Facilities Management recently instituted safeguards to prevent against future accidents in Coles Tower like the flooding incident that took place in November.
At the time that the sixth floor in the Tower was flooded, Facilities was repairing a pipe that activated the sprinkler system. Capital Projects Program Manager and Interim Director of Facilities Management Don Borkowski attributed the problem to a mislabeled valve.
To prevent future accidents, Facilities double-checked labeling on the valves and took other precautionary measures.
"We have gone back through the system to verify the labeling of shut-off valves and have initiated additional safeguards to prevent a reoccurrence," said Borkowski.
Over the winter break, Facilities also inspected and tightened the piping for the heating system on the sixth floor of the Tower.
They also worked on approximately 50 other maintenance and capital projects, including jobs in Hubbard Hall and Hawthorne and Longfellow Library.
"Most we'd consider minor in nature, but important nonetheless," Borkowski said.
Project lengths ranged from a couple of days to several weeks, Borkowski added.
Five projects were completed at Hubbard Hall, including the installation of a cooling system for the new IT server room, a complete structural inspection and restoration of one of its rooms, a design and flooring upgrade in a selected room, and heating units were added to two offices in the Arctic Museum.
The library also had upgrades over the winter break. The first stage of Phase II of the sprinkler system project was finished with the entire project scheduled for completion by the end of summer of 2005.
"The work consisted of ceiling removal in the second and third floors and the installation of temporary lighting and fire alarm systems in anticipation of sprinkler installations above new ceilings," said Borkowski.
"This is being done to comply with a mandate from the State Fire Marshall's office requiring us to complete installation of the sprinkler system in H&L by 2005."
Watson Fitness Center's floors were cleaned and waxed, and additional electrical capacities were added. Morrell Gymnasium's floor was refinished.
Throughout the campus, Facilities updated lamp standards and inventory, tested emergency lights, and completed elevator state safety inspections.
Other projects included ventilation modifications in many buildings, lighting changes, door and lock replacements, and several repairs in class buildings, offices, and residence houses.
"There are many projects still to be completed. In places like Bowdoin and other colleges and universities this is an ongoing effort in stewardship of the campus," said Borkowski.