Top Stories
THANKS TO THE 400 BUILDING OPS PEOPLE WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE UBC CENSUS SO FAR
We need everyone to complete the UBC Census and we’re about 50% of the way there. You can do it online from home (log in via msp.ubc.ca and then click the U Count at UBC box), or paper copies will be available at crew talks. It’s mandatory that you fill out the census but it is your choice to answer the questions. Special kudos to Garage, Stores, and Tool Crib for being the first crews to reach 100% completion!
CUSTODIAL ZONE MEETINGS THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK
Custodial zone meetings will be held this week and next week. We will cover many operational topics (including cleaning tips, toolbox safety tips, and a video on how to properly use the dumpster arm and the dumpster tool that’s currently on trial) and administrative topics (including the working alone protocol, emergency contact forms, and sick and vacation requests). Questions and tips we receive through the suggestion box will be discussed, including:
- Change of start time request for 6 or 6.30 a.m. instead of 7 a.m.
- Marshall containers without lids in washroom areas – can the lids be removed?
- Bright ideas – the suggestion box is being used, how can we reward staff for good ideas?
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM DRAFT SHARED THIS WEEK
Superintendents, managers, heads and sub heads, will meet to review the draft leadership development program on Wednesday, June 22. Staff will have an opportunity to hear the draft leadership development program on June 23 at 2:15pm in LRMS Conference Room, RM 122. If you are interested in attending, talk to your Head to make sure work can be accommodated.
THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL FEATURE: SERVICE CENTRE
Space performance is our way to enable top tier research and teaching at UBC. Our Service Centre, staffed by Alexandra Psiharis, Flora Fenton, and Pearle Lundeen, plays an important role in space performance and in ensuring that UBC’s spaces are working safely and comfortably for all users.
When a customer finds something unexpected, unwanted, or suspicious—like a clogged toilet, a dead seagull, or a gas leak—the Service Centre is often the first group within Building Operations to interact with the customer and assess an issue’s severity. Important questions, like “Could people get hurt?”, “Could the University be put at risk?” and “How should this be funded?” are all part of the daily routine.
On June 12 of last year, Flora answered a call from Triple O’s in David Lam. The caller was reporting a gas leak in the restaurant. Flora assessed the situation on the spot: she knew that a gas leak was a high possibility and could impact the cook staff and the patrons inside—and possibly the building at large. She guided the caller through steps to ensure the safety of the caller, the restaurant staff and patrons, and the building occupants. The restaurant was secured and the cause of the problem, a faulty grill, was identified. Crews were dispatched immediately to stabilize the situation. Ultimately, with the fast action of the Service Centre, Triple O’s came back into service quickly.
Whether it’s a gas leak or a burnt out light bulb, the Service Centre is here to help ensure that UBC’s spaces are working safely and comfortably for all users.
ANIMAL CARE NOISE WINDOW STARTS JUNE 23
The animal care noise window in the Pharmaceutical Sciences and Life Sciences buildings is scheduled for June 23-July 20. During this time, crews can carry out work that is noisy and causes vibration.
IRC AND MUSIC ELEVATORS OUT OF SERVICE FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS DUE TO RENEWAL
For those requiring assistance while the elevators are out of service, please request help from the Labour Shop well in advance! Please make your request at least a couple of days ahead of time to provide enough lead time.
FUME HOOD REMEDIATION BEGINNING THIS WEEK IN CHEM/PHYS
Due to the aging pneumatic damper controls, Building Operations will be undertaking some urgent work to ensure that Chem/Phys fume hoods are working properly for the researchers in this building. Eventual replacement of the controls with an electronic system is in the plan for 2017/18 capital funding, but in the meantime we will use our ingenuity to ensure these fume hoods function safely and effectively.
ORCHARD COMMONS WALK-THROUGHS HAVE STARTED SO WE CAN BECOME FAMILIAR WITH OUR UPCOMING RESPONSIBILITIES
A portion of the new Orchard Commons building will be core academic space, mostly occupied by Vantage Collage, and as such there are numerous systems and spaces that we need to become familiar with and eventually maintain. To become familiar with the equipment and systems, we are now beginning to schedule crew walk-throughs with the contractor. In the coming weeks, we will offer demonstrations to more staff. Make sure you attend your walk-through that Caroline has arranged, and please be on time to meet the contractors running the walk-through. Partial Occupancy is expected for early August as this is when Vantage moves to their new spaces.
TRANSITION TEAM SUCCESS! AQUATIC CENTRE EQUIPMENT LIST RECEIVED 6 MONTHS BEFORE OCCUPANCY!
Building Operations has now received a list of Mechanical Equipment from the Design Team. This is a real win as it is the first time we have received this information during the construction phase prior to handover. This will now allow us to work with Athletics in developing a more comprehensive maintenance Service Contract.
NO PARKING FOR FLEET IN PARKADES
Our transit fleet do not fit in any of the campus parkades due to the roof-mounted ladder racks. Please use other designated parking spaces.