Liquid Nitrogen & Dry Ice

There is a liquid nitrogen tank near the Biology Stores for anyone to use. This liquid is very cold! Do not forget to wear the supplied heavy gloves and face shield; turn the release valve slowly (the one with the attached metal hose). Be careful not to spill or inhale. Enter your record in the nearby log book, as indicated.

This also applies when you take the dry ice located in the loading dock. There is a charge for both liquid nitrogen and dry ice.

Natural Gas

When dealing with equipment that use natural gas, such as Bunsen burners, make sure that the valves are turned off completely when you are done. Always double check before leaving a room. If you smell the gas, you must investigate the source immediately. If unable to find the leak, contact Facilities Management at (514) 398-4555 to have someone come over as quickly as possible. At night or on weekends, call emergency (514) 398-3000.

Carcinogens

The following substances are controlled as carcinogens by the U.S. department of Labour:

Please refer to your Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for proper use and handling.

Suggested segregation of chemical storage

Hoods and cabinets

Always check the performance of a fume hood before using it. A piece of tissue hanging on the bottom of the hood's door should be moving inwards when the sash door is closed at 2/3 of the way down. Report any problems to the room owner who must report it to McGill dispatcher ext. -4555 or to Anna McNicoll, (514) 398-6406 in W4/14. Some highly hazardous products, such as perchloric acid, can only be used in a "wash down fume hood" especially designed to handle this kind of chemical. Ask the room owner for permission and instruction on how to use it. Keep the fume hood uncluttered, overstocking disturbs the airflow and puts you in danger.

WARNING ! NOT ALL HOODS ARE FUME HOODS !

There are different types of hoods to work in:

LOCATION OF FUME HOODS:

Lab Coats: Appropriate protective clothing (e.g. lab coats, aprons, coveralls) 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.

If your laboratory is located in the Stewart Building, the 20 liters white & yellow bulk waste containers must be brought down by the users to the “Storage Area for Chemical and Radioactive Waste” in room N3/19D. The key to that room can be obtained through the Biology Stores and the waste must be logged into their book. If your laboratory is NOT located in the Stewart, you must follow your own building instructions.

In limited cases and ONLY upon Waste Management approval the waste material can be poured back into its original container provided the label is intact and that the container is clearly labeled as “WASTE”

Biomedical waste must be segregated according to the above categories and disposed of frequently. If your laboratory is located in the Stewart Building, your waste must be brought to the loading dock cold room that is designated as “Biohazard Waste” room (N3/19B).  You must record your waste into the designated book at the Biology Stores and ask the storekeeper to hand you the key. If your laboratory is NOT located in the Stewart, you must follow your own building instructions.

At least once a year, a general  chemical waste pick-up is planned for the Stewart Building This general pick-up is meant for the occupants who want to get rid of their unwanted/hazardous/ expired/ or surplus chemicals. Chemicals must be segregated according to compatibility into different boxes with their respective inventory list attached.  You must keep a copy of the list and give a copy to the Biology Stores ahead of time.

The date will be announced ahead of time in the Biology Weekly and in the mailroom W4/2. Proper instructions will follow.

Unknowns are not accepted. Service is free of charge.

If you have further questions please contact McGill Waste Management at (514) 398-5066.

Once your research is completed, YOU are responsible for labeling, packaging and disposing of your samples and solutions. Do not forget your material in freezers, cold rooms, incubators and storage rooms. Whatever needs to be thrown out (non hazardous items) can be put in a box and left for janitors to take away but it must be clearly labeled as garbage. Remember to return keys and temporary ID cards to the Deputy Building Director, room W4/14. Do not leave keys to fellow workers or supervisor.

For more information, please visit the Waste Management Program website or phone (514) 398-5066. They are located in the McIntyre Medical Sciences Building (Room 129); or e-mail Christian Bouchard (Manager) at christian.bouchard@mcgill.ca.