Safety Committee Meeting

School of Engineering

January 24, 2025

In Attendance: Nick Vitelli, Beth Last, Kayla Majewski, Omar Ashour, Chris Bartlett, Andrew Bartlett, Brian Lani, Mark Rubeo, Nany Study, Steve Nozaki, Brandi Baros (Zoom).

Members Unavailable: Tim Kurzweg, Dave Honard, Adam Gummerson, Fred Nitterright, Azeemuddin Syed

1. Introduction and Roll Call

  • Nick Vitelli opened the meeting at 1:00 p.m., welcoming everyone back and expressing his excitement for the success of the safety committee.
  • Roll call was conducted to identify participants.

2. Safety and Lab Access

  • Discussion on the importance of maintaining safety protocols and ensuring all students working in labs have completed necessary safety training.
  • Emphasis on the need for proper documentation and ensuring that all safety paperwork is up to date.
  • Specific mention of ensuring students working in labs outside of class time have the required safety training and documentation.

3. Lab Access and Training Documentation

  • All Lab Access Trainings are due by the end of the month or access will be removed.
  • Discussion on how to have everyone sign the Red Books (USP Certification Page).

4. Equipment and Safety Procedures

  • Review of PPE Needs with Brandi – Lab Coats will be required when using chemicals.
  • Emphasis on the importance of documenting training for specific equipment and ensuring students are properly trained before using lab equipment.

5. Lab Safety Roles and Responsibilities

  • Determine who are the lab coordinators and safety officers for each lab in Burke and AMIC.
  • Discussion on who are approved trainers for what equipment.

6. Room Reservations and Access

  • iLabs – Make sure you go through Beth Last to reserve equipment.

7. Monthly Laboratory Risk Assessments

  • Discussion on the continuation of monthly laboratory risk assessments and the importance of documenting any equipment issues or safety concerns.
  • Agreement to continue using the risk assessment forms and to ensure they are completed and reviewed regularly.

8. New Risk Assessment System

  • Discussion of the new Lion Safe Risk Assessment system, which will replace the old unit-specific plans (USPs).
  • Emphasis on the need for faculty to complete the new risk assessments and ensure their labs are compliant with safety regulations.

9. Action Items and Next Steps

  • Kayla and Brandi to meet next week to discuss the iLabs system and how it can be used to track safety training and lab access.
  • Faculty to review and update the laboratory shop equipment safety procedures and lab safety roles.
  • Continuation of monthly laboratory risk assessments and documentation of any issues or concerns.

 

Meeting concluded at 2:45 p.m. Next meeting is scheduled for February.