Environmental Services

 

The four primary campus environmental issues are asbestos, lead, indoor air quality, and water damage.  The Environmental Services department of Facility Services manages these issues with the LSU Office of Environmental Health & Safety.  

Asbestos Containing Material 

The Environmental Services department performs maintenance, corrective actions, and removal of asbestos containing materials on campus as per Environmental, Health & Safety recommendation. Environmental, Health & Safety conducts periodic surveillance inspections every six months, so that LSU can be proactive in keeping the asbestos containing materials in good condition.  

All building maintenance and renovation projects are reviewed for asbestos containing materials.  Asbestos containing materials are safely removed from the project area prior to the start of the maintenance or renovation work. All contractors are notified that buildings may have existing asbestos containing material not identified. Because of this, caution must take place during all phases of renovation, demolition, and construction to prevent disturbance of suspect ACM not previously identified.  

Health issues arise when asbestos materials are disturbed to the extent that asbestos fibers can become airborne and then inhaled by the occupants of a building.  Procedures are in place to prevent this type of disturbance from occurring through routine maintenance and renovation activities. The Office of Facility Services and the Office of Environmental Health & Safety work closely with building coordinators, department heads, and individuals to educate the University community about asbestos. 

Lead Based Paint 

Testing for lead in paint is routinely done by the Environmental Services department and Environmental, Health & Safety.  Suspected lead based paint is tested by sending a sample to the appropriate lab. Ceramic tiles may also contain lead.  LSU has not used lead-based paint on the campus since the 1970’s. Lead-based paint is only a hazard if it is sanded, and the dust is inhaled or if the paint is ingested.  

Indoor Air Quality 

The Environmental Services department and Environmental Health & Safety have joint responsibility for the indoor air quality in campus buildings. The role of these groups is to respond quickly to indoor air quality concerns, perform a condition assessment that includes the determination of the cause of the IAQ problem, and take the necessary corrective action to eliminate the problem. In some cases, remediation is required to remove and clean microbial contaminated building materials. Environmental, Health and Safety’s role is to respond to occupant health concerns and to review Facility Services’ efforts and ensure the problem has been properly corrected. 

Water Damage Mitigation 

The Environmental Service Department is responsible for managing and executing clean-up efforts following medium to large water damage incidents. Remediation is coordinated with Facility Services and licensed remediation contractors to minimize secondary damage to buildings and contents. This can include water extraction, air movement, and dehumidification.