Meet UBC’s new cogeneration engine
UBC’s replacement cogeneration engine, the Jenbacher J-612 arrived in its new home inside the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF) engine room on April 6, 2023, and is being commissioned for operation in May 2023.
The new engine, despite being smaller than the original, will provide the same electrical power output while reducing our greenhouse gas emissions as it runs on Renewable Natural Gas.
Running since 2012, the original J-620 engine reached its end-of-life last summer after 60,000 hours in operation and was replaced with a 6% more efficient model. The new model also boasts half the concentration of nitrogen oxides, keeping UBC’s airshed clean.
Read more on the Facilities website
Winter Term 2 exam period: April 17–28, 2023
Winter Term 2 exam period is from April 17 to 28, 2023. During this period, please refrain from conducting any noisy/disruptive maintenance and construction work. Thank you for your cooperation.
Safe work procedure: Lab entry for Trades
The Trades Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (JOHSC) has completed a new safe work procedure (SWP) for Trades staff who need to enter a laboratory to complete work. This item was brought to the Trades JOHSC due to the inconsistent way lab clearance forms are used on campus. Through this procedure, the JOHSC was looking to streamline the process where possible, eliminate confusion for staff and faculty, and increase safety for our workers.
Some key points from the new procedure:
- A lab clearance form MUST be completed and signed by the laboratory supervisor prior to work starting if:
- Equipment or work surfaces require decontamination to make the area safe for work;
- The working surface or equipment to be worked on bears the warning label “Caution Radioactive Materials”;
- The trade supervisor requests it; or,
- The trade worker requests it.
- In any other situation, the lab clearance form will be considered optional.
- Except for designated zone staff, the heads & subheads should be coordinating access to lab spaces with the users.
The new SWP will be on the shared drive here: S:PoliciesAndProceduresHealthSafetySafetyProcedures
Please review the complete procedure in your crew talks and pass any questions/comments/concerns to your local JOHSC representative(s).
Special thanks to the working group members who supported developing this SWP and for keeping our staff safe on campus.
Service vehicle parking changes at Civil & Mechanical Engineering (CEME)
Due to the Beaty Biodiversity Centre Addition construction project, there are parking changes at CEME for Facilities service vehicles. Please refer to the diagram below. Signage on site has been changed.
Service vehicles can no longer access CEME from the north access route around Rusty Hut, the only access is now from Applied Science lane.
Reminder: Roadwork on University Boulevard
A reminder that University Boulevard will be partially closed from April 17–August 19 due to construction in the area. The first stage of this work will be along University Boulevard in the westbound lane.
Find the most up-to-date information on the UBC Campus + Community Planning website.
UBC Facilities supports student team in the construction of a unique building
Last week, UBC started to unveil a vibrant new teaching and learning space that is one of Canada’s first institutional spaces designed to be near-zero embodied carbon. In support of the student team, a wide array of UBC units helped to enable the forward thinking, and unconventional design and construction of a unique building.
The project and student team were well supported by contributions from UBC Facilities’ Infrastructure Development and Energy & Water Services, and Campus & Community Planning.
Learn more
Building safety capacity through inspections
Workplace inspections are a vital component in our efforts to ensure a safe workplace and help prevent incidents, injuries, and illnesses. The Occupational Health & Safety Regulation requires every employer to ensure that regular inspections are made of all workplaces, including buildings, structures, grounds, excavations, tools, equipment, machinery and work methods and practices, at intervals that will prevent the development of unsafe working conditions.
Inspections are important as they allow us to:
- Listen to the concerns of workers and supervisors
- Gain further understanding of jobs and tasks
- Identify existing and potential hazards
- Determine underlying causes of hazards
- Recommend corrective actions
- Monitor steps taken to eliminate hazards or control the risk (I.e. engineering controls, administrative controls, policies, procedures, personal protective equipment)
There are several types of inspections with varying degrees of frequency and documentation requirements. Some inspections require the involvement of specially trained individuals (i.e. fall protection equipment inspections), while general inspections are typically conducted by members of the JOHSC and/ or Local Safety Teams. However, we all have a responsibility to perform informal (I.e. office, workshop, jobsites, etc.) and equipment (i.e. vehicles, power tools, etc.) inspections prior to use.
Together, with our JOHSC, inspections help to keep us all healthy and safe in the workplace.
For more information and resources on workplace inspections, visit the SRS website.
Custodial Services celebrates Vaisakhi
Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. In 2023 Vaisakhi took place on Friday, April 14.
Custodial Services' staff celebrated Vaisakhi on Friday morning at the start of the shift in the UBC Life Building Custodial deployment office.
We are extremely grateful to Balvir Bains and Charanjit Bains for organizing this celebration and augmenting the importance of this key date on our shared cultural calendar.
Last day to complete the Campus Security survey
Campus Security is looking for your feedback and input to inform its decision on a service delivery model. The survey closes today, April 18.
Complete the survey and learn about other ways you can become a voice for campus safety.
Kudos
- Taylor Bohn, Pushpa Chopra, Michael Cunningham, Noah Cunningham, Carson Koo, Ruben Mancera, Irene Prakash, Jodi Scott, Tom Scott, Hollis Stephens, Sam Stephens, Stan Takenaka, David Uribe, Dave Wight: We're so proud of you all completing the Vancouver Sun Run on April 16 despite the rainy conditions! Congrats to all for getting out there and representing the VPFO!
Job openings
All positions at UBC are available on the UBC HR Careers website, or through the career application in your Workday account. Please note that applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the posting end date. The following VPFO positions are currently open:
- Trades 2 - Steamfitter (Pipefitter) (JR12302) – 4/21/2023
- Utilities Electrical Engineer (JR11625) – 04/28/2023
- Labourer 2 (Seasonal) (JR11189) – 06/30/2023
Don't forget to apply as an internal candidate! Please review Apply for an Internal Job Posting in the Workday Knowledge Base for instructions on how to apply. Reminder to attach a copy of your resume when you apply for a career opportunity in Workday.
Weekly Emergency Tip: Enhance your emergency preparedness by getting to know your neighbours
Almost half of British Columbians live in a multi-family housing complex such an apartment, condo or townhouse. Getting to know your neighbors is an important part of your emergency preparedness plan. By pooling your skills and resources, you are ensuring a better preparedness level.
To see the full guide for Apartments, Condos and Townhomes, visit the Government of BC’s website.
Managing your mental health
HR has collected mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs.
As a manager or leader, you play an important role in supporting your mental health and that of your teams. Complete the new required training: Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace for Managers and Supervisors.
Representatives are always available for a confidential conversation:
- Monica Haab (monica.haab@ubc.ca): Building Operations, Energy & Water Services, Customer Services & Informatics, and Infrastructure Development
- Gregor MacDonald (gregor.macdonald@ubc.ca): Custodial Services and Municipal Services
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) offers an extensive suite of services to support you – from providing wellness coaching or advising on family issues to offering legal support. Access the EAP confidential services through LifeWorks, by calling 1-866-424-0770.
In case you've missed it
In case you've missed it Here is a quick recap of key events and information that you may have missed. For more details, please click on the links below or refer to our weekly portfolio newsletter, VPFO Update.
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