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TMU’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) team is offering important reminders for a safety-conscious campus.

Under proper operating conditions and storage, lithium batteries are fast charging, high-capacity and hold a charge a long time. With a big punch in a small package, misuse or mishandling can lead to big consequences including fires, explosions and toxic chemical release.

Protect yourself, devices and equipment from the risk of lithium battery fires with guidance from EHS for safe lithium battery usage on campus. Key tips include:

Do not charge e-bikes on campus and don’t leave assistive devices such as wheelchairs or mobility scooters unattended if they must be charged on campus.
Avoid temperature extremes. Do not charge or store your batteries in sub-zero temperatures and keep them away from heat sources.
Use the certified charger that came with the device, or as permitted by the manufacturer and monitor your devices while they are charging.
Lithium batteries are hazardous waste and are not part of the battery recycling program at TMU. They must be taken to municipal hazardous-waste drop-off locations.

Download the  (PDF file) safety tip sheet to share in your work or study area or residence for a quick reference guide.

While 3D printers are powerful tools that offer exciting capabilities for many departments across TMU, they may use technology and materials that present health and safety risks. TMU’s new 3D Printing Safety Program helps 3D-printer users understand the risks associated with the technologies and materials and learn how to work with them safely. General guidelines and procedures include:

The program also provides more specific guidelines tailored for the different types of 3D printing technologies available on campus through quick-reference tip sheets. These tip sheets can be downloaded and posted in 3D printing facilities.

Ergonomics and body mechanics matter to everyone, whether you work or study long hours seated at a desk or you’re working on your feet for extended periods.

Complementing its training on workstation ergonomics, EHS has just released an all-new module for manual task work for those who lift or move materials, tools or equipment. 

Learn proper lifting and moving techniques to avoid strains and musculoskeletal disorders. 
Understand when to use mechanical aids and learn how to use them effectively.
Get strategies for working in awkward postures or prolonged positions and avoid injuries related to repetitive motion.

These two training modules and tips for ergonomic setups for studying are available to all students, faculty and staff. These resources are designed to help everyone perform desk-based tasks or physical work to prevent injuries and musculoskeletal disorders.

TMU has a Smoking and Vaping Policy as part of efforts toward fostering an environment that promotes the safety and wellbeing for our students, faculty and staff. 

Smoking and vaping are outdoor activities only and not permitted inside any TMU building or vehicle, including stairwells, vestibules and washrooms. 
Toronto bylaws mandate no smoking within 9 metres of an entrance. That’s the width of Bond Street between the Image Arts building and the Heidelberg Centre.
The Kerr Hall Quad is also a smoke- and vape-free space — including the Quad stairs to the upper gym. 

We all play a role in keeping the Quad as a clean-air outdoor community space.

TMU’s Environmental Health and Safety team provides consulting and advisory services on all environmental health and safety matters. If you have a health and safety concern or questions about TMUs operations, scholarly, research and creative (SRC) or public health threats. Reach out to your departmental EHS advisor.