• Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Give
    •

    Facilities Services

  • Join Our Team
    •

    Facilities Services Weekly

    May 4, 2026

    A diverse group of people, mostly men, seated at tables in a classroom setting, with orange tumblers and lanyards visible. A screen with 'PARTNERS FOR HEALTH' and a clock are in the background.

    Announcements

    Admin & Finance

    Building Services

    Operations

    Maintenance

    Comm & Info

    Utilities

    Construction

    Safety Stand Down

    Announcements

    Annual Performance Reviews Due 4/30 

    It’s time for your weekly reminder that staff annual performance evaluations for 2025 are live in DASH and must be completed by April 30th.  Employees and supervisors needing assistance navigating this process can find additional information on the HR Hub. This page includes deadline information, links to virtual office hours and Annual Performance Review training sessions for supervisors, and navigation aids to walk you through the process in DASH.  

    Performance Reviews provide an important opportunity to reflect on the past year, recognize achievements and opportunities to grow, and to set goals for the year ahead. Please prioritize this opportunity and give it the time and attention it deserves. The deadline may seem far away, but this requires time and intention to complete in a way that benefits you and/or your direct reports. If you have additional questions, please reach out to FS HR. 

    DASH Reminders

    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.

    orange and white checkerboard border

    Updates from Admin & Finance

    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.  

    orange and white checkerboard border

    Building Services

    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

    • Checked exterior doors and classroom doors and reported those not properly closing and latching at Humanities and Social Sciences. 
    • Provided a staff member and additional bathroom cleanings, extra entrance cleanings, and trash removal through May 6 for final reviews at the College of Architecture. 
    • Provided trash cans and trash removal for the Association of Research Libraries Spring Conference on the Humanities Plaza and North Lawn. 
    • Prepared for a pilot dispenser sensor project at Art and Architecture. 
    • Cleaned after events in McClung Tower 1215/1216 and Haslam Music Center 101 (auditorium), including Spring Convocation. 
    • Cleaned carpet stains in classrooms on the plaza floor and first floor of Humanities and Social Sciences. 
    • Auto-scrubbed ground floor classrooms at Haslam Music Center. 
    • Swapped black soap dispenser covers for clear covers at Art and Architecture. 
    • Completed annual reviews and probationary reviews for employees. 
    • Provided custodial support, including on weekends, for performances of You Can’t Take It with You at Clarence Brown Theatre. 
    • Volunteered to help with the Luke Combs concert at the Student Union and outside Neyland Stadium. 
    • Provided custodial support for the Alumni Concert Band Lunch in Haslam Music Center on Sunday. 
    • Helped in other zones as needed. 
    orange and white checkerboard border

    Operations

    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?

    • The recycling team collected and baled more cardboard than ever before leading up to the Luke Combs event.  
    • The Grow Lab team planted many warm weather crops, including: 3 types of peppers, 2 types of watermelon, 2 types of beans, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, swiss chard. Progress made on set up for beehive! 
    • The 2026 Environmental Leadership Awards was held and 7 campus community members were awarded Leadership awards, including our own Melissa Connell who won the Staff ELA.  

    What declined last week?

    • The recycling diversion rate from the Luke Combs event was unfortunately the lowest we’ve seen, with only 2 bales of aluminum and 1 of cardboard. This was due to massive contamination issues, and miscommunication with contractors, which led to a great majority of salvageable material being disposed of in the trash compactors as well. To put this into perspective, the Rod Stewart concert with around 8,000 attendees generated the same amount of aluminum and cardboard.  
    • Grow Lab Spring Semester Volunteer shifts ended on Thursday 4/30/26 
    • While the awards were spectacular, RSVPs vs. actual attendance was very different than in years past. Hoping to determine the cause and work toward changing the SOP to avoid in the future.  
    • The Compost Facility said goodbye to Compost Operations Specialist Chris Cox. A massive loss to our team, but an exciting change for him and we wish him the best!  

    Where is attention needed this week?

    • The recycling team will be working on tying up loose ends in and outside the stadium while maintaining general operations.  
    • The Grow Lab will be planting more warm weather seeds and seedlings,  dealing with woodchip delivery/distribution for garden, and focus on progressing Mycelium brick project. 
    • As the semester wraps up, the office will focus on tying up loose ends and supporting end – of – semester initiatives, such as Green Graduation  

    What changes are happening this week?

