QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY BIOLOGICAL STATION USER GUIDE FOR
Contents
1. Be advised that the area off the diving board is a channel heavily used by boat traffic It is dangerous to swim far out from shore or back and forth across this channel There are inherent dangers in recreational swimming Be safe Recognize the hazards Boating QUBS owns and maintains a fleet of boats These are NOT for general use Rather they are leased to investigators as research tools Boats are fundamental research tools to field researchers In addition they are expensive tools and in inexperienced hands very dangerous Recreational Use QUBS canoes may be available for recreational use Users must be familiar with boating safety and use of canoes Canoes require the following basic safety equipment a lifejacket for each person lifejackets must be worn paddles 15 m of buoyant heaving line a bailer and a soundsignalling device whistle Be sure that these are in the canoe each and every time it is used Canoes belonging to the station must be signed out Do not use private canoes without the permission of the owner Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return Teaching Use Special care must be taken when operating boats for teaching purposes Operators must be trained in boat safety and operation and must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card New Transport Canada regulations class our pontoon boats as small commercial vessels and strict standards including special safety requirements come into play for t2. many Canadian universities as well as international researchers have conducted studies at QUBS This diversity of users contributes to a healthy atmosphere of inquiry into an wide array of research topics Administration QUBS is administered as part of the Department of Biology Queen s University The cascade of responsibility for operations is as follows Dean Arts and Science Chairman Department of Biology QUBS Director Dr Bruce Tufts QUBS Manager Senior Instructor Mr Frank Phelan QUBS Assistant Manager Mr Floyd Connor The Director and Manager are responsible for day to day operation of the facility and collaborate on planning reservations and all aspects of general operations Accounting is handled by Julie French Admin Asst and Mr John Topping Departmental Manager Department of Biology Arrival at QUBS Immediately upon arrival at QUBS contact the Manager He or his designate will show you to accommodations lab space equipment allocated for youruse A copy of the QUBS User Guide will be issued Familiarize yourself with the guide and keep it handy for reference during your stay The Manager or his designate check arriving students with course lists Advise QUBS management of special medical conditions as soon as possible after arrival A check will also be made to ensure that students have paid deposits for field courses to their home university Outstanding balances of field course costs will also be collected Map of
3. treated gently Unlike municipal water systems care must be taken with septic systems Do not dispose of non biodegradable material in toilets no plastic Do not dispose of paper towels or cardboard in toilets Do not attempt to flush bulky items No chemicals to be disposed of in sinks or toilets Solid waste should be placed in appropriate containers using clear plastic bags Animal material should not be placed with garbage Consult management re burial or alternate disposal Take care to safely package material which may pose a handling hazard eg broken glass razor blades pipettes etc Do not dispose of chemicals in garbage A wide variety of materials is locally recyclable QUBS actively participates in these programs and encourages all users to co operate in this effort A recycling shed is located near the workshop Compost containers are found in the operations centre Please deposit non animal food scraps for composting This is a good way to reduce the volume of waste destined for landfill sites and produces an ecologically valuable end product Housekeeping QUBS staff attempt to keep common areas clean and tidy However housekeeping in individual accommodations and laboratories is the responsibility of the user In multiple user accommodations eg Curran Cottage a committee of users should co operate in keeping common areas clean and tidy In areas such as the White House which has general use bathrooms and common areas the r
4. Main Site A map detailing the area comprising the main site at QUBS is included in the user guide folder Health and Safety The foremost concern of QUBS staff is the maintenance of a healthy and safe living working environment at the field station QUBS users must abide by the safety guidelines outlined herein and do everything in their power to assist staff with health and safety matters Field work does entail some risk Students must be advised of such risks and course instructors must develop plans to minimize the risks of field work in compliance with Queen s Off Campus Activity Safety Policy http www safety queensu ca policy activity QUBS safety officer is the Manager Mr Frank Phelan 911 Emergency System QUBS is serviced by the 911 emergency system Dialling 911 gives access to fire ambulance and police services In conjunction with the 911 system a municipal addressing system has been put into place If you call 911 you will need to report the municipal address for QUBS QUBS Municipal Address 280 Queen s University Road Township of Rideau Lakes South Crosby Ward about 1 mile west of Chaffey s Lock off the Opinicon Road Emergency Fire Procedure Upon detection of a fire prime concern is for personal safety Immediately evacuate the building affected Proceed to nearest exit shouting FIRE FIRE FIRE Make sure everyone is out of the building Ring the alarm bell outside the operations centre and continue ringing to al
