Agenda - 05-20-2003-8s - Laserfiche WebLink

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In anticipation of work to be completed in the `A' building, Public Works contracted with Associated Industrial Services in January 2003 for complete abatement of accumulated bat guano from the attic space above the Library. The attic space above the second floor corridor was also cleaned at that time. The scope of work included complete removal of all fiberglass batt insulation and accumulated bat droppings, complete cleanup of the floor joist cavities, and treatment of all exposed wood and plaster in the attic space with a biocide in order to eliminate any potential microbial contamination. During the recent reoccupancy of the `B' building, Environmental Air Systems and their subcontractors transitioned to the `A' building. Demolition work began May 8, 2003 in the main portion of the Library, with removal of the existing acoustical the ceiling and grid work, light fixtures and ductwork. At this time, it was determined that some dead bats and bat droppings were present in the space between the original plaster ceiling and the acoustic the ceiling system. Work was stopped in the `A' building on Monday May 12, 2003 to allow further investigations regarding the scope of bat infiltration and contamination. The contractor raised concerns because the demolition work, which required the removal of the acoustical ceiling tile, creates dust and can cause material to become air borne. The acoustical ceiling the has served as a barrier and the materials were not previously disturbed, which meant they were not air borne and did not create the same problems as occur during construction. It has been determined that bats had previously gained entry to the space (through holes in the plaster ceiling) above the ceilings throughout the rest of the `A' building (basement, first and second floors). Past conversations with bat removal experts suggest that these bats likely became separated from the colony that existed in the attic, were unable to find their way back, and died in these spaces. There is no indication that bats roosted permanently in these spaces; however, the presence of dead bats and some bat droppings creates concerns for worker safety during the removal of ceiling systems, lighting, and HVAC system components. Bats are potential carriers of rabies and bat guano can contain spores of a fungus called histoplasma capsulatum, which can cause histoplasmosis, an infectious disease, if inhaled in sufficient quantity. In addition, a small number of live bats have regained entry to the Library attic, indicating that further exclusion work is necessary.