California State student union building a mass of safety issues
Aztec Center, the student union at California State University, opened in 1968. The student population has more than doubled since then, but the size of the student union building has not, meaning there is not enough space to provide sufficient services and facilities.
The student union building has severe problems with its mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. The building’s copper pipes leak on a weekly basis. Aztec Center is also contaminated with asbestos, a toxic substance that was commonly used in construction materials back in the 1960s. The asbestos can be found in the glue that holds the floor tiles, ceiling tiles and rubber base molding into place. Because asbestos exposure is known to cause cancer, if the asbestos is ever disturbed, that part of the building is closed off and evacuated so the problem can be dealt with by Environmental Health and Safety. Asbestos must be removed by trained professional under strict guidelines to protect the health and safety of everyone involved.
Adding to the safety issues, the building does not meet current seismic codes, so earthquakes are a real danger. It is not fully handicap accessible nor is it energy efficient. Any renovations that might be done trigger compliance issues, since building codes are far stricter now than they were when Aztec Center was built.
For the full story, go to The Daily Aztec.