5. QUEEN S UNIVERSITY BIOLOGICAL STATION USER GUIDE FOR FIELD COURSE PARTICIPANTS This User Guide is intended to outline matters of safety QUBS procedures and policy governing use of the field station Users must read this guide and understand its provisions This is not a trivial matter since all QUBS users must co operate in ensuring a safe and productive facility All users will be required to sign a form acknowledging receiving reading and abiding by the provisions of this guide QUBS Website This guide and general information is also available at http biology queensu ca qubs History Queen s University Biological Station QUBS was established in 1945 when Dr Wes Curran purchased the point on Lake Opinicon from the Acton family on behalf of the University Some of the buildings on site were erected in the period 1946 1948 notably the boathouse Trilab and the Bunkie Junior cabins Development has continued since that time producing a field station facility of some 30 buildings living accommodations food service space labs library aquarium computing equipment etc In spring 2000 the new Operations Centre was completed replacing the old lodge as our central services building Anumber of property acquisitions have also taken place Sheep Island 1950 Hughson Tract 1976 expansion of the main QUBS site by purchase from the Curtis family 1985 Skycroft Tract 1986 Eastern half of Cow Island 1988 Cape Sauriol Environmental S
6. d However if you should notice defects or missing equipment notify QUBS staff at once Fireplaces are provided in several buildings at QUBS Treat all fires in fireplaces with extreme caution NEVER leave a fire unattended ALWAYS use the fire screen Outdoor fires may be permitted IF conditions are suitable Outdoor fires will not be permitted under windy or dry conditions or when outdoor burning bans are in place or when such activity interferes with work sleep schedules of QUBS residents Smoking For health and safety reasons Queen s University is a smoke free workplace At QUBS there will be no smoking inside ANY building For safety reasons there will also be no smoking in boats station vehicles or in the vicinity of the boathouse and gas shed Smoking must be done out of doors When smoking out of doors be careful not to create a fire hazard in the woods Do not dispose of butts on the grounds Meals Meals are served buffet style in the operations centre Station users are expected to bus their own dishes Normal meal hours are Breakfast 0730 0830 Lunch 1200 1300 Dinner 1730 1830 The bell outside the operations centre will toll to announce the start of meal hours Meals will not be served at otherhours unless specified by QUBS management On Sundays brunch may be served When scheduled brunch will run from 0900 1200 Meals are prepared with the provision of a balanced healthy diet in mind Normally vegetarian meals are inter
7. erations centre Contact Frank Phelan or Floyd Connor for further details and access Lotek Ecological Observatory In partnership with Queen s GIS Lab and Lotek Wireless Inc a hydrophone array has been deployed in Warner Lake completed 2003 To join the consortium and become a user of this high tech development contact QUBS management AudioVisual Equipment QUBS has several slide projectors two overhead projectors and various screens for use on site The conference room and the upper Brown Lab have slide projectors readily available A data projector and laptop are available for presentations Contact QUBS management for details Aquarium A variety of tanks for holding fish or for experimentation or observation is available at QUBS Discuss needs with QUBS management Library Basic reference material is contained in the Conference Room of the Operations Centre Curran Library holdings are limited to incomplete runs of some journals and some of the more basic reference materials field guides etc QUBS has a reasonably complete collection of theses resulting from field work at the field station Library materials are not to leave their respective buildings Weather Station Fundamental data of physical environmental conditions are obtained at QUBS The Assistant Manager Mr Floyd Connor is responsible for the operation of the weather station Inputs are recorded for air temperature relative humidity rainfall windspeed wind direction so
8. ert all station users the operations centre has automatic alarms in case of fire in that building Notify QUBS management immediately and call the local Fire Department using 911 or 359 5678 if requested to do so Emergency numbers are posted at each phone Assemble in the open area immediately in front of the operations centre for head count and further instructions Field course instructors should always know the whereabouts of their students and should assist QUBS staff in accounting for everyone QUBS is provided with smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide detectors in major accommodations an alarm system in the operations centre and fire extinguishers in all buildings Familiarize yourself with the warning devices extinguishers and exits in your living workspace However it is not expected that QUBS users be firefighters IF the fire is a minor one a fire less than 1 m and IF you know how to use an adjacent fire extinguisher and IF you have an exit at your back and IF you are sure you can extinguish the fire then DO SO If you have ANY doubts commence emergency fire procedures as outlined above Property can be replaced lives cannot DO NOT TAKE CHANCES QUBS has a portable fire pump for firefighting and staff are trained in its use This will be used when practicable to contain fires until the arrival of the local fire department Fire Safety Fire protection equipment is provided in all living workspaces Equipment is routinely inspecte
