend.
Safety Reports
Before the start of an experimental program, all graduate students, PDF’s plus all other researchers are required to submit a safety report to the Departmental Safety Committee. No-one can commence their experimental work until their report is submitted and approved. The report must be updated regularly or when a significant change in the experimental work occurs. Safety Report forms and instructions can be downloaded from the Chemical Engineering website http://www.chemeng.mcmaster.ca/research/default.htm.
If you are carrying out computational type of work, you are still required to submit a safety report.
Eye Safety Regulations
All people entering an active laboratory must wear eye protection. The specific type of protection will be
determined by the actual hazards present. Graduate students should discuss this with their Faculty Supervisor.
Nearby Assistance
If the experimental work is potentially hazardous you must not work alone. It is necessary to have a “qualified” person nearby who understands safety procedures.
No Smoking, Eating Or Drinking In The Labs
Do not smoke, eat or drink, or store food in the laboratory areas. This is obvious for health, safety and legal reasons.
Reporting Of A Safety Incident
Any incident, which could have resulted in injury, must be reported to the Department immediately. The Department contacts are:
- Justyna Derkach, Undergraduate Lab/Research Assistant, ext. 24958
- Doug Keller, Laboratory Manager, ext. 24014 Cell # 905 518 6610
The university is required by law to report such incidents to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
Fire Safety Procedure
In the case of fire, or the sounding of an alarm”Get Out And Stay Out”. You should be at least 50 feet away from the building and not return until the “All Clear” is given.
Waste Chemical Disposal - Safety
- Hazardous chemical waste will be picked up from your laboratory every Tuesday between 9:00-11:00 a.m. You must wait for the waste management company to arrive at your laboratory for the pick up.
- By Friday afternoon, prior to the pick-up on Tuesday you are required to provide EOHSS with a copy of the chemical waste disposal record either by fax at (905) 540-9085 or by e-mail at waste@mcmaster.ca.
- All waste must be identified and properly labeled. Unlabelled waste will not be accepted.
- Do not pour hazardous chemicals down the drains.
- Do not throw hazardous chemical waste into the garbage bins.
Graduate students and other researchers in Chemical Engineering who are not certain how to dispose of waste should contact Justyna Derkach or Doug Keller for details.
Security
McMaster’s location can sometimes make you forget that the world is not always a nice place. Theft, particularly of bicycles and computers can be a problem. You are encouraged to ID your bicycle, computers and other valuables. Be aware of your surroundings. There have been thefts of personal belongings and research equipment from laboratories and offices. Please lock your door each time you leave your room/laboratory - even for 5 minutes. If you are using the library or other common areas, do not ever leave valuables (wallets, purses, etc.) where they can be taken.
McMaster Security Officers act under the authority of the Ontario Police Act to enforce federal and provincial regulations. They are here to protect, not to harass you. Students who violate these statutes and bylaws are subject to arrest, prosecution and/or disciplinary action under McMaster’s Student Code of Conduct.
Emergency
In case of emergency call 88. The McMaster Security office is located in E. T. Clarke 201 and can be contacted at ext. 24281. This office is responsible for overall security on campus. In addition they operate a Lost and Found service (ext. 23366). Any lost items will be held by them for 60 days.
Escort Service - SWHAT
During the months of September through April, students operate an escort service, "Students Walk Home Attendant Team" (SWHAT). After dark, if you telephone ext. 27500, you can arrange to be escorted to your car or residence by a male and a female student. This service is provided for your protection and should, therefore, be utilized. During the months, May to August, the Campus Security will look after escorting you to your car or residence. The extension is the same – 27500.
