Keeping campus buildings healthy and safe

From Facilities Services

Protecting the health and safety of students, employees and visitors on campus amid the pandemic is paramount and as we all face a full return in September people want reassurance that their workplace is safe.

To date, we have not had any reported transmission of the virus on campus. The college’s Safety Plan, processes and management of issues have been acknowledged by Island Health and WorkSafeBC as being robust and contributing to the safety of students, employees who need to come on campus as well as campus visitors. The college Safety Plan will be updated in the coming weeks to align with the revised Go-Forward Guidelines.

The Return-to-Campus Primer released on April 30, 2021, by the B.C. Government states: “WorkSafeBC continues to advise that building ventilation systems, in good operating condition, do not contribute to the spread of COVID-19. Institutions should ensure that building ventilation (HVAC) systems are operating and maintained in accordance with WorkSafeBC requirements and relevant ASHRAE1 Standards for indoor air quality.”

All of the college’s buildings and ventilation systems are professionally designed, installed and maintained. We follow all the applicable guidelines, standards and recommendations. Also, as an additional precaution, we are maximizing the amount of outdoor air intake used to ventilate our buildings. 

An important protective measure to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, according to the BCCDC, includes either opening windows or increasing fresh air intake with mechanical ventilation. Part 4 of the OHS Regulation (WorkSafeBC) refers to ASHRAE standards for indoor air quality and the required design and operation requirements. The college continues to follow the standards set out by WorkSafeBC to ensure our buildings and the occupants are healthy now, and in the months ahead.

Ensuring a safe work environment for people currently on campus and those coming back in September remains a priority as we plan for a full return.

Further information:
BCCDC information on how COVID-19 spreads
WorkSafeBC COVID-19 FAQs: General ventilation and air circulation
ASHRAE one page guidance for reopening schools and universities

Useful links:

COVID-19 safety employee and workplace leaders training and initial screening
On-campus attendance & daily health-check form
Camosun College COVID-19 Safety Plan
Safe Start Request Form
BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool

Go-Forward Guidelines

COVID-19 updates

Past updates detailing Camosun College's response to COVID-19.

View Past Updates