Facilities Services Division Frequently Asked Questions Asbestos 1. What does the head custodian do with the completed 6 month asbestos surveillance report? 2. What is asbestos containing material (ACM) or asbestos containing building material (ACBM)? 3. Who provides the initial 2 hour asbestos awareness training and what does it cover? 4. When and how is the 6 month asbestos surveillance performed? 5. Who conducts the 6 month asbestos surveillance and how is it documented? 6. How are jobs involving asbestos prioritized? Hazard Communication 1. Is there a new Hazard Communication Standard? 2. What is included on the SAISD Workplace Chemical List (WCL)? 3. What are employee rights under the Texas Hazard Communication Standard? 4. What is the minimum amount of information that should be included on a container label? Indoor Air Quality 1. What is covered under the Texas Mold Assessment and Remediation Rules (TMARR)? 2. Can I use bleach to kill mold? 3. Can I clean up small amounts of mildew (mold)? 4. What can Environmental Programs do for me? 5. I am in an older room with two ventilation systems located just under the windows on the exterior walls. Should I open the windows? Lead 1. When was lead containing (or based) paint used inside of homes? 2. What is lead containing paint? 3. Where can I get more information on lead and lead poisoning? 4. Why is lead such a concern? Plant Maintenance & Operations 1. I have a family situation which requires my work hours to be changed from night shift to day shift. 2. I have just completed my probationary employment period with the District and would like to know when I will receive my uniforms. 3. What is procedure for overtime approval? 4. My floor burnishing machine has been at the small engine shop for several days. Parts are on order for it and I probably not get it back for several more days. How am I supposed to polish my floors without it? 5. I am a custodian assigned to an elementary school on the North side of the city. I live in the East Side. What is the procedure for transferring to another school that is closer to my house?
Asbestos 1. What does the head custodian do with the completed 6 month asbestos surveillance report? By April 13th, and again on October 13th the campus head custodian sends a copy of the completed Asbestos 6 Month Surveillance Report to Facilities Services Environmental Programs (Environmental) by: faxing a copy to 210 271 3330, or sending an electronic pdf of the report to pswerzenski@saisd.net, or sending a copy of the report by campus mail to Construction Management Environmental (in the Student Support Bldg. Suite 307). The original copy of the report should be filed in Tab 3 of the campus AMP. 2. What is asbestos containing material (ACM) or asbestos containing building material (ACBM)? A material (or building material) that contains greater than 1 % asbestos as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended methods. 3. Who provides the initial 2 hour asbestos awareness training and what does it cover? Environmental personnel conduct the training which covers: Asbestos and its various uses and forms Health effects associated with asbestos exposure Locations of asbestos containing building material (ACBM) in SAISD campuses How to recognize damaged, deteriorated, and delaminated ACMB The Name (Peter Swerzenski) and telephone number (210 554 2420) of the SAISD designated person The availability and location of the campus AMP 4. When and how is the 6 month asbestos surveillance performed? The head custodian is tasked with performing this surveillance during the beginning of April and October of each year. The head custodian (or his/her designee) should get a blank copy of the Six Month Surveillance Report from the campus AMP. He or she should check the locations of the asbestos in the latest 3 year reinspection report (Tab 2 in the campus AMP). He or she should walk through each of these areas and determine if any asbestos containing material (ACM), such as 9 by 9 floor tile and black glue (mastic), is damaged. If damage is noted a work order to correct the problem should be made and the work order number included on the report. 5. Who conducts the 6 month asbestos surveillance and how is it documented? The facility head custodian or his/her representative conducts and documents the 6 month asbestos surveillance using the Six Month Surveillance Report form included within Tab 3 of the campus asbestos management plan (AMP).