    • Recycling Warehouse is receiving their horizontal baler which will allow us to process much faster, create denser bales, and lead to a higher per lb value.  
    • More warm weather crops will be planted, woodchips will be delivered/distributed with help of FUTURE student volunteers, strategic planning for grant funding, 
    orange and white checkerboard border

    Maintenance & Repair

    Housing

    • Working on getting moved out of Carrick and Reese Halls 

    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

    • Repaired a pulper, completed roof PM, and worked on hood cleaning at Rocky Top Dining 
    • Unstopped floor drains at Anderson, Stokely, and Rocky Top Dining 
    • Replaced an espresso machine in Keoke Coffee and reattached a hand sink at Stokely 
    • Repaired walk in coolers at the Student Union taqueria and Big Orange Grill 
    • Unstopped an open face cooler drain at Mossman  
    • Worked on hot water issues and a walk-in cooler at the Chick-Fil-A in Rocky Top Dining 

    Zone 4

    • Art + Architecture – worked on outlets on 4th floor and AC in 309 
    • Andy Holt Tower – worked on AC on floor P2 
    • Communications – worked on AC in 401 
    • Student Services – Worked on an AC unit in 115 and 201F 
    • McClung Tower – worked on AC in 920 and 1209 
    • General maintenance throughout zone and filter changes  

    Zone 5

    • Began repairs and filter changes in SMC 
    • Went through restrooms and checked water fountains at Haslam Business 
    • Customer service and satisfaction remain the goal 

    Zone 6

    • What Improved:  
      • The understanding of abilities and skills is definitely improving. 
    • What’s Declined:  
      • The lack of understanding and patience of how repair is actually achieved has caused a couple of our Buildings to fall out of grace and decline with some in our zone. 
    • What Needs Attention:  
      • Attention should be given to more understanding and accepting of the limits and shortfalls of others. Going from lone wolf to team effort is difficult on some 
    • What changes are happening this week: 
      • Adjustments and tweaking are constantly being implemented and applied.  

    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 4th 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 2nd 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 Hodges, Lambda Chi Alpha, Haslam, Reese Hall, Poplar, Hess Hall, Beacon, Clement, Neyland Suites, and Tickle  
    • Completed lock changes, replacements, and installations at Dougherty, Plant Biotech, and Andy Holt (roll-up doors)  
    • Responded to lockouts and callbacks at Dabney and 2400 Sutherland  
    • Repaired locks, doors, and hardware at the Conference Center (panic bar), Hess Hall (mailroom and locks), SERF, Vol Hall, Strong Hall (keypad), and Thompson-Boling  
    • Replaced cores and electric strike at Intramural Fields (new building), Student Union (panic rod and internal rod), Robinson Hall, and Luke Combs rooftop areas  
    • Issued keys and padlocks at Southerland, Beacon Hall, and Silverstein Luper (contractor fencing)  
    • Completed gate and specialty key work at Hopecote (gates) and Phi Kappa Phi (fire panel key) 
    orange and white checkerboard border

    Comm & Info

    Training

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

    FS IT

    • Big Orange Flushed 
    • Update Recycling’s “Game Changer” video with Aws and Dave 
    • Laptop repair 
    • Review Moveable Equipment Inventory 
    • Check on Autodesk Licenses 
    • Follow-up on Conference Room Upgrades 
    • Investigate Scanner Problems 
    • Hot Spot for Stormwater Management 
    • Electronics Recycling 
    orange and white checkerboard border

    Utilities Services

    A/C Services

    • No updates

    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 at Middle Drive.  
    • What declined last week?
      • The pole light is out at McCord Hall.  
    • 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 during the concert.  

    Electrical – Low Voltage M&R

    • No report received

    Fire Alarm/Electrical Controls/Automations: 

    • No report received

    Plumbing Utilities

    • No report received

    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 Auxiliary Services. Leaks in walls were addressed and repaired. 

    Steam Plant

    • No report received

    Building Automation Systems

    • What improved last week? 
      • Tracked the source of interference with the crack units at SMC datacenter. The Lutron website was repaired. 
    • What declined last week? 
      • Old Invensys systems and JCI control for west skyboxes. Pheonix control PC’s 
    • Where is attention needed this week?
      • IIAMS lighting and continued repair of old pneumatic systems. 
    • What changes are happening this week? 
      • We will be making changes to Mossman’s Phoenix Server. 
    • Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed? 
      • 2nd floor Business Incubator and Neyland Stadium heating/cooling issues. 

    Electrical Control and Fire Alarms

    • What improved last week?
      •  Guys are working to clear out old work orders. 
    • What declined last week? 
      • Dirty duct and smoke detectors 
    • Where is attention needed this week? 
      • Attention on fire and sprinkler testing. 
    • What changes are happening this week?
      •  New employee – Trevor Ingram 
    • Any critical repairs or outages that were addressed? 
      • Replaced sprinkler valve at Regal Soccer. 
    orange and white checkerboard border

    In-house Construction

    • Agriculture and Natural Resource Building: Display cabinet 219; Changes to suite 469 
    • Austin Peay: Divide office 397A 
    • Bailey Education: Multiple rooms carpet/paint/shades 3rd floor 
    • Bass Building: Add bottle filler 
    • BESS Office Bldg.: Awning on the 1st 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 1st floor 
    • Haslam Business Building: Renovate 320; Install backbox, electric and mount for monitor 334; Digital signs in corridors; Door lights 2nd 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 2nd 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 
    • 11th Street Garage: Paint and carpet for UTPD 
    orange and white checkerboard border

    Safety Stand Down

    Preventing the “Fatal Four” Hazards  

    Construction Safety Week provides an important reminder that the same high-risk hazards in construction also applies directly to Facilities Services work every day. Whether performing maintenance, responding to work orders, managing utilities, or supporting building operations, Facilities Services staff regularly encounter conditions similar to construction environments. The “Fatal Four” hazards: falls, struck-by incidents, electrocution, and caught-in/between incidents remain the most serious risks in our daily operations and require constant awareness and control. 

