Hammer Bldg. Advisory, March 24, Domestic Water Service Shutdown

Domestic water service in the Hammer Health Sciences Building will be temporarily unavailable from 6 p.m. until approximately 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 24, due to repairs.

Affected Services:

• Restrooms in Hammer will be inoperable. Please use nearby restrooms in the Allan Rosenfield or William Black Buildings.
• Domestic hot and cold water, including emergency eyewashes, handheld deluge hoses, and overhead emergency showers
• Dishwashers and glass washers
• Reverse osmosis (RO) water
• Humidification
• ICM watering systems and cage wash

It is suggested that all laboratory work with hazardous materials–including chemicals, biological, and radiological materials—in Hammer be suspended while water service is unavailable due to the lack of available water for emergency eyewashes, handheld deluge hoses, and overhead emergency showers. Laboratories should perform their routine, weekly performance test on each emergency eyewash and handheld deluge hose once water services resume normal operations to verify proper equipment function.

Facilities Management representatives will be walking throughout the building to monitor environmental boxes and supplemental AC units during and after the shutdown. Keep all freezers, refrigerators, and environmental room doors closed and limit access. Typically, this equipment will maintain temperature for approximately four (4) hours. Do not place dry ice or cryogenic materials in cold rooms, as they can create a hazardous, oxygen-deficient atmosphere.

Once work is completed, please allow faucets to run for 3-4 minutes to ensure constant flow and pressure. Water may appear brown at first, but will turn clear as it continues to run.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation as we work to improve our facilities. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Fernando Bedoya, associate director, at fb2330@cumc.columbia.edu.