Research support services provided by the department can include a wide variety of services. Maintenance and Trades personnel routinely assist researchers with the installation, repairs, and optimization of equipment and related infrastructure, including but not limited to refrigeration, ventilation, and water and electrical services.
The department can also assist with coordinating services from outside vendors needed to address issues with specialized equipment located in laboratories, machine shops, and similar locations dedicated to experiential learning and research.
Research and laboratory staff are responsible for the regular inspection, cleaning, and flushing of emergency eyewash stations and safety showers located in their facilities. Each month, eye wash stations should be flushed for three minutes, or until the water is clear.
Facility personnel performing the inspections are required to date and initial the tag affixed to the station, acknowledging that the inspection was completed and that the following statements are accurate.
- Eyewash access is unobstructed
- Eyewash covers are in place and come off when the water is activated
- The bowl and eyepieces are clean and free of debris
- Water flow is continuous (similar to a fully open tap) from both eyepieces
- The water drains from the bowl. (Note: if your eyewash is not connected to internal plumbing, you will need to use a container to catch the water.)
If any deficiencies in eye wash performance are identified, inspection personnel should submit a work request so that maintenance personnel can implement corrective actions. Building maintenance staff will perform annual eye wash and safety shower testing in accordance with the ANSI Z358.1 standard. If you have questions regarding the inspection and testing of eyewash stations or safety showers, please contact Environmental Health and Safety (ehs-help@mtu.edu).
If you need assistance in your research area or laboratory, please submit a work request. Work requests will typically be reviewed by department staff within 24 hours With the exception of safety and security concerns, work orders are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Typical hours of operation for maintenance staff are from 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
When submitting requests for new installations or infrastructure improvements, please provide a minimum of 3-4 weeks advance notice to ensure that resources can be allocated to support the proposed improvements.