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The University ofBritish Columbia

Manual MAN 000001

Revision: 05

Page: 1 of 26Department: Civil EngineeringDepartment: Civil Engineering

TITLE: HSE Manual for the Department of Civil Engineering

THIS DOCUMENT IS VALID ONLY AT TIME OF PRINTING. ANY COPIES MADEARE CONSIDERED UNCONTROLLED UNLESS STAMPED OTHERWISE. Printed on: Friday, November 16, 2012

Civil Engineering Labs Only

Revision History

Rev Description Revised by Date00 Initial Release M. Rigolo May 11, 201001 Replaced Fire situations sections with a

broader content taken from UBC Campus

Security site and renamed Emergency

Situations.

Added section on Ergonomics.

Cleaned up formatting.Changed title to eliminate Laboratories.

Cleaned up footer.

M. Rigolo May 12, 2010

02 Removed tables listing HSE committee

members and First Aid Attendants and

replaced with reference to HSE boards to

avoid quick obsolescence of this document

M. Rigolo July 12, 2012

03 Added site for emergency procedures as

RMS has split the information on security

from emergency situations

M. Rigolo October 3, 2012

04 Added information about the HSE

orientation, several revisions to ensure

alignment with MAN000003 and POL000001and POL000003

M. Rigolo October 22, 2012

05 Added hyperlinks M. Rigolo October 24, 2012

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HSE Manual for the Departmentof Civil Engineering

Created by: Mark RigoloDate: May 3, 2010

Approved by: Reza Vaziri Date: October 30, 2012

THIS DOCUMENT, SUBMITTED IN CONFIDENCE, CONTAINS PROPRIETARY INFORMATION WHICH SHALL NOT BE

REPRODUCED OR TRANSFERRED TO OTHER DOCUMENTS OR DISCLOSED TO OTHERS OR USED FOR MANUFACTURING ORANY OTHER PURPOSE WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF UBC.

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Table of Contents

1 Purpose.......................................................................................... 4

2 Scope ............................................................................................ 4

3 Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) at UBC ..................................... 4

4 Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) in the Department of CivilEngineering the HSE Committee .......................................................... 5

5 The Research Facilities ..................................................................... 6

6 General Lab safety guidelines ............................................................ 77 Emergency situations ....................................................................... 8

7.1 Fire or Explosion ......................................................................... 8

7.2 Emergency Evacuation .............................................................. 107.3 Suspicious Individual ................................................................ 10

7.4 Dangerous or Armed Person ....................................................... 10

7.5 Bomb Threats .......................................................................... 12

8 Safety incidents ............................................................................ 139 PPE ............................................................................................. 14

9.1 Gloves .................................................................................... 14

9.2 Eye Protection .......................................................................... 149.3 Footwear ................................................................................. 15

9.4 Respiratory Protection ............................................................... 16

9.5 Hearing protection .................................................................... 17

10 Important procedures ................................................................... 1810.1 Emergency contacts ................................................................ 18

10.2 Preliminary Hazards Analysis (PHA) ........................................... 18

10.3 Inspections ............................................................................ 1810.4 Working alone ........................................................................ 18

10.5 Field work .............................................................................. 19

10.6 Unattended operation .............................................................. 19

11 Chemicals ................................................................................... 19

11.1 Procuring, using, storing and disposing ...................................... 19

11.2 WHMIS .................................................................................. 19

12 Ergonomics ................................................................................. 2313 Electrical safety ........................................................................... 24

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1 PurposeThis document outlines the safety practices of the Laboratories in the Department of

Civil Engineering at UBC. The Department labs are intended to be a safe, healthy

and secure environment in which to carry out teaching and research. Compliancewith the Workers Compensation Act, WHMIS and related legislation is the minimum

standard acceptable. This document outlines some specific safety measures to

govern the work within the Labs. It is expected that all personnel working in thesefacilities will follow the policies in this document. This document is in alignment with

the HSE policy on safety (#7) at UBC and the Department of Civil Engineerings HSE

policy contained in POL000003: HSE Policy for the Department of Civil

Engineering.

2 ScopeThis document is applicable to all the Research Facilities in the Department of Civil

Engineering at UBC.

3 Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) at UBCThe University aims to provide a safe, healthy and secure environment in which to

carry out the Universitys affairs. All possible preventive measures are taken to

eliminate accidental injuries, occupational diseases and risks to personal security.

Compliance with the Workers Compensation Act, WHMIS and related legislation isthe minimum standard acceptable. All students and members of faculty and staff are

encouraged to strive to exceed these minimum legal standards and to eliminateunnecessary risks.

