Utility Failure

Types of Utility Failures

Understand how different utility failures may affect your work area. Identify critical systems that need immediate attention. Identify workarounds for various types of utility failures.

Reporting utility issues on campus

• Non-critical issues - The issue does not constitute an emergency and is not time sensitive - report the issue to the college facility manager, Building Care, or submit a service request through the physical facility website.
  
  • Minor clogs or slow-moving drains, burned out light bulbs, electrical outlet not working, heating or cooling problems, autoclave issues, etc.
• Time-sensitive issues - The issue is time sensitive but is not an emergency - report the issue to the college facility manager. If after hours report the issue to BYU Security.
  
  • Minor flooding, elevator malfunction, broken locks, air ventilation issues, growth chambers, pests, etc.
• Critical Issues - The issue is an emergency - report the issue to the college facility manager or BYU Police as appropriate. After hours contact BYU Police.
  
  • Major flooding, gas leak, broken pipe, etc.

Gas Leak

• Do not turn lights or electrical equipment on or off.
• Evacuate the area.
• Contact 911

Power Outage

Backup Power:

• All major academic buildings are equipped with a backup generator.
• Ensure critical equipment is connected to backup power outlets (marked in red). Do not overload backup power. Never use power strips or extension cords

If the power outage lasts more than a few minutes:

1. Suspend Work and Secure Hazardous Materials:

   • Chemicals
   • Biological agents
   • Radioactive materials
   • Any other potentially dangerous substances

2. Turn Off Heat Sources:

   • Gas and electric heat sources should be turned off to prevent fires.

3. Fume Hoods:

   • If using a fume hood and fumes are present, shut the fume hood sash to prevent fumes from escaping.

4. Refrigerators and Freezers:

   • Minimize opening fridge or freezer doors. Only open them briefly to secure specimens or reagents.

Shelter in Place:

• For short outages (less than 30 minutes), shelter in place.
• For extended outages, evacuate the building.

Post-Outage:

• Air handling systems may operate irregularly for several hours after power is restored.
  
  • Check fume hoods for proper flow before using.
• Check for signs of a leak or spill (unusual odors, liquid on the floor, etc.)
• Check all lab systems and equipment to ensure proper operation. If you notice any issues after power has been restored immediately report the issue to the college safety officer or facility manager.
  
  • Check the temperatures of fridges and freezers.
  • Reset alarms if needed.
• Wait for an all-clear from the college or your supervisor before resuming work with hazardous materials.

Flooding, Plumbing, or HVAC

8am - 4pm Monday - Friday contact Physical Facilities at (801) 422-5531

Locked Out After Hours

Contact BYU Security at (801) 422-2222

IT Outage

Information on campus wide outages can be found on the OIT Support webpage.