Risk Management

Messages from Risk Management

Dear learners and colleagues,

Security Services is pleased to welcome you to campus as we start the 2025 Spring Term.

Each Algonquin College campus is a safe environment and we ask that you take a moment to think about your safety and security.

Please familiarize yourself with the safety equipment and services available in your immediate environment and stay informed about safety by visiting our Emergency Procedures website and
downloading the AC Mobile Safety App.

The AC Mobile Safety App provides comprehensive real-time emergency information, including notifications during active incidents. When you download the app, make sure to activate
notifications to receive emergency information specific to your campus.

If at any time you require emergency assistance, dial ext. 5000 on any College telephone or press the button on an emergency phone call box to speak directly to Security Services.
Emergency phones are red or yellow and are found in hallways and parking lots throughout the Ottawa Campus – take a moment to locate them before an emergency happens.

Don’t hesitate to ask any security guard for assistance or if you prefer, contact Security Services on any College telephone at ext. 5010. At the Ottawa Campus, the Security Services office is
located in Room A1216. Security Services is available 24/7 and 365 days a year.

A major component of these efforts is a comprehensive campus effort to encourage personal responsibility including (but not limited to) simple yet effective measures such as:

• Using a good quality lock on your locker and bicycle.
• Promptly notifying security of any incidents.
• Utilizing campus resources such as Walk Safe.
• If you see something suspicious, report it to security.

We look forward to serving you in the upcoming year and wish you every success.

Dear learners and colleagues,

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is investigating the first confirmed cases of measles in the city since 2019. Two Ottawa residents — a child and an adult — are confirmed to have contracted measles while travelling internationally. While the overall risk to the public remains low, measles is a highly contagious viral illness.

Out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with our commitment to community wellbeing, we are sharing the following public health information to help raise awareness, especially for anyone who may have visited the impacted locations during the identified periods.

Potential exposure locations and times include:

• Food Basics – 1021 Cyrville Road, Ottawa
  When: Monday, April 21, 2025, between 5 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monitor for symptoms until May 12, 2025
• Costco – 1405 Blair Towers Place (near Ogilvie Road), Ottawa When: Wednesday, April 23, 2025, between 6 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Monitor for symptoms until May 14, 2025

What you should do if you were at one of these locations:

1. Measles symptoms may develop 7-12 days after exposure but can appear up to 21 days after. Watch
for:

• High fever.
• Cough, runny nose.
• Red, watery eyes sensitive to light.
• White spots in the mouth.
• A red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

2. If you develop symptoms:

• Call your health care provider and inform them of your potential exposure.
• Wear a medical-grade mask when attending any health care facility.
• No health provider? Call Health811 at 8-1-1 for free, confidential 24/7 advice.

3. Check your vaccination records:

Check your records for vaccines labeled MMR, MMRV or M.

• Most Ontario children receive two doses by age 7 (at 12 months and between 4-6 years).
• Adults born before 1970 are generally considered immune.
• Adults born in or after 1970 should have two doses to be considered protected.
• If unsure, check with your health care provider.

Visit the OPH Measles page for vaccine access and more details.For more information, call OPH at 613-580-6744, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The College is closely monitoring this situation in coordination with Ottawa Public Health.

Your Safety Matters

Thank you, Paul Gardner
Director, Risk Management

Dear College community,

With the arrival of spring comes the return of geese and other migratory birds to Algonquin College campuses. Unfortunately, avian influenza (also known as bird flu or AI) is currently prevalent among North American wild bird populations.

Here’s what you should know

Avian influenza (AI) is a virus that impacts wild and domestic birds – including chickens. While most strains of AI do not pose a threat to humans, the H5N1 strain can cause a series of illnesses in humans.

There have been very few human cases of H5N1 in North America and generally these occurred after close and prolonged contact with infected poultry.

Symptoms of infected birds include lack of movement, poor coordination, swelling around the head/neck/eyes, coughing, gasping and unexplained death.

Stay safe:

• Don’t feed or try to handle wild birds (alive or dead).
• Wash your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitizer if you’ve spent time outdoors where wild birds gather.

If you see a dead bird, report it:

• On campus call Facilities Management at ext. 7710 or via email at 7710@algonquincollege.com.
• Off campus get in touch with the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative by calling 1-866-673-4781 or make a report online.