It is the responsibility of the University acting through administrative heads of unit

to:

provide a safe, healthy and secure working environment; ensure regular inspections are made and take action as required to improve

unsafe conditions;

ensure that health, safety, and personal security considerations form anintegral part of the design, construction, purchase and maintenance of all

buildings, equipment and work processes; provide first aid facilities where appropriate; support supervisors and safety committees in the implementation of an

effective health, safety and security program; ensure compliance with WCB and other applicable legislation;

establish department or building HSE committees;

communicate with the university community or affected groups about events

or situations when potentially harmful conditions arise or are discovered;

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ensure adequate resources are available to implement appropriate

procedures.

It is the responsibility of supervisory staff to:

formulate specific safety rules and safe work procedures for their area of

supervision;

ensure that all employees under their supervision are aware of safety

practices and follow safety procedures;

provide training in the safe operation of equipment; inspect regularly their areas for hazardous conditions;

correct promptly unsafe work practices or hazardous conditions;

be responsive to concerns expressed about personal security and investigateany accidents, incidents or personal security concerns which have occurred in

their area of responsibility;

report any accidents or incidents involving personal security to theappropriate University authority;

participate, if requested, on department or building HSE committees.

It is the responsibility of individual students and members of faculty and staff to:

observe safety rules and procedures established by supervisory staff,

administrative heads of unit and the University;

be safety-conscious in all activities, be they work, study or recreation; report as soon as possible any accident, injury, unsafe condition, insecure

condition or threats to personal security to a supervisor or administrative

head of unit; use properly and care for adequately personal protective equipment provided

by the University;

participate, if elected or appointed, on departmental or building HSE

committees.

4 Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) in the Department of CivilEngineering the HSE Committee

The Departments HSE Committee meets on the first Thursday of the month at 10:30

AM in CEME 2010. The composition and terms of reference for this committee can

be found in POL000001 Terms of Reference for the HSE committee.

The minutes of each meeting and other important HSE information can be found onthe HSE bulletin board outside the Materials Lab.

The Department provides an HSE orientation for all faculty members, staff and

graduate students. This is held at the beginning of the fall, winter and spring terms.

The most recent version the presentation given at this orientation may be found at:www.civil.ubc.ca/safety. Undergraduate students are given an HSE orientation as

part of CIVL322.

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5 The Research FacilitiesThe Department of Civil Engineering has several facilities used for teaching and research.These are:

5.1.Earthquake Engineering Research Facility Location: CEME building 309

Type: Research

Area: 490 m2

Principal Investigators: K. Elwood, C. Ventura

5.2.Structures Laboratory Location: Rusty Hut, Room 100

Type: Research

Area: 663 m2

Principal Investigators: P. Adebar, K. Elwood, S. Stiemer, C. Ventura, T. Yang

5.3.Geotechnical Laboratories - Undergraduate Location: CEME building, Rooms 1006 and 1008

Type: Teaching CIVL210 and CIVL311

Area: 290 m2

Principal Investigators: J. Fannin, J. Howie, D. Wijewickreme

5.4.Geotechnical Laboratories - Graduate Location: Rusty Hut Rooms 130-136

Type: Research and teaching Graduate courses

Principal Investigators: J. Fannin, J. Howie, D. Wijewickreme

5.5.Environmental Laboratory Location: CEME building, Rooms 1301 to 1306 and MacMillan Building, Rooms

80, 90 and 94

Type: Research and teaching CIVL407 (CEME1301 only)

Principal Investigators: P. Berube, E. Hall, L. Li, V. Lo, D. Mavinic

5.6.Hydraulics Laboratory Location: Rusty Hut, Room 139

Type: Research and teaching CIVL315 and CIVL316

Area: 900 m2

Principal Investigators: G. Lawrence, N. Yonemitsu

5.7.Materials Laboratory Location: CEME building, Room 1012

Type: Research and teaching CIVL322

Area: 500 m2

Principal Investigators: N. Banthia

5.8.Pilot Plant on South Campus Location: South Campus UBC

Type: Research

Area: 600 m2

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The TWR must be filled in completely, signed by a member of faculty and

signed off by the Director of Laboratories who will also assign the project

number to the work. Either the Supervisory Technician or the Director of Laboratories will give

out work assignments to the Technicians in relation to these projects. A meeting will be called with the personnel assigned to the project and

the principle researcher to establish the scope of work. All research projects will have a number assigned to them to help track

expenses and time spent on them.

No work will be carried out without a properly completed TWR.

For external contract work:

The Principle Investigator (PI) will establish the relationship with the

customer and understand the scope of work (SOW) to be completed.

The PI will meet with the Director of Laboratories to review the SOW sothat a proper budget for consumables and the number of hours of support

needed from the LSG can be established. The PI negotiates the contract with the customer.

A Technical Work Request form (TWR) will be filled in. Blank forms maybe found on the Department website or here.

The TWR must be filled in completely, signed by the PI and signed off by

the Director of Laboratories who will also assign the project number to

the work.

Either the Supervisory Technician or the Director of Laboratories will give

out work assignments to the Technicians in relation to these projects. A meeting will be called with the personnel assigned to the project and

the PI to review the SOW.

