Health and Safety

Safety Expectations in the Department of Visual Arts

Western University strives to foster the development of safety consciousness in all members of the University community for the purpose of minimizing the risk of injury to persons or the damage to property or facilities.

All members of the Department of Visual Arts – including faculty, staff and students – are expected to adhere to all directives outlined by Western University, which are outlined in Policy 3.1 – Health and Safety Policy: https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/policies_procedures/section3/mapp31.pdf.

If you have any safety related questions or concerns, please contact the Operations and Communications Manager at vaoperations@uwo.ca or ext. 86190.

Please note: According to the University’s Code of Student Conduct, any student who fails to respect the responsibilities listed on this site may face disciplinary actions. https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/board/code.pdf

  

Studio Safety Guidelines 

Students, faculty and staff all have a role to play in ensuring the studios are safe work and instructional spaces.

Please note that food and drink are NOT permitted in any studio spaces in the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre.

Use of extension cords for powering personal electronic devices is not permitted.

General Studio Safety

 

Student Responsibilities

  • Complete online health and safety training modules that are mandated by the University.
  • Know the location of fire extinguishers and emergency exits.
  • Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures outlined on the sign near each studio door.
  • Report all injuries or accidents immediately to your professor or teaching assistant.

 

Faculty Responsibilities

  • Complete online health and safety training modules that are mandated by the University.
  • Know the location of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency exits.
  • Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures outlined on the sign near each studio door.
  • Be aware of materials students are using in studios and ensure they are following safe procedures for those materials.
  • Inform students about health and safety policies, the safe use of toxic materials and solvent storage, and ensure they are following safe work procedures.
  • Ensure students have access to safety data sheets (SDS) for all materials and enforce wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • In case of an emergency, call 911; complete and submit an AIIR within 24 hours of incident.
  • Instruct students in the proper use of the spray booth in room 230 if they wish to use aerosol paint or fixatives. 

  

Drawing, Foundations, and Practicum Studios

 

Student Responsibilities 

In addition to the responsibilities noted in the General Studio Safety section:

  • Do not eat, drink, vape or smoke while painting since these activities may lead to accidental ingestion of paint.
  • When using paint, remember that some pigments are more hazardous than others. Take special care with cadmium colours, cobalt colours, manganese colours, zinc white, flake white, cerulean blue, vermilion red, burnt and raw umber. Always consult the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for any paints you are using.
  • Use aerosol fixative only in the spray booth in Room 230 or outdoors. Fine mists from these sprays can penetrate deep into the lungs.
  • Flammable fixatives must be stored in the flammable cabinet located in the spray booth in 230 and not in your locker.
  • Clean brushes, tools, and palettes using non-toxic methods.
  • Do not pour solvents or hazardous materials down the sink.
  • Do not leave valuable or sensitive materials unattended in the studio.
  • Try to avoid working alone after hours; use the buddy system. If you must work alone in the studio after hours, register for the Work Safe Program through Western Special Constable Services (WSCS).

 

Faculty Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities noted in the General Studio Safety section:

  • Instruct students in the proper use of the spray booth in room 230 if they wish to use aerosol fixatives (the door of the booth must be closed when in use).

   

Painting Studio

 

Student Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities noted in the General Studio Safety section:

  • Complete online health and safety training modules that are mandated by the University.
  • Know the location of fire extinguishers and emergency exits.
  • Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures outlined on the sign near each studio door.
  • Report all injuries or accidents immediately to your professor or teaching assistant.
  • Do not eat, drink, vape or smoke while painting since these activities may lead to accidental ingestion of paint.
  • When using paint, the primary dangers involve the accidental ingestion of pigments and the inhalation of fumes from solvents such as turpentine and mineral spirits. Skin contact with these solvents is also a problem. Some pigments are more hazardous than others. Take special care with cadmium colours, cobalt colours, manganese colours, zinc white, flake white, cerulean blue, vermilion red, burnt and raw umber. Always consult the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for any paints you are using.
  • Use aerosol fixative and spray paint only in the spray booth or outdoors. Fine mists from these sprays can penetrate deep into the lungs.
  • All flammable chemicals, sprays and solvents must be stored in the flammable cabinet and not in your locker.
  • Clean brushes, tools, and palettes using non-toxic methods.
  • Do not pour solvents or hazardous materials down the sink.
  • Do not leave valuable or sensitive materials unattended in the studio.
  • Try to avoid working alone after hours; use the buddy system. If you must work alone in the studio after hours, register for the Work Safe Program through Western Special Constable Services (WSCS).   

