Final Report of the Accident Investigation Task Force

Abstract

[evdate 1995-11-15] For Immediate Release 15 November 1995

Final Report of the Accident Investigation Task Force

The University expresses its appreciation to the members of the Accident Investigation Task Force for the excellent job they have done. The Task Force's Final Report is primarily concerned with recommendations related to the improvement of safety. All of its recommendations have been implemented. A copy of the Report is attached for reference purposes. 1. . ecuon of hazards A systematic effort was launched in the days immediately following the chemical spill to detect any physical hazards that might have remained in the laboratories.

A news statement, released on 9 June 1995, enumerated seven areas of action undertaken (see attachment). 2. Alarm Svstem As was announced earlier, the alarm from the Emergency Ventilation system has been reconnected to the Security Control Centre. A system of audible local alarms is now under tender. 3. Air Handlinp Svstem Since the air-handling system works most efficiently when the air-conditioning is

turned on, a "laboratory needs" study was conducted and a new schedule for the air-conditioning system was established. A distinction between laboratories that

need air-conditioning 24hours a day, for safety reasons, and others was made. 4. Danperous Goods Storw Chemistry laboratory areas have been checked to ensure that unnecessary quantities of chemicals are not being kept in the laboratories. All surplus chemicals in the dangerous goods category have been removed to the dangerous goods stores. The Chemistry Department is now in the process of establishing a Dangerous Goods Store, closer to their laboratories, that can meet their most immediate needs. 5. TraininP and Procedures Specific on-the-job training has been added to existing safety courses. Training

programs have begun and will be on-going. Page 1

. 6. Handling: of Minor Chemical Snills The emergency procedure sections of the safety manual have been revised with input from heads of departments and departmental safety officers to ensure that the revised procedures can be easily implemented. 7. Departmental Safetv Programs. Programs for laboratory safety have been reviewed and revised, in consultation with departmental heads, with a view to ensuring that existing mechanisms are in

place to maximise laboratory safety. 8. . Mission and Focus of the &f&v & Environmentd protection off ice (SEPO) and . ce of Laboratorv Servrces (OLS)

The Task Force's recommendation that the primary mission of SEPO must be to make the University environmentally sound and physically safe has been affirmed. The activities of the office are directed towards the achievement of that

objective. A committee has been established to review OLS. 9. Enforcement and Compliance SEPO offers advice on the adoption of appropriate safety measures, performs a monitoring role to establish that satisfactory practices are observed and has the

power of enforcement, including the authority to close laboratories should SEPO consider that necessary. This role has been explicitly separated from the managerial responsibility for ensuring that all activities in a department are conducted according to best safety practices. Accountability for safety compliance resides, through line management, with the head of the department concerned and this has been made clear. ote to . Editors . Please direct enquiries to the Office of Public Affairs at 2358 6305 or pager 71163388

call 7026 Page 2