VALLEY COLLEGE : Fume Hoods Awaiting Installation

Three weeks ago, 21 new fume hoods arrived at Valley College to replace those declared unsafe in the campus chemistry labs in June.

But they have yet to be installed because campus maintenance officials said state architects have not signed off on plans for the project.

The Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees approved the transfer of $569,000 in district funds to Valley for the new hoods after Cal/OSHA inspectors determined the existing hoods to be unsafe, officials said.

“I think it’s marvelous,” said Valley College President Mary Lee. “I’m very appreciative to the board for finding the funds for the fume hoods.”

Fumes in the chemistry building were among complaints brought to the Board of Trustees earlier this year by Valley administrators, faculty and students when they asked for an increased budget for the school.

David Ognee, plant facilities head at Valley, said there is no pressure on state officials to sign off on the plans, the last step before construction.

“We’ve already assessed this as an emergency,” he said. “They haven’t.”

Project Coordinator Finley Cummings said he is doing everything possible to expedite the project because of the safety factor.

Meanwhile, no one will estimate the cost of the installation and the fume hoods remain locked up in large bins.

“I’m hoping it starts very soon,” Ognee said of the installation project.