Officials clear library of asbestos
By SCOTT BRODFUEHRER
Assistant News Editor
Removal of asbestos from the Hesburgh library basement is underway and a University official said the work poses no air quality threat, even though signs on equipment and trash bins adjacent to the library and sidewalks state that respirators and protective clothing are required in the area.
Assistant Director of Risk Management and Safety Mike McCauslin said the signs that state, "Danger. Asbestos. Cancer and Lung Disease Hazard. Keep Out. Authorized Personnel Only. Respirators and Protective Clothing are Required in this Area," are required by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Indiana State Department of Environmental Management at any asbestos removal site, even if there is not a health risk.
"Unfortunately, it's one of those situations where we have to use that sign. It's rather absurd; it would be better to use a sign that said, `Asbestos materials inside, don't open.' But if we don't use the sign, [the asbestos removal firm] can get into trouble," said McCauslin.
Asbestos was widely used before 1978 as an insulator and fire retardant, but it was later found to cause cancer and a variety of other respiratory problems. According to McCauslin, the asbestos in the basement of the library is in the ceiling. Using a large, diesel powered vacuum, workers are sucking small pieces of asbestos out of the building, where the machine places them in special, sealed containers that are eventually stored in a sealed dumpster.
The machine is equipped with several safety features to ensure outside air is not contaminated.
"The machine is equipped with a number of inner locks. The operator must be there at all times to control the machine. The bag must be there for it to work, and the equipment is monitored by pressure so if an operator damages a bag, the machine would stop safely," said McCauslin.
According to McCauslin, SSI of South Bend, the firm the University is using, , is highly qualified and the University uses it for all asbestos removal jobs. The University has also contracted an independent air quality-monitoring firm that is always on site.
"The asbestos removal has been going on for three or four weeks and all of the readings have been at or below background, which means they are as good or better than the outside air," McCauslin said.
Additionally, an item inspector who inspects asbestos removal sites for the Indiana State Department of Environmental Management lives in South Bend has inspected the operation several times.
The asbestos removal is a part of the $8-million renovation of the Hesburgh Library Basement. The renovated basement will contain a service desk staffed the same hours as the reference desk, student study space and the special collections department. The renovations are expected to be completed in the summer of 2003.
All News Stories for Tuesday, December 11, 2001