 

Faculty Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities noted in the General Studio Safety section:

  • When using solvents, open the porthole windows in the room, turn on the fan in the spray booth, and close the spray booth door.
  • If a solvent spill occurs, pour sawdust from the container in the spray booth onto the spill to absorb it. Notify the Program Assistant, who will ask the maintenance staff to clean it.

 

Printmaking Studio

Printmaking Studio Use

  • Restricted for use by students enrolled in printmaking courses and graduate students.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines will be outlined during the first day of class.

 

Student Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities noted in the General Studio Safety section:

  • Adhere to all safety practices in room 106 and the silk screen area; never work alone when supervision is out of close reach.
  • Use tools and equipment appropriately and return everything to its rightful place.
  • Follow all procedural guidelines as demonstrated by faculty and technician.
  • If an accident occurs and emergency assistance is required, call 911 as needed and notify your professor and/or studio technician.
  • Report all injuries immediately to your professor and/or studio technician.
  • Abide by directives from faculty, technician and approved studio monitors.
  • Notify faculty or technician if equipment is malfunctioning.

 

Faculty and Technician Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities noted in the General Studio Safety section:

  • Ensure that ventilation is operative and notify Facilities Management if a failure occurs.
  • Notify maintenance person concerning broken equipment and unsafe occurrences; assist with appropriate treatment of chemical spills.
  • With a technician, demonstrate proper use of presses, etching booths, exposure unit and other major technical equipment.

   

Sculpture Studio

Sculpture Studio Use

  • Restricted for use by students enrolled in sculpture courses and graduate students.
  • Graduate students and faculty are required to book an appointment with technician Andrew Silk asilk3@uwo.ca to use the sculpture studio.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines will be outlined during the first day of class. 

 

Student Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities noted in the General Studio Safety section:

  • Adhere to all safety practices when working in workshop area and/or studio room 130.
  • Follow the workshop guidelines for use of equipment as outlined by workshop studio technician.
  • Store all flammable paints, solvents etc. in the flammable cabinet, located in the spray booth.
  • Ask the workshop technician or instructor if you have any concerns or doubts regarding the operation of equipment.
  • Abide by directives from faculty, technician and approved studio monitors. 

 

Faculty and Technician Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities noted in the General Studio Safety section:

  • Inform students about safe use of hand and power tools in workshop areas and safe use and clean-up of toxic materials.
  • Ensure students are provided with a tool safety demonstration led by the workshop technician.
  • Students may be required to pass a safety test before using equipment in this facility.
  • Technician is responsible for ensuring that all equipment and supplies are well maintained and operating safely.

   

Office Safety

All shared office spaces in the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre that are occupied by faculty, staff and graduate students are subject to workplace inspections as required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

There are two distinct types of inspection:

  1. Annual inspections of the entire University by the Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee.
  2. Monthly inspections by every Supervisor of their specific area.

The following are some of the more common items that the JOH&SC checks when they conduct workplace inspections:

  • All appliances (refrigerators, microwaves, kettles) and equipment (printers, photocopiers) must be plugged directly into an outlet, not a power bar or extension cord.
  • Only electrical equipment, extension cords, and power bars with a CSA or ULC sticker may be used.
  • Extension cords must not run across a walkway.
  • Walkways and entrances/exits must be free of obstacles. 
  • Offices should not contain any slip/trip hazards.
  • Shelving must be secured to the wall and heavier items should be placed on lower shelves.


Please review the Western Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee Workplace Guide/Checklist for a more detailed list of inspection items.  

Required Safety Training

Human Resource Services provide a range of health and safety courses. Some courses are mandatory for all faculty, staff and volunteers. Students may require training due to a specific course, program or clinical placement requirement. Other courses may be required depending upon your role or duties at Western. Please confirm your specific training requirements with your supervisor.

The following modules are required training for all Western employees (including work study students):

  • Health and Safety Training (Worker or Supervisor)WHMIS
  • Western Safe Campus Community
  • Building Inclusivity Through Anti-Racism
  • Supporting Disclosures of Gender-Based and Sexual Violence at Western
  • AODA – Accessibility in Service OR AODA – Accessibility in Teaching
  • Cyber Safety Awareness Training

 

For more information on training requirements, please see Western's Safety Procedure & Guidelines.

 

Security  

Building Security

The doors to the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre are unlocked during the academic year on the following schedule:

Monday – Friday:  8:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12:00pm – 5:00pm

Graduate students, staff, and faculty have access outside of these hours.

Undergraduate students are expected to vacate the building when it closes.

Campus Safety and Emergency Services (CSES) monitors the surveillance cameras inside the building and Western Special Constable Services (WSCS) conducts regular patrols across campus.

