IHS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What makes the air in my area feel stuffy?

The problem may be related to an air handler ventilation problem or possibly be due to having more people or activities in the area than it was designed for. In either case, heat and carbon dioxide generated by each person builds up and causes a rise in temperature and CO2 level. If the air is not being replaced with fresh air quickly enough, the area will feel stuffy. Also, high partitions in open work areas can interfere with design airflow for the area and reduce it to the point where coolness and comfort are compromised.

Temperature should remain between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity should be between 35% and 65%.

IHS can check for mold spores on surfaces and vents, or have the air handler checked. Mold can grow if there is sufficient moisture, warm temperature, and a nutrient bed (some building materials). If found, there is a cleaning procedure for removing mold, typically done by Environmental Services. IHS has special devices to help eliminate the problem, and Facilities may need to make adjustments to air handler settings to help control it as well. If building leaks are found, they must be repaired, and other corrective measures taken as needed.

 When alerted, IHS responds to the area as quickly as possible and tries to determine the cause of the problem. IHS will initiate corrective measures whenever possible. The earlier it is reported, the more likely it can be controlled.

 Call EH&S at extension 1-2663 (Monday through Friday, 8a.m. to 5 p.m.). After working hours, call Public Safety, at extension 1-2911 and report the problem. They will contact the on-call person for EH&S to respond.

 Yes. Facilities Operations Zone Maintenance personnel do preventive maintenance inspections periodically, depending on the needs of the equipment. If a problem is suspected, you can call extension 1-2434 to report it.

 Contact EH&S at extension 1-2663 for recommended options. Typically, cardboard cartons, plastic pails, or other appropriate containers will be suggested, depending on the situation. Packing advice is also given.

 A biosafety cabinet is a movable cabinet with supply and exhaust filters that typically exhausts 30% of the air it takes in. It filters and recirculates the rest. A few of these cabinets exhaust to the exterior of the building. This type cabinet offers personal safety protection from contaminants in the hood, as well as product protection. A laminar flow cabinet typically offers product protection only. A fume hood is equipment built into the building structure to exhaust all contaminants to the exterior via a roof stack. It rarely has a filter.

 Most cabinets are recertified annually. Some are recertified every six months, depending on the nature of their use. Cabinets need to be recertified after being moved to another location, either in the same room or another area. Lab Equipment Services should be contacted to do this at extension 1-6124.

 IHS recertifies fume hoods annually. If there is a question or problem with your fume hood, you can report it to IHS at extension 1-2663. IHS will check it out and adjust it or have Facilities Operations Zone Maintenance work on it.

 Alkaline batteries can be trashed. All other batteries should be placed in labeled collection pails in various locations for recycling. If you need a pail for this purpose, contact IHS at extension 1-2663.

 Normally, it is disposed of as biomedical waste in a red plastic pail. In some cases, you can obtain Isolyser Plus, a disinfectant and solidifier. After using Isolyser Plus, the biowaste can be placed in regular trash. Never place pathological waste, including blood or body fluids in regular trash unless they are first isolyzed.

 Contact Environmental Services. For campus, the number is extension 1-2434. For AU Hospital & Clinics, the number is extension 1-4550.




Contact Us

   Health Science Campus (CI-1001)
   1405 Goss Lane, Augusta, GA 30912-7520
   706-721-2663       706-721-9844
  EMERGENCY: 706-721-2911

Note: In the case of a serious injury or life threatening emergency, seek immediate medical attention.