Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is the Lab shutting off utilities to some buildings?
Utility shutoffs are usually related to infrastructure maintenance or to upgrades being made to improve the reliability and safety of electrical or other utility systems in the area. Occasionally, utility power is shut off for emergency repairs. In all cases, Facilities works to ensure the minimum disruption to research and other work.
Q. Will buildings be occupiable during an outage?
That depends on the type of outage and the scope. In general if an outage affects key life safety systems such as ventilation, then the building will be deemed un-occupiable for the duration of the outage. Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) makes the final determination on occupancy requirements based on safety needs. Outage notifications will include details on building occupancy requirements.
Q: Will there be generator power for critical research areas during an outage?
Backup generator power (known as e-power) may be available depending on building setup and the scope and duration of the planned outage. Note that e-power is only available to equipment that are connected to e-outlets. Standby generators are available to buildings 2, 6, 15, 30, 33, 33U, 34, 36, 36A, 37, 48, 50A, 50B, 55, 56, 62, 62B, 64, 67, 67A, 70, 70A, 74, 75, 80, 84, 85, 86, 88, 90, 91, 91U.
Q. What if I have research that needs tending during the outage time period?
If it is an emergency contact Protective Services at 510-486-6999 as soon as possible to arrange an entrance time.
Q. How do I know if my critical equipment will be on a generator?
All requests for temporary power should be included in the most current Temporary Power Request worksheet. If you have critical equipment and are unsure that it is on back-up power, work with your Facility Area Manager to confirm.
Q. What steps should I take to prepare my lab, workspaces and equipment prior to an outage?
EHS has a checklist to help you prepare your workspaces and equipment for an outage.
In addition, review the lab hazards, contact names and phone numbers posted on all laboratory doors and ensure that they are up to date. Make sure the listed phone numbers are current in case a researcher/user needs to be contacted during this time (for example to respond to a refrigerator alarm or other alarm).
Q. I need to come onsite to shut down or restart equipment. How do I arrange that?
In consideration of the Lab's COVID-19 controls, if you need to be onsite to safely shut off your equipment, and/or set equipment to receive standby power, and/or restart equipment when power is restored, please arrange your site access with your respective Transition Leadership Team representative.
Q:What steps should I take to prep office space for an outage?
Prior to any outage, make plans to:
Take chargers and your laptop if you plan to work offsite over the weekend.
Take thumb drives or memory sticks if necessary.
Empty break room refrigerators of perishable foods.
Empty ice trays of ice.
Turn off remaining computers, office equipment, and power strips.
Q. What should I do when I return to my lab or office after an outage?
EHS has several checklists for checking your work area or equipment after an absence, such as when returning after a power outage. Those lists are available on the main page.
In addition, these steps can help to restart computers.
Q. Will I have card access upon return?
Yes, the card access system should be working on your return. If a user has an issue with their card, attempt to access it three times. If it still does not function after three attempts, notify securityoperationscenter@lbl.gov.
Once power is restored, building systems will be brought back online. An email will be sent after the building systems have been confirmed operational.