  

Card Access

Graduate student, staff, or faculty can use their WesternONE card to access the building after hours through the card readers on the side doors of the VAC. 

You must use card access individually; DO NOT HOLD THE DOOR FOR OTHERS. If you are at the door at the same time as another grad/staff, each person must tap their unique WesternONE card on the card reader.

Specialized Access for Grads

In addition to accessing your private or shared offices and studio spaces, you may also request access to specialized studio spaces to conduct your research.

For questions or problems with your card access, please email vaoperations@uwo.ca. 

 

If your card is broken/lost/defective you can obtain a replacement through Student Central. 

   

Working Alone

It is not recommended that students work alone after business hours in the building and instead work in pairs. When that it not possible, students should use the Work Safe program.

The Work Safe program is operated by Western Special Constable Service & Western Foot Patrol. This service is ideal for people working late and alone on campus. Customers call to register with the program, after which they can call the service at any time when working late at night.

How it Works:

When you call to use the service, you will select times through the evening to contact Western Foot Patrol or Western Special Constable Service. You are responsible to call and "check in" with the operator at these established times.

If you have not called five minutes after the designated check in time, we will call you. If you do not answer the phone, we will leave a message, wait five minutes and then dispatch the Western Special Constable Service for a welfare check.

You must call the service before you leave the campus for the evening.

Hours of operation: 

7 days/week: 6pm-6am
September, Holidays, exams: 9pm-6am

Registration Required:

Customers must register before using the program.

  • 6pm - 1am, call 519 661-3650 (or extension 83650) - Western Foot Patrol
  • 1am - 6am, call 519 661-3300 (or extension 83300) - Western Special Constable Service

   

Foot Patrol

Volunteer teams provide safe escorts on the main and affiliate college campuses, including some off campus locations. Their teams will wait with you at bus stops, ensure you reach your car safely in campus parking lots, and escort you to your residence or any other building on campus. They also offer plain clothes walks, where they remove their vest so it looks like you are walking with friends. The Western Foot Patrol vehicle compliments their walking teams, and is used for long escorts and on high-volume evenings.

Western community members can request service by calling 519-661-3650

Or texting through the Western University Foot Patrol app. The app is available through Google or Apple stores.

Visit the Western University Foot Patrol website for Hours of Operation:

   

Theft

Although the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre may feel like home, please keep in mind that it is a publicly accessible building. Visual Arts students are responsible for keeping their personal belongings safe from theft.

Here are some tips to help you keep your belongings safe:

  • Do not leave your belongings unattended in any area of the building
  • If you keep your art supplies in a locker, be sure to keep it locked with a combination lock
  • Be sure to lock your bike on the bike rack near the front of the building


Please note that the Department of Visual Arts is NOT responsible for theft of student belongings.

Emergencies    

Emergency Preparedness

Western University uses an emergency mass notification system called Alert WesternU to notify campus community members when there is a situation occurring on campus that they should be aware of.

All current members of the university community are automatically subscribed to the system for university-issued mass email notifications using their official @uwo.ca email address. You can expect to be notified by email in the event of an imminent danger, building evacuation, severe weather emergencies (such as a tornado), or critical university status updates.

Customize your Settings
Members of the campus community are encouraged to log into the customization portal to broaden the ways they wish to receive notifications. The settings entered (i.e., personal mobile number or email address for you and/or family members) will be effective immediately. 

Download the Alert WesternU app, powered by OnSolve
Note: Downloading the app to your smart phone or electronic device will allow you to receive instant push notifications straight to that device. We recommend allowing push notifications so that alerts pop up on your device.

Visit the Alert WesternU website for more information: https://alert.westernu.ca/. 

Responding to Emergencies

Fire, Police and First Aid Emergencies

Please follow these protocols when responding to emergencies in the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre:

 

First Aid Kits and Responders

The first aid kit is located in the lounge kitchen (room 223).

First Aid Responders in the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre:

  • Andrew Silk (VAC 130)
  • Cindi Talbot (VAC 241A)


First aid kits are inventoried monthly. If you notice any supplies missing, contact the Operations and Communications Manager at vaoperations@uwo.ca.

 

Other Emergencies

Visit Western Special Constable Services “What to Do When” page for more information on how to respond to a variety of other emergencies: https://uwo.ca/campussafety/safety/index.html

   

Building Evacuation

Building occupants may be required to evacuate the building in the case of a fire, fire drill, gas leak, or other emergency.

