Facilities Services Weekly

Announcements

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Upcoming Food Trucks at FSC

BEST Coffee Truck – May 12 from 8am to 11am 

• See menu here: https://order.spoton.com/so-best-coffee-7060/cleveland-tenessee/64aef45e727091053dc2d217  

Birria Boss – May 28 from 11am to 2pm 

• Pre-Order at: Birria Boss Pre-Order Form – Fill out form  

DASH Reminders

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GL Account Codes

Still struggling with your chart of accounts (COA)?Here’s a quick reference list of the GL/Acct codes used most often.
Your GL code will change depending on what you are purchasing.

Updates from Admin & Finance

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Work Order Tips

Work Teams – Since campus customers are required to enter their account number when submitting requests through the portal, our FS work teams must identify & correct all non-chargeable workorders you receive. 

There are two ways to handle this…

1. If the asset is a non-chargeable location:
   • Simply remove all fields of the account information entered by the customer. (Located at the bottom of your workorder in the “Additional Information” section – Entity, Fund, Dept, Etc) 
2. If the asset is in a chargeable location but the work itself is non-chargeable:
   • The FS team should change the toggle to YES and then enter their own FS account information. 

*This needs to be done when you receive the workorder – before entering labor/materials

All material used for workorders needs to be added as “Miscellaneous” cost and documentation attached to indicate what that cost is. Please either attach a copy of the PO or some type of documentation to indicate the list of material used. 

When creating workorders, make sure you are choosing the correct asset (building & room location). The asset determines who will be charged for the work. EX: If you are doing work at UT Police Dept, and you chose the asset “11th Street Garage”, that workorder will charge Parking Services, NOT UTPD. Always select the specific room the work is being done – not the top-level building name. 

Receivers

Please respond to receiving request from the A/P team asap. DASH will NOT allow an invoice to be processed unless the PO has been received. If you believe the invoice doesn’t belong to you, still RESPOND, so we can find the appropriate person or contact the vendor.  

Building Services

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Student Union

• The overlook glass on G1 and G2 was cleaned. 
• The entrance mats at Volunteer we changed out and cleaned due to food spills. 
• The auditorium was used for a few events and extra cleaning was needed. 
• The green rooms and dressing rooms were cleaned after the Carnicus event. 
• The carpet in 376 had spills which were cleaned. 
• Extra trash cans were placed on the plaza for events, and trash was removed from the area. 
• Event room 270, the carpet was spot cleaned. 
• We cleaned after other events such as the 2026 FYE Peer Mentor Workshop, KPDA Showcase, Nexus Conference, TCE Board of Advisors, and the 2026 Biomembranes  Symposium. 
• The dining area in phase 2 the area was blown out, dust mopped and auto scrubbed. 
• G1 and L1 dining was blown, dust mopped and IQ cleaned the floors. 
• Ballroom A, B and C spot cleaning of the carpet was done to remove food stains. 
• The connector bridge windowsills were dusted and cleaned with HDQ. 
• Cardboard was baled throughout the week. 

Old FSC B and the Rocketry Department

• The restrooms were cleaned. 
• Trash removal was completed. 

BASS Building

• The opening of their new area was held on Friday, so extra cleaning was needed. 
• The entrance was cleaned to remove cobwebs and debris. 

1610 Building

• High dusting and regular dusting were completed. 
• Stairwells were swept and mopped. 
• The sidewalk was blown off. 

Bass Anthropology

• The entrance was blown out and the cobwebs were removed. 
• The outside windows were cleaned. 
• High dusting was completed. 

Zone 7

• Removed carpet stains in classrooms on the first and second floors of Humanities and Social Sciences. 
• Provided custodial support for final reviews in the College of Architecture in the Art and Architecture Building. 
• Set up for and cleaned between and after events in McClung Tower 1215/1216, including faculty/staff lunch and end-of-year celebration. 
• Provided custodial support for end-of-year faculty luncheon in Haslam Music Center 110. 
• Checked for doors not closing properly at Humanities and Social Sciences and reported doors not latching. 
• Set up trash and recycle cans for Welcome Wednesday on Humanities and Social Sciences Plaza and removed them afterward. 
• Cleaned offices at Temple Hall and Clarence Brown Theatre. 
• Checked and cleaned buildings Friday night and Saturday to accommodate rescheduled exams in Humanities and Social Sciences, Art and Architecture Building, and Haslam Music Center. 
• Cleaned bathrooms after plumbers cleaned out the drain line at Temple Hall. 
• Helped with other buildings and events in other zones as needed. 