9. ese conditions could mean loss of access The volume of traffic by QUBS users dictates that special caution be exercised in using the roadways of the field station Children walkers runners and bicyclists share these roadways Near buildings slow speeds will reduce the amount of dust created and minimize hazards Operate all vehicles with utmost care Parking To maintain access to all buildings for users maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles vehicles should not block roadways ramps driveways or access to any building Most vehicles should be parked in the lots next to the workshop If engaged in early morning or late night work please park as far away from residences as possible Cottage dwellers may park near their residences on provision that doing so will not block access No parking anywhere on the loop down to the boathouse Stopping to load or unload equipment is permitted After these operations are completed the vehicle must be removed to a designated parking area Co operation Among Users All QUBS users should respect the need for integrity of research projects and make every effort not to disturb other research efforts In addition every QUBS user has the right to privacy and non disturbance Be aware that not all users operate by the same schedule Do not disturb others trying to sleep Immediately cease disruptive activities upon peer request or when directed by QUBS staff Research teaching activities always have priority o
10. esidents have primary responsibility for housekeeping which is supplemented by QUBS staff as necessary These arrangements are necessary since QUBS does not have the staff required to routinely perform these tasks Also costs of housekeeping would undoubtedly be passed on to the user Your co operation helps keep costs low Simple things like removing outdoor footwear at entrances carefully wiping your feet and mopping up spills as they happen will greatly assist with keeping QUBS buildings clean and tidy In the Operations Centre it is best to keep a pair of indoor shoes for use exclusively inside the building In general users will consistently assist with housekeeping by applying the rule of thumb Leave it at least as clean as you found it Swimming Swimming areas at QUBS are unprotected areas There is no lifeguard provided Swimming is entirely at your own risk Do not swim alone after dark or while impaired There are two swimming areas used at QUBS Different levels of swimming ability are required for each area Keast s beach is ideal for children under adult supervision and for poor swimmers Use of the beach area is sometimes restricted so as to not interfere with ongoing research projects on nesting fish The diving board area with its deep water should not be used by other than competent swimmers Safety equipment in the form of throw rings and ropes are placed by swimming areas Do not remove or play with safety equipment
11. he Manager s House White House and operations centre These phones are primarily for business calls and for incoming calls These telephones are programmed for local calling only The main number at QUBS is 613 359 5629 Anyone answering phones is expected to assist the caller in locating the person called or in taking a decipherable message Messages should be posted on the bulletin board in the lodge Personal calls must be made from the pay phones in the operations centre lower level rear portico or Upper Brown Lab north end These general use phones will accept Bell calling cards prepaid phone cards or major credit cards You can also call collect or third party through the Operator Use of this phone will keep business lines clear and minimize the billing of charges necessitated by uncontrolled use of the main line These phones are equipped with data ports for electronic communications Use of a prepaid phone card for students is strongly encouraged A fax machine is available for emergency use of field course participants contact QUBS management E mail Internet Access Our local area network LAN at links all of the computers on site This LAN at QUBS is linked to the outside world via a broadband wireless link Further the Operations Centre and Brown Lab and their environs are served by a wireless link to the LAN E mail and internet can thus be accessed through computers in the lower hallway and computer room of the Op Ctr
12. hese boats QUBS pontoon boats must not exceed 11 passengers including the driver Operators must have proof of competency to the MED A3 level PFD s will be worn by all passengers Small vessel lifejackets are also carried on the pontoon boats at all times Large craft with many passengers are difficult to handle and require practice and good judgement When unskilled users are involved QUBS staff will pilot boats for teaching purposes Operation of boats requires special caution There are many hazards in Lake Opinicon especially drowned lands and Rideau Canal traffic Operators are responsible for their actions and the minimum safety equipment Misuse abuse or dangerous operation of any QUBS boat will not be permitted Accident or Injury Field course instructors are responsible for ensuring safe working conditions for their students QUBS management MUST be notified immediately of ANY accident or injury sustained while on Queen s Property The Manager can assist with accident reporting Institutional and WSIB First aid and transport for medical attention can also be arranged by the Manager In serious instances do not wait for the Manager call an ambulance via 911 or 359 5390 QUBS staff endeavour to provide a safe environment at the field station QUBS staff will work with Principal Investigators to ensure safe working conditions If users note deficiencies hazards or unsafe conditions report these at once to the Manager Do not a
