HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
November 16, 2012
Attendees:
Elizabeth Bucciarelli - Library/AAUP
Akosua Dow – Academic Affairs
Robert Heighes - DPS
Kevin Lawson – Student Center
Steve Moore – Physical Plant
Mark Wesley – Emergency Mgmt
Gregg Wilmes – Chemistry
Susan Campbell – UAW 1976 & ORD
Joanne Hansen – Women’s Commission
Alyssa Jones – Student Government
Auggie Mickevicius – EHS
Eric Ward – Wellness Center / Snow
Kathryn Wilhoff – EHS
Absent:
Kevin Abbasse, Sonya Alvarado, Diana Good, Nick Graham, Norman Harrington, Erica
Healander, Chad Humble, Tom Kovacs, Mark Monarch, Bilal Sarsour and Toni Taylor
1. Kathryn Wilhoff distributed the activity summary for October/November.
Discussion was held.
2. Elizabeth Bucciarelli inquired as to why there was a lack of sharps disposal
containers in the library. Kathryn Wilhoff reported they’re typically placed in
strategic locations based on need.
3. Gregg Wilmes inquired on the status of the Cylinder Use and Handling
Procedure. Kathryn stated that it would be completed by the new Lab
Compliance Manager.
4. Kathryn Wilhoff reported the King project of 500+ feet of tunnel piping abatement
was completed. Steve Moore informed the committee that while performing
abatement more repairs were discovered.
5. Susan Campbell inquired about the car smash event. Kathryn Wilhoff stated that
car smashes are student events that are periodically held to bring about
excitement and/or revenue. She further explained there are safety guidelines for
the smashes. Kathryn also noted the event was canceled because the students
weren’t able to get a car.
6. Kathryn Wilhoff followed up on the issue of smoking within the parking structure
elevator. She stated she contacted the elevator shop and they are going to follow
up. This would include possibly updating the signage.
7. Kathryn also followed up on the issue of Mckenny drive off of Cross Street. She
stated there will be new speed limit and new pedestrian crossing signs installed
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soon. There will also be a new type of vehicle barrier (bollard) to warn vehicle
drivers to slow down.
8. Kathryn Wilhoff followed up on exiting during Mark Jefferson fire drills. It was
found that the central stairway in the building is not a fire exit and that the
signage within the building indicates this. The stairwell is not enclosed and a fire
could very easily spread via the stairwell. It was also noted that this will be
reinforced in employee training.
9. Kathryn Wilhoff lastly followed up on the flu vaccine for staff and faculty at Snow
Health Center. The vaccine is free for those covered on an employee’s insurance
plan. However, the center is geared toward adults and it’s best to call before
visiting with a child to insure a pediatric nurse is on duty.
10. Susan Campbell inquired as to possible mold in Starkweather Hall. Kathryn
Wilhoff informed the committee that there was a plant that was hanging in an
office that dripped onto the radiator and may be the cause of the mold or dirt. A
sample has been taken and EHS is currently awaiting results.
11. Kathryn Wilhoff reported that HR is converting many trainings to online trainings,
including Safety Training. She explained that it is dependent upon the type of
training and is more efficient and financially responsible for the University. She
also stated training sessions would still be available for the large groups.
12. Kathryn Wilhoff reported the Right to Know Standard is being revised to the
Global Harmonization System. There are no drastic changes, but several
updates to practices. EHS plans to make available an online comparison of the
old standard vs. new standard.
13. Susan Campbell inquired about the wall being constructed in Pierce Hall. Kathryn
Wilhoff informed that it’s being constructed to fulfill a recent security audit. The
staff working in the area was pleased with a Q and A session held to educate
them on specifics of the project.
14. Joanne Hansen reported concerns with the cut-outs for handicapped accessibility
on campus. The Parking Committee has also been notified that cut-outs were in
odd places, forcing students and staff to travel in the road. She specifically noted
cut-outs near the Oakwood lot. Steve Moore said he would follow up.
15. Mark Wesley reported the warning siren tests are held at noon on the last Friday
of every month. The next test would be conducted on November 30. Mark also
reported the fire and tornado plans for the Children’s Institute at Fletcher had
been updated.
16. Mark also reported EM is updating the Bomb Threat Management Plan. EMU will
be hosting a Bomb Threat Management Plan Training on December 5. There will
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be two sessions 8:30-11:30am & 12:30-3:30 pm. He also mentioned campus
police officers would be attending and that the building administrators were
encouraged to as well.
17. Akosua Dow reported that she’s creating an inclement policy for commencement.
It will be based off of the university’s existing inclement weather policy.
18. Eric Ward reported the Great American Smoke out occurred last week. The
Health and Wellness Center passed out Quick Quit Kits, explained the tobacco
use policy and addressed health related smoking concerns.
19. Eric also reported March is Environmental Wellness month. He stated that the
event related activities were very open-ended, and anyone who wants to
participate is encouraged to contact him.
20. Greg Wilmes reported that recently one of the portable ash urns had caught fire
at Mark Jefferson. He inquired as to how often they were cleaned, stating that
they were occasionally used as trash cans. Steve Moore will follow up on the
issue.
21. Steve Moore reported on upcoming projects.
New lighting will be installed at Alexander.
The Alexander cooling system will be connected to Pray-Harrold to eliminate the
current noisy system which is a nuisance to students studying music. The dig for
the system is expected to start after the winter semester.
Annual tunnel work is now being planned. There are over 3 miles of tunnel under
the campus. Three areas were identified for repair, but only two repairs will be
completed this year due to financial constraints.
The filters at the Rec. I.M. Pool (Jones) will be replaced in the next couple
months.
Rackham still has windows that need to be replaced as a follow up from the
previous construction.
Best Hall will be remodeled this summer.
22. Elizabeth Bucciarelli inquired about homemade walkways or “cow paths” that
were created by students, asking if Physical Plant took them into account when
creating walkways. She noted in particular a walkway by the exit of the Oakwood
lot, next to a berm where a path has been created over landscaping and through
traffic for convenience. Steve Moore will follow up.
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23. Alyssa Jones mentioned Student Government was currently focused on physical
health but is entertaining the idea of getting involved with environmental health
as well. She said it was great to hear so many issues on campus being
addressed.
24. Kathryn Wilhoff reported that interviews would be held next week for the Lab
Compliance Manager. She stated if all goes well, on-site interviews will be held
the week after, and that a final decision is scheduled to be made by November
30. However, the new employee would not be able to start until January 7.
The next meeting is Friday, December 14, 2012 at 9 a.m.
in room 104 Student Center.
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