Operations

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Moving & Event Services

• Picked up tables from College of Nursing 209 following weekend Event: Surgical Innovation Symposium. 

• Picked up tables and chairs from Claxton Education following weekend Event: CECS Tech Playground-Big Orange Preview. 

• Picked up stage, tables, and chairs from Fiji Island after weekend Event: Phi Mu Crawfish Boil. 

• Provided electrical support and solar cart for Event: ARL Spring Conference at HSS South Lawn. 

• Picked up tables and chairs from Zeanah Engineering Building after weekend Event: TCE-Big Orange Preview. 

• Delivered display boards to Baker School room 103. Picked up the next day. 

• Delivered tables to A&A Atrium for Event: UT Pottery Sale. Picked up on Friday. 

• Picked up and delivered Mace & Mace stand from Andy Holt Tower to Student Union Ballroom for Event: Chancellor’s Honor’s Banquet. Picked up and returned the next day. 

• Moved furniture in Andy Holt Tower P225 to Andy Holt Tower P209. 

• Delivered and set up 60 tables, 150 chairs, and stage at Circle Park for Event: Garden Party, and picked up Friday. 

• Delivered 85 tables 250 chairs to Circle Park for Event: Party in the Park. Picked up on Friday. 

• Delivered and set up 23 tables 100 chairs to HPER Plaza for Event: KRSS Graduation Celebration. Picked up same day. 

• Set up tables and chairs at ANR 101A and 101B for Event: TN Extension New Employee Conference. 

• Delivered tables to Black Cultural Center for Event: BAE-Chella. Picked up the next day. 

• Moved items out of Taylor Law School 367 into storage. 

• Moved furniture from Conference Center Building 312 to Austin Peay 221B & 221C. 

• Picked up and disposed of metal shelves in Taylor Law School 146. 

• Picked up and disposed of large wooden shipping crate from Hesler Biology 315. 

• Delivered and set up 35 tables and 75 chairs to HSS North Lawn for Event: Denim Day. Picked up the next morning. 

• Delivered and set up 55 tables and 110 chairs at Zeanah Engineering and Tickle Buildings. Picked up on Friday afternoon. 

• Delivered and set up 20 tables 160 chairs to Magnolia Courtyard for Event: Faculty Speaker Series. Picked up the next morning. 

• Provided electrical assistance for Event: Ignite TL Fun Day at HSS South Lawn. 

• Moved phase I of CEHHS-KLASS/Literacy Group from Bailey A231 to Claxton 412 and items from Claxton 412 back to Bailey A231. 

• Delivered packing materials to Claxton 407A for next phase of Bailey/Claxton CEHHS-KLASS/Literacy move. 

• Delivered tables to Dogwood Hall Courtyard for Event: A Goodbye to Dogwood Hall. 

• Delivered tables, chairs, and provided electrical support for Event: BLOOM on the Ped Walkway. Picked up later that day. 

• Delivered and set up 15 tables 30 chairs at 21st  Mortgage Plaza for Event: Dragon Fest. 

• Delivered tables to Beacon Hall East Courtyard for Event: Beacon Bash. 

• Delivered tables and chairs to UT Gardens Friendship Pavilion for Event: EEB Spring Celebration. Picked up after hours later that day. 

• Provided electrical support at Blackburn-Furrow Golf Clubhouse for Event: Lady Vol Day. 

• Provided sound assistance at TRECS/Band Pavilion for Event: 2026 Sport Club Celebration. 

Sustainability

What improved last week?

• Recycling: Recycling operations continued to improve through stronger coordination between Facilities Services, Athletics, Dining, and Housing. Cardboard recovery and diversion efforts remained steady, and ongoing discussions around expanded waste diversion, organics handling, and infrastructure planning continued to move forward. Progress was also made in evaluating long term sustainability initiatives including alternative waste processing, energy recovery concepts, and operational efficiency improvements.  