All research projects will have a number assigned to them to help trackexpenses and time spent on them.

No work will be carried out without a properly completed TWR.

7 Emergency situationsThe UBC Campus Security has developed several protocols to cover

emergency situations. Excerpts are reproduced below. The most recent

versions can always be found on the sites: www.security.ubc.ca andhttp://www.emergency.ubc.ca/procedures/

The protocols deal with responses to the following situations: Hazardous

materials, emergency evacuation, a suspicious individual, a dangerous or

armed person and a bomb threat.

7.1 Fire or Explosion If possible and safe, control fire with the appropriate extinguisher but

ensure you tell someone of your intentions before starting to attack

the fire. Do not place yourself or others in danger.

Do not attempt to rescue injured persons if doing so places you in

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danger.

Evacuate immediate area, closing door behind you.

Activate fire alarm.

Everyone must evacuate the building when a fire alarm sounds, closing

doors as they leave.

Each floor has Fire Wardens who will direct the evacuation as quicklyas possible in a safe and controlled manner.

Call 911 to ensure that the Fire Department received the alarm and

call Campus Security.

Wait for emergency personnel outside the main entrance of the

building. Provide information on hazardous materials involved.

Do not reenter the building until Emergency Services Personnel give

permission to do so.

Large Chemical, Biohazard, or Radiation Spills:

Shut down equipment and evacuate immediate area

Isolate area and prevent reentry.

Call 911 and Campus Security (Campus Security will inform HSE).

Provide the following information about the spilled material:

o Location Street

o Address Building/

o Department Room

o Number.

o Injuries.

o Chemical name Quantity Hazards. Do not hang up until the operator releases you.

Contact the Provincial Emergency Program 1-800-663-3456 if the spill

is reportable as defined by the British Columbia Waste Management

Act, Spill Reporting Regulations.

Wait for emergency personnel outside the main entrance of the

building. Provide MSDS information if possible.

Inform Supervisor or Department Head.

Gas Leaks:

In North America, natural gas has been spiked with an odourant that

smells like rotting eggs. The human nose can detect the smell at gasconcentrations far below the explosive limit. If you smell rotting eggs,there is a gas leak.

Do not pull fire alarm this could cause an explosion as it may spark.

Call 911 and Campus Security.

Shut down equipment.

Evacuate building, closing doors as you leave

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7.2 Emergency EvacuationIt is important to be familiar with the nearest designated building exit foryour area, as well as the location of the nearest fire extinguisher.

The following procedure must be followed in case of an emergency

evacuation of the building when the fire alarm sounds:

If possible shut down equipment and secure hazardous materials

Everyone in the building must immediately evacuate the building in as

orderly fashion as possible, using the predetermined (closest) exits (in

case of fire, check doors for heat before opening).

Instructors are responsible to evacuate their class.

Each floor has Fire Wardens who will direct the evacuation as quickly

as possible in a safe and controlled manner.

Do not use the elevators unless you have received specificauthorization to do so.

If there is a special needs person(s) in the building, 1 or 2 monitors

should be assigned to assist them to evacuate or to stay with them ina safe place until the Fire Department arrives. Do not leave them

alone.

All building faculty, staff, students and visitors must follow the

instructions of the Fire Wardens, Campus Security, Police, Fire or

Ambulance when asked to evacuate the building.

NO ONE shall reenter the building following a fire or fire drill untilpermission has been given by the Fire Department, Police or Campus

Security.

If you suspect someone was not evacuated or you have any

information about the incident that prompted the alarm, report to

Emergency Response Personnel.

7.3 Suspicious Individual Report any suspicious individual or activity to Campus Security at 604-

822-2222.

Give your location, name and reason for calling.

Be ready to provide a physical description of the individual: age,weight, hair color and length, clothing, facial hair and any other

distinguishing features.

If the individual is in a vehicle, attempt to get the vehicle make, model

and color as well as the license plate number, if possible.

Follow the instructions provided to you by Campus Security.

7.4 Dangerous or Armed Person1. If you witness an armed individual on campus at any time, do not

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approach the person. Try to remain calm. Call 911 immediately and

then Campus Security at 604-822-2222. Give your location, nameand reason for calling. If possible, be ready to provide a physical

description of the individual:

o Age

o Clothing

o Weight

o Facial hair

o Hair color and length

o Distinguishing features

If the individual is in a vehicle, attempt to get the vehicle:

o Make

o Colour

o Model

o License plate number

2. If an armed suspect is outside your building:

In the event of an immediate threat remove yourself from any open

area and try to get to the closest safe location and remain there until

an all clear" instruction is given by the Police or Security (the ideallocation has a door that locks, no windows facing the threat, some

means of communication available like a phone and has a

secondary exit).

Turn off all the lights, close and lock all windows and doors.

Close all window blinds and curtains.

If you can do so safely, get all individuals on the floor and out of

the line of fire.