Your safety matters!

Dear learners and colleagues,

Environment Canada is forecasting a winter storm starting Wednesday evening, Feb. 12 and continuing overnight into Thursday afternoon, Feb. 13.

Currently, Environment Canada warns that between 20 to 40 cm could fall in the Ottawa region.

Please be advised that all Algonquin College campuses are currently scheduled to remain open, with regular scheduling and operations. Any change to that direction will be communicated through email, social media, Brightspace, the Algonquin Mobile Safety app and the Algonquin College website.

Recognizing that conditions can change rapidly, we advise that you stay informed by monitoring the Environment Canada weather updates and travel advisories for Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth.

We encourage everyone to prioritize safety by planning extra travel time for commuting to and from Algonquin College campuses. Please exercise caution on highways, roads, walkways and in parking lots.

For those employees who conclude it is unwise to attend the College in-person, we recommend discussing with your manager to make appropriate work-from-home arrangements.

Your Safety Matters!

Thank you,

Risk Management

Dear colleagues,

On Feb. 25, 2025, Security Services will be launching a new key request protocol that will require that key requests are made within Workday.

Moving the key request process to Workday will make the requesting of new or replacement keys more efficient and far more secure.

What won’t change is that key requests will require supervisor/manager approval – however, the approval process will be done entirely within Workday.

If you’d like more information about the new key request protocol including frequently asked questions and a step-by-step guide to the new key process, please visit the

Key Request page.

Or you can email us at: KeysCores@algonquincollege.com.

Your Safety Matters!

Dear colleagues,

Following the success of our recent fall fire extinguisher training, conducted by the City of Ottawa Fire Prevention Office, we are pleased to offer another opportunity.

The Bullex fire extinguisher training is divided into two parts:

1. A fire safety presentation

• • A thorough session covering the types, features, and safe operation of fire extinguishers.

1. A hands-on demonstration

• • Participants have the chance to use a replica fire extinguisher in a controlled environment. This includes using a laser-guided, system-specific, hand-held extinguisher on an electronic simulator screen for realistic training.

This training is an excellent opportunity to build practical skills that you can utilized both at home and at work and will take place at the Ottawa Campus on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

How to sign-up

Contact Haneen Elshaer at elshaeh@algonquincollege.com by Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.

Registration is limited to 50 participants and is expected to fill up quickly!

Your safety matters!

Dear learners and colleagues,

Security Services hopes everyone is settling in well and like you, we’re excited for the winter term ahead.

We all play a role in maintaining safety and security at Algonquin College and ask that you familiarize yourself with the following resources:

Emergency Assistance

• Dial ext. 5000: contact Security Services on any College phone.
• Emergency phones: use the red or yellow emergency phone call boxes located throughout campus. Security Services will answer 24 hours a day.
• Emergency Procedures website: visit our website for detailed information on emergency procedures and protocols.

Contact Security Services

• Dial ext. 5010: contact Security Services on any College phone.
• Ottawa Campus: visit the Security Services office in Room A149.
• 24/7 availability: security is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Personal Safety

• Report incidents promptly to Security Services.
• Utilize campus resources: take advantage of safety resources such as the Walk Safe

Download the AC Mobile Safety App

• The app provides you with important notifications and real-time emergency alerts specific to your campus.

If you see something, say something…your safety matters!

Dear Algonquin College community,

As the weather turns colder our inside environments change. In our shared spaces, we see more respiratory infections and unwelcome guests like insects and rodents. Let’s work together to keep our community safe and healthy this winter.

Beating Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu and RSV are circulating. Remember:

• Stay home when feeling sick. Protect your peers by avoiding campus if you’re unwell.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often, use sanitizer and cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid touching your face. This simple step helps prevent the spread of germs.

Beating Rodents and Bugs

Vigilance is key when it comes to preventing pests like mice, cockroaches and bed bugs.

Report concerns quickly:

• Keep it clean. Tidy up shared spaces and properly store food in sealed containers.
• Check your belongings. Regularly inspect your personal items for unwelcome stowaways.
• For pest sightings on campus, contact Facilities Management at 7710@algonquincollege.com or 613-727-4723 x 7710
• For pest sightings at the Ottawa Campus Residence, contact residence@algonquincollege.com or 613-727-4723 x 4990
• At home: address any pest issues promptly and/or report them to your landlord.

