Building Operations Weekly

Top Stories

Employee Engagement

PINK SHIRT DAY AT THE VPFO: WEAR PINK FOR FEBRUARY 27

Last year, we hosted a series of conversations about respect in the workplace, which we capped with a department-wide celebration on Pink Shirt Day — the annual Canada-wide event symbolizing respect for the diversity of people and expression.

This year the entire VPFO portfolio will join us in the USB on Pink Shirt Day to join in the celebration of respect, inclusion, and diversity.

On February 27, we’d like everyone to wear something pink and join our colleagues from across the VPFO for cake, coffee, and an opportunity to connect and talk about respect — including an opportunity to participate in a video for the portfolio.

All events will be hosted in the USB atrium:

Day Shift + VPFO: 9 am – 10 am
Evening Shift: 9 pm
Night Shift: 11:30 pm

Asset Stewardship

PHASE 1 OF BRIMACOMBE’S ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION REPLACEMENT SLATED FOR MARCH 9

Brimacombe building’s original electrical equipment constructed in 1994 is at major risk of failure as it is nearing the end of life. In order for the replacement of this electrical equipment to occur a planning exercise took place with Building Operations and approximately fifty researchers to discuss the potential impacts for this work. Building Operations provided the researches background knowledge and information on risks to their research if equipment is not replaced.

This facets face planning exercise saved weeks of back-and-forth communications and led to a quick decision to secure a date for Phase 1 of Brimacombe’s Electrical Distribution Replacement shutdown. Phase 1 of the high voltage electrical shutdown is slated for March 9.

This electrical equipment replacement project should ensure that research in this building have a dependable system for years to come.

Kudos to Marcus Drozdzik and the Electrical technical team for their concise presentation! Thank you to Mark Donald-Jones for organizing and facilitating this meeting.

BUILDING OPS’ PURCHASES 6 NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLES

We are pleased to announce the purchase of 6 new Kia Soul Electric cars! These vehicles provide greater flexibility for our employees as they can carry up to 4 passengers as well as tools and supplies. In addition, they have a greater life span and better return on investment.

This addition allows us to reallocate two of our current shared smart cars to Waste management, Facility Management and the Construction Office. Doing so will ensure the rest of Building operations has access to our shared electric vehicles when needed.

RECENT 3-DAY WESBROOK POWER SHUTDOWN REPLACED OLD ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Our department recently conducted a three day, partial building shutdown of Wesbrook’s electrical distribution. The project scope was to replace old electrical distribution equipment that was end of life. During last year’s electrical feeder maintenance. The electricians identified operational and safety concerns with the condition of the equipment. The replacement of this equipment was prioritized and as of yesterday was successfully installed.

The next electrical feeder shutdowns are:
1.       12F13 – May 11/2019 SD#4972
2.       12F23 – May 25/2019 SD#4976
3.       12F21 – June 8/ 2019 SD#5115

Thanks to everyone that participated in helping this shutdown run so smoothly!

Leadership Development

REGISTER YOUR STAFF FOR 2019 CORE SAFETY TRAINING COURSES

As an employer, UBC is responsible for providing their employees with the instruction and training to ensure the health and safety of those workers in carrying out their work and to ensure the health and safety of other workers at the workplace. UBC Facilities is committed to workplace safety and offers core safety training courses based on the work performed and requires workers to complete safety training prior to performing the respective tasks as per WorkSafeBC regulations. Refresher and/ or re-certification of safety training is also required and the timeframe will depend on the type of safety training. Safety training is also required for supervisors of those workers who perform such work.

Core safety training courses currently scheduled for 2019 include the following:

Confined Space Entry
Fall Protection
Isolation & Lockout
Moderate Risk Asbestos Removal
Forklift Operator
Elevating Work Platform Operator
Traffic Control
Overhead Crane & Hoist Operator
Backhoe Operator
Skid Steer & Mini-excavator Operator

A copy of the training brochure can be found in the resource cabinet outside The Centre.

Managers/delegated supervisors need to ensure the status of core safety training certifications are kept current for their employees. If you are unsure of the status of a core safety training or would like to register employees for a scheduled training, please contact Treslyn Sundher at treslyn.sundher@ubc.ca or (604) 827-5997

CHECK OUT WWW.HR.UBC.CA/CAREERS FOR CURRENT BUILDING OPS JOB POSTINGS

Know anyone interested in working in Building Operations? Let them know about our current job postings

Job #32837 Auxiliary Service Worker
Job #32813 Trades 3 – Electrician
Job # 32618 Millwright

For full listings, check out designated job postings boards or visit UBC Careers

Quick Updates

USB CARPENTRY SHOP RENOVATES FOR NEW LUNCH ROOM AND OFFICE SPACE

The Carpentry Shop is currently undergoing a significant renovation in the former office area. Last week the office space was completely gutted and removed as we prepare for the erection of a mezzanine, with office space on the main level. The mezzanine will be utilized as a lunch room for the Architectural Team and a secondary meeting space outside of lunch/break times.

The contractor that has been awarded this work has installed hoarding in the construction zone to limit access into this area. Also note that the north door access to the shop, in the hallway, has been restricted to contractor use only during construction. There is access to the shop via the south doors of the hallway.

Proper PPE, particularly safety boots, is required when entering the shop.

During construction, Dan, Martin, Ian and Kevin have been relocated to the second floor office space of the USB (room 1007).

REMEMBER TO WATCH YOUR STEP TO AVOID SLIPPING IN ICY CONDITIONS

Preventing Winter Slips & Falls

Municipal Services and Custodial Services work hard to clear main roadways and main walkways on campus during snow and ice weather conditions. As temperatures drop, icy patches may still be present. Below are some tips to avoid a slip:

Wear appropriate footwear with good traction

Walk on main pathways that are clear and well-lit, whenever possible
Take short steps with the entire foot contacting the ground and not just the heel, when walking on icy or snowy walkways
Focus your attention on walking and not be distracted by cell phones or other devices
Be aware that black ice can look like wet pavement
Use handrails on stairs and ramps where available
Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles. Use the three point contact rule by keeping three points in contact with the vehicle, either one hand and two or two hands and one foot
Minimize having to carry large amounts of materials, whenever possible. Keep hands free to help with balance
Wipe your feet before entering a building. Footwear with snow or ice on the soles can become slippery when entering a warm building
Be sure to check out the snow plan maps https://buildingoperations.ubc.ca/resources/snow-plan/ to find the safest route possible for your cross-campus travels.
If you see any slick or slippery areas that need attention, call 604.822.2173
Report all slips, trips and falls to your supervisor as soon as possible and be sure to seek first aid through the USB First Aid Attendant or by calling 604.822.4444, if injured.

WESBROOK MALL & STUDENT UNION BOULEVARD UPGRADES: JAN 14 TO OCT 31

ROAD CLOSURE JANUARY 14 – MAY 31 WESBROOK MALL BETWEEN STUDENT UNION BLVD. & UNIVERSITY BLVD.

REGISTER YOUR STORM THE WALL TEAM

Embrace Tradition. Embrace the Spirit. Embrace the Storm.

Join UBC’s most iconic experiences! Participate as a competitive or just for fun team and complete the course as a relay, or challenge yourself to do the whole course on your own as an Iron Person. You will swim, sprint, bike, run, and Storm The Wall!

For more information visit https://recreation.ubc.ca/stormthewall/register/