When you hear the fire alarm sound, that is your cue to evacuate the building IMMEDIATELY:

  1. Grab your coat and other valuables
  2. Proceed to the nearest stairwell*
  3. Exit the building
  4. Proceed to the marshalling area**
  5. Do NOT re-enter the building until you are instructed to do so by an authorized personnel


*Note that elevators will drop to the main floor in the case of a fire alarm and will not be operable. Do NOT use the elevator.

**The Marshalling area for the VAC is the Visual Arts parking lot to the north of the building. Evacuate a minimum of 10 metres from the building to allow Fire Department access. In inclement weather, building occupants may marshal inside of the North Campus Building.

Building Emergency Team (BET)

The John Labatt Visual Arts Centre has a designated Building Emergency Team (BET) that assists with building evacuations. Each team member has assigned areas to check that all building occupants have evacuated when the fire alarm sounds. BET members are identifiable by blue vests.

If you are unable to leave the building by the stairwell due to mobility issues, please contact the Building Emergency Coordinator (BEC) at the beginning of the term to discuss your limitations.

BEC for Visual Arts Centre:

Cindi Talbot
ctalbot@uwo.ca
519-661-2111 ext. 86190

Members of the BET will let building occupants know when it is safe to re-enter the building.

 

VAC Building Fire Safety Plan

To view the Building Fire Safety Plan for the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre, login with your Western credentials.

 

Western Fire Safety

Visit https://www.fire.uwo.ca/ for more information.

   

Shelter in Place

Building occupants may be instructed to shelter in place in response to a severe weather event, security threat, or other emergency on campus.

 

How to shelter in place:

  1. Go Inside Immediately: If you are outside, seek a safe indoor space.
  2. Seek Shelter: Seek the safest available indoor space, ideally in an interior space with no windows.
  3. Secure the Shelter: Close and lock all doors and windows. If possible, turn off air conditioning, heating, and exhaust fans to prevent outside air from entering.

  4. Stay informed: Listen to emergency alerts from Western’s emergency notification system (Alert WesternU) for updates and instructions.

  5.  Do Not Open the Door: Wait for an “all clear” from Alert WesternU before opening any doors or windows to leave the secluded area.

 

Individuals with mobility limitations may be required to shelter in place during building evacuations. These individuals should consult with the Building Emergency Coordinator (BEC) to develop an appropriate plan.

BEC for Visual Arts Centre:

Cindi Talbot
ctalbot@uwo.ca
519-661-2111 ext. 86190

 

Please see Western’s Shelter in Place Policy for more information. 

   

Reporting Emergencies

Accidents, Injuries, Incidents

In the event that an accident, injury or incident takes place in the VAC, you should alert your Supervisor, Professor or Teaching Assistant immediately.

The following should also be alerted to any emergencies that take place in the building:

Graduate or Undergraduate Chair:

Graduate Chair
Christof Migone
cmigone@uwo.ca

Undergraduate Chair
Sarah Bassnett
519-661-3440
vaugc@uwo.ca 

Department Chair:
Alena Robin
arobin82@uwo.ca

Operations & Communications Manager:
Cindi Talbot
519-661-2111 ext. 86190
519-317-5799
ctalbot@uwo.ca

See the “Responding to Emergencies” section for information on completing an AIIR (Accident/Illness/Incident Reporting Form & Investigation Report).

 

Facilities-Related Emergencies

For facilities-related emergencies or incidents that occur during business hours, contact the Operations and Communications Manager:

Cindi Talbot
519-661-2111 ext. 86190
519-317-5799
ctalbot@uwo.ca

For facilities-related emergencies or incidents that occur after hours, contact:

Facilities Management: 519-661-3304

*If Facilities Management is closed, their phone will be forwarded to Western Special Constable Services, who will dispatch an emergency tradesperson to the call.

Wellness 

Personal Wellness

Western offers a variety of counselling services and several mental health resources for students.

If you or a friend are feeling overwhelmed, confused or unsure of your mental health state, please don’t ignore it. There are steps you can take to help yourself or help others.

Western provides several on-campus health-related services to help engage in healthy living while pursuing your degree. For example, to support physical activity, all students receive membership in Western’s Campus Recreation Centre.

Further information regarding health and wellness-related services available to students may be found at http://www.health.uwo.ca/.

If you are in emotional or mental distress should refer to Mental Health Support at Western for a complete list of options about how to obtain help.

 

 

Gender-Based Sexual Violence

Statement on Gender-Based and Sexual Violence:

Western is committed to reducing incidents of gender-based and sexual violence and providing compassionate support to anyone who has gone through these traumatic events.

If you have experienced gender-based or sexual violence (either recently or in the past), you will find information about support services for survivors, including emergency contacts, here. 

To connect with a case manager or set up an appointment, please contact support@uwo.ca.