Stay Informed with Trusted Sources

• Health Canada: Respiratory Infectious Diseases
• Heath Canada: Pest Control Tips
• Ottawa Public Heath: Seasonal Respiratory Infections
• Ottawa Public Health: Home Safety

Your small actions can make a big difference…your safety matters!

Dear colleagues,

In our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy campus environment, we are excited to announce the launch of a new self-directed Emergency Procedures training course. This course is designed to ensure that all employees are well-informed about key emergency procedures, workplace hazards, and their rights and responsibilities related to health and safety.

Course Overview:

Content: The course includes eight modules covering:

• Emergency procedures.
• Workplace hazards and risk prevention.
• Rights, responsibilities and duties of employees in maintaining a safe work environment.

Duration: Approximately one hour.
Format: Self-paced, online modules, quiz.

This course is available to all employees at Algonquin College and is an important part of our ongoing efforts to promote safety and well-being for everyone on campus.

Although not mandatory, we encourage all employees to complete this training. It is designed to be concise and informative, ensuring you have the knowledge you need to respond effectively to emergencies and contribute to a safe workplace.

To access the training, please visit the please visit the Algonquin College Emergency Procedures Training – Employee Learning

Thank you for your attention to this important matter and helping us keep our campuses safe.

Dear colleagues,

This memo is intended to educate the College community about the risks associated with daisy chaining. Daisy chaining refers to multiple power bars/strips or extension cords connected in series. This can lead to overloaded circuits, significantly increasing the risk of electrical fires and potential damage to electrical equipment. To prioritize safety within the College community, it is crucial to avoid this practice.

Power Bars/Strips

Most power strips and surge protectors are designed to handle a limited number of devices, typically four to six. When multiple strips are connected together, the one plugged directly into the wall outlet can become overloaded, significantly increasing the risk of fire. Excessive electrical current can also trigger a circuit breaker, potentially shutting down multiple devices.

To ensure safety, always plug power strips directly into wall outlets and choose models certified by recognized testing laboratories like ULC, FM or CSA. Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe usage. Additionally, it is crucial to match the amperage rating of outlets and power strips to the load they’re powering. Overloading any electrical component can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards.

Extension Cords

Improper use or overloading of extension cords can pose a significant fire risk. Even approved extension cords are designed for temporary use only and should not be treated as permanent wiring solutions. It is essential to consider the specific type of extension cord needed. Light-duty cords are not suitable for powering multiple high-energy devices simultaneously.

Why Daisy Chaining is Dangerous:

• Overloaded circuits: power strips and extension cords have maximum current ratings. Exceeding these limits can cause overheating, leading to fires.
• Fire risk: overloaded circuits can ignite nearby materials, especially if the cords are damaged or frayed.
• Trip hazards: cords running across walkways can pose a tripping risk.

Safe Alternatives to Daisy Chaining:

• Relocate equipment: move equipment closer to existing outlets to reduce the need for extension cords.
• Use appropriate power strips: choose power strips with sufficient capacity for your devices.
• Inspect and maintain: regularly inspect cords and power strips for damage. Replace any that are worn or frayed.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Rearrange workstations to access outlets.
• Inspect cords and power strips for damage.
• Use power strips with built-in circuit breakers.
• Install additional outlets when necessary.

Don’t:

• Overload power strips or outlets.
• Use extension cords as permanent wiring.
• Run cords through walls or under carpets.
• Cover cords with rugs or furniture.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help prevent fires and ensure a safe working environment. If you have any questions or require assistance with electrical installations, please contact Facilities Management at ext. 7710.

Your safety matters. Let’s make safety a priority together.

Dear learners and colleagues,

We are pleased to announce that the AC Mobile Safety app is now fully operational, and notifications are being sent as expected.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during the recent service disruption.

Thank you.

Dear learners and colleagues,

Please be advised that the AC Mobile Safety app is currently inactive.

Security Services is actively working with the service provider to resolve the issue.

Emergency alerts can be obtained on these Algonquin College social media accounts:

• Algonquin College X account
• Algonquin College Security Services X account

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Thank you.