3. If an armed suspect is inside the building:

If it is possible to flee the area safely and avoid danger, do so.

If flight is unsafe or impossible, lock all doors and secure yourself

in your space.

Close all window blinds and curtains.

Contact 911 or Campus Security 604-822-2222 with your locationif possible.

Get down on the floor or under a desk and remain silent.

Get individuals on the floor and out of the line of fire.

Ensure that your cell phone is not on ring mode.

Wait for the "all clear" instruction.

4. If an armed suspect comes into your class or office:

There is no specific procedure which can be recommended to

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ensure your safety in this situation.

Attempt to get the word out to other staff/students if possible.

Call 911 or Campus Security 604-822-2222 if possible.

Put distance between yourself and the offender. Make use of

shielding if possible ie: desk, filing cabinet, etc. between you and

the offender.

Do not challenge the offender. If flight is impossible, attempt to

negotiate with the individual.

If possible, keep an escape route behind you.

Demonstrate an interest in solving the problem. Attempt to

communicate to the individual that your main goal is to HELP

them, not hinder them.

If the offender leaves your area, lock your door immediately.

Remain in the area (unless your safety is in jeopardy), and awaitfurther instructions from authorities.

7.5 Bomb ThreatsThe majority of bomb threats are made with the intent of disrupting

normal business. However, every bomb threat must be investigated to

ensure the safety of building occupants. If you have received a bombthreat, call 911 and then Campus Security at 604-822-2222.

Be prepared to provide the information from the Bomb Threat Check

Sheet.

If you receive the bomb threat call:

Stay calm and keep the caller on the line if possible.

Do not upset the caller and indicate your willingness to

cooperate.

Permit the caller to say as much as possible without

interruption.

If they dont give you much information, ask a lot of questions

(see bomb threat check sheet).

Take notes on everything said.

If you are asked to leave the building:

Leave by the nearest and safest exit.

Take personal items such as purses, lunch containers, briefcasesetc.

Make a quick visual sweep of your area for any unusual items.

DO NOT TOUCH anything suspicious Report any suspect object

to the Emergency Services Personnel.

BOMB THREAT CHECK SHEET

Be calm. Be courteous. Listen. Do not interrupt the caller. If

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possible, Get the attention of other personnel by a signal or

note.

Get the following information:

The call:

date/time:

Received on line:

Keep the caller on line as long as possible. Ask to have the

message repeated. Try to get the answer to these questions:

1. When is the bomb going to explode?2. Where is the bomb?

3. What does it look like?

4. What kind of bomb is it?

5. What will cause it to explode?

6. Did you place the bomb? And why?7. Where are you calling from?

8. What is your name and address?Callers gender:

Callers age:

Callers voice:Background noise:

Other:

Callers exact words:

Time call ended:

Call received by:

Emergency Numbers Police Fire Ambulance 911

Hazardous Materials 911

Campus Security 604-822-2222

Poison Control Centre 604-682-5050

Additional Information

For information on responding to other emergencies such as

chemical, biological and radiation spills, visit:http://www.hse.ubc.ca

8 Safety incidentsA study of accidents was done and it revealed that, on the average, out of 330

times in an identical situation there would be 300 near miss accidents, oropportunities to see an accident coming; 29 times there would be a minor

accident, and 1 time would result in a serious accident. For example: I could

stumble on a crack in the sidewalk 300 times, I might fall and sustain a scrape

or bruise 29 times, and one time I could perhaps fall with a baby in my arms and

the child would be severely injured.

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Since this is a statistical model, we dont know which time will be the serious

injury. It could be the first stumble, the last, or anywhere in the middle of the

330. This is why we investigate all accidents and near miss opportunities.

Any time there is an injury or a near miss incident, a safety investigation should

be carried out. Contact any of the Lab technicians IMMEDIATELY if an incident

takes place. Submit the completed investigation form to the Director of Labs.

These documents are of utmost importance in improving our safety environment

and are not used as tools of persecution.

9 PPEThe Department urges personnel to have their own personal protective

equipment kit that should contain: safety glasses, hand protection, lab coat,safety shoes, a hardhat, and a high-visibility vest.

As well as being mandatory in some labs, these items are also required at

construction sites and many field sites that may be visited during the term. PPE

such as eye protection, hand and head protection will be provided for useduring course work, however, lab coats and safety footwear must be obtained

by students if required.

9.1 GlovesThere are two types of gloves. The first type protects against cuts andabrasions and are usually made of leather or canvas. The second type

protects against chemicals. These can be made of several kinds of plastic or

latex materials.

Proper hand protection is to be worn when using cutting tools.

Gloves are required to protect your hands from physical abrasions,

sharp edges or objects, dusts, splinters, heat and cold.

Choose the glove that is appropriate to the type of hazard that you

are handling.

Gloves are only to be worn in the laboratory.

