around the uft

Learning to stay safe

Apr 24, 2008 9:12 PM

The UFT conducted a five-day grant-funded course on mold assessment and remediation, bloodborne pathogens and respiratory protection for several dozen staff and students at Alfred E. Smith HS from March 31 to April 4. Anthony Johnson, one of the teachers at the school, and Chapter Leader Christine Gross worked with the administration to make arrangements for the original course, which was free to all participants. It was a thorough seminar covering heating ventilation and air-conditioning systems, outdoor and building-related sources of pollutants, ventilation assessment, response to water damage and much more. And that was just on the first day! It also encompassed regulatory issues and the monitoring and health effects of mold as well as biocides and hazard communication. Respiratory protection was emphasized. There was safety training in relation to hand tools, ladders, working surfaces and electricity, plus intensive study of OSHA standards and risk factors of bloodborne pathogens. One of the most popular parts of the training was in how to conduct a visual walk-through building inspection. “With news stories of environmental contamination becoming more common, it is very important to heighten everyone’s awareness of existing and potential risks,” said Michael Mulgrew, the UFT’s vice president for career and technical high schools.