13. lar radiation barometric pressure and three water temperatures Data are available as computer files on CD hard copies or summaries on request Computers For course use QUBS management may allow access to computers For e mail access the unit s in the lower foyer of the operations centre are available Wireless access via your own computer is also available in the Operations Centre and S R Brown Lab Insect Collection In the collections room of the upper Brown Lab QUBS has a basic reference collection of local insects Researchers interested in using or contributing to the collection should contact QUBS staff Photocopier A photocopier is available in the office area of the operations centre Record the number of copies produced in the logbook You will be billed for each copy Photocopying is subject to Provincial Sales Tax Optical Equipment QUBS has a few microscopes available for on site use Presently we have four compound microscopes light microscopy capability 10 dissecting microscopes and one quality teaching head dissecting microscope In addition a dissecting scope and a compound scope are available which are fitted with cameras for teaching and research purposes We also have a digital camera which can be attached to microscopes and computer Also available are binoculars and a spotting scope and tripod Access via QUBS staff Washer Dryer Coin operated machines are located in the laundry room of the operations cent
14. or by using your own computer linked to the LAN by cable or wireless Basic Services Fundamental services water supply septic systems electrical supply heat telephones etc are the direct responsibility of QUBS management Point out problems or concerns as they arise Do not attempt repairs yourself Be advised that many of these services are buried Do not drive stakes posts poles or excavate without consulting QUBS management In this era of concern for the environment and energy conservation users should try to conserve energy by minimizing use of basic services Do not waste water electricity or heat Alcoholic Beverages Drugs Queen s University does not permit alcoholic beverages in its workbuildings operations centre workshop aquarium or labs However alcoholic beverages are permitted in individual residences Keep bottles and cans out of plain sight Even a few empties in plain view give the wrong impression to visitors to QUBS There is zero tolerance for illegal drugs at QUBS or on QUBS properties It is expected that QUBS users will behave in a sensible and decorous manner at all times Road Gate The access road into QUBS is narrow winding and has several blind corners QUBS users must use extreme caution when using this road The access road into QUBS is available only through a restrictive lease agreement Speed limit signs must be obeyed The gate when closed to contain cattle must be kept closed Violations of th
15. re EMERGENCY NUMBERS FOR QUBS USERS QUBS IS SERVICED BY THE 911 system Fire Department Police and Ambulance QUBS IS LOCATED AT 280 QUEEN S UNIVERSITY ROAD TOWNSHIP OF RIDEAU LAKES SOUTH CROSBY WARD Emergency services can also be reached at ELGIN FIRE DEPARTMENT 359 5373 AMBULANCE 359 5390 Ontario Provincial Police 1 888 310 1122 Ontario Provincial Police Elgin 359 9911 inquiries office hours only POISON INFORMATION CENTRE 1 800 267 1373 EMERGENCY REPORT CENTRE Queen s Campus 533 6111
16. s includes sexual harassment physical or emotional harassment discrimination on the basis of sex race visible minority or religion and conduct that interferes with your dignity or privacy Contact the Director or Manager for further information concerning complaint procedures or see www queensu ca secretariat senate policies harass index html Weapons Policy In the interest of safety Queen s University does not normally permit weapons on campus This same stricture applies to QUBS and its properties See www queensu ca security news weappol html for full details Other Amenities Research Property QUBS owns extensive tracts of land which are available for a_ variety of research teaching purposes Particular needs should be discussed with QUBS management GPS Global Positioning System Equipment QUBS owns two Trimble GPS backpack units with submetre accuracy and real time correction capability In addition two hand held units are available This equipment can be made available for use in teaching and research programs QUBS also has a depth recorder which can be coupled with the GPS units Available software enables production of detailed maps on site See Frank Phelan or Floyd Connor to discuss use of this equipment GIS Geographic Information System Equipment QUBS is developing a GIS which will store available information about QUBS properties and neighbouring lands The system is based on AutoCad Map and is housed in the lower op