Gloves of the correct material are to be worn when handlinghazardous materials and NOT when wandering around a lab,

handling pens, phones, door handles or equipment in order to

avoid contamination.

Please consult with your supervisor to assess your specific

needs.

9.2 Eye ProtectionSafety glasses are to be worn in all labs at all times.

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Additional eye protection will need to be worn whenever there is a potential

for splashing of chemicals or biological substances or for impact from

projectiles or dusts. Selection of eye protection should be made after carefulhazard analysis.

Goggles or Goggles and a Face Shield

A face shield and safety goggles or safety glasses (never wear a face shield

alone) should be used when the risk of splashing or flying materials is high.

The selection of protective equipment is up to YOU, unless a local procedure

mandates using a specific type of equipment. Goggles or goggles and a face

shield are recommended for the following situations:

The substance being handled is a serious eye hazard and/or the

operation involves a high risk that an eye-hazardous material will

splash, The substance being handled is a liquid hotter than 60 C. Hot

materials are much more injurious than the same materials at room

temperature and they are more likely to splash or spatter. If there is need for protection of the entire face, such as where there is

the potential for flying particles and/or acids. When the eye hazard is unknown

The wearing of safety glasses does not excuse personnel from the

requirement of wearing safety goggles if deemed more suitable.

9.3 FootwearProtective footwear is designed to protect the foot from physical hazardssuch as falling objects, stepping on sharp objects or exposure to corrosive

chemicals. In many areas of the Department faculty, staff and students are

exposed to these hazards.

Chemical Laboratories Footwear (Environmental, Geotechnical,

Soils)

All faculty, staff and students working in laboratories shall wear closed-toed

footwear to protect against the hazards commonly encountered inlaboratories. These hazards include chemical and biological as well as

physical hazards associated with sharps, broken glassware, material

handling and electricity.

Closed-toed footwear is made of a solid material which completely encloses

the foot (for example, an oxford or athletic style leather shoe). Open toe or

open heel sandals or shoes with a ventilated construction are not acceptable.

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Machine Shop, Wood Shop, Structures, Earthquake and Materials

Labs

All faculty and staff who are working in these areas shall wear closed-toed

footwear equipped with steel toes. Boots or shoes must be CSA rated.

Students whose studies require the use of machine shop facilities shall abide

by the same rules. Loaner boots are available. Certain activities may

require footwear which will also protect the soles of the feet from punctures.

Those personnel whose duties may require them to enter these areas must

have similar protection. Supervisors may authorize exceptions to theserequirements after ensuring that hazards will be avoided by other means.

Hazardous areas shall be cordoned off so that faculty, staff and students

who are not equipped with safety footwear will not enter these areas. When

personnel must enter such areas barricades and dedicated walkways shall beprovided to ensure equivalent protection.

9.4 Respiratory ProtectionWorkers should use respirators for protection from contaminants in the air

only if other hazard control methods are not practical or possible.

Respirators should only be used:

when engineering or administrative controls are not technically feasible

while engineering controls are being installed or repaired when emergencies or other temporary situations arise (e.g.,

maintenance operations).

Respiratory hazards can include airborne contaminants such as dusts, mists,

fumes, and gases or oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Well designed and

maintained engineering controls are the preferred methods of controlling

worker exposure to hazardous contaminants in the air. These control

methods include:

mechanical ventilation

enclosure or isolation of the process or work equipment

proper control and use of process equipment, and process modifications including substitution of less hazardous

materials where possible.

Administrative controls limit workers' exposures by scheduling reduced work

times in contaminated areas. These control measures have many limitations

because the hazard is not removed.

There are several types of respirators:

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particulate respirators (previously called dust, fume, and mist

respirators or masks), chemical cartridge respirators that can have a combination of chemical

cartridges, along with a dust prefilter: this combination provides

protection against different kinds of contaminants in the air gas masks (contain more adsorbent than cartridge-type respirators

and can provide a higher level of protection than chemical cartridge

respirators)

quarter-mask (covering the nose and mouth),

half-face mask (covering the face from the nose to below the chin), or full facepiece (covering the face from above the eyes to below the

chin). Respirators with a full facepiece also protect the eyes from

exposure to irritating chemicals. Also known as Self-ContainedBreathing Appartus (SCBA)

In Civil Engineering, the first two types are the most common.

The Supervisory Technician in the workshop is the Respirator

Coordinator in the Department. Please see him in order toselect the correct respirator and do a fit test.

9.5 Hearing protectionThe surest method of preventing occupational deafness is to reduce noise at

the source by engineering methods. However, in certain conditions, this is

not feasible and so workers must wear hearing protection to reduce the

amount of noise to which they are exposed.

The WCB rule is that an employer must ensure that a worker is not exposed

to noise levels above either of the following exposure limits:

85 dBA Lex daily noise exposure level;

140 dBC peak sound level.

Select hearing protection that is:

Correct for the job.