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, thousands of parents and children will be participating in the Take Our Kids to Work Day program at workplaces across Canada.

The College recognizes that this is a valuable educational experience and does not wish to discourage participation in this program for any of our employees and their children. It is important, however, to recognize the responsibility of all College employees to ensure the safety of children who are participating in this program.

All workplaces present some degree of risk. The schools use permission forms for parents to indicate consent for their children to participate in the program. These forms generally identify the element of risk but they do not provide complete liability protection for the College, nor do they absolve College employees of their responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of children who are participating.

For this reason, please review and distribute the information bulletin below, which lists some basic safety precautions and efforts that can be taken to help ensure that a positive learning experience results from everyone’s participation in this program. The checklist portion of the bulletin can be used by employees to ensure relevant subjects have been covered with students.

The following link discusses the Take Our Kids to Work Program.

If there are any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at benkiem@algonquincollege.com or my extension 7142.

Warmest regards,
Mike Benkie

The following excerpt from the Industrial Establishments Regulation of the Occupational Health & Safety Act applies to the College with respect to children in the workplace:

(1) (b) a person who is permitted to be in or about an industrial establishment, shall be,
(e) fourteen years of age in a workplace other than a factory.

(2) Clause (1) (b) does not apply to a person who,

(a) while in the industrial establishment, is accompanied by a person who has attained the age of majority;
(b) is being guided on a tour of the industrial establishment;
(c) is in an area of the industrial establishment used for sales purposes; or
(d) is in an area of the industrial establishment to which the public generally has access.

Safe Kids Checklist

• At the beginning of the day, take a few moments to orient children who are under your supervision to the emergency procedures and specific hazards and rules of behaviour related to your work area.
• Children should be dressed appropriately for the area(s) they are visiting, for both safety and hygiene purposes.
• All rules respecting the use of personal protective equipment such as hard hats, safety boots, goggles, gloves etc. must be followed.
• Instruct children on basic safety regulations such as reporting hazardous conditions, not engaging in horseplay and not operating any equipment in a way which might endanger themselves or others.
• Do not involve children in activities or processes which are hazardous, e.g., handling hazardous materials, welding, ladder climbing, etc.
• Do not allow children to operate any equipment, which is hazardous, e.g., operating powered or motorized equipment or vehicles, operating any machinery which carries inherent hazards or for which specific training is required.
• Children should be taken only into work areas which are discernibly safe.
• It is essential that children are closely SUPERVISED at all times. At any given time they should be within YOUR eyesight if YOU are responsible for them.

Dear colleagues,

As part of Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 7 to 11, Algonquin College’s Risk Management team will be sharing daily tips on myAC to promote fire prevention and preparedness, both at home and in the workplace.

We are also excited to welcome members from the City of Ottawa Fire Prevention Office on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Commons. They will be available to answer your fire safety questions and provide valuable insights on fire prevention strategies.

Fire Extinguisher Training

We’re excited to share some fantastic news! On Sept. 23, 2024 we publicized the fire extinguisher training and the response has been outstanding. We quickly reached our registration limit of 50 participants. The session filled in less than two days—an overwhelming show of interest in fire safety and preparedness!

This swift and eager response reflects a shared commitment to making our campuses a safer place. Thank you to everyone who registered and for those who couldn’t secure a spot, rest assured we’re working on arranging another training in the coming months.

Thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment to safety.

Your safety matters.

Dear colleagues,

Security Services wants your help to improve the integrity of the College’s key control.
Unused and unaccounted-for keys pose a security risk to all of us. They compromise the safety of our community.

Please help us by looking in your desk drawers and on your key rings for College-issued keys that you no longer need.

If you know of any College-issued keys in any cupboard or drawer without an owner, please bring them to us.

Returning unnecessary College-issued keys improves safety for everyone.

Please drop off unnecessary keys to Security Services in Room A149 at the Ottawa Campus.
While you’re here, help yourself to the treats at the front desk.

Your safety matters to us.

Security Services

Dear colleagues,

In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, which runs from Oct. 7 to 11, Risk Management is pleased to announce that members from the City of Ottawa Fire Prevention Office will join us to provide fire extinguisher training.

