Please
note for the holiday shutdown that, due to winter weather conditions,
utilities (especially electricity) may be affected. It is a general rule
that all laboratory processes be designed to safely survive a service
failure. During the holiday shutdown this is particularly important and
the following precautions are recommended.
Prepare your laboratory:
- Require
that lab operations be suspended by Friday, December 23, 2011 @ 5:00
PM until Tuesday, January 3, 2012.
- Shut down all processes vulnerable to
failure of utilities.
- Remove
hazardous waste from the lab. Last day for hazardous waste pickup is
Tuesday, December 20th and for drop off at the Environmental Safety
Facility is Tuesday, December 20th. For more information call x35755.
- Store hazardous materials properly and
in containment areas and ensure that containers are closed or sealed.
- Shut off compressed gases and gas supply
lines to equipment.
- Turn off and unplug, where possible,
electrical devices such as hot plates, computers and, if not containing
hazardous materials, fumehoods and environmental chambers. This prevents
damage to equipment due to power surges while reducing energy waste
and pollution.
- Ensure lab contact information is updated
with names, phone numbers and addresses in a location accessible
to emergency response personnel (suggest on inside of door). Include
documentation on contents of freezers and refrigerators.
- If you have any questions about preparing
your lab for the shutdown contact Safety Office at x35755.
What to do if you have a lab incident:
- 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.
