It has field monitoring and laboratory analysis instrumentation to assess exposure to a wide range of chemical, physical, and biological agents. There are also specialized laboratories for the study of acoustics, airborne pollutants, bioaerosols, and pulmonary function.
Using the lab
The lab facilities are available to School students and faculty for teaching, research and projects. Laboratory facilities, equipment and consultation are also available to outside agencies on a fee-for-service basis.
The lab offers the following services:
- Chemical analysis and method development
- Gravimetric analysis
- Field monitoring instrument rental and calibration
The Laboratory has analytical instruments and experience that allow it to perform a variety of methods, including those set out by the following agencies:
- NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods for workplace air
- OSHA Sampling & Analytical Methods for workplace air
- EPA Test Methods Collections for ambient air, water, solid waste, radiation
The following is a partial list of analytes for which the laboratory has standard protocols. In addition, the laboratory has experience developing new analytical methods, often achieving detection limits below those in the published literature.
- aldehydes
- amphetamines
- anaesthetic gases
- bioaerosols
- chlorinated organic compounds
- cytotoxic medications
- endotoxin
- inorganic air quality indicators (e.g., NOx, SOx, COx)
- metals
- moulds
- organic acids
- particulates (dust, fume, smoke)
- polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
The laboratory offers the following field monitoring equipment for rental, when not in use for school teaching or research.
Indoor Air Quality Monitors
Q-Trak
VelociCalc
Velocicalc Plus
AccuBalance
Gas & Vapour Monitors
ppbRae
miniRae
Jerome Mercury Vapor Analyzer
Drager Chip Measurement System
Gastec Pump and detector tubes
Bioaerosol Samplers
Anderson Six-Stage Sampler
Anderson N-6 Stage Sampler
Particulate Samplers
DustTrak DRX
DustTrak DRX Handheld
Sidepak
P-Trak
Size-selection devices (7-hole sampler, cyclones, GSP, PM10, PM2.5, personal cascade impactor)
Pumps & Calibrators
Gilair Plus
AirCon pumps
Bios Defender
SKC 4146
Rotameters
Noise Monitors
Casella CEL 35x
Quest SoundPro DL2
Temperature & Pressure Monitors
Questtemp 36 & 32 area heat stress monitor
HVM100 Vibration Monitor
Safety Rules
It is important that all individuals using the lab review the SPPH OEH Safety Manual (2012 edition).
Individuals not in compliance with the following basic rules will be asked to leave the laboratory at once:
- NO SANDALS allowed in the lab (footwear must cover the whole foot)
- NO EATING OR DRINKING allowed in the lab
- NO HORSEPLAY allowed in the lab
- Those working with wet chemicals must wear safety eyewear and a lab coat
- All students planning to take SPPH 562 should take the Laboratory Chemical Safety course offered through UBC Risk Management Services.
- All staff on the third floor must participate in the Safety Manual Orientation and familiarize themselves with the UBC Policies listed above.
- When new hires are issued keys, they will have to sit with the Lab Manager for 1.5 hours to go through the health and safety manual and then pass a short test.
- Shower and Eye Wash Stations - main entrance of the Main Lab
- Spill Kit - left side of middle bench by entrance of Main Lab
- First Aid Kits - Main Lab/cabinet outside of front office (372)
- Report all spills to the Lab Manager. Do not clean up the spill yourself.
- See Laboratory Safety Manual for procedures for proper waste disposal. All equipment, including refrigerator, containing ozone-depleting substances, must be properly disposed of through Supply Management
- Students are asked to not sign for any shipments; however, if you must, ask if the package contains Dangerous Goods (prior to signing & receiving). Only certified personnel are allowed to receive Dangerous Goods.
You can view the Laboratory Policies here.