A year in review for Custodial Services
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Custodial Services has been playing an important role in keeping spaces in the UBC Vancouver campus clean and safe. As we start the new year, we’d like to share an overview and some facts about Custodial Services and our campus.
UBC at a glance in 2021:
- 9,000,000 sq. ft. of campus space cleaned.
- 100 000+ rolls of toilet paper were replaced.
- 450 000+ rolls paper towels were replaced
- 1000 + hand sanitizer stations were refilled (150/year for pre-covid-19)
- 9000+ soap dispensers were refilled.
- 10,000 lightbulbs were replaced.
- 300+ doors are locked/unlocked daily
Learn more on the Facilities website
Winter noise work window: February 12-27, 2022
A reminder that the Winter Noise Work Window is starting Saturday, February 12 and ending Sunday, February 27. If you have work that involves noise or vibration to be done at the Life Sciences Centre or Pharmaceutical Sciences, this is the time to get it done!
Please note the following scheduled work:
Life Sciences Centre
- Carpentry
- Construction Office
- Beatty Floors: Replace floor tiles with resilient flooring in elevator 2 & 4; SR47324 & SR 82207 LSC elevator #4: (B48) replace tile floor of cab with resilient flooring
- February 14-15 for elevator #2 and 16-17 for elevator #4
- Electricians
- LSC B2.336C animal room- install conduit for IT Outlet / ethernet port;
- SR87457: LSC / CDM B2.CL-1 common corridor B2.370 install 240V outlet for -80C freezer
- Energy & Water Services
- Exhaust heat recovery coil cleaning
- Feeder 12F27 shutdown Feb 27 (7:30 am-7:30 pm)
- Fire Life Safety
- Fire alarm testing
- B2.316A & B2.317 Cobra lock replacements
- Metal Shop
- Morgue duct repairs & Infutrace cleanup in B2 Interstitial
- Paint Shop
- SR78644: LSC B2.422: CL3 -Feb 12-22_repair cracks in epoxy floor paint
- Planned Maintenance
- SR 75216: Fire extinguisher swap out
- Project Services
- Donor wall in East atrium on elevator #4 South wall
- Steamfitters
- High pressure steam shutdown on Feb 18
Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Energy & Water Services
- Aircuity install in the MBF including duct probe installs
- Paint Shop
- SR20750 - repair paint chips in MBF
- Plumbers
- Sanitary shutdown on Feb 18
- Steamfitters
- High Pressure steam shutdown on Feb 18
If there is work that hasn’t already been identified, please contact Facilities Manager, Jeff Smith (jeff.smith@ubc.ca). If your work cannot be completed during this timeframe, the Summer noise work window will take place starting Saturday, June 25 to Sunday, July 10, 2022.
Zone List Updates
The Zone list (see attached) has been updated as of January 31, 2022. Please note that the following updates were made:
- Green Utility Worker – Iqbal Khella
Music Building’s parking lot is closed until further notice
Due to a recent Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) site inspection, the parking lot next to the Music Building has been temporarily closed. A structural assessment is underway. There will be no access to the parkade unless responding to a life safety issue. Further details will be provided as we receive more information.
Looking at increasing our electric fleet program
A Vancouver-based motor company will be providing a demonstration of their electric vehicles in front of the USB parking lot on Tuesday, February 8 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. During this time, some of the parking spots in front of USB will be unavailable for a few hours. Please park across the street by the Greenhouse if you need to go into USB during this time.
As part of UBC Vancouver’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030, we are looking at increasing our electric fleet program to convert our larger vehicles into more sustainable options and these vehicles may provide us with an alternate source of supply. The firm will be bringing two models with them, one regular-sized EV Star Cargo Plus and a wider over height version.
Driving safely on campus
Safety is our first priority on campus. With all the morning fog and early sunsets, it is very important that our vehicles are seen by all pedestrians.
Please ensure headlights and taillights are on and working, especially when foggy. The automatic sensors do not always turn on in the fog so it is best to ensure the lights are on and not in auto mode.
Drive safe!
Welcome to the team... and fond farewell
24 years with UBC: Farewell to Darren Wong, Project Manager in Infrastructure Development
 January 31, 2022 was Darren Wong's last day at UBC before heading into retirement.
Many of you have worked with Darren, and had the opportunity to hear some of his fascinating stories of the numerous projects he’s had a hand in throughout his career in the ever-evolving UBC campus.
Since joining UBC in 1998, Darren worked in hundreds of renovations of varying sizes and complexity, and was a leading resource in Wayfinding, Accessibility and artwork installation projects.
Congratulations on your retirement Darren, we will miss you!