6. How are jobs involving asbestos prioritized? Asbestos removal (or abatement work) will be performed in the following order of priority: a. Immediate safety and health issues involving ACM (e.g., the release of free asbestos fibers) b. AEHRA required operations and maintenance work c. Support of bond related activities (e.g., bond funded renovations), d. Removal of intact friable ACM (e.g., pipe and boiler insulation, sprayed on ceilings, etc.) e. Support of campus initiatives to renovate and remodel areas with ACM f. Elimination of all accessible ACM from campus, and g. Aesthetics. Hazard Communication 1. Is there a new Hazard Communication Standard? On March 26, 2012 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a revised Hazard Communication standard that has these major changes: Hazard classification: Provides specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, as well as classification of mixtures. Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided. Safety Data Sheets: Will now have a specified 16 section format. Information and training: Employers are required to train workers by December 1, 2013 on the new labels elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding. Although SAISD still follows the Texas DSHS Hazard Communication Act (25 TAC Sec 502.007) SAISD will begin modifying our training and program to include the wording and applicable requirements of the new OSHA Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1010.1200). 2. What is included on the SAISD Workplace Chemical List (WCL)? The Workplace Chemical List (WCL) is the last section of the working draft SAISD Hazard Communication Program. The WCL includes a list of each hazardous chemical normally present in the workplace (in quantities) in excess of 55 gallons or 500 pounds [or in excess of the quantity established by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for highly toxic or hazardous chemicals (e.g., sulfuric acid)]. The Workplace Chemical List includes the identity (used on the MSDS (now called "SDS" or "safety data sheets" in accordance with the March 26, 2012 revised OSHA Hazard Communication Act) and container label) and the work area in which the hazardous chemical is normally present. (25 TAC Sec. 502.005)
3. What are employee rights under the Texas Hazard Communication Standard? Employee rights under the Texas Hazard Communication Standard include: access to an MSDS ("SDS") information on chemical exposures, training on chemical hazards, availability of protective equipment, and the ability to file complaints (with the Texas Department of State Health Services). (25 TAC Sec 502.007) 4. What is the minimum amount of information that should be included on a container label? Minimum information on primary containers must include the identity as it appears on the MSDS ("SDS"), the pertinent physical and health hazards (including organs that would be affected), and the manufacturer's name and address. The minimum information currently required on a secondary container label includes the identity as it appears on the MSDS ("SDS") and appropriate hazard warning (such as corrosive, flammable, etc.). (25 TAC Sec. 502.007) Indoor Air Quality 1. What is covered under the Texas Mold Assessment and Remediation Rules (TMARR)? TMARR (25 TAC 295.301 295.338) contains requirements for the licensing and registration of persons performing mold assessments and mold remediation, requirements for the accreditation of mold training providers, minimum work standards for the conduct of mold assessments and remediation by licensed and registered persons, a code of ethics, and penalties. The TMARR requirements are required for mold contamination of 25 contiguous square feet or more. 2. Can I use bleach to kill mold? Straight bleach should not (normally) be used to kill mold. (Bleach is highly corrosive to the eyes, irritation to the lungs and skin and reacts with most household cleaners, especially ammonia). However, a bleach solution (often used as a disinfectant in food service) is very effective in killing mold. Information from a consumer response specialist at the Clorox Company (www.clorox.com) in 2005 stated that they recommend: 3/4 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water apply and let sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse. Bleach solution should always be used with good ventilation and personal protective equipment (e.g., chemical resistant gloves and goggles). Never mix cleaning chemicals, especially with bleach or bleach solution. Don t forget to label you bleach solution ( Bleach Solution Corrosive to Eyes / Irritant ).