• Grow Lab: woodchips were delivered to the garden, 24 tomato seedlings planted in the garden, 32 corn seeds planted in newly dug corn plot 

• Compost: Gave tour to 18 members of the Knox Master Gardeners Membership Committee, completed preventative maintenance on equiptment, continued work on processing backlog of agricultural waste   

What declined last week?

• Recycling: Operational strain continues to come from contamination in waste and recycling streams, inconsistent participation in proper sorting practices, and equipment limitations tied to growing service demand. Staffing and time constraints continue to affect the ability to fully optimize collection schedules, outreach, and material handling operations across campus. 
• Grow Lab: Weeding and general maintenance of the garden were limited due to rainy weather last week.  
• Compost: operational capacity due to the loss of full-time operations specialist  

Where is attention needed this week?

• Recycling: Attention is needed on contamination reduction, coordination of summer operations and event logistics, and continued planning for future infrastructure projects tied to waste diversion and sustainability. Additional focus is needed on evaluating equipment needs, maintaining service reliability during peak campus activity, and advancing discussions related to long term recycling and energy recovery strategies. 

• Grow Lab: Weeding specific parts of the garden, and covering needed areas with woodchips 

• Compost: processing agricultural waste, bin washing & cleanliness  

What changes are happening this week?

• Recycling:  Planning efforts are continuing for upcoming operational adjustments tied to summer campus activity, event support, and waste stream management. Discussions are advancing around future sustainability initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and potential pilot opportunities related to waste processing, diversion, and energy recovery systems. Coordination between departments and external partners is also increasing as projects move from concept evaluation toward feasibility and implementation planning. 
• Grow Lab: More work is planned for our mycelium brick project. Maintenance on rain garden and meadow paths.  
• Compost: adjusting to the summer compost collection route 

Maintenance & Repair

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Housing

• We got Carrick Hall cleaned out, ready for demolition.  

Athletics

• Neyland Stadium. General maintenance and preparing for special events in premium areas. Also prepping the stadium for the Luke Combs concert. 
• Regal Soccer: General Maintenance and Repairs throughout the building, also doing repairs for soccer exhibition games.  
• Lindsey Nelson Stadium: General building Maintenance, and assistance with contractors on construction, Making repairs from this past weekend series of games.  
• Football Complex: Doing general building maintenance and checking all areas for recruits and visitors.  
• Sherri Lee Softball:   General Maintenance and Repairs, going through making repairs from the weekend series softball games. 
• Allan Jones Aquatic: General Maintenance and Repairs. 
• Goodfriend Tennis: General Maintenance and Repairs. Preparing for tennis matches.  
• Thompson Boling Arena: General maintenance and repair and preparing Bass masters this week and weekend.   

Dining

• What’s Improved: 
  • Last week our team de-scaled BCX COMBI ovens for better performance, replaced several wall outlets in places where they stopped working, and repaired sink drainage and faucets. 
  • We also repaired multiple hot side units like fryers, dishwashers, grills, hot boxes, and steam kettles. 
  • Our cold side technicians repaired reach-in and walk-in coolers and freezers, ice makers in Rocky Top Dining, Vol. Hall and Stokely. 

• What’s Declined:  
  • No noticeable decline 

• This Week’s Attention:  
  • We will work on preventive maintenance on exhaust fans and MUA units, check belts and bearings, will de-lime steamers at Stokely and Rocky Top as well as keep all the equipment running and in good shape. 

• What Changes Are Happening This Week:  
  • We are working with Aramark and Katom on evaluating new future K-Brew coffee shop at Cherokee Mills, things like equipment, power, hot water, access to the roof walk-in cooler compressor and exhaust fan.

Zone 4

• Art + Architecture – worked on men’s 4^th floor restroom and AC in 403 
• Andy Holt Tower – worked on AC on floor P2 
• Communications – worked on AC in 304 
• Student Services – Worked on an AC unit in 115 and 201F 
• McClung Tower – worked on AC in 810 and 1109 
• General maintenance throughout zone and filter changes    

Zone 5

• Going room to room at SMC servicing AC induction units – this has been a challenge in occupied office spaces, but we are making progress 
• Serviced rooftop units at UT Drive Buildings A, B, and C 
• Solved an ongoing issue with the 3^rd floor AC system at HPER 
• Working diligently on AC systems in preparation for hotter temps to come 
• Continuing to strive for excellence in customer service 

Zone 6

• What Improved:  
  • We got a new cart! 