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:
- Operating Engineer (JR5938) – closing Feb 4
- Subhead Trades 2 – Plumber (JR6101) – closes Feb 11
- Trades 2 – Plumber (JR6094) – closes Feb 11
- Project Manager II (JR5779) – closing Feb 15
Please remember to apply as an internal candidate. This ISC Knowledge Base article shows how: How do I apply for an internal job posting?.
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.
If you do not currently receive the VPFO Update in your inbox, please contact Samantha Tsui, Communications Coordinator.
Health & Safety: Hearing Testing
In British Columbia, a Hearing Conservation Program is required for workers who are exposed to noise that exceeds exposure limits of 85 dBA LEx (over an eight-hour shift) or 140dBC peak sound level.
As part of the program, annual hearing testing will take place in February for workers that require a hearing test, as determined through a noise survey.
The purpose of the tests is to identify early signs of noise-induced hearing losses before workers notice significant problems. Please reach out to your supervisor for more information.
The Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing is offering a hearing testing clinic as part of their health screening offerings on Thursday, February 10. If you are not currently part of the Hearing Conservation Program and would like to have your hearing checked, contact Lori Takenaka to book an appointment.
For more information on Noise Hazards, please visit Safety & Risk Services website.
EDI: Celebrating Lunar New Year!
This year, Lunar New Year falls on February 1.
Lunar New Year is celebrated across Asian communities, but each has their own traditions. Lunar New Year is celebrated by those who follow the lunisolar calendar, including countries such as China, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Mongolia and Indonesia, as well as diaspora communities all over the world.
Learn more about Lunar New Year and how it's celebrated across Asian communities
Year of the Tiger explained
 2022 is the Year of the Tiger — tiger is associated with power, bravery and rebellion.
The Chinese calendar is on a 12-year cycle, with each year linked to one of a dozen animals -- the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
Learn more about the Chinese zodiac signs:
Events
UBC St. John's College is kicking off their 25th Anniversary in 2022 with a Lion Dance to welcome the Year of the Tiger!
The historical background of the Lion Dance and the Dragon Dance originates as a way to chase evil spirits and welcome in prosperous times and each have unique dance styles.
- When: Thursday, February 3, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Where: St. John’s College Courtyard or via Zoom
Register and learn more
If you're feeling extra festive, here are some festivities to ring in a new year of good luck and fortune in Vancouver. Happy Lunar New Year!
Weekly Emergency Tip: Setting up your Medical ID in your iPhone
 Medical ID helps first responders access your critical medical information from the Lock screen, without needing your passcode. They can see information like allergies and medical conditions as well as who to contact in case of an emergency.
How to set up your Medical ID in the Health app on your iPhone:
- Open the Health app and tap the Summary tab.
- Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.
- Under your profile picture, tap Medical ID.
- Tap Edit in the upper-right corner.
- Enter health information like your date of birth, allergies, and blood type.
- Tap Done.
For more information, visit the Apple website.
Workplace Strategies for Mental Health: Tolerating Confrontation
Unless we agree with everything that others say or do, confrontation is inevitable. When we're comfortable with confrontation, we can see it as an opportunity to learn about another's perspective and share our own.
Most of us are uncomfortable dealing with or tolerating confrontation, whether it's between ourselves and another person or between two other people. Confrontation can trigger a range of emotional, cognitive, and physical reactions. Others who aren't troubled by confrontation may even enjoy it and become energized by it. They may see it as a game to win but fail to recognize the damage this approach might inflict on others.
When we resist, avoid or are highly uncomfortable with confrontation, it's a source of stress. When we are careless with confrontation, we may inadvertently harm ourselves or others. By learning to tolerate confrontation for the purpose of exploring different ideas and perspectives, we can more objectively use it to learn and grow.
Find out what shapes our reaction to confrontation and what you can do when the next confrontation or difference of opinion arises by checking out these workplace strategies for resolving personal conflict.
Managing your mental health
Human Resources has collected mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs. To view more workshops, webinars and events visit the HR event listing.
Our HR representatives are always available for a confidential conversation:
- Monica Haab (monica.haab@ubc.ca): Customer Services, Energy & Water Services, Customer Services & Informatics, Municipal Services, and Trades
- Alena Martin (almarti@mail.ubc.ca): Custodial Services and Infrastructure Development.
Understanding the Employee and Family Assistance Program
The UBC Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a voluntary and confidential counselling support service that provides employees at all levels and their family members (dependents) with the help needed to resolve a wide range of personal, work, health, or life issues. This expert information and immediate support resources are available in-person and by phone, video, web or mobile app 24/7, 365 days per year.
Login to the new LifeWorks Wellbeing Platform and explore their resources and content.
|
