Alert warns of hidden fire hazard

The following is adapted from a release by the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission. Several serious fires have been reported as a result of people filling portable gas cans in the backs of pickup trucks with plastic liners and in cars with carpet surfaces. The insulating effect of the surfaces prevents static charges from grounding properly. The discharge of this buildup to the grounded gasoline dispenser nozzle can cause a spark and ignite the gasoline.

Here are some precautions to safely dissipate static charges and avoid a fire while filling a portable gasoline container:

• Remove the container from the vehicle and place it on the ground away from the vehicle.
• Touch the container with the gas dispenser nozzle before removing the gas container lid.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with container inlet while filling.

Did you know?

When an employee visits a physician and mentions their illness may be work related, the physician is obligated to report the injury to the Workplace Health and Safety and Compensation Commission. The commission must then contact the university for necessary documentation.

Sometimes physicians make the report without advising the employee, and when the employee is contacted by the Department of Human Resources they are surprised. If you think you have a work-related injury or illness, please complete an accident/injury report form before you see your physician. To obtain a form, see your department head.

Your questions and our answers about changes to the recycling system:

Q. Why are we using the over-sized bins to collect paper?

A. As part of the recycling contract, the contractor provides collection bins to the university on a rental basis. These bins are designed to fit onto a lifting mechanism on the collection vehicle. This mechanism greatly reduces any lifting requirements by personnel. The large size allows us to store more paper in advance of the pickup.

Q. Why does the paper bin vanish from my area every Friday morning?

A. Custodial staff transfer the bins to the collection points before 9 a.m. Friday mornings so the contractor can empty them. The containers are then returned.

Q. The bins are labeled "WHITE PAPER ONLY." What do I do with other types of paper?

A. At the present time, the only paper collected for recycling is white paper. All other paper types, such as coloured, glossy and newsprint, are not collected for recycling and should be placed in the regular garbage container.

Q. Is cardboard still collected for recycling?

A. Yes. The recycling contract also provides us with outside metal containers for cardboard recycling. Recycling of this material will greatly reduce cardboard storage in loading bays and entrances. Boxes must be broken down to fit into the slot in the containers.

Q. What about beverage container recycling?

A. There are no changes to the beverage container recycling program. Beverage container collection is still handled by Ever Green Recycling.

Make it a safe holiday — keep these safety tips in mind:

• Check your tree, whether it's real or artificial. When selecting a real tree be sure to check for freshness and keep it watered. Check artificial trees for excessive dust buildup, which can create a fire hazard. Artificial trees can be washed, vacuumed or placed outside for a good airing-out to remove dust build-up. Remember, only artificial trees are permitted inside campus buildings.

• Check your lights for frayed cords and empty sockets. Avoid overloading sockets.

• Take care when using candles and fireplaces. Keep flammable decorations away from all of flame and heat. Lit candle displays are not permitted inside campus buildings.

• Assign a designated driver if you plan on indulging during holiday parties, on and off campus.

• Prepare for all weather conditions if you are travelling long distances by car during the holidays.

• Shut down all non-essential electrical equipment, especially computer monitors, at home and at work before leaving for extended periods. Unattended equipment can create a fire hazard.

• Try to take time for yourself to relax. Even a few minutes to close your eyes and take a few cleansing breaths can help to relieve holiday stress.