EMERGENCY / SERVICE OUTAGE MEMORANDUM
Notification Date: January 30, 2026
To: Coolbaugh Hall
From: David Feron
Emergency Contact Info: 301-461-5354
Outage Date: February 27, 2026
Outage Time: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Purpose: Functional Testing for EF-1 and EF-2
System(s) Involved: Lab and Fume Hood Exhaust
Effect(s) on Occupants:
During this day of functional testing for EF-1 and EF-2, a shutdown of lab exhaust ventilation should be expected. The extent of this shutdown could be a partial reduction in exhaust ventilation, a periodic loss of exhaust ventilation, or complete loss of exhaust ventilation.
Testing will be conducted on lab fume hoods and general lab exhaust:
o Lab fume hoods will be short on exhaust airflow for brief periods while the system stabilizes. Lab fume hoods will alarm due to low hood velocities during this period.
o General lab exhaust will be shut off to simulate a failure condition. Fume hood exhaust flow will maintain proper airflow, but lab pressure be compromised. Occupants should be prepared for different pressurization cascades between spaces, and the building pressure may become more positive than normal.
o At the completion of these tests, all exhaust fans will be re-energized, and exhaust airflow will return to normal.
o Duration of testing and shutdown: Occupants should plan that exhaust ventilation will be compromised the entire day. Effects will be seen early in the day as intermittent shutdowns and temporary fume hood alarms. Airflow may be reestablished temporarily in preparation for the next test, so occupants should wait until they are notified that all testing is completed.
o Follow EHS guidelines for securing experiments in fume hoods during a loss of exhaust ventilation.
o Testing personnel will be visiting each lab to make adjustments above ceilings and at fume hood sashes.
o Affected Lab Suites: 027, 028, 029, 030, 142, 148, 149, 151, 166, 168, 235, 236, 237, 239, 241, 242, and 260.
Please notify all personnel affected by this outage. If this interruption of service creates an unmanageable problem, or you desire additional information, please call David Feron at 301-461-5354.
Thank you for your cooperation.