Transition to Cooling Systems Underway
Physical Plant has started the process for activating cooling systems in campus buildings. This process includes filling chilled water systems, maintenance checks on air handlers, and other start-up activities.
Very few cooling systems on campus are designed to remain active year-round. Each fall, Physical Plant staff drain more than 700 air handling units in 113 buildings across campus to prevent damage from cold temperatures.
It normally takes 4-6 weeks to refill and restart all of these cooling systems. Physical Plant maintenance mechanics monitor outside air temperatures and the long-range forecast to determine when it is safe to restart campus cooling systems. Buildings with animals, temperature-sensitive research activities, and server rooms are given the highest priority.
Due to the variability of spring weather in the Midwest, it is common to experience a few warm days before all cooling systems are fully operational.
If you have questions about the cooling system start-up in your building, contact your Facility Specialist.
Customer Work Order Details Report Available
Authorized users of AiM (the administrative interface for AssetWorks) now have access to the Customer Work Order Details report (1007–Cust Work Ord Detl). This report provides detailed information about individual work orders, the phases that make up the work order, and any notes appended to the work order by Physical Plant staff.
To run this report:
- Log into the AiM workdesk using your NetID.
- In the Report Listing menu (at screen left), select 1007–Cust Work Ord Detl.
- Enter a complete work order number and click OK.
- AiM displays detailed information for the work order you have selected.
Note: The Customer Work Order Details report often contains multiple pages, but only one page is displayed at a time. You can print the report, save it as PDF, or page through the report using the forward and backward buttons in the upper right corner of the page.
New Process for Disposal of Refrigerators and Freezers
Physical Plant has created a new process for the pickup of refrigerators/freezers directly from campus buildings for disposal. Units less than 50 pounds are picked up by Physical Plant Waste & Recycling. If the unit is greater than 50 pounds, Physical Plant contracts with an outside vendor for removal.
To dispose of a refrigerator/freezer, follow these steps:
- Submit a work request to Physical Plant Customer Service with the following information:
- Customer number (for billing purposes).
- Weight and approximate size of the refrigerator/freezer.
- Move the refrigerator/freezer to your building’s loading dock. Campus Services is available for moving units if needed (this will add a phase to the work order).
- Fill out the Freezer Disposal Form and attach a printed copy to the unit.
Please note that failure to attach the Freezer Disposal Form to the unit may result in additional dock visit charges.
Nominations Sought for FP&M Recognition Awards
More than 1,200 FP&M employees work behind the scenes to keep campus running day and night. FP&M honors their exceptional work at an annual awards ceremony. We need your help telling stories about the excellent work that the people of FP&M do every day.
- Nominate an FP&M employee or team for a recognition award by April 18, 2022.
- Download the FP&M recognition awards flier for posting in your building.
The FP&M Recognition Team also accepts resubmissions, so you can nominate an employee or team from a prior year. And, thank you to everyone who nominated employees for the 2021 awards!
Changes to Public Health Signage
Masking requirements for indoor spaces on campus expired on March 12 and public health signage has been updated accordingly:
- Physical Plant is in the process of removing masking requirement signs from building entrances.
- Public health signage for building interiors has been updated so that only signs in alignment with current guidelines are available.
Please note that building managers and other building occupants are responsible for removing all out-of-date public health signage in building interiors.
Reminder: Summer 2022 Renovation Projects
The list of campus renovation projects for Summer 2022 construction has been selected by a campus-wide group that includes FP&M staff and representatives from a number of schools, colleges, and divisions.
Of the 90 projects reviewed, 23 projects fell into the highest priority categories and were identified for Summer 2022 construction and delivery.
Reminder: Physical Plant Service and Labor Rates Set to Change
Rates for various FP&M services, including Physical Plant labor and architect/engineer design fees will change on July 1, 2022. These changes will align rates with current costs and provide the basis for ongoing, regular adjustments based on analysis of revenue and expenditures.
Additional Resources
For more information and resources for building managers, please visit the FP&M Facility/Building Manager Tools page.