Founders Hall Renovation - 9/28/18
Posted September 28, 2018
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe working environment, Facilities Management, in partnership with Emergency Management and Safety and Farmer Environmental Services, LLC, has conducted air quality tests for Founders Hall. Results indicate low levels of particulate matter, Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, and total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) below safety standards set by OSHA. Hydrogen Sulfide and LEL (combustibles) were not present at the time of testing. Oxygen levels were found to be normal.
| Safety Standard | Test Result | |
|---|---|---|
|
Particulate Matter |
10,000 ppm |
271 to 3060 ppm |
|
Oxygen |
20.9% |
20.9% |
|
Carbon Monoxide |
50 ppm |
6 ppm |
|
Carbon Dioxide |
1,000 ppm |
0 to 400 ppm |
|
Hydrogen Sulfide |
20 ppm |
0 ppm |
|
LEL (combustibles) |
0 ppm |
0 ppm |
|
Total VOCs |
0.5 ppm |
0 to 0.4 ppm |
As you may know, VOCs are present in common office and household products such as alcohol wipes, perfume, and hand sanitizer. Therefore, the presence of some VOCs is to be expected.
We will continue to measure Carbon Dioxide levels in classrooms and will conduct formaldehyde testing and share those results in our next report. However, preliminary results are favorable. Since the building was abated of asbestos in an earlier project, we don’t expect to find any more asbestos. However, if we do, it will be immediately abated using the proper safety procedures.
What’s Next?
Construction activity to isolate work areas from interior occupied spaces with sound reducing walls is nearly complete. Once completed noise and disruptions to the offices and classrooms should be reduced dramatically. These barriers will also lessen dust and debris from entering occupied areas. Reminder: While the 2nd and 3rd floors are closed for construction, please use the stairs and elevators to access the 1st floor and lower level.
Starting Sunday, September 30, 2018, demolition work will begin on the east stair towers followed by drilling for structural piers during the week of October 8. Demolition work will be completed at night and pier drilling will take place during the day. The work on the seismic towers will continue through December.
Hot and chilled water systems are being isolated to the lower two floors of Founders Hall to continue providing heating in winter months and air conditioning in warmer months during construction. This work is also being conducted at night to avoid interfering with office and classroom activity.
Finally, remember that the Skywalk Diner is still open and can be accessed from the Alumni Hall side.
Again, thank you for continued patience. As you can imagine, any construction project of this size will have unforeseen issues arise that will need to be addressed. Rest assured that we have and will continue to take all issues seriously, but if we’ve missed something, please contact Facilities Management at ext. 3711.
