A Division of Administration and Finance
Laboratory Impacts During UMB Campus HVAC Reductions
- Please refer to the following information.
- Laboratory HVAC reduction occurs every evening from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (including weekends and holidays).
- During peak energy demand days, UMB may begin this reduction before 7 p.m.
- Regularly scheduled HVAC reductions are not actively communicated.
- If UMB elects to reduce HVAC, an email will be sent alerting the campus to the anticipated change in status. Additionally, text messages will be sent to anyone affiliated with a laboratory space (registered in SciShield).
- In the event of an unscheduled reduction, UMB will send communication as soon as possible. Please note, there may be little (less than 30 minutes) or no advance notice.
- During HVAC reduction periods, air change rates are maintained. However, temperature and humidity levels may increase. Additionally, fume hood performance will be impacted.
- Benchtop work and activities conducted inside certified, unalarming biological safety cabinets may continue during HVAC reduction periods. However, any research that requires the use of a fume hood should be paused unless specific approval has been granted*.
- If your fume hood begins alarming, immediately stop work, lower the sash completely, and contact EHS for assistance at 410-706-7055.
- Call EHS at 410-706-7055 and provide location and details.
- Note: If you smell chemicals while working in a fume hood, this may indicate compromised airflow or containment. Immediately stop work, lower the sash completely, and contact EHS for assistance at 410-706-7055.
- Fume hoods should not be used during HVAC reduction periods.
- If your work requires a fume hood during HVAC reduction hours, contact EHS for a risk assessment*.
- Reactive chemicals, chemicals that require respiratory protection, and chemicals that generate hazardous vapors should not be used during HVAC reduction periods.
- Report fume hood issues immediately to EHS by calling 410-706-7055.
Contact Work Control.
*Requesting an EHS Risk Assessment
- EHS is committed to supporting the safe continuation of research.
- Email EHSAudits@umaryland.edu with your name, location, and a brief description of the work in question.
- To help minimize disruptions to critical fume hood–dependent experiments, researchers are encouraged to review planned activities and submit requests in advance.
- Assessments are generally conducted during regular business hours and are subject to staff availability.
- Please note that EHS cannot guarantee approval to initiate or continue research activities during HVAC reductions.
Contact
Environmental Health & Safety
714 W. Lombard St.
Baltimore, MD 21201