Building Hazard Info
Yale University (Yale) is comprised of approximately 400 buildings
on campus. These buildings vary greatly based on use, age, and types
of building materials used during construction or later renovations.
Yale is currently undergoing extensive renovations to its campus with
projects ranging from lab hood replacements to comprehensive restoration
projects lasting over a year.
The Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) has broad
campus responsibilities for occupational and environmental health
and safety issues. For construction and renovation projects,
OEHS serves as an internal consultant to the entire design team
for health and safety related issues associated with the project,
including:
- Reviewing project plans;
- Providing general design guidance for safety-critical and
special areas, including but not limited to research and teaching
laboratories, patient care clinics, animal care facilities,
shops, and fuel and other product storage areas;
- Informing the design team of any known hazards associated
with the work location;
- Performing pre-project work area clearances as needed to
identify and safely manage known hazards in the space;
- Providing guidance and disposal assistance for special
waste materials associated with the project, including soil,
lead paint, PCBs, and asbestos, if present;
- In consultation with the Yale Project Manager, stopping
work if unsafe conditions exist.
A variety of potential environmental, health, and safety issues
can arise during a renovation or construction project. These include
conditions and features specific to project sites, issues associated
with buildings and related infrastructure, and demolition and construction
activities themselves. Early identification of these issues is critical
to all parties involved in the project, and will help prevent accidents
and exposures, releases of hazardous materials, and unnecessary complaints
from area occupants and neighbors. Timely involvement will also help
avert time delays and save money.