Capable of providing adequate protection. Check the manufacturer's

literature.

Comfortable enough to be accepted and worn during all exposure tonoise.

Either ear muffs or ear plugs may be worn.

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10 Important procedures10.1 Emergency contacts

In case of EMERGENCY: call 9-1-1

Faculty/Staff: Call 2-4444 (24 hr. Campus Mobile First

Aid)

Students: Call 9-1-1

or go to the UBC Central First Aid

Station(located at Student Health Services -

2211 Wesbrook Mall, Rm. M334)

Police: In case of emergency, Call9-1-1

Non-emergency, call (604) 717-3321

10.2 Preliminary Hazards Analysis (PHA)A Preliminary Hazards Analysis is an exercise in identifying all of the

potential hazards or risks in a proposed process so that mitigating elements

can be put in place before the work begins. It is a good practice to carry

out such an exercise before starting any project.

Contact the Director of Labs for instructions on how to do this.

10.3 InspectionsIn compliance with the UBC HSE program and in keeping with best practices

implementation, regular inspections of the research facilities and office

areas are carried out to identify safety and housekeeping issues. These arecompiled into reports that are reviewed by the HSE committee to determine

appropriate actions. If you are asked to help rectify an issue, please

cooperate with the HSE committee.

10.4 Working aloneWorking on your own in the research facilities is only allowed if a proper

contingency procedure is developed following the suggested guidelines set

by UBC Risk Management athttp://riskmanagement.ubc.ca/health-

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safety/working-alone. Once this procedure has been written out theDirector of Labs who must approve it before work can begin must review it.

10.5 Field workCourse work, research and work requirements may result in faculty, staffand students leaving the Department, either within the endowment lands or

farther afield.

All such activities must be prepared for and a risk assessment must be

completed.

The circumstances may also involve working alone or in isolation and

therefore it is mandatory that a procedure be developed and kept on file in

the department with the supervisor, the safety administrator or both. Pleasediscuss with your supervisor - a sample list of items to consider is:

Introduction and General Requirements

Responsibilities

Solitary Field Research Requirements for Reasonable Care

Risk Assessment Checklist

Field Research Planning Record to be kept on file by Department Information about Insurance

Travel Health and Immunization Guidelines and info

10.6 Unattended operationIf an experiment must run overnight, proper contact information must be

visible near the set up. Form FRM000008 Work in Progress Sign must befilled out.

11 Chemicals11.1 Procuring, using, storing and disposing

If your work requires the use of chemicals, determine if the Department has

the chemical. If there is material in inventory, do not order more. If you must

order chemicals, contact Paula Parkinson. You must have plans on how tostore and dispose of any left over chemical or byproducts of reaction and you

must have a valid MSDS.

11.2 WHMISWHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System) usesclassifications to group chemicals with similar properties or hazards. The

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Controlled Products Regulations specifies the criteria used to place materials

within each classification. There are six (6) classes although several classes

have divisions or subdivisions. Each class has a specific symbol to help peopleidentify the hazard quickly. The classes are:

Class A - Compressed Gases

Any material that is normally a gas which is placed under pressure or

chilled, and contained in a cylinder is considered to be a compressed gas.

These materials are dangerous because they are under pressure. If thecylinder is broken, the container can 'rocket' or 'torpedo' at great speeds

and this is a danger to anyone standing too close. If the cylinder is

heated (by fire or rise in temperature), the gas will expand and thecylinder may explode.

Additional dangers may be present if the gas has other hazardousproperties. For example: propane is both a compressed gas and it willburn easily. Propane would have two hazard symbols the one for a

compressed gas and another to show that it is a flammable material.

Class B - Flammable and Combustible Materials

A flammable material will burn or catch on fire easily at normal

temperatures (below 37.8 C or 100 F).

Combustible materials must usually be heated before they will catch onfire at temperatures above normal (between 37.8 and 93.3 C or 100 and

200 F). The material may be a solid, liquid or gas which makes up the

different divisions that fall under this class. Common examples include:

propane, butane, acetylene, ethanol, acetone, turpentine, toluene,kerosene, Stoddard solvent, spray paints and varnish.

Class C - Oxidizing Materials

Oxygen is necessary for a fire to occur. Some chemicals, known as

oxidizers, can cause other materials to burn by supplying oxygen.

Oxidizers do not usually burn themselves but they will either help the fireby providing more oxygen or they may cause materials that normally do

not burn to ignite (spontaneous combustion). In some cases, a source of

ignition is not necessary for the material to catch on fire but only thepresence of an oxidizer. Oxidizers can be gases (oxygen, ozone), liquids

(nitric acid, perchloric acid solutions) and solids (potassiumpermanganate, sodium chlorite). Some oxidizers such as the organicperoxide family are extremely hazardous because they will burn as well

as providing oxygen for the fire. They can have strong reactions which

can result in an explosion.

