Minutes of the Free Library Health and Safety Committee Meeting of 1/28/03.

1. Review of the minutes from 11/19/02.

Central:

The following amended paragraph to the Guidelines for Public Use of Computers at the Central Library will be distributed at 1/15/03 CPSD Supervisors meeting:

Failure to comply with these limitations on use is considered ground for removal from the library. Public service library staff and library security need to work together in enforcing this policy. If a customer has accessed a site the departmental staff has determined is offensive to staff or others, the customer will be asked by the staff on duty to close out the site. The customer should be given one chance to close out the site before being asked to leave the building. Central's security guards, in the course of their rounds, will also ask customers to close offensive sites, and will inform the librarian on duty that a warning has been given. Security should not remove a person from a computer without first communicating and enlisting the support of the librarian on duty. Departmental staff should alert security before requesting a customer to leave for ignoring warning.

The Guidelines, with the above amendment, will be distributed to the Central staff.

Hand dryers have been installed in the 2nd floor men’s staff bathroom.

The excessive lighting level from 2 ceiling lights over the staff work area in the Literature Department is still a concern. Currently the 2 lights are on one switch. The lights have been turned off and desk task lighting has been in use for some time. The Union requested that the two lights be wired to separate switches so that the staff can try keeping only one of the ceiling lights off. Mitch Partovi requested a BSR be written requesting this change.

Mitch Partovi reported that all the Central elevators are operating correctly.

The Union asked for a telephone in the newly renovated Skyline Room. We need to communicate to the security staff from this room, particularly during evening programs.

A report from Michael Rudman, Safety Analyst, Risk Management, on the indoor air quality in Central’s Children Department was distributed. The report recommended the following:

1. The Department needs regular vacuuming of the carpet, a minimum of twice a week, preferably with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air filter).

2. The 2 visible water damaged ceiling spots, caused by the drain leak should be sealed.

3. To prevent future ponding of water on the marbled steps leading into the 20th Street entrance the steps should be lifted and repaired.

4. Not to over water the plants to the extent that standing water is the amount necessary to produce bacteria and/or fungi growth.

5. The vent covers need to be cleaned.

The following is the response from the Central Children’s Department staff:

1. Does the Library use a vacuum with an HEPA?

2. Can we get these spots sealed?

3. Can we get this done?

4. The air is so dry in the Department that any water that any standing water in the pots is quickly evaporated.

5. The vent covers need to be removed and cleaned. The air ducts behind the cover also need to be cleaned.

The Buildings Department will review these recommendations and report back to the Committee.

New Business:

Central:

The repairs to the Philbrick Popular Library workrooms are finished.

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The fire extinguisher inventory conducted this month was our regular yearly check of the equipment.

The refrigerators in the 1M break room and the kitchen will be cleaned more frequently and signage stating that they are for short-term storage only will be posted.

The date for our next meeting will be Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 3:00 PM in The Office of Public Support Services Conference Room, ground floor, Central Library.