Natural Sciences Building checked for asbestos

The Natural Sciences Building at Nijenborgh 4 will be checked for asbestos in the coming weeks. During repairs after the water damage suffered earlier this summer by building 18 after heavy rainfall, it became clear that there were asbestos particles in a number of corridor cupboards, ventilator shafts and in the spaces above the ceilings. Air samples were therefore taken on every floor last week. These revealed no increased levels of asbestos. At this moment in time there are no indications either of any danger to health for the users of the building.

The places where asbestos has been found have in the meantime been closed off and isolated. With an eye to the potential risk to the health of staff and students, and in consultation with the Board of the University, it was decided this week to further investigate buildings 14-18 at Nijenborgh 4 for the presence of asbestos.  

The investigation will be performed by specialists in cooperation with the University Services Department. The work will be performed as far as possible outside normal working hours, i.e. in the evenings and at night. In order to enable the work to proceed smoothly, and in consultation with the specialists, wings of buildings will be closed off in turn after normal working hours. 

The follow-up research is intended to ascertain where asbestos has been used. It will then be decided which or whether extra measures will need to be taken to ensure the safety of the building’s users. The initial results of the investigation are expected in week 37. Once the investigation is complete, the results and conclusions will be announced. There will also be an information meeting for any interested parties who may have questions.