Class D - Poisonous and Infectious Materials

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Class D materials are divided into three major divisions:

Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects

These are materials that are very poisonous and immediately dangerous

to life and health. Serious health effects such as burns, loss of

consciousness, coma or death within just minutes or hours after exposure

are grouped in this category. Most D-1 materials will also cause longer

term effects as well (those effects that are not noticed for months or

years). Examples of some D-1 materials include carbon monoxide,sodium cyanide, sulphuric acid, toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI), and

acrylonitrile.

Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects

These materials have effects that are not always quick, or if the effectsare immediate, they are only temporary. These materials may still have

very serious consequences such as cancer, allergies, reproductive

problems or fetal impact, teratogenic effects, or irritation / sensitization

which have resulted from small exposures over a long period of time

(chronic effects).

Division 2 of Class D has two subclasses called D2A (very toxic) and D2B

(toxic)

Products are typically classified as D2A (very toxic) if the chemical has

been shown to be carcinogenic, embryo toxic, teratogenic, mutagenic (to

reproductive cells), a reproductive toxic, sensitizer (to respiratory tract)or chronic (long-term) toxicity (at low doses). Subdivision D2B (toxic)

covers mutagenic (to non-reproductive cells), sensitization of the skin,skin or eye irritation, as well as chronic toxic effects. Examples include:

asbestos fibres, mercury, acetone, benzene, quartz silica (crystalline),

lead and cadmium.

Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious Materials

These materials are organisms or the toxins they produce that can cause

diseases in people or animals. Included in this division are bacteria,viruses, fungi and parasites. Because these organisms can live in body

tissues or fluids (blood, urine), the tissues and fluids are also treated astoxic. Biohazardous infectious materials are usually found in a hospital,health care facility, laboratories, veterinary practices and research

facilities. Workers in these places do not usually know which tissues or

fluids contain dangerous organisms. For this reason, the workers assume

that every sample is dangerous and proper protection is used all the time.

Examples of biohazardous infectious materials include the AIDS/HIV

virus, Hepatitis B and salmonella.

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Class E - Corrosive Materials

These materials that can cause severe burns to skin and other human

tissues such as the eye or lung, and can attack clothes and other

materials including metal.

Corrosives are grouped in this special class because their effects are

permanent (irritants whose effects may be similar but temporary are

grouped in Class D-2). Common corrosives include acids such as sulphuric

and nitric acids, bases such as ammonium hydroxide and caustic sodaand other materials such as ammonia gas, chlorine, and nitrogen dioxide.

Class F - Dangerously Reactive Materials

A material is considered to be dangerously reactive if it shows threedifferent properties or abilities:

1. it can react vigorously with water to make a toxic gas;

2. it will react with itself when it gets shocked (bumped or dropped)

or if the temperature or pressure increases; and

3. it can vigorously join to itself (polymerization), break down

(decomposition) or lose extra water such that it is a more dense

material (condensation).

If a material is dangerously reactive, it will most likely be described as

"unstable". Most of these materials can be extremely hazardous if they

are not handled properly because they can react quickly. Examples of

these products are ethyl acrylate, vinyl chloride, ethylene oxide, picricacid and anhydrous aluminum chloride.

There are nine categories of materials that are not covered by WHMIS as a lotof safety information was already being transmitted to workers for many of

these products under other laws. To prevent delay in starting WHMIS, the

following were excluded:

1. consumer restricted products (those products sold to people in

regular stores that are already labelled following the rules of the

Hazardous Products Act)

2. explosives (as defined by the Explosives Act)

3. cosmetics, drugs, food or devices (as defined by the Food and Drug

Act)4. pest control products (pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, etc) (as

defined by the Pest Control Products Act)

5. radioactive materials (as defined by the Atomic Energy Control Act)

6. wood and products made of wood7. a manufactured article

8. tobacco or products made of tobacco

9. hazardous wastes

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Materials which fall under WHMIS follow the Transportation of DangerousGoods Act and Regulations while they are in transport (shipment).

Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/legisl/whmis_classifi.html

When ordering chemicals, you must obtain the MSDS and understand allthe safety requirements for its proper use, handling, storage and

disposal.

When working in a lab with chemicals, you must have obtained, read

and kept on hand all the associated MSDSs.

Contact Paula Parkinson at 604-822-4397 for information and advice.

12 ErgonomicsErgonomics is the study of the interaction between people, equipment, and systemsin their (work) environment. It includes the physical, psychological and

environmental aspects of the interaction. The goal of ergonomics is to find a balancebetween the capabilities of the human and the demands required by the work

environment to prevent musculoskeletal injuries (MSI).

The benefits of ergonomics include increased quality and safety, as well as adecrease in MSI. MSI, as defined by WorksafeBC, is an injury or disorder of the

muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels or related soft tissue

including a sprain, strain and inflammation, that may be caused or aggravated by

work. It is important to report early signs and symptoms to facilitate early

intervention and recovery. MSIs can lead to Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) which

are disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and spinaldiscs. Examples of MSDs include carpal tunnel syndrome, carpet-layers' knee,

herniated spinal disc, and low back pain.

