November 2008
2008
Preventing Slips and Falls
As winter conditions have arrived, for safety sake, remember to put some extra
time and effort into preparing for icy conditions on roads and walkways.
 Plant Operation’s Grounds Section reminds us that Sand Bins are located
around the campus for your use. If you see an icy patch, please take time to
spread a scoop or two of the sand and/or salt mixtures. You may prevent a
serious injury.
 Report access problems with salt/sand bins to Plant Operations x33793.
 Wearing suitable winter footwear is your responsibility. Grounds conditions
are not always optimal. Wearing winter footwear with a non-slip tread will
help to prevent slips on snow and ice.
 Take extra care in parking lots. Maintenance is difficult in crowded lots.
Recently plowed areas are slippery until the salt/sand application has taken
effect.
 Always use handrails on stairs and ramps.
 Avoid using walkways or paths that have not been maintained. During snow
events UW’s first priority is clearing and salting main roads, and primary
walkways. Secondary walkways may not be cleared until time permits and it
is your responsibility to choose the safest route.
 Review access concerns with your supervisor.
 Report unsafe conditions to Plant Operations x33793. Give the exact
location(s) to ensure corrective action can be taken.
 Report slips and falls to your supervisor and complete a UW Injury/Incident
report. Send completed reports to the Safety Office.
Smoke-Free Guideline
Reminder that under UW Policy #29 Smoking is not permitted within 10 metres
(33 feet) of any building.
December Holiday Season Shutdown Notice for Laboratories
During holiday shutdown utilities (includes electricity) may be affected. It is a
general rule that all laboratory processes should be designed to safely survive a
service failure. During the holiday shutdown this is particularly important and
the following precautions are recommended.
 Lab operations are suspended by Tuesday, December 23, 2008 @ 5:00 PM
until Monday, January 5, 2009.
 Shut down all processes vulnerable to failure of utilities.
 Remove hazardous waste from the lab. Last day for hazardous waste pickup is
Tuesday, December 16th and for drop off at the Environmental Safety Facility
is Monday, December 22nd. For more information call x35755 or x36268.
 Full details are available on Safety Office website. If you have questions
about preparing your lab for the shutdown contact Safety Office at x36268.
 Report failures of equipment or physical plant to Plant Operations at x33793.
If lab or building has been without power, allow the lab exhaust systems to
operate for at least 2 hours before entry to lab or building.
 Contact Safety Office or UW Spill Team through UW Police at 519-888-4911 or
x22222 if you have concerns relating to hazardous materials spills.
Environmental Safety Facility (Earth
Sciences & Chemistry)
UW’s hazardous waste facility is now open
Wednesdays 10:00 am until 12:00 noon to
handle increasing quantities.
Hours of Operation are:
 Monday/Tuesday 11:00 am to 12:00
Noon
 Wednesday 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon
 Thursday/Friday 11:00 am to 12:00 Noon
For hazardous waste that cannot be
delivered to the Environmental Safety
Facility, a collection service operates
Tuesday afternoons at loading docks. To
arrange collection phone x35755.
Computer-Based Safety Training
To ease completion of training required by
legislation computer-based training is
expanding. Current topics include:
 Orientation for Employees (includes TA’s)
 WHMIS
 Laboratory Safety
Refer to the training section of Safety Office
website for topics.
First Aid with CPR Courses
Safety Office is offering First Aid with CPR
courses at no cost for up to 10% of a
department’s Faculty/Staff on:
December 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 15 and 19
Register online at Safety Office website,
UW Shuttle Service
A service available to students, faculty and
staff for pick up at designated stops on
campus to drive to on and off campus
destinations. Call 519-888-4949 x 84949.
www.adm.uwaterloo.ca/infopol/safe.htm
Website www.safetyoffice.uwaterloo.ca
“Safety Starts with You @ Waterloo” is
distributed through UW’s health and safety
community.
If you have suggestions contact Safety
Office x33587 or safety@uwaterloo.ca