    Even routine tasks such as ladder use, ceiling access, electrical troubleshooting, or working around equipment can quickly escalate into high-risk situations if proper safety practices are not followed. 

     Falls: A Daily Risk in Facilities Work 

    Falls are one of the most common and serious hazards in Facilities Services. Unlike large construction sites, fall risks often occur during “quick tasks” such as changing lights, accessing ceilings, or performing HVAC and maintenance work. 

    Common risk scenarios include: 

    • Using ladders for short-duration tasks without proper setup 
    • Working on elevated platforms or mechanical rooms 
    • Rooftop work involving HVAC units, inspections, or maintenance activities where unprotected edges, skylights, and uneven surfaces create fall hazards. 
    • Slips and trips due to wet floors, cluttered work areas, or uneven surfaces 
    • Improper use of step stools or makeshift climbing aids 

    Prevention strategies: 

    • Always inspect ladders before use and maintain three-point contact 
    • Use proper fall protection (guardrails, harness systems, or tie-off points) when working on rooftops or elevated surfaces  
    • Identify and stay clear of rooftop hazards such as skylights, roof edges, and fragile surfaces  
    • Keep work areas clean, dry, and organized 
    • Avoid shortcuts such as standing on chairs or unstable surfaces 

    In Facilities Services, most falls occur during routine work making consistency in safe behavior critical. 

    Struck-By Hazards: Equipment, Doors, and Moving Systems 

    Struck-by hazards in Facilities Services often involve building systems, maintenance equipment, or vehicle traffic on campus or job sites. These incidents may not always involve heavy construction machinery, but the risk is still significant. 

    Common causes include: 

    • Moving carts, tools, or maintenance vehicles 
    • Unexpected movement of doors, gates, or mechanical systems 
    • Falling tools or materials during overhead work 
    • Working near active maintenance operations or contractors 

    Prevention strategies: 

    • Use high-visibility PPE when working in active areas and roadways 
    • Secure tools and materials when working overhead 
    • Maintain awareness of moving equipment, doors, and traffic 
    • Establish clear communication when multiple workers are present 

    Situational awareness is one of the strongest defenses against struck-by incidents in Facilities environments. 

    Electrocution: A Critical Risk in Maintenance Work 

    Electrocution hazards are especially relevant in Facilities Services due to frequent interaction with building electrical systems, equipment repairs, and troubleshooting tasks. 

    Common risk scenarios include: 

    • Working on energized equipment without proper lockout/tagout 
    • Damaged extension cords or power tools 
    • Contact with panel boxes, wiring, or exposed conductors 
    • Improper use of temporary electrical setups 

    Prevention strategies: 

    • Always follow lockout/tagout procedures before maintenance 
    • Inspect electrical cords and tools before each use 
    • Use GFCIs when working in damp or outdoor environments 
    • Treat all electrical systems as energized until verified otherwise 

    Electrical hazards are often invisible, making procedural discipline essential for preventing injury. 

    Caught-In/Between Hazards: Mechanical and Structural Risks 

    Caught-in/between incidents in Facilities Services can occur during maintenance, repairs, or when working around mechanical systems, confined spaces, or heavy objects. 

    Common causes include: 

    • Working near moving equipment (fans, motors, conveyors, or doors) 
    • Improperly supported materials or equipment 
    • Trapped body parts during repairs or adjustments 
    • Working in confined spaces without proper controls 

    Prevention strategies: 

    • Use lockout/tagout before servicing equipment 
    • Ensure equipment is fully secured before working nearby 
    • Avoid placing body parts in pinch points or moving assemblies 
    • Follow confined space entry procedures when applicable 

    Even small mechanical systems can create serious crushing or entrapment hazards if energy is not properly controlled. 

    Safety Is a Daily Standard, Not a Weekly Focus 

    While Construction Safety Week highlights industry-wide hazards, these same risks exist in Facilities Services every day, in every building, and during every work order. The “Fatal Four” are not limited to construction sites, they are part of routine maintenance, repair, and operational tasks. 

    Preventing these incidents requires more than just awareness, it requires consistent application of safety procedures, proper use of PPE, and a strong commitment to stopping work when conditions are unsafe. In Facilities Services, every task matters, and every hazard controlled is a step toward ensuring everyone goes home safely at the end of the day. 

    All Newsletters