Oregon Community College to Undergo Asbestos Abatement

Students at Central Oregon Community College will have to deal with construction in the former student lounge for a few weeks while asbestos abatement procedures are taking place. The area is currently sealed off with sheets of plastic and tape to prevent any asbestos exposure.

John Viola, construction manager for the project says the abatement is only the first phase of the construction. After this is complete the building will undergo renovations to turn the student lounge into offices as well as adding classrooms to the building. The Student Life office and student lounge will both be moved to another building on campus.

The student lounge is the only area where a small amount of asbestos was detected. Only a thin layer of the carcinogen was found on the drywall and it was also detected in the glue that held floor tiles in place. Viola calmed nerves by stating, “Asbestos won’t do any damage when it’s in the walls or under the tiles, but in order for us to do the demolition work we have to get it out.”

A number of strict regulations must be followed during an asbestos abatement procedure. To ensure student and staff’s safety a negative air machine will be used to prevent the air inside the room from escaping and air quality tests are taken before anyone enters without protective equipment. The asbestos abatement procedure will be completed by June and the other construction will continue throughout the summer.

Source: http://broadside.cocc.edu/News/24664.aspx

One Response to “Oregon Community College to Undergo Asbestos Abatement”

1. Linda says:

   May 14, 2009 at 3:46 pm

   Were students informed before the asbestos abatement began? What about parents and staff?