PDF of this newsletter is also available via MSE intranet: https://engineering.purdue.edu/Intranet/Groups/Schools/MSE/Facilities/SafetyNewsletters/MSE-Safety-Newsletter-Nov-Dec-2020.pdf

MSE Safety Newsletter for November/December 2020 

**** Important Upcoming Dates **** 

·         Submit OSHA inspection abatements for ARMS by Nov. 17. REM recently completed their annual building inspection and lab violations have been emailed to all lab supervisors. Please correct all issues and return the form to Jenni Fifer. 

·         Last day of face-to-face courses is Tuesday, Nov. 24. However, an exception has been made for MSE 499 students, senior design, and other undergraduate researchers, who are allowed to continue working in on-campus laboratories as permitted by their project advisors until December 11th. 

·         Purdue Winter Recess is Dec. 23 through Jan. 1. Research personnel should exercise caution if working in the lab during the recess as few (if any) staff will be on campus to provide assistance. 

**** MSE Lab Safety Brightspace Course and Website Updates **** 

·         Now available in the Brightspace course 

·         Training video for UVC disinfection boxes in ARMS 2118 (Effron Sterilization room) 

·         List of current safety requirements prior to requesting lab access  

·         Email mse-safety@purdue.edu with any suggestions for reducing confusion among safety guidelines and course documents 

·         New “Safety Highlights” on MSE website 

·         UVC sterilization boxes 

·         MSE 367 lab activity 

·         Email mse-safety@purdue.edu to submit your own safety highlight! 

**** COVID-19 Health Reminders **** 

·         As the weather gets colder and we spend more time inside, please remember to mask up and maintain proper social distances. And please encourage others in the MSE family to do the same. Let’s all stay safe and protect one another.

·         Winter eating & drinking guidelines for ARMS and MSEE: As you know, MSE has taken a strict stance on eating and drinking in the building by originally allowing no food to be consumed in common areas. However, as winter approaches, it is becoming increasing difficult to find a suitable place to eat. Therefore, MSE is now allowing you to eat in common areas under the following restrictions: 

·         Public areas with seating are limited in MSEE and ARMS. These include the atriums, Amelia’s, and the second floor common area near the MSE computer lab. Please maintain more than 6 ft between you and the nearest individual. Additionally, you can eat in your office if you are the only individual.  

·         Eating in the Effron Lounge is not permitted, as it is a sterilization room only. 

·         Please do not sit to eat where there is not already a chair or couch. And please do not move chairs. 

·         Click to learn more about general campus eating drinking guidelines 

**** COVID-19 Lab Safety Reminders ***  
All lab supervisors should complete/verify the recently released Online COVID-19 Research Space SOP Tool, which should include updated personnel data for your lab spaces to facilitate the Protect Purdue Health Center’s contact tracing efforts. See emails from Kelsie Newberry. 

**** PUMA Safety Committee Updates **** 
PUMA Lab Clean-Up Day is scheduled for Nov. 13 and will include the following spaces: ARMS 2093 XRD Lab, ARMS 2132 Polishing Lab, ARMS 2138 Processing Lab, ARMS 2170 Ceramics Lab, ARMS 2191 Mechanical Testing Lab. Watch for PUMA emails for details. 

**** Annual Safety Training Reminder **** 
As described in the MSE safety training policy (posted here), each academic year, all undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers are required to complete the MSE-specific safety training (slides & quiz) administered through Brightspace. Please note that Hazard Communication training is no longer a separate required training. A list of researchers who have/have not completed the training will be provided to Prof. Bahr and MSE faculty members at the end of the year.  

**** Equipment Reporting Reminder **** 
If you encounter a piece of broken equipment, or have any questions about a specific piece of equipment, you should contact a member of the MSE Technical Staff: 

·         For general equipment (and associated checklists): Tim VanMeter 

·         For mechanical testing equipment: Jenni Fifer 

·         For analytical (iLab) equipment: Talukder Alam  

**** Important Links and Contact Information **** 

·         Protect Purdue: COVID-19 resources and reporting 

·         IN Dept. of Health COVID-19 Resources and Stats 

·         For general safety questions, concerns, and lab access issues: mse-safety@purdue.edu or speak directly to MSE Safety Officer Jenni Fifer (ARMS 2207) 

·         For iLab equipment training and issues: Talukder Alam (ARMS 2207) 

·         Equipment/Safety/Consumables Reporting Form 

·         Purdue REM Researcher’s Guide 

·         ARMS general safety information 

Thanks for reading everyone and have a GREAT holiday season!   

Prof. Erk and the MSE Safety Committee