The University must ensure that research/lab equipment is housed and operated in a safe environment. When the Purchasing Department receives a request for research/lab equipment, a copy of the request along with specifications, is forwarded for review, to an advisory group made up of professionals in the Environmental Health & Safety Department and Facilities Engineering Services. The information forwarded must also include the requestor’s name, contact information, and the room/building in which the equipment will be placed. This review is necessary to:
Facilities Engineering Services
- Confirm the building structure will support the equipment
- Confirm the equipment can pass through doors and hallways easily; if problems are identified, determine any adaptations Facilities Planning would need to make to accommodate the installation
- Confirm the electrical capacity of the building is adequate to support the new equipment
- Confirm that power, plumbing, or venting hookups are accessible or possible
- Confirm the equipment meets lab safety requirements
- Confirm the location and activity are in keeping with the goals of the University
The equipment typically reviewed by the advisory group includes, but is not limited to:
- Upgrades to existing equipment
- All equipment requiring installation by the vendor
- Equipment requiring the use of specialty gases
- Equipment with high voltage output
- All large equipment
- Gas cabinets
- Nitrogen generators
- Equipment requiring plumbing, drain, process chilled water, ventilation or exhaust
This review process normally takes no more than 24 hours. If problems/concerns are identified, Facilities Engineering Services and/or the Lab Safety Manager will contact the Principal Investigator or faculty member directly to discuss. For additional information, please contact Gieva Patton, Senior Buyer for Research, at 205-348-5037.