Parts of the Life Sciences Centre (LSC) were cleaned intensivelyover the weekend, as the university made doubly sure that noasbestos was to be found. Small amounts of the substance werefound on the loading dock Thursday, setting in motion a series ofevents that culminated in the building's closure over the weekendfor cleaning and tests.
The building got a clean bill of health late Sunday night by anindependently certified air quality testing engineer. Theprovincial Department of Labour approved the buildingreopening.
Renovations and replacement of much of the 40-year-oldbuilding's mechanical systems have been underway for sometime. Most buildings of the vintage of the LSC containasbestos, which is not a hazard to health as long as it is properlycontained. Removal of asbestos is a carefully regulatedprocess. An investigation is underway to determine how thesubstance appeared on the loading dock last week.
"On behalf of the University, I would like to thank thestudents, faculty and staff who were affected by events in the LSCover the past four days for their understanding and patience andapologize for the disruption and confusion," says VP Academic, AlanShaver. "We are reviewing all of the events that took placeand will apply any lessons that can be learned to improve ourresponse in the future."Â
Students who have academic questions arising from disruptions totheir schedules last week are asked to contact their professorsdirectly. Professors are referred to Christina Coakley in theRegistrar’s Office who will co-ordinate assistance (Christina.coakley@dal.caÌý´Ç°ù494-3583).
Those who work or study in the LSC who have questions abouttheir areas specifically are asked to contact the Director ofEnvironmental Health and Safety Raymond Ilson (Raymond.Ilson@Dal.Ca or494-1241).