BUREAU OF LABORATORY SERVICES SAFETY COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF THE 1/16/2002 MEETING

In attendance: Jack Gallagher; Bob Eppinger; Geoff Brock; Brian Serbin; Cindy Rettig; Gloria Pullins;
Xavier Moozhikkattu; Adam Eyring; Mike Intenzo; Lorenzo Lucia; Marty Huntzberry;
Kathy Black; Maureen Jaroszewski, Bob Drumwright

Old Business

1. The minutes of the 12/5/2001 meeting were accepted as written.
2. GFI update; Bob E. reported that he spoke with Joe R. and found the file on the LAN. The electricians evaluated the placement of GFI's in Aquatic Biology and found a problem with the wiring. They will not be installing them in Aquatic Biology, however a suggestion was made to use plug-in GFI's.
3. There are two wellness and two yoga classes that are ongoing. The type of yoga that is taught is Hatha
4. There is no new information to add to the Security System upgrade. Jim Coyle is back and will be putting this on high priority.
5. Maureen J. & Gloria P. reported there have been no problems observed with aggressive dogs. Geoff B. stated the SPCA phone number is available and the problem will be addressed as needed.
6. Bob E. reported that the PPE signage task is still under review. The issue is whether the signs are for employees or visitors and what the signs should say. He has suggested the signs read "Safety glasses required in laboratory areas". Geoff B. stated that the PPE policy as found in the Safety manual must be enforced by the supervisor. Bob D. suggested that the signs read "All appropriate PPE required when working in this area". Jack G. asked if new employees are trained in the safety practices outlined in the safety manual and if they follow the PPE required for the lab they will be working in. Xavier M. will be taking over the general orientation and each supervisor is also responsible.
7. Xavier M. reported that on Feb 8^th the blood drive "gem" unit would be at BLS. He has the signs and will be posting them after the meeting.
8. Brian S. reported that the picnic tables and the smokers bench has been delivered. Installation will take place when plans are finalized.

New Business

1. The safety duties formerly carried out by John Y. have been discussed and redistributed to the various members of the Safety Committee and the Administrative Section. Cindy R will be receiving and checking the monthly safety lab audit checklists. She will report to Geoff B. any problems or reports that are missing. Brian S. and Xavier M will organize and monitor the items found in the Safety Closet. Bob E. will be running the ERT. The Administrative section will place orders and maintain records. The contractor that tests the fire extinguishers has not returned all of them. The Safety Office is formally requested to review the current fire extinguishers we have and make recommendations for corrections. The custodial crew will be testing the Safety Showers.
2. Brian S. asked if the door handles are routinely cleaned and disinfected by the custodial crew. Gloria P. stated that the crew does that weekly. Bob E. recommended that anyone working with samples should remember to remove their gloves before they touch the door handles.
3. Maureen stated that the weekend route table has had trash put on it and around it. Items like trash and biosolids have been found on and around it. The custodial crew does not remove any of these things unless notified. The waste chemicals are to be placed in the solvent room, (room 153), in their proper storage areas. Xavier M. is the lead person to ask if there is any doubt on proper disposal and placement in the solvent room.
4. Kathy Black reported the quarterly meeting with Risk Management was held since the last safety meeting.

1. A problematic fact-sheet was distributed for posting titled "Employee Responsibilities under the Employee Disability Program". The union will be formulating their own from a different perspective, however there is benefit to having it posted.
2. Big changes in the IOD program are occurring with the addition of new facilities and the deletion of others along with certain unfavorable doctors. There is also a consideration of changing the administrator of the IOD program, Comp Services, to another provider due to their poor performance. There is an emphasis to recruit certified doctors of occupational medicine along with certain specialists such as orthopedists.
3. Kathy also reported there is an initiative to have a job bank for light duty work across departments for those employees that have been injured or disabled. The new IOD reporting form is nearly complete and will be tested and reviewed in the next four weeks. It will be more proactive in its approach to solving problems.
4. Risk management adopted an Anthrax policy that the Health Dept. never signed onto. The city had a rapid response team to handle any Anthrax threats and responded to several calls with no authentic incidences.
5. There is a Health and Safety Advisory Committee, where there is input from employees across three locals of the union and Risk Management. Kathy asked for a volunteer to represent this facility. The meetings are held at the Union office at 16^th & Walnut on a quarterly basis with time off from work and a free lunch provided.

1. The automatic door closers have been a problem when pushing lab carts between rooms reported Mike I. The closers are malfunctioning, difficult to open, and some have been removed. Gloria P. will put in a work order to building maintenance for them to come out and evaluate the closers and latches. Bob E. suggested a new type of door catch be installed similar to the one in room 153.
2. Mike I. suggested the anti-microbial soap be discontinued for use in the CLF. He stated it has no added benefit, it costs more and is harsher to the skin.
3. Bob E. reported that the fire tower east lights are out. Gloria P. replied that these lights are being replaced along with the emergency lights.
4. Bob E. reported that only 6 people responded to this meeting through Lotus Notes.
5. Mike I requested that IOD policy information be placed on the PWD intranet site.
6. Bob D. had the members sign for the next round of Safety goodies, (jackets/shirts).

NEXT MEETING 2/27/2002, 9:00 am @ BLS in Conference Room "A"