Better safety practices emphasized at safety fair

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Virginia Commonwealth University’s Staff Senate hosted its second annual safety fair this week in the University Student Commons’ Commonwealth Ballroom. The fair was originally scheduled to take place on the Commons Plaza but the threat of rain forced the fair indoors.

Despite reduced turnout, vendors at the fair encouraged visitors to remain aware of safety risks and to take advantage of services offered at VCU.

“We’re all about empowerment,” said Lyndon Aguiar, senior staff clinician with University Counseling Services. “Our mission is to help students cope with stress and we’re here to help.”

VCU’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety set up displays about hazardous electrical plugs and extension cords, showcasing the melted and cobbled-together extensions confiscated during fire safety inspections.

“I don’t know what they were thinking,” said Amy Henderson, lead compliance officer, as she held up plug adapters and an extension cord which was haphazardly attached to a multiplug outlet. “These pose a huge hazard because they don’t shut off, unlike a surge protector. They can melt and start a fire.”

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety also presented the hazards of improper laboratory procedures, including photographs of lab fires and explosions resulting from improperly stored chemicals. Office representatives stressed the importance of spill kits and proper protection in the laboratory.

The Wellness Resource Center set up a table covering domestic violence and highlighting April as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with brochures and handouts about a variety of programs. Some of the programs for April include the Clothesline Project and Take Back the Night.

The Virginia State Police also was on hand, passing out safety pamphlets and locks, and recruiting for the State Police.

“When it comes to safety,” said Trooper M.P. Pantle, “we’re happy when we change the safety habits or influence one person at a time. That’s why we’re out here.”

Organizations participating in this year's fair were the VCU Police Department, the Virginia State Police, the Richmond Ambulance Authority, the VCU Wellness Resource Center, Virginia Credit Union, the VCU Office of Environmental Health and Safety, the VCU University Counseling Service, VCU Information Security, and the VCU HIV/AIDS Center.

The VCU Staff Senate, established in 1991, serves in an advisory capacity to the president and provides input on issues involving classified staff at VCU. The senate also provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and information among staff, administration and faculty of VCU and the VCU Health System and addresses concerns, issues and needs brought forward by the staff.