• What’s Declined:  
  • Dealt with several reoccuring leaks 

• What Needs Attention:  
  • Common areas, now that classes have ended for the semester  

• What changes are happening this week: 
  • Building inspections and sending out needed repairs to the shops 

Zone 7

• Dougherty: replaced batteries in all restroom fixtures, replaced water fountain filters 
• Ferris Hall: replaced batteries in all restroom fixtures, replaced water fountain filters, fixed a clogged toilet on the 4^th floor 
• Perkins Hall: replaced batteries in all restroom fixtures, replaced water fountain filters, installed a new Ac unit in room 316 
• Min Kao: replaced batteries in all restroom fixtures, replaced water fountain filters 
• SERF replaced bad bulbs throughout the hallways, elevator tracks PM 
• Walters Academic: replaced quick stops on all restroom fixtures, replacing ceiling tiles in the hallways, replaced light fixtures in the restrooms, annual cooing tower cleaning 
• Dabney/Buehler: annual cooling tower cleaning   
• Ayres Hall: replaced can lights in the 2^nd floor women’s restroom 

Zone 8

• We have welcomed a new member to our team in Zone 8.  Mr. Ryan Haas has joined us and is getting his feet wet currently. 

• CL Burks has been doing roof repairs at the 1525 University Avenue building. 

• We are continuing to do PM work on many of our systems and equipment throughout the zone. 

• We are moving into a troubled time with our HVAC upgrades project at the JRTU building.  As it continues to get warmer each day, it becomes an extreme challenge to cool the space without our chiller plant online. 

• Our One-Call after hours team continues to stay busy with calls to all the dorms and spaces used after normal business hours. 

Lock & Key Services

• Rekeyed spaces at Dabney, Laurel Residence, Hess Hall, Reese Hall, Beacon Hall, and Poplar Hall  
• Completed lock repairs at Brown Residence, Walters, Student Union, West Skybox Addition, Ayres Hall, Claxton Education, Alumni Memorial, and Buchler Hall  
• Performed core swaps and recore work for construction projects at Cherokee Mills, McClung Tower, and Academic Resource suites  
• Completed hardware replacements at Brehm Animal Science (handle replacement) and Alpha Gamma Rho (lock replacement)  
• Assisted with specialty lock services at Student Union, including key extraction and lock repairs 

Comm & Info

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Training

• Don’t forget to complete your OSHA training ASAP!

FS IT

• No report received.

Utilities Services

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A/C Utilities

• What improved last week?
  • Music – chiller installation progressing. Conf. Center – chiller installation progressing. Hesler – Cooling tower installation progressing 
• Where is attention needed this week?
  • SERF – chiller no. 2 breaker installation. Reese – chiller / cooling tower installation. Arena – magnetic strainers installation 
• Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
  • TREC – chiller repairs. Police – boiler repair 

A/C M&R

• What improved last week? 
  • SERF AHU-4 

• What declined last week? 
  • A broad range of areas experienced declines. 

• Where is attention needed this week? 
  • SERF, Student Aquatics, Brenda Lawson, Arena, Stadium. 

• What changes are happening this week?
  • Coil replacements, CHW coil repairs, split system installs, VRF system repairs, water leak repairs, and refrigerant system repairs. 

• Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
  • SERF AHU-4, Claxton AHU-104, Arena AHU-3. 

Electrical – High Voltage Utilities

• What improved last week? 
  •  Repaired outages on pole lights. 
• What declined last week?
  • Pole light outages.
• Where is attention needed this week?
  • Call in 1-800 for McCord & Middle Drive. 
• What changes are happening this week?
  •  Repairing campus standards at Frat Park. 
• Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
  • Middle Drive pole outages.

