The Department of Earth Sciences strives to maintain a safe and healthy working environment for everyone. In addition to the resources provided by the University of Toronto Environmental Health and Safety Office, our department plans a "Safety Day" at the beginning of the fall/winter semester each year to ensure all new students and staff receive training specific to the laboratories and spaces in the deparment. For those who are working and learning in the field, locally or in remote areas, please contact your supervisor for safety training information.
The Earth Sciences Health and Safety Committee oversees general safety issues in department and members of the committee can be contacted if there are questions or concerns within our spaces.
Announcements about the timing of Safety Day will be made by email and posted in FRED, the departmental e-newletter.
Feeling distressed? Safety and Support information is available.
For general U of T safety information you can visit the University of Toronto Environmental Health and Safety website
The St. George Campus Safety Special Constable Service website provides information and services to members of the U of T community.
- Campus Safety Communications Centre (24/7)
- Non-urgent: 416-978-2323
- Campus Urgent: 416-978-2222 or 911
For Health and Safety procedures specific to the Department of Earth Sciences, see the tabs below and the 
Safety Manual 2025-26
Contact Colin Bray 416-978-6516 (Office ES3104) or Mike Hamilton 416-946-5309 (Office ES1016 or B175) regarding safety concerns.
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colin Bray (co-chair, worker) | ES3104 | 416-978-6516 | cjbray@es.utoronto.ca |
| Mike Hamilton (co-chair, management) | ES1016 or B175 | 416-946-5309 | mahamilton@es.utoronto.ca |
| Xu Chu (management) | ES2120 | xu.chu@utoronto.ca | |
| Uli Wortmann (management) | ES3127 | 416-948-7084 | uli.wortmann@utoronto.ca |
| Yanan Liu (worker) | ES3114 | 416-978-5420 | liu@es.utoronto.ca |
| Heidi Tomes (worker) | ES2127 | 416-946-7148 | heidi.tomes@utoronto.ca |
| Duane Smythe (worker) | ES3108 | duane.smythe@utoronto.ca | |
| Julia Hathaway (Graduate Student Rep, CUPE) | ES4118 | julia.hathaway@mail.utoronto.ca |
| Name | Office | Phone | First Aid Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alessio Scurci | ESB175 | Basement - outside room B160 | |
| Duane Smythe | ES3108/B160 | Basement - outside room B160 | |
| Xu Chu | ES2120 | 416-978-2975 | Basement - Room B160 |
| Karyn Gorra | ES2123 | 416-978-2060 | First floor - Main Office area - Rm 1066 |
| Marianne Vogel | ES126/ES4088 | Third floor - Outside room 3119 | |
| TBA | Third floor - Outside room 3119 |
Chemical Inventory
U of T has implemented a chemical inventory system to keep track of chemicals and their locations on campus. Each research lab is required to maintain their inventory and training on how to do this is available.
- All chemicals must be recorded into the U of T Hechment chemical inventory system using a hand held barcode scanner.
- If your lab does not have a scanner, contact Colin Bray to sign one out.
Chemical Spills
Chemical spill kits are to be used only for very small spills. The spill kit should be clearly identified in all labs that use chemicals.
In the case of a major chemical spill:
- evacuate the laboratory and close the door.
- call Hazardous Chemical Control (416-978-7000 or 416-978-2222 after hours).
- identify the chemical(s) involved, if possible, and the approximate amount and location.
- it may be necessary to evacuate the building.
- In the case of very small chemical spills:
- chemical spill kits can be used for small spills.
- kits should be clearly identified in any lab that uses chemicals.
- become familiar with the location in all labs you work in.
Chemical Waste
There is a chemical waste disposal facility located in the northwest part of the Earth Sciences Centre in the Forestry wing on Willcocks Street, near the loading dock area — Room ES1101. All chemical waste must be disposed of in this facility.
Access to the room is obtained by signing out a key from the Earth Sciences reception desk, room ES1066.
In case of fire
- Activate the nearest wall-mounted fire alarm.
- Phone the university emergency Centre at 416-978-2222.
- Close the door behind you.
- Evacuate the building.
- Do not re-enter the building until authorized to do so.
Important notes
- Do not attempt to extinguish fire unless you can do so safely.
- Propping or wedging open fire doors is prohibited by the ifre code.
Working alone
Sometimes you may find you are alone in your office or lab. U of T has a Work Alone program to create a safer environment.
- Make sure someone knows if you intend to work alone and/or late and that the lights are on in areas where you are working.
- Keep your room/lab door locked when working alone on weekends, evenings, or nights.
- A 'buddy' system in which voice ontact is maintained every half hour is advised.
- You can let the Campus Safety office know the room you plan to work in. Call 416-978-2323 - the non-emergency number.
- Do not leave laboratory or offices unlocked while unattended.
- Do not leave valuables unattended.
- Never compromise building security by propping open exterior doors. Be aware that FOBs are required to open the doors on evenings and weekends.
- In an emergency, call Campus Safety at 416-978-2222 if you can safely access a phone.
- When leaving the building you can make use of the TravelSafer Program — 8SAFE (416-978-7233) operated by the University.