The indoor Bullex system fire extinguisher training is divided into two parts:

• Fire safety presentation: a thorough session covering the types, features and safe operation of fire extinguishers, as well as raising fire safety awareness.
• Hands-on demo: participants will have the chance to practice using replica fire extinguishers in a controlled environment. This includes using a laser-guided, system-specific, hand-held extinguisher on an electronic simulator screen for realistic training.

How to Sign-up

The employee training session will take place at the Ottawa Campus on Monday, Oct. 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
To reserve your spot, please contact Haneen Elshaer at elshaeh@algonquincollege.com by Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024.

This training is highly valuable, providing an excellent opportunity to enhance fire safety awareness and build practical skills that can be utilized both at home and in the workplace.

Registration is limited to 50 participants, so we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible. If there is high demand, we will explore the possibility of offering an additional session.

Your safety matters. Let’s make safety a priority together.

Dear learners and colleagues,

Security Services is pleased to welcome you to campus as we start the 2024 Fall Term.

Each Algonquin College campus is a safe environment and we ask that you take a moment to think
about your safety and security.

Please familiarize yourself with the safety equipment and services available in your immediate
environment and stay informed about safety by visiting our Emergency Procedures website and
downloading the AC Mobile Safety App.

The AC Mobile Safety App provides comprehensive real-time emergency information, including
notifications during active incidents. When you download the app, make sure to activate
notifications to receive emergency information specific to your campus.

If at any time you require emergency assistance, dial ext. 5000 on any College telephone or press
the button on an emergency phone call box to speak directly to Security Services.
Emergency phones are red or yellow and are found in hallways and parking lots throughout the Ottawa
Campus – take a moment to locate them before an emergency happens.
Don’t hesitate to ask any security guard for assistance or if you prefer, contact Security Services
on any College telephone at ext. 5010. At the Ottawa Campus, the Security Services office is
located in Room A149. Security Services is available 24/7 and 365 days a year.
A major component of these efforts is a comprehensive campus effort to encourage personal
responsibility including (but not limited to) simple yet effective measures such as:

• Using a good quality lock on your locker and bicycle.
• Promptly notifying security of any incidents.
• Utilizing campus resources such as Walk Safe.
• If you see something suspicious, report it to security.

We look forward to serving you in the upcoming year and wish you every success.

Dear colleagues,

Through the summer months, most College employees, including myself, will be taking annual leave. This period traditionally puts service-level constraints on all areas, including contract review requests. Over the summer we will need to extend our response time for contract review requests from 12 to 15 business days.

1. When reviewing your external party contract for the first time, record in the Executive Summary the start/end dates, annual monetary commitment, renewal/termination terms, indemnification, and limitation of liability clauses.
2. Use the Specialty Reviewer Decision Tool. This will help you identify who can sign your contract and tell you which specialist reviewers you’ll need for the contract.

Before sending your contract for review by Risk Management we remind you of the following two best practices:

If you need more help, the following resources can assist in the contract review process:

• Complete the Contract Review & Approval course. (Available to Administrative employees.)
• Review the Contract Training slide deck.

Whenever you need simple contract review advise or support, you can send a question to contractadministration@algonquincollege.com or email me directly at mainses@algonquincollege.com.

Thank you and have a great summer!

Sincerely,

Sue Mainse

Risk Manager

Dear Learners and Colleagues,

Risk Management is pleased to welcome you to campus as we start the 2024 spring term.

Algonquin College campuses are safe environments, and we ask that you take a moment to think about your personal safety and security.

Please familiarize yourself with the safety equipment and services available in your immediate environment and stay informed about safety by visiting our Emergency Procedures Website and by downloading the AC Mobile Safety App.

This AC Mobile Safety App provides you with comprehensive emergency information in real-time including notifications during active incidents. When you download the app, make sure you activate notifications, so it sends you emergency information specific to your campus.

At any time, if you require emergency assistance, dial ext. 5000 on any College telephone or press the button on an emergency phone call box to speak directly to Security Services. Emergency buttons are found on walls throughout the Ottawa campus – take a moment to look for them before an emergency happens.

Don’t hesitate to ask any Security Officer for assistance or if you prefer, contact Security Services on any College telephone at ext. 5010. At the Ottawa campus, the 24/7 Security Services office is located at A149.