17. spersed with the regular menu Alternatives to meats are generally available for strict vegetarians If an individual user requires or desires specialized foods they will have to provide these on their own For field work a box lunch is available 24 hr notice is to be given to kitchen staff for box lunches Kitchen and food storage areas are off limits for QUBS users Do not remove equipment from the kitchen Do not help yourself to foodstuffs in fridges or freezers Snacks will be placed on serving counter or out in the servery Coffee tea are always available For early risers space will be designated for early breakfast food Notify kitchen staff of food allergies special diet conditions etc Keep food and beverage counters clean Suggestions for menus are always welcome Drinking Water Safe drinking water UV sterilized from a well is provided only to the operations centre and the White House All other cottages and labs are supplied with untreated water directly from the lake or untested well During the busy season the well supply is tested weekly for contaminants Lake water or untested well water is suitable for washing and showering not for drinking Blue jugs in the kitchens of cottages contain drinking water Fill these at the operations centre or White House or notify QUBS staff as required Disposal Water borne disposal toilets sinks showers in living accommodations ends up in septic systems These systems need to be
18. ttempt repairs yourself First Aid First aid kits are provided in the lodge White House Manager s House Workshop Lower Brown Lab and QUBS vehicles These are inspected regularly However if required items are used up or missing notify the Manager Even small injuries benefit from prompt attention Many QUBS users may have qualifications in first aid CPR lifesaving or other skills Please advise the Manager of special training you have These qualifications will be noted and may be posted in the lodge Some of your compatriots may benefit from your abilities Laboratory and Field Safety Although the field course instructor is primarily responsible for laboratory and field safety students are expected to be aware of hazards and procedures involved in lab and field studies If you are uncertain about the risks involved in any procedure or activity ask for direction from your instructor All activities at QUBS will comply with Queen s Off Campus Activity Safety Policy QUBS is considered to be off campus http www safety queensu ca policy activity Mail The correct mailing address for QUBS is Queen s University Biological Station 280 Queen s University Road P O Box 31 RR 1 Elgin Ontario KOG 1E0 Mail is normally collected from the mailbox on a daily basis Mail received is placed in the Royal Snail baskets in the lodge Outgoing mail can be placed in the designated basket Telephones The main line connects to phones in t
19. tudies Area 1989 Pangman Conservation Reserve 1994 Bracken Tract 1994 Moores Tract 1995 Crabbe Property 1999 Massassaugua Road Property 2001 2003 Boston Wildlands 2004 and reid Property 2008 Presently QUBS owns some 2 770 hectares about 6 843 acres of land The Biological Station provides quality living and laboratory facilities close to field study sites for teaching and research in field biology The QUBS mandate is to provide quality opportunities for teaching and research in biology and the environmental sciences QUBS facilitates both teaching and research by providing the logistical support for these activities Originally a teaching facility QUBS has increased its research activities since the fifties Both education and research are important mandates of QUBS Currently involvement with the Ontario Universities Program in Field Biology and research programs of researchers from a wide variety of institutions makes QUBS a vital interesting site for field biology In addition QUBS offers its own programming in the past the Naturalists Workshop and currently hosts a variety of field trips and small conferences each year Queen s University provides the financial support for the Biological Station and its operation In addition the station is the recipient of a Major Facilities Access grant from NSERC This grant enables research use of the field station by non Queen s people In the past few years researchers from
20. ver recreational ones Pets No pets are permitted at QUBS Programs The atmosphere of QUBS should be akin to a co operative Users gain a great deal by interacting with each other management and the local community A number of programs aid this interaction Seminars A schedule of weekly evening seminars is arranged to facilitate communication of ideas among QUBS regulars management visitors and guest speakers Public Relations Research and teaching activities take QUBS users to many parts of the lake and surrounding areas User activity is often conspicuous and generates curiosity in observers In the field you are seen as a representative of the university QUBS and researchers teachers in general Be certain that your observable behaviour in the field is beyond reproach Make sure that you acquire proper permits for work ask permission for access to private property and are courteous and careful in field operations Always remove research paraphernalia from study sites after completion of a study especially flags markers Be prepared to respond politely to queries from curious observers The position of the field station in the community and its ultimate survival as a productive research teaching environment depends on a good working relationship with local individuals and interests Harassment Discrimination Queen s University has a comprehensive policy and process for dealing with complaints of harassment and discrimination Thi
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