Construction-related health and safety information
Portland Community College construction and renovation projects are carefully planned to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, visitors, and contractors. The Office of Planning and Construction (OPC) works closely with PCC Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), Facilities Management Services, and licensed contractors to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate environmental controls before specialized demolition or renovation work begins.
What if hazardous building materials are found during a construction project?
Some older PCC buildings contain materials such as asbestos, lead-based paint, or other hazardous building materials. Before renovation or demolition begins, these materials are identified through surveys and evaluated by qualified professionals.
If hazardous building materials must be removed, PCC Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) works closely with OPC to provide expertise and oversight, while specialized contractors perform the work following strict Oregon safety and environmental requirements, including those established by Oregon OSHA and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), as well as applicable industry best practices. These requirements and procedures help isolate work areas, control potential exposure, and monitor conditions as appropriate for the work being performed to protect building occupants, workers, and the surrounding environment.
Depending on the project, additional information – such as hazardous building material surveys, abatement plans, or air monitoring results – may be available. For more information about how PCC identifies, manages, and safely removes hazardous building materials, see the Hazardous Building Materials chapter of the PCC Health & Safety Manual.
Why do I see plastic barriers, warning signs, or restricted areas?
Some construction activities require temporary environmental controls to safely isolate work areas. These controls may include containment barriers, warning signage, negative air systems, or restricted access while specialized work is underway.
These measures are designed to protect building occupants and workers and should not be disturbed. Please follow all posted signage and temporary route changes.
What should I do if I notice an unusual odor, dust, or other environmental concern?
Construction activities may occasionally result in temporary odors, dust, vibration, or other environmental conditions. While every effort is made to minimize these impacts, individual sensitivity to noise, odors, or dust can vary.
If you have questions or concerns about construction-related dust, odors, indoor air quality, hazardous building materials, or environmental controls, contact PCC Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) at ehs@pcc.edu.
For more information about PCC’s procedures related to indoor air quality and environmental conditions, see Chapter 19: Indoor Air Quality and Industrial Hygiene of the PCC Health & Safety Manual.
Additional contacts
- Construction schedules and project activities:
- Contact the project manager listed on the Notice of Work or email OPC@pcc.edu.
- Indoor air quality, hazardous building materials, and environmental health:
- Contact PCC Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) at ehs@pcc.edu.
- Immediate health or safety concern:
- For campus emergencies, contact Public Safety at 971-722-4444. For non-emergency safety concerns, call 971-722-4902.