This will be a short post on silica, a "designated substance" here in Ontario. It is found in building materials like concrete blocks. Another "designated substance" is asbestos.
According to the Ontario Government, the "generation of airborne silica-containing dust should be controlled with a mechanical ventilation system, wetting, or the use of a dust collection system." Also, measures should be taken to "prevent dust containing silica from spreading".
Signage is also considered to be a requirement, including if silica-generating work is being done indoors: "Warning signs should be posted in sufficient number to warn of the hazard. If it is an indoor operation, signs should be posted at each entrance to the work area."
It seems to me that construction sites around the University should probably be posting warnings about silica when there is a suspicion or confirmation that aerosolized silica could be generated during construction or demolition activities, whether it is indoors or outdoors.
More can be found on this page on silica from the Government of Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/document/silica-construction-projects/measures-and-procedures-working-silica
James Andrew Smith is a Professional Engineer and Associate Professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department of York University’s Lassonde School, with degrees in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta and McGill University. Previously a program director in biomedical engineering, his research background spans robotics, locomotion, human birth, music and engineering education. While on sabbatical in 2018-19 with his wife and kids he lived in Strasbourg, France and he taught at the INSA Strasbourg and Hochschule Karlsruhe and wrote about his personal and professional perspectives. James is a proponent of using social media to advocate for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion as well as evidence-based applications of research in the public sphere. You can find him on Twitter. You can find him on BlueSky. Originally from Québec City, he now lives in Toronto, Canada.