Lead

Lead is present throughout SFU in two common forms: lead materials (e.g. x-ray shielding aprons or lead-acid batteries) and lead-based paints & coatings. These materials do not pose a health hazard unless they are disturbed. For general inquiries about hazardous building materials, please contact hazmat_work@sfu.ca. 

Exposure control

SFU is required to control, prevent and limit the exposure of lead as low as reasonably achievable.  To meet this requirement SFU has developed a Lead Exposure Control Plan which details the process of any lead abatement including emergencies on SFU campuses.

Lead abatement at SFU

All Lead abatement work at SFU is conducted in accordance with WorkSafeBC regulatory requirements.  For large or higher risk projects, a third party, qualified consultant reviews work procedures, conducts inspections and collects air samples to confirm that all safe work procedures are strictly adhered to.  A final visual inspection is also conducted prior to re-occupancy of the work area.

Lead at SFU

Lead is primarily found on campus in the following forms:

• Paints and coatings
• Glazing on ceramic tile
• Old pipes
• Lead-acid batteries in emergency equipment
• Sheets (X-ray shielding aprons)
• Blocks
• Roof sheeting and vents

Lead is removed whenever possible during building renovations or through routine building maintenance projects. Undisturbed, the presence of Lead is not a hazard to the campus community and the cost to remove it from all buildings would be prohibitive

A material must be sampled in order to determine if lead is present in a specific paint, coating or material. Sampling must take place before a material is impacted.