Good First Aid kits can be purchased for less than $40. The content recommended by the CSST is:

Radiation workers are required to wear radiation monitoring devices such as thermo luminescent dositometers (TLDs) also called radiation badges. The badge gets changed on a 3-month or 1-month cycle, with distribution being on a laboratory basis. The badge is sent to a Canadian agency that keeps records and will inform you of the results. To obtain the dosimeters, call the National Dosimetry Services at 1-800-261-6689 and ask them to send you the requisition form to the departmental fax: (514) 398-5069. You, or your laboratory supervisor, must have a valid radiation permit. To apply for a badge or to obtain further details contact the radiation officer in the Environmental Safety Office at (514) 398-1538.

Never borrow any equipment from other laboratories without permission and proper instructions on how to use it. Comply with the rules established by the owner and leave it clean, tidy and in good working order. Report any problems to the person in charge. Mistakes can become very costly to both the owner and the Department, besides causing inconvenience to all the users. Never assume that an apparatus such as an autoclave or a glassware washer belongs to the Department and can be used by just anyone.

Shared facilities such as walk-in cold rooms, incubators and storage rooms require that everyone label their containers clearly; the packaging must be adequate to keep the material from leaking and smelling. Materials that are left abandoned in those areas without proper labeling need to be analyzed in order to identify the content. The cost of the analysis which might end up being quite high (e.g. over $1000) will be divided amongst supervisors using the facility.

The “Biology Department Emergency Poster” contains information that is useful in the event of an emergency. Every laboratory must have its yearly updated copy, in evidence inside the lab near the phone. The poster contains emergency phone numbers, a list of CPR/First Aid trained people, the location of the nearest emergency equipment such as shower, eyewash, fire extinguisher and first aid kit, the electronic address of an MSDS library as well as the electronic address of the Biology Dept. Safety Page. Blank copies are available in W4/14.

Every laboratory where controlled substances are handled or stored must have an up-to-date “Laboratory Information Card” that is posted on the main entrance of the lab indicating to emergency personnel (e.g. firefighters) the different hazards that are present inside the room. If the card is missing or if a new one is required, the principal investigator (or his/her delegate) must generate one through the following website: http://www.mcgill.ca/ehs.

Your lab should have an up-to-date (less than 3 years) collection of Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for all chemicals that are being used or stored. If not, you must download the data sheets from http://ccinfoweb.ccohs.ca/. For easy access, please bookmark the above website on your favorite computer browser. Ask the supplier or the Safety Office at (514) 398-4563 to FAX or mail you a copy.

Lab Coats: Appropriate protective clothing (e.g. lab coat, apron, and coverall) is required in all areas where hazardous materials are handled (e.g. laboratories and workshops). For more information, please refer to the Personal Protective Equipment section of the Environmental Health and Safety website.

University regulations require that an Accident Report form be completed and submitted within 24 hours after the incident. An incident is defined by anything that requires more than a “Band-Aid” or replacing broken glassware. At least two copies of the form should be available in your first aid kit at all times (forms can be directly downloaded from either below, from the “Forms” section of this website or can be obtained from the department safety office room, W4/14. Please fill out the form and submit to Anna McNicoll (anna.mcnicoll@mcgill.ca) and the McGill Environment Health & Safety Office (ehs@mcgill.ca).

Download Accident Report Form

This building has asbestos insulation on the main beams above the ceiling tiles. Asbestos can cause health problems if inhaled for a long period of time. It is safe as long as the ceiling tiles are between you and the real ceiling. The McGill tradesmen are trained and equipped to work safely but independent contractors may not be. If you see someone working above the ceiling tiles in the Stewart Building without taking appropriate protective measures (special attire and plastic tent), contact Anna McNicoll, Safety Officer/Deputy Building Director (514-398-6406) or Gerald Pollack, Building Director (514-398-6418).