3. Can I clean up small amounts of mildew (mold)? Yes. Mild soap and water can be used to clean mildew (mold) off of non porous (e.g., steel) material. Porous items (e.g., cardboard boxes, paper and ceiling tile, etc.) with mold should be disposed of. Semi porous material (e.g., gypsum wall board, wood, etc.) can often be cleaned by: isolating the area and donning you protective clothing (such as disposable and/or chemical resistant gloves), clean the area with a mild soap solution, treat the area with a biocide (e.g., Triad III) and provide a minimum contact time (e.g., 10 minutes for Triad III) before rinsing as needed rinse and dry the area, discard waste in a sealed plastic bag, and wash your hands and face. 4. What can Environmental Programs do for me? Environmental Programs personnel can and does: investigate odors and sources of moisture, develop work orders to address the finding of IAQ investigations, collect temperature, relative humidity levels and carbon monoxide levels (over time) within troubled areas, assist (along with Operations and campus staff) drying out flooded / high moisture areas, etc. Unless directed by Risk Management, Environmental Programs does not collect air borne or bulk mold samples. 5. I am in an older room with two ventilation systems located just under the windows on the exterior walls. Should I open the windows? It depends. If you are in a classroom or office with the older unit ventilators (UVs) and weather conditions permit open the windows. The older UVs only recycle room air. These units rely on opening windows to supply "fresh or makeup" air into the room. Whenever conditions permit, opening windows near the UVs will help circulate "fresh" outdoor air throughout the classroom or office area. Lead 1. When was lead containing (or based) paint used inside of homes? Houses built on or before 1978 may have lead containing paint especially on wood doors, windows and molding.
2. What is lead containing paint? Lead based paint is considered a painted surface containing: one milligram or more per centimeter squared (1.0 mg/cm2) of lead, or greater than 0.5% lead concentration by weight. The levels lead levels are lower for toys and other articles intended for use by children. 3. Where can I get more information on lead and lead poisoning? A couple of website where can you get more information about lead and lead poisoning include: EPA Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil City of San Antonio Lead Based Paint Hazard Control Program (LBPHCP) 4. Why is lead such a concern? A Lead has no useful purpose in the body and can adversely affect human health, especially that of children 6 years or younger. Exposure to lead from home remodeling, home remedies, glazed pots, etc. can severely affect children during the developmental stages. Plant Maintenance & Operations 1. I have a family situation which requires my work hours to be changed from night shift to day shift. The Principal at each campus is the responsible supervisor to designate custodial work hours. The desired work ratio of employees between day shift and night shift is 25 percent for day shift and 75 percent for the night shift. 2. I have just completed my probationary employment period with the District and would like to know when I will receive my uniforms. The goal is to provide uniform items every other year to classified employees. This is dependent upon the required funds being approved as part of the budget process. There is no provision to purchase uniforms during in between year when funding is not provided. Plant Operations is the designated Department responsible to coordinate the purchase of uniforms. 3. What is procedure for overtime approval? In accordance with district policy all custodial overtime is approved by the Plant Operations Department. Overtime supplemental forms should be turned in to the Plant Operations Department.
4. My floor burnishing machine has been at the small engine shop for several days. Parts are on order for it and I probably not get it back for several more days. How am I supposed to polish my floors without it? Plant Operations has an equipment loan program that was developed just for problems of this nature. There are many different types of equipment that are available for sign out. A complete range of custodial equipment is available for loan out. If you are in need of any kind of equipment or tool call Carlos in the Operations warehouse. 5. I am a custodian assigned to an elementary school on the North side of the city. I live in the East Side. What is the procedure for transferring to another school that is closer to my house? A letter stating that you are requesting a transfer must be turned in to the Plant Operations Department. The transfer letter may be a personal note written by the employee or it can be a Transfer Request Form that is available at the Plant Operations Department. The information on the letter or form must include your name, the school you are presently assigned to and the school or area you are requesting to be assigned to. If you have no preference then state that on your letter or Form. A request for transfer cannot be submitted until you have completed your ninety day probation period. Once your letter is on file you may contact the Plant Operations Department periodically to find out which schools have vacancies. It is your responsibility to contact the school that you would like to transfer to and schedule an interview for the vacant custodial position. Principals have the option to choose who they would like to interview. If you are chosen to be interviewed and are selected for the position the Principal will notify Plant Operations. The Plant Operations Department will in turn contact your principal and inform him/her that you are transferring to another school. A reporting date will be established within a two week period and a personnel status change will be submitted to the Classified Personnel Office.