Electrical – Low Voltage M&R

• What improved last week? 
  • Started Serf new power feeds for labs and implementing a plan for Neilsen Physics Temp AC power. 
• What declined last week?
  •  Working on campus with standard pole lights that are out. 
• Where is attention needed this week?
  • Completing Serf power drops and power for new furnace. 
• What changes are happening this week?
  •  Dividing teams so we can have extra tech working on newer work orders. 
• Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
  •  Planning the power feeds for the Temp AC for Neilsen Physics. 

Plumbing Utilities

• What improved last week? 
  •  Team engagement has improved significantly. 
• What declined last week?
  • Shop cleanliness.  
• Where is attention needed this week?
  • Graduation ceremonies, the Savannah Bananas game, and valve replacement at the greenhouse. 
• What changes are happening this week?
  • Steven Stellmach is no longer on call.  
• Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed?
  • Replacement of one of the restroom trailer toilets that was broken during its recent deployment. Investigated potential leaks at the auxiliary building several times on several days throughout the week. Finished cleaning up at Hess Hall. Investigated high water usage at Min Kao. Checked on the 4th floor restrooms at Hodges Library. 

Plumbing M&R

• What improved last week?
  • Working with contractors. Communication went more smoothly.  

• What declined last week? 
  • Work progress slowed because staffing levels were insufficient to complete all tasks. 

• Where is attention needed this week? 
  •  Workload demands require additional team support.  

• What changes are happening this week?
  • Efforts are focused on completing all assigned tasks within the week. 

• Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed? 
  • Outages at Conference Center. Drains unclogged at Hodges Library. Working to address other problems occurring at Hodges Library. 

Steam Plant

• What improved last week?
  • Continued work with contractors on new boiler installation.
  • Continued work on the relocation of water softeners and reinstallation. 
• Where is attention needed this week? 
  • Will be working on preparations for upcoming steam outage.  
• What changes are happening this week?
  •  Working on any issues that arise and working with contractors on new boiler  
• Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed? 
  • We swapped steam headers for contractors on the new boiler install. 

Building Automation Systems

• What improved last week? 
  • P3 Supply at Hodges back up and running 
  • Walters VAV in renovation areas. 
  • Leaky valves at Claxton 
  • Lighting control system at 1610 University renovation 

• What declined last week? 
  • Old Invensys systems. 
  • Pheonix control PC’s 
  • Anderson Training AHUs 

• Where is attention needed this week?
  • continued repair of old pneumatic systems. 
  •  Anderson Training VFD replacements 
  • Mossman Pheonix system 

• What changes are happening this week? 
  • Repairing VFD’s at Anderson Training.  
  • Troubleshooting issues with Mossman Pheonix system 

• Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed? 
  • Claxton leaking VAV  
  • Temporary repairs of VFD’s at Anderson Training 
  • SERF AHU-4 controls repaired 

Electrical Control and Fire Alarms

• What improved last week?
  •  Guys are working to clear out old work orders. 
  • Several smoke and duct detectors cleaned 
  • Changed batteries in fire panels around campus 

• What declined last week? 
  • Small oven fire at Laurel Hall 

• Where is attention needed this week? 
  • Upcoming events at the stadium and arena 

• What changes are happening this week?
  • Getting IAMMs on Leak detection 
  • Working on Dougherty leak detection 

• Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed? 
  • Standard equipment repairs 

Chemical Treatment

• What improved last week?
  •  Housing Closed Loop system health, equipment installs for TBA, SERF 

• What declined last week? 
  • Not declined more than it already is, but Nursing loop is being opened to Claxton chilled loop 

• Where is attention needed this week? 
  • Chill water closed loops for TBA, Claxton, and SERF 

• What changes are happening this week?
  • Ability to feed chemicals into buildings that need it. As well as extra makeup water capacity in Claxton loop to prevent “drying” out the system. Jartu cooling tower monitoring/feeding install 

• Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed? 
  •  Claxton 

In-house Construction

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• Agriculture and Natural Resource Building: Display cabinet 219; Changes to suite 469 
• Austin Peay: Divide office 397A 
• Bailey Education: Multiple rooms carpet/paint/shades 3^rd floor 
• Bass Building: Add bottle filler 
• BESS Office Bldg.: Awning on the 1^st floor entrance 
• Biosystems Eng.: Living wall 
• Brown Residence Hall: Renovate G100 for package lockers 
• Campus: TCE lab renovations in various buildings; Asphalt repairs; Repaving on campus; Replace water fountains 
• Cherokee Mills: Move new folks in- Shared Services, Ed Research; Business 
• Clarence Brown Theatre: New displays 
• Claxton Education: Cubicle changes 338 and 344 
• Communications: Renovate 001-017, 250/251, 294/295, 333 and 420; HVAC for WUOT 299I; Paint and carpet 268, 432B 434; On-air light for radio station 
• Conference Center Bldg.: Electric 399S5; Paint and electric 215; Renovate window displays; Connections for new dish machine 402A; Replace hand sinks in kitchen on 4 
• Dabney Buehler: Lab renovation 209-214; Nitrogen piping; Paint 569; Small renovation 352 
• Dogwood Hall: Trash compactor 
• Dougherty Engineering: New sink 301; Electric and air 102B; Wind tunnel 101 
• Engineering Research Annex: New lights; Lab renovations 
• ETREC Johnson Animal: Repair kennel floor  
• Ferris Hall: Renovate 213A and 326; White boards on 3 
• Fred Brown: Lights and electric work in laundry room 
• HPER: Various renovations for Capital Project on 1^st floor 
• Haslam Business Building: Renovate 320; Install backbox, electric and mount for monitor 334; Digital signs in corridors; Door lights 2^nd floor office suite; Divide 540 into 2 rooms; Changes to serving area in 501; Rework drain line 501: Patch and paint outside of 532 and 633; Repalce carpet on 5 and 6 hallways 
• Hesler Biology: Install emergency electric for greenhouses 
• Hoskins Library: Carpet 2^nd floor corridor 
• Humanities: New entry doors from pedestrian walkway 
• Innovation South: Electric connections for equipment 
• Kappa Kappa Gamma: Replace kitchen cabinets 
• Lake Avenue Garage: Convert to dry fire protection system 
• Law Complex: Paint and carpet 247 and 252 
• McCord Hall: Floors in hallways; Renovate G055, 111 and 112 
• Middlebrook Building: Repair cracks in Vol Shop area; Fence around Vol Shop trucks 
• Min Kao Engineering; Access controls 6 doors on 3^rd floor; Replace sink and faucet  
• Morgan Hall: Lighting, sound proofing 
• Mossman Building: Labware washer 620F; Install humidity system 120C 
• Nielsen Physics: Renovate 407 
• Perkins Hall: Floors in hallways; Renovate S008 for robotics 
• Phi Kappa Psi: painting 
• Plant Biotech: Controls for growth chamber B015; Remove sinks and plumbing 101 
• Rocky Top: Dining renovations and repairs 
• Senter Hall: Lab renovation117 
• SERF: Renovations for 103, 106, 108, 213; Lab renovations for cluster hires; Move gas cabinet 513A; Lab renovation 420 
• Sorority Village: Install turnstile 
• Stokley Hall: Paint interior of building; Paint Keoke Coffee 
• Stokely Management Building: Renovate restrooms on 7; Build offices 436 
• Strong Hall: Lab work 726A1 
• Student Aquatic Center: Grout pool tile 
• Student Rec.: Refinish basketball courts 
• Student Union: Dining renovations; Install door glass 382H; Electric and water for visitors area 
• Tickle engineering: Light for concrete washout area 
• UT Arboretum: Repair beams in auditorium 
• UT Drive Building B: Electric for equipment 107 
• UT Drive Building C: Renovate for move from Presidential 
• UT Gardens: Install Smart flower 
• UT IAMM: Electric 150 
• Vet Med Center: Renovate lab A335; Wall repair B022C; Add 16 panic buttons 
• Volunteer Hall; Correct settling issues 
• Walters Academic: Renovate spaces on 2^nd and 3rd floor 
• Zeanah Engineering: Card reader\ Add access controls for 8 rooms; Lab renovations for cluster hires; Electric and plumbing G169; Window film and blinds 114 
• 11^th Street Garage: Paint and carpet for UTPD 

Safety Stand Down

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Safety at a Glance – April Review 

April’s Injury and Accident report 

Type of Action	Apr-26	Apr-25
Reported Injuries	10	5
Reported Auto Accidents	4	0
General Liability	1	2
Reported Near Misses	4	0
Reported Safety Concerns	6	0
Reported Safety Suggestions	1	0