Lastly, remember to safeguard your personal belongings when on campus.

Thank you and good luck in your studies!

Paul Gardner

Director, Risk Management

Dear Colleagues,

Emergency Preparedness Week is a national event supported by Public Safety Canada, recognized from May 6 to 10

At Algonquin College, Risk Management will share daily tips on myAC to highlight preparedness on our campuses and at home. Learn how to confidently handle emergencies and contribute to a safer College environment.

On Wednesday, May 8, stop by our emergency preparedness booth, at the Ottawa Campus in A Building at 4 corners from 11a.m. to1p.m. Explore valuable resources on College emergency procedures, see examples of personal emergency preparedness kits, and snag some cool giveaways.

Campus-specific information for Ottawa, Perth, and Pembroke campuses can be found on the Emergency Procedure website. You will also find an Emergency Preparedness Week link where you will see all the daily highlights and a link to a survey. By participating in the survey, you’ll have the option to enter a draw to win fantastic prizes, including a power bank and a first aid kit.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your readiness and contribute to a safer college community.

Thank you,

Risk Management

Dear learners,

Get ready for a week dedicated to your safety and preparedness! We’re thrilled to announce Emergency Preparedness Week at Algonquin College. Emergency Preparedness Week is a national event supported by Public Safety Canada. From May 6 to 10, Risk Management at Algonquin College will share daily tips on X and Instagram.

Each post will highlight preparedness on our campuses and at home. Learn how to confidently handle emergencies and contribute to a safer College environment.

On Wednesday, May 8, stop by our emergency preparedness booth at the Ottawa Campus in A Building at 4 Corners from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Explore valuable resources on College emergency procedures, see examples of personal emergency preparedness kits and snag some cool giveaways.

Campus-specific information for the Ottawa, Perth and Pembroke campuses can be found on the Emergency Procedures website. You will also find an Emergency Preparedness Week link where you will see all the daily highlights and a link to a survey. By participating in the survey, you’ll have the option to enter a draw to win fantastic prizes, including a power bank and a first aid kit.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your readiness and contribute to a safer college community.

Thank you,

Risk Management

Dear Learners and Colleagues,

A partial solar eclipse will occur today, April 8, 2024. It will begin at 2:11 p.m. and end at 4:35 p.m.

The eclipse will last for two hours and 23 minutes and be at its maximum at 3:25 p.m.

If you intend on viewing the eclipse today, you must use certified eye protection or a solar eclipse projector box for the entire eclipse duration.

Eye Protection: To observe the eclipse safely, you will need ISO 12312-2 certified solar viewing glasses or a certified handheld solar viewer. It is not safe to look directly at the sun without certified eye protection. Viewing the eclipse without protection can result in severe eye damage or permanent blindness.

Indirect Viewing Methods: You can use an indirect eclipse viewing method such as a solar eclipse projector box.

Stay Informed: Be mindful of any safety advisories issued by Ottawa Public Health and use reliable sources of information regarding the timing and duration of the eclipse.

Sincerely,

Paul Gardner

Director, Risk Management

Dear Learners and Colleagues,

As you are no doubt aware, an almost total solar eclipse will occur across our region on Monday, April 8, 2024, at approximately 3:25 p.m.

While the eclipse promises to be a spectacular event, you must take precautions to keep yourself safe.

The following are important safety tips provided by the Canadian Space Agency and Ottawa Public Health.

Eye Protection: It is never safe to look directly at the sun without certified eye protection, especially during a solar eclipse. Viewing the eclipse without protection can result in severe eye damage or permanent blindness. To observe the eclipse safely, you’ll need ISO 12312-2 certified solar viewing glasses or a certified handheld solar viewer. See here for a list of safe solar lens suppliers.

Indirect Viewing Methods: You should consider using a safe indirect eclipse viewing method. This can include creating a solar eclipse projector box.

Stay Informed: Be mindful of any safety advisories issued by Ottawa Public Health and use reliable sources of information regarding the timing and duration of the eclipse.

Whether you are at home, at an Algonquin College campus or elsewhere, enjoy the eclipse but don’t forget to use certified eye protection or a solar eclipse projector box for the entire duration of the event.

Sincerely,

Paul Gardner

Director, Risk Management