The CSIT Building Occupational Health and Safety Committee Meeting Date: Tuesday Sep 24 2002 Time: 11:05-11:55 Venue: CSIT N335 present: James Fellows, Michael Kearney, Vicki Peterson, Roy Schmid, Peter Strazdins apologies: Chris Gunn, Denise Hollingsworth, Bronwyn Schmidt. MINUTES: 1. Noting of Apologies and Minutes of previous meeting (http://cs.anu.edu.au/ohs/minutes/Jun02) Minutes confirmed. Apologies noted. 2. Matters Arising: 2.1 CSIT water quality - review of management of problem Peter reported that he spoke with the Head of the OHS Unit, Stephen Altree-Williams, on the 14/6, who advised that a letter be sent from the HoD CS to the Director of F&S requesting that better communications be set up between DCS and F&S over the management of the water quality issue. The letter was sent on 21/6. A meeting was then set up on Jul 5 between Greg Brierley (F&S), Roy Schmid (OHS Unit) and Peter to discuss the issue. A set of CSIT plans (excluding the potable water pipe plans) was given by Greg, and the issues was discussed. It was reported that the F&S discontinued mains water flushing in early July. As Andrew Smith (plumber, F&S) could not attend, a further meeting between Andrew and Peter was planned. Roy sent to Peter a report on Jul 24th. On the basis of test results taken last April, and other information, it concluded that CSIT tap waster is `safe to drink'. It did state that the electric wall urns however should not be used until further testing is done. In response to a query shortly after from Peter whether daily flushing of cold water taps used for drinking, and use of water filters, is still needed. Roy's response was that its up to the individual. Roy further discussed the report. The pipe composition does not seem to be a factor (in that it is of good quality). In any case, ACTEW are not forthcoming on any methods that could be used to treat the pipe. The drop off in the Cu levels occurred in Dec - Apr seems to be due to differences in the water supply (eg. less acidity). Peter reported on the meeting with Andrew Smith on Aug 9. Andrew gave Peter a set of the CSIT potable water pipe plans and these were discussed in detail. We observed that the plant seems to consume rather copious amounts of water, for either heating or cooling, so that the mains flushing was probably superfluous. Thus, with respect to accumulation of Cu (and other substances from the pipes), the main factors seem to be: - the length of pipe from feeder pipes to the tap - the amount of use of the taps The two taps most at risk on the North Wing were identified to be the taps at N320 (10m run of pipe from the feeder near the plant room) and near N115 (long length of pipe after tap, little used; thus potential for backflow of stagnant water). These two were where anecdotal problems had been reported in the past. Peter reported that the outcome of the meeting was to include these taps (before and after flushing) at the next testing, which would at the end of October. The tap in S303, which had the most serious Cu levels, and a tap in the tea room, would also be retested. Roy then mentioned that the test date was moved forward to Oct 1. ACTION: Peter to request cessation of local flushing until tests were made, so as to reflect Cu levels without flushing. A decision to be made on flushing and urn use to be made after the tests results were known (expected end of October). 3. Review CSIT Hazard and Injury Reports (regular item) No new reports were lodged. 4. New Hazard reports 4.1 Stale Air Peter reported that on Aug 15, the occupant of Room 222 reported the air there was markedly stale (and indeed smelt of pizza). An investigation of the room confirmed this, with the puzzling result that the air in adjoining rooms was unaffected. There seemed to be sufficient air flow through the room. 4.2 Pigeons (return) Peter also reported that pigeons has been reported returning to CSIT, although there was no evidence they were yet in the roof cavities. 5. Other Business. none. -------------------- Meeting concluded 11:55.