MSB Major Renovation Updates
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Overview of Work
There are two major construction projects nearing completion in MSB: the renovation of research laboratories throughout the building and to the anatomy labs on the first floor. Please note that as part of normal operations in MSB, there will be ongoing maintenance and repairs that may require asbestos work to occur (for example, in the event of a pipe breaking).
Update on MSB Renovations
April 30th marked the end of the Lab Innovation for Toronto (LIFT) project, which renovated one-quarter of all of the research space in the Medical Science Building. Across three campus, and in less than two years, the University of Toronto has renovated nearly half of its research space (as detailed in a recent U of T News story).
In March 2017, in the course of LIFT renovations at MSB, two labs were temporarily closed when asbestos-contaminated construction dust entered adjoining labs. As a result, the University committed to heightened testing throughout MSB for the duration of LIFT. Since the initial incident, more than 4,100 random air samples have been taken. Each showed it is safe to work and learn in MSB.
With LIFT completed, random air testing in MSB has concluded. U of T’s standard safety protocols will continue to be used. This includes monitoring air outside of Type 3 asbestos abatement sites and interior clearance testing following abatement. The results of these tests will continue to be reported on the MSB Sampling Details Website, where you can view room-by-room test results. This newsletter will also continue to inform you of other major renovation projects that are occurring in MSB.
If you have questions about asbestos abatement practices at U of T sites, please contact ehs.office@utoronto.ca. If you have immediate concerns, please contact 416-978-3000.
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Before an asbestos abatement project can begin, a number of steps are required to prepare the room. This includes the removal of existing furniture and set-up of enclosures and negative air machines. As part of this stage, some asbestos work may be required under careful supervision. However, it won't involve the intensive removal work associated with asbestos abatement. You can expect a moderate amount of noise during the day. Any noisy work will occur after-hours.
Research Tower:
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During this phase, local ventilation is shut down and work carefully regulated under the Ontario Health and Safety Act will commence. You can expect a lot of noise while the work is performed after-hours. If you are concerned that work-related dust has left these sites, please immediately report it by calling 416-978-3000.
Research Tower:
- 5253, 5253A, 5254, 5254B, 5254C, 5255, 5259, 5261, 5262A, 5266, 5268, 5367
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With these spaces now cleared of asbestos, construction work will begin to deliver improved research and learning spaces for students, faculty and staff. Any noisy work will occur after-hours, but some moderate noise may be heard during the day. While every effort will be made to prevent the spread of construction-related dust during this phase, some dirt may be present. If you have concerns about dust from these sites, please call 416-978-3000.
Spaces currently in this phase:
Research Tower:
- 2135, 2135A, 2135B, 2135C, 2135D, 2135V, 2136, 2331, 2331K, 2332, 2333, 2334, 2335, 2336, 2337, 2339, 2340
- 5262, 5269, 5271, 5327, 5333, 5336, 5336A
- 6360
- 7244, 7245, 7341, 7342, 7342A, 7342B, 7345, 7345C
Anatomy Lab:
- 1105K, 1117, 1119, 1137K, 1145K
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Questions about renovations?
Contact msb.updates@utoronto.ca
Have questions or concerns about communications?
Contact medicine.communications@utoronto.ca
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