Protecting the health and safety of students and staff is the daily mission of Patrick O'Donnell's team. At the forefront of all environmental concerns impacting MPS, these highly trained professionals are accountable for indoor air quality, asbestos management, chemical waste disposal, lead-based paint testing, respiratory protection and a host of other programs, as outlined below.
Asbestos is a perfect example . . . . . .
However, if damaged during a construction, remodeling or maintenance project or as a result of normal infrastructure aging, vandalism or an accident, asbestos must be promptly encapsulated or removed by the Environmental Health and Safety Group's State-certified Asbestos Supervisors and Asbestos Workers . . . . . . The Environmental Health and Safety Group also heads up the State-subsidized directive to remove or upgrade all underground storage tanks by December 1998. Grounds affected by this process undergo remediation, which usually involves soil excavation and backfilling. Schools are advised to report indoor air quality complaints to the Environmental Health and Safety Group for investigation. Depending on indicators present, Patrick O'Donnell's team may test for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and organic compounds as well as percentage of outside air, relative humidity and temperature.