Building Safety & Maintenance
Building safety is a shared responsibility. If you notice a facility issue, equipment malfunction, or unsafe condition, reporting it promptly helps prevent injuries, protect research, and keep our laboratories operating safely.
Many maintenance concerns can be resolved quickly when they are reported early. If you are ever unsure whether something should be reported, please report it or contact the Safety Coordinator.
Report Safety Concerns Promptly
Notify the appropriate contact immediately if the condition could result in injury, exposure, or damage to research.
- Fume hood or ventilation problems
- Unusual chemical odors or odors outside expected laboratory operations
- Leaking emergency eyewashes or safety showers
- Water leaks or flooding
- Electrical hazards
- Damaged laboratory equipment
- Broken doors or locks affecting building security
- Fire alarm or fire protection equipment issues
- Slip, trip, or fall hazards
Who to Contact
| Issue | Contact |
|---|---|
| Building maintenance (HVAC, plumbing, lighting, doors, repairs, lab setup, etc.) | Building Operations Manager / Submit a Work Order |
| Facilities Maintenance issues | Submit a Service Request |
| Space Management (furniture, chairs, moving) | Building Operations Manager |
| Laboratory safety concerns | Safety Coordinator |
| Chemical spills or hazardous materials | Safety Coordinator or Environmental Health & Safety |
| Fire, medical emergency, or life-threatening situation | Call 911 immediately |
| After-hours building emergencies | UNM Police Department / Call 911 |
Common Building Issues
| If you notice... | You should... |
|---|---|
| Eyewash leaking | Report it immediately |
| Fume hood alarm | Stop work and report it |
| Chemical odor in hallway | Leave the area and notify Safety |
| Burned out lights in lab | Submit maintenance request |
| Water on floor | Prevent access if possible and report immediately |
| Broken step stool | Remove from service and notify Safety |
Building Operations Manager: Bobby
Responsible for:
- Small repairs
- Laboratory setup
- Space management
- Furniture, chairs, and moving requests
Phone:
- Office: (505) 277-0387
- Cell: (505) 604-6120
Helpful Information When Reporting
Providing the following information helps resolve issues more quickly:
- Building and room number
- Description of the problem
- When the issue was first observed
- Whether work in the area should stop until repairs are made
- Photographs, if it is safe to take them
Preventive Maintenance
Many laboratory safety systems - including fume hoods, emergency eyewashes, safety showers, and fire protection equipment - are inspected and tested on a routine schedule. If you notice a problem between inspections, please report it immediately rather than waiting for the next scheduled maintenance.
Everyone in the department plays a role in maintaining a safe environment. Reporting hazards early helps us correct problems before they become incidents.
