PCBs in city schools

Background

On November 29, 2010 the DOE completed a system-wide survey to identify T-12 fluorescent lighting fixtures. These T-12 fixtures are assumed to contain ballasts with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and the DOE identified 772 school buildings with these fixtures. Since that time the DOE has conducted supplemental survey activities and determined the total number of school buildings potentially containing PCB ballasts is 740. The overall reduction stems from the identification of buildings that (1) do not actually contain T-12 fixtures (2) were actually constructed after 1979 or (3) both. In addition the supplemental surveys have identified additional buildings where the original survey did not identify T-12 fixtures.

Useful resources

The NYC School Construction Authority (SCA) is actively maintaining several lists related to its work inspecting and replacing light fixtures:

Information on PCBs

Warning signs

If your school is on the SCA list, the light fixtures are assumed to contain PCBs. Below is a short list of warning signs that may indicate a PCB leak or problem with the fluorescent light fixtures in your school.

Burned-out lights that do not work even if the bulbs are changed.
Evidence of brown, oily stains on the light fixture itself or on the glass lens of the fluorescent light fixture.
Evidence of oil stains on floor tiles or carpeting beneath the lighting fixture.
Past episodes of smoke or burning odors that required the custodian to service the lights.
Past episodes in which the custodian had to remove a light fixture or take it apart to replace electrical parts.

Ventilation

Is the ventilation system in your school turned on and working? If outside air is supplied via windows, are the windows open as much as possible, weather permitting? An inoperable ventilation system or closed windows will exacerbate any problems.

In an emergency

The following are emergency steps to take if a fluorescent light fixture begins to smoke, emit an electrical burning odor or if oil is dripping from the fixture

If a fluorescent light fixture begins to smoke, if oil is dripping from the light or if you smell an electrical burning odor, the room should be evacuated immediately.
Follow the notification procedures for your school and also notify your UFT chapter leader who in turn will notify the union.
Arrangements will be made for an environmental consultant to inspect the light fixture, including the interior housing and the ballast.
The room should be ventilated and there should be a custodial cleaning before it is safe to occupy.

Report what you find

Please follow the reporting procedures for your school to report any of the above checklist conditions to your school custodian and to your chapter leader who in turn will notify the UFT Safety and Health representative at your UFT borough office.

The long-term plan

The UFT has been outspoken regarding the need to remove and replace PCB light fixtures. In response to pressure from the UFT, EPA, City Council and other organizations the DOE has implemented a plan to remove and replace PCB-containing light fixtures in the 754 schools over a ten-year period.

The DOE has prioritized light fixture removal and replacements in those schools assumed to have PCB light fixtures as follows:

School buildings with observed leaks
Elementary schools constructed between 1950 and 1966
Elementary schools constructed between 1967 and 1978
Secondary schools constructed between 1950 and 1966
Secondary schools constructed between 1967 and 1978

The UFT continues to urge the City and the DOE to implement a more aggressive removal plan that completes the removal and replacement of PCB fluorescent light fixtures in two years but certainly no more than five years.

Report what you find

Please follow the reporting procedures for your school to report any of the above checklist conditions to your school custodian and to your chapter leader who, in turn, will notify the UFT Safety and Health representative at your UFT borough office.