MIT Reports to the President 1994-95

Safety Office

Once again this year, the Safety Office has played an active role in helping to address security and safety issues throughout the campus. Security improvements and building code compliance issues in Buildings 68, E40, E51, East Campus, and the Albany and West Garages were achieved.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Members of the Physical Plant emergency response group received additional training this year with the implementation of new safety procedures. Training for lockout/tagout and confined space entry was also completed. Improvements were also made in the shift change procedures of the lockout/tagout program.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

A hazardous materials (HAZMAT) reference manual was developed which is a compilation of all MIT's HAZMAT response protocols.

Due to the closure of the Office of Laboratory Supplies (OLS), compressed gas cylinders will no longer be delivered to laboratories by OLS. A vendor partnership has been established for this purpose including the disposition of hazardous waste cylinders. Both the Environmental Medical Service and the Safety Office were involved in developing appropriate protocols.

FIRE PROTECTION

In conjunction with Physical Plant, an MIT Fire Alarm Committee was established to undertake strategic planning for building fire alarm systems.

Currently under consideration is an automatic sprinkler system for Talbot House in Vermont.

The Haystack Observatory is upgrading their CO2 fire protection system. This system protects the control room, parts of the tower, and equipment boxes at various levels on the antenna.

John M. Fresina

MIT Reports to the President 1994-95