There are many risk factors that may contribute to the development of MSIs. Two or

more risk factors can be present at one time, increasing the risk of injury. It is

important for workers to recognize situations when they are at higher risk. Forexample, if a worker must bend awkwardly to lift a heavy object in a cramped area,

the worker will be exposed to a greater risk of MSI than one who uses a mechanical

lifting device or one who has enough room to follow safe lifting procedures.The primary risk factors for MSI are the physical demands of a task, including:

Force required to lift, push, pull, or carry an object or person; Grip,

pinch, or hold an object; stop a moving object or resist the kickback fromtools

Repetition using the same body part over and over to frequently perform

a task without resting, especially when unaccustomed to the task

Awkward posture Muscles work harder and ligaments are stressed when

awkward postures are maintained: when any joint of your body bends or

twists away from the middle range of movement

Duration the length of time a person is gripping an object or holding a

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posture without movement

Local contact stress a hard or sharp object comes in contact with a

small area of the body and the nerves and the tissues beneath the skincan be injured by the pressure Other risk factors that can affect these

physical demands include:

Layout and condition of the workplace or workstation (for example,

a workstation that is too high or too low can create awkward working

postures)

Characteristics of objects handled (for example, an object that is

slippery or has no handles may cause awkward postures and requiregreater force to lift)

Environmental conditions of the workplace (for example, cold

temperatures or drafts reduce blood flow to the working hands and arms,promoting muscle fatigue)

Organization of work tasks (for example, a worker performing thesame task throughout the day is at a greater risk of injury than a workerperforming different tasks) The mere presence of MSI risk factors may not

in itself result in an injury.

The development of an MSI is dependent on the physical demands of the task

combined with the extent of exposure, frequency, intensity of the activity, and

personal attributes of the worker.

More than one risk factor can occur at the same time. The more risk factors in the

task, the greater the risk of injury. Knowing risk factors, assessing individual

situations and activities and taking steps to prevent injury will prolong health and

well-being and prevent lost time.

More information can be obtained from: WorksafeBC

http://www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/Ergonomics/Home.asp

You are encouraged to review your own work practices to see if there are any of

these risk factors present in your work environment and take steps to eliminate

them.

13 Electrical safetyAlmost every workplace has a source of electrical power. If this electrical energy is

used improperly, electrical shock and injury may result. The following basic

guidelines will help reduce electrical hazards. Always check with an experienced

technician if you have any concerns about electrical elements.

All electrical equipment shall be properly grounded. Contact a department

technician if unsure.

Learn where the disconnect switches or circuit breakers are for the electrical

equipment and receptacles in your area.

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All circuit breakers and switches shall be labelled to clearly indicate the "on"

and "off" position, and what equipment they serve. The design, construction and modifications of all research electrical apparatus

shall be either done or approved by a department electronic technician. Any

previously built research apparatus must be inspected by a department

technician before being put into service.

All equipment, appliance and extension cords shall be inspected regularly and

be kept in good working condition. Any problems should be reported to a

department technician immediately.

Exercise caution when it is necessary to work on electrical equipment in dampconditions. Use a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in all areas (inside

and out) that may pose a potential water hazard. A GFCI protection device or

outlet must be used for all portable equipment being operated outdoors. Power bars (multi-outlet plugs) shall not be used unless they have a built-in

circuit breaker and are CSA approved. Surge protected power bars arerecommended. The following conditions shall be met when using power bars:

Users must verify that the total amperage of all equipment plugged into

the power bar does not exceed the rated current for the power bars

(typically 15 A). The amperage of electrical equipment is usually stampedon the manufacturers plate - if in doubt, consult a department electronic

technician.

Power bars must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles.They must not be daisy chained.

Extension cords shall be CSA approved with three separate insulated wires

and three pronged connectors all in good condition. In addition the following

apply to their use:

Extension cords can only be used for temporary work and should not beused through walls, ceilings, doorways, floors, etc.

Extension cords should only service a single piece of electrical apparatuswhich does not exceed the current rating of the cord (see manufacturers

rating on equipment)

All cords must be placed such that they do not present a tripping hazard.

If such placement cannot rule out a hazard completely, appropriate

warning signs must be displayed

Do not route cords over metal objects such as emergency showers,

overhead pipes or frames, metal racks, etc.

Do not place under carpet, rugs, or heavy objects. Do not place cords on pathways or other areas where repeated abuse can

cause deterioration of insulation.

Never override fuses, circuit breakers or interlock switches. Blown fuses

should be replaced by qualified personnel and only with the properly rated

substitute.

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All building electrical repairs, splices, and wiring shall be performed by the

Physical Plant Electrical Department.

2012 h Se Manual

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