College clanger hits the floor at new college library

Nov 7 2008 by Craig Robertson, Dumfries Standard Friday

STUDENTS watched in horror as part of a heating system crashed 30 feet to the floor inside a multi-million pound college complex.

The new library at Dumfries and Galloway College had to be evacuated after high winds sent a wooden vent flying into the room.

It had been knocked out by a “piece of sheeting” that had been temporarily installed in a gap while workmen finished a new heating system.

College bosses have now carried out a full health and safety investigation into the incident and insist the library is safe.

But one witness said: “It’s lucky that no-one was standing under it or they would have been seriously hurt by this thing falling 30ft to the floor.

“Thankfully there wasn’t a lot of people in the library at the time but surely all of these things should have been complete before they let students in?”

The library was built as part of the college’s new £37million complex which opened its doors in September.

It’s used by students from the college, Glasgow University and the University of the West of Scotland.

The incident happened on Saturday, October 4.

In a note to students on the campus website, Crichton librarian, Avril Goodwin, said: “You will be aware that there have been on-going building works in the new Crichton Library, particularly in the evenings and weekends.

“Unfortunately they will continue at least until the end of November.

“I know that this has caused a high level of disturbance and noise and appreciate everyone’s patience on this matter.”

She added that the library was now being closed to students on Saturdays for a period.

The incident follows reports of leaks inside the new building which were blamed on heavy rain.

Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell will be discussing the problems with college bosses during a meeting next week.

He said: “There will inevitably be teething problems in a new building, but I want to hear how these are being dealt with.

“It is important to make sure everyone is safe from harm and that there are no safety issues as previous difficulties might suggest.

“There is no doubt that the college is a flagship building for Dumfries and Galloway and that should not be affected by these issues. We have to get it right.”

Carol Turnbull, assistant principal at the college, said: “Back at the start of October there was an incident in the library, which occurred due to high winds.

“A temporary piece of sheeting had been installed whilst the heating system was completed, which unfortunately knocked one of our louvres out.

“The builder now assures us that the system if fully operational and meets all health and safety requirements.

“Given the ambitious nature of this build, there have been a few tasks that require completion after the start of term.

“It is important to remember that this fantastic new campus has been completed on time and on budget.”

A university spokeswoman added: “UWS manages the library service located within the new college building for students of Dumfries and Galloway College, University of Glasgow and University of the West of Scotland.

“The welfare of students and staff is of paramount importance and this incident was reported to colleagues in the health and safety department at Dumfries and Galloway College who took prompt action to ensure the problem was dealt with.”