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Hazardous materials

Asbestos

Contractors might work in areas with asbestos or other dangerous materials. Buildings built before 1990 may have asbestos. Before starting work that could disturb these materials, a safety check must be done. Contractors must go over it with the FMGT Representative before starting.

If asbestos is disturbed by accident, stop work right away and tell your FMGT Representative.

Other hazardous materials

Other hazardous materials used on campus include:

• lead
  • industrial paint
  • pipes
  • lead-acid batteries
• ozone-depleting substances (ODS)
  • refrigerants in AC and refrigeration systems
• radioactive components
  • smoke and heat detectors (americium-241)
• mercury
  • electrical equipment like thermostats
  • vapour in fluorescent light tubes
  • drain traps in laboratories
• silica
  • brick, mortar, concrete, slate, granite, stone aggregate, and tile
  • boiler and vessel linings

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) were widely used in fluorescent light ballasts and other electrical equipment. We've replaced all the PCB products on campus that we know of. If you suspect you've found something that contains PCBs, report it to your FMGT Representative.

Work with hazardous materials

If you work with hazardous materials, you must:

• notify and coordinate with your FMGR Representative
• handle and store them in accordance with federal and provincial regulations
• note spill substances that could affect anyone's health or the environment
• ventilate and isolate work sites and coordinate work to minimize exposing people to contaminants
• not leave them unattended where people could be exposed to them
• have material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the materials on site

Hazardous waste

Hazardous waste must be stored, transported, documented and disposed of according to the requirements of:

Contractors are responsible for removing hazardous waste from the UVic campus promptly and regularly.

Labs

Be careful while working in laboratories. Research and teaching labs at UVic may contain hazardous materials (like biohazards, radioactive materials, toxic and corrosive chemicals). They can also contain fragile equipment, lasers and controlled environments.

Don't enter labs or touch lab equipment and materials unless you've specifically been contracted to work in them. In that case, lab personnel will work with UVic OHSE staff to remove or seal and secure hazardous materials before work begins. If you have questions about hazardous lab materials, call UVic OHSE at 250-721-8971.

Biosafety

Some biohazard containment equipment can't be moved out of the lab. Lab personnel must seal and secure it before work is done in the lab.

Biohazard warning signs are only to be removed in consultation with lab managers and OHSE staff. If you have questions about hazardous lab materials, call UVic OHSE at 250-721-8971.

Radioisotopes

The FMGT Representative will work with you to make sure that lab owners have decontaminated any areas that were using radioactive materials

Radiation warning signs are only to be removed by OHSE staff. If you have questions about radiation risks in a particular lab area, call UVic OHSE at 250-721-8971.

Controlled products

Contractors must handle all hazardous materials in accordance with all federal and provincial regulations. Contractors must ensure:

• No spills or leaks occur which could expose anyone to any airborne contaminants and/or have an impact on the environment.
• Work procedures ensure that contaminant exposure to building occupants is minimized.
• Work procedures ensure that any disruption of routine work is minimized.
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available for all controlled products on site.
• Hazardous materials must not be left unattended in any areas accessible by employees, students, and visitors.

Site maintenance

The contractor must ensure that the site is properly maintained at all times. This includes:

• Keeping walkways clear.
• Preventing dust and debris from travelling away from the job site (e.g. by erecting barriers).
• Cleaning up any dust or debris that travels or is tracked away from the job site.
• Properly storing materials to avoid slipping and tripping hazards.
• Properly disposing of waste and trash. Do not put waste in UVic containers.

Mobile equipment

The contractor is responsible for making sure that all mobile equipment is in good working condition and designed for the type of work it's used for. Mobile equipment includes lift trucks, cranes and hoists. 

All employees must be trained in the proper operation of the equipment. If applicable, all employees must have the correct and current license and/or certificate for the equipment. A copy of all licenses and certificates must be available to the FMGT Representative upon request.

Overhead power lines

Work done in close proximity to overhead power lines must be in accordance with .

If you cannot maintain limits of approach because of the circumstances or work, you must contact BC Hydro. BC Hydro may choose to disconnect the power to the overhead line.

Personal protective equipment

Contractors are responsible for determining the appropriate personal protective equipment necessary for the work being conducted. They are also responsible for the provision of personal protective equipment.

Contractors must be able to demonstrate that employees have been trained in conducting proper inspections, maintenance and safe use of the equipment.

Underground utilities

Once approval has been given and record drawings obtained, the contractor performing construction is responsible for locating all underground services. As-built drawings are not adequate determinants of utility location. Contractors must employ direct surveying, metering and hand digging.

Before excavating or drilling, contractors must accurately determine the location of all underground utility services in the area. Any danger to workers must be controlled as required by .

Working alone

Contractor employees may sometimes have to work alone or in isolation under conditions that present a risk of injury. In emergencies, employees may not be able to get assistance.

The contractor must ensure that employees are trained for these instances. Work procedures must be created for these instances. The contractor must make sure that when employees are working alone, someone is making regular contact with them at pre-determined intervals.

X-Ray & gamma radiation

Non-destructive testing involving x-ray, gamma radiation sources or x-ray emitting devices must be in accordance with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and provincial OHS Regulations. All testing must minimize radiation exposure to workers, other building occupants and passers-by.

If you're doing testing of this nature, you must notify OHSE at 250-721-8971.