Below is a summary of on-the-job injuries and accidents reported during the month of April, compared to the same period last year. As shown, the number of reported incidents has increased compared to last year. While reported incidents are higher than last year, this reflects improved reporting and increased reporting awareness across our teams. This visibility helps us identify trends, address hazards more effectively, and strengthen our overall safety practices. Together, we need to work towards reducing the number of incidents, which means ensuring staff have what they need to complete their work tasks safely; this includes scheduling enough time for the task to be completed, ensuring the necessary equipment is ready and available, and ensuring staff are trained to complete the task.  

We encourage everyone to continue reporting incidents and near misses openly and promptly. Accurate reporting is essential to improving safety, not a reflection of poor performance. At the same time, our goal remains clear: to reduce the number of incidents by proactively addressing risks before they lead to harm. By maintaining a strong reporting culture and focusing on prevention, we all can help create a safer work environment for everyone. 

What Improved last Week? 

• Employee engagement with Safety: 

• Saw a lot of FS staff, from workers to management, attending and growing their safety knowledge at Safety Fest this year.  

• Timely Injury/Accident reporting: 

• Reporting on-the- job injuries and accidents assist FS Safety assists in identifying trends and where safety gaps exist so we can address them and improve safety.  

• Safety Concerns and Near Miss Reporting: 

• FS Safety has received several safety concerns and near-miss reports from the workforce. The FS Safety team investigates each report and assists in resolving and correcting the identified issues. 

What Declined last week? 

• Fines for late reporting to the state for workers compensation and auto accidents.   

Where is attention needed this week? 

There are a lot of events and activities coming up (quickly) that FS is a part of. Please keep safety in mind as you work through these extra tasks.  

• Upcoming CIS audit: June 8-9 UT Center for Industrial Safety (CIS) will be conducting a safety audit of campus. The audit could be extended to a week as Knoxville campus is much larger than other UT campuses. Please take time to go through your work areas, shops, and buildings and identify and correct any safety issues. UTK EHS provided a list to review of common TOSHA inspection targets.  

Biological Safety: 

1. Personnel who handle or may be exposed to human blood, tissue, body fluids have received bloodborne pathogens (BBP) training and records are available 

2. Affected personnel know what the BBP exposure control plan is and where it can be found 

3. Doors, equipment, specimens, etc. are labeled with biohazard markings 

4. Personal protective equipment (PPE) determination made & documents; designated PPE available and worn as required 

Chemical Hygiene: 

1. All chemical containers are appropriately labeled 

2. Chemicals and chemical hazardous wastes are stored correctly (e.g., flammables in flammables cabinet, incompatible chemicals kept separated, etc.) 

3. Compressed gas cylinders are labeled, upright, and secured by chain, strap, or other approved restraint 

4. Chemical ‘Right to Know’: availability of safety data sheets (SDS) 
   • Electronic copies are fine, provided everyone can explain how to retrieve them 
   • If paper copies are maintained, they must be current (i.e., if the chemical is not from 1977, the SDS should not be either 😉)

5. Availability of chemical hygiene plans (labs) or hazardous communication (hazcom) plans 

6. Chemical hazard/hazcom training has been completed and records are available 

7. Personal protective equipment (PPE) determination made & documents; designated PPE available and worn as required 

Fire Safety

1. No blocked exits (pathway or doors) 

2. Fire doors are not propped open 

3. No equipment or supply storage in egress hallways or stairwells 

4. Areas with chemicals or heat-emitting devices (ovens, furnaces, incubators, etc.) are kept clear of combustibles materials (cardboard, paper, etc.) 

