UM TodayCleaning – UM Today https://umtoday-wordpress.ad.umanitoba.ca Your Source for University of Manitoba News Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:13:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 Spring Into Safety: A Fresh Start for a Safe and Compliant Space https://umtoday-wordpress.ad.umanitoba.ca/spring-into-safety-a-fresh-start-for-a-safe-and-compliant-space/ https://umtoday-wordpress.ad.umanitoba.ca/spring-into-safety-a-fresh-start-for-a-safe-and-compliant-space/#respond Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:07:06 +0000 https://news.umanitoba.ca/?p=213846 Spring cleaning serves as a reminder that a clean and organized lab leads to a safe lab, however, lab safety isn’t a once-a-year task but a continuous effort. Regularly reviewing storage practices, ensuring PPE availability, and keeping workspaces organized contributes to a safer and more organized research and learning environment. By making safety a priority, we foster a culture of compliance and continuous improvement, benefiting all who work and learn in our laboratories. Let’s work together to keep our labs safe, clean, and well-maintained throughout the year!]]> As warmer weather arrives, many of us take the opportunity to refresh our spaces with a bit of spring cleaning—laboratories included! A thorough cleaning not only keeps workspaces organized and efficient but also reinforces a culture of continuous safety and compliance within the University’s Lab Safety Programs. With the 2025 annual laboratory inspections underway, now is the perfect time to tidy up and ensure all required lab posters are visible. You can find the full list on the EHSO webpage. If you have not received these please contact EHSO by email for pick-up or delivery of these items.  To further streamline the inspection process, consider completing the self-inspection checklist here. A little preparation now goes a long way in maintaining a safe and compliant workspace!

Keeping Your Lab Safe and Compliant

Beyond everyday cleanliness, maintaining proper chemical and biological agent storage is critical to preventing hazards. Regularly check for expired or unwanted chemicals and dispose of them through the Hazardous Waste Program, keeping storage areas compliant and organized. Additionally, Vertere, the university’s chemical inventory management system, can help researchers share surplus chemicals instead of purchasing new ones, reducing waste and promoting cost-effective practices.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Check

An often-overlooked aspect of lab maintenance is ensuring that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available, accessible, and in good condition. Lab coats, gloves, safety goggles, and other essential PPE should be properly stored and replaced as needed to maintain a safe working environment. Inspect PPE regularly to confirm it meets safety standards and is free from damage or contamination.

A well-maintained lab fosters a safer research environment for all, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and promoting a culture of responsibility. Let’s work together to keep our laboratories clean, organized, and safe for everyone!

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