Dear CHBE members,

I’m relaying messages from two staff members, Joanne, and Marlene.

Message from Joanne:
The Holiday Season is here again. The department will be closed from December 24th until January 1, 2014 inclusive. During this time, NO staff will be working in the department. There are also some staff who are going on vacation earlier (see below for details).

During this time, the building will be on “weekend mode” which means it is locked down. If you require entrance to the building during this time, you will need to use your fob or iClass student card/employee card to gain access to the various floors and the building.

If you plan to work in your lab during this time, please remember to follow UBC’s Working Alone policy. Marlene will be sending out some information about that later.

Message from Marlene:

• Ensure your supervisor is aware and is in agreement with your plan to work alone. Complete a risk assessment with your supervisor determining the hazards which can cause injury and determine the consequences.  The assessment may restrict the activities permitted in work alone situations.
• During the work alone period, the worker must have routine communication with another person either visually or by phone.  With your supervisor, develop the procedure including form and frequency of communication.  The contact person must be trained in assisting the worker should there be an emergency.
• Example 1:  Running reactor while working alone

• Risk assessment – potential of Phosgene gas generation.  High risk, no work alone permitted.

• Example 2:  Testing samples in lab while working alone:

• Risk assessment – no hazardous chemicals.  No hazardous situations associated with testing equipment.  Low risk associated with testing samples while working alone
• Procedure – call contact person when arriving to work and then every hour using cell phone.  Call contact person when finished.  Call Walk Safe for escort when leaving building.

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