Electrical: 

1. Extension cords or power strips are not daisy-chained 

2. Extension cords are not used as permanent wiring 

3. No 3-prong plugs with ground prong clipped off to fit extension cord (industrial fans, heaters, bench tools, etc.) 

4. Electrical panels and breaker boxes closed and unobstructed (36” clearance) 

5. No electric hazards in vicinity of water sources 

Emergency Equipment: 

1. Eyewash stations and showers testing documented 

2. Fire extinguishers are unobstructed (36” clearance) and have been checked by EHS recently (typically within 30 days) 

General Industry: 

1. Lockout/tagout procedures are established and applied to any energized equipment being serviced 

2. Elevated platforms (> 4 ft.) are appropriately guarded by guardrails (or equivalent) 

3. All guards in place on equipment or machinery (panels closed) 

4. No out-of-date fall protection, lift inspections, or damaged ladders 

5. Overhead hoists and cranes are routinely inspected (documentation available) 

6. No unlicensed / un-trained industrial vehicle operators (fork-trucks, man-lifts, etc.) 

7. Nothing stored on stairs, at base of fixed ladders or on fixed-ladder landings 

8. Personal protective equipment (PPE) determination made & documents; designated PPE available and worn as required 

Additionally, the inspector may ask to see site-specific documentation (e.g., training records, BBP exposure control plan, chemical hygiene plan, standard operating procedures, etc.). It is important that personnel know where applicable safety-related documentation is maintained within your respective areas, or otherwise how they can find/access the information (websites, UT Pages, departmental databases/SharePoint files, designated records manager, etc.).      

If you need assistance please contact FS Safety ([email protected]) 

• Annual Steam Outage:
  • Steam Week is a busy week for our Utilities group. Preparation is key to a successful event.  
    • Ensure equipment is ready. 
    • Ensure there is enough equipment for all of the teams. 
    • Inspect the equipment to ensure it is ready. 
    • Review Confined space entry procedures 
    • Stressing atmospheric monitoring  
    • The importance of the “attendants” job 
    • Review emergency procedures 
    • Review preventing heat stress 
    • Ensure Teams know what the task is and how to complete it safely. 

• End of semester/graduation prep:
  • Move out and end of semester means heavier loads of trash. Get help, use carts, divide loads if you must. This will save your back!  
    • Heavier loads of trash 
    • Increased workload/workorders from damage from move out/end of semester clean out.  

• Savana Bananas prep: 
  • Normal game day campus set up routine…don’t get complacent. 
  • Use caution as you move heavy equipment and sandbags around. 
  • Be mindful of traffic and tight places as you move vehicles around.  

What Changes are happening this week? 

• Coming Soon: An official Near Miss Reporting program! This program will allow employees to report near misses, unsafe conditions/equipment/acts and make safety suggestions to FS Safety anonymously. 

Contact FS Safety by email at [email protected] or by phone at 865-974-9833 

Safety Shout Outs: 

Troy Soumeillan 

In recognition of outstanding customer service that directly contributed to mission partners achieving their goals. Your efforts reflect exceptional dedication and a sustained commitment to excellence.   

“Just wanted to forward you a couple pictures from this morning’s training. I cannot remember the “employee spotlight” initiative that FS uses for great work by your personnel however, I would be dumb if not to mention this morning’s training session. Troy was extremely professional, thorough, and explained in every detail the safe operation of the equipment so that IWS personnel can effectively train others (academia/research) across campus that may use these types of MEWP equipment. I just wanted to let you know how much the team and I appreciate Troy’s time today and both of your assistance in making this campus safer a little bit more every day!” 

Ryan Setzer, GSP, STS, STSC 

Supervisor, Industrial Worker Safety 

Jairus Miller and Bryson Materna 

A big Safety Shout Out goes out to Jairus Miller and Bryson Materna from Landscape Services.  

We would like to recognize Jairus Miller and Bryson Materna for their outstanding commitment to safety and their proactive efforts to protect those around them. 

While performing stump grinding operations, both individuals demonstrated exemplary adherence to safety protocols by wearing full PPE and establishing proper barricades to contain flying debris and clearly define the work zone. What truly set their actions apart was their initiative to elevate safety beyond standard requirements by assigning a dedicated watch to ensure that pedestrians did not enter the restricted area. 

Their vigilance, teamwork, and forward-thinking approach reflect the highest standards of safety excellence. Jairus and Bryson’s actions not only safeguarded themselves but also reinforced a culture of accountability and care for others. 

This level of dedication serves as a model for all and exemplifies what it means to put safety first. 

Well done, gentlemen. Your actions are a powerful example of what it means to lead with safety and accountability, and they make a lasting impact on everyone around you. 

FS Safety