Starting this Friday, (Match Day 2017 and St. Patrick’s Day) March 17, and through Friday March 24, prepare for some muggy weather–INDOORS in parts of the medical school.
The facilities team has announced that in the evening on March 17 and then daily through March 24, the ventilation and air conditioning systems on the Diamond Head side of the Medical Education Building (MEB) will not be operating. Work will be underway to significantly alter the Diamond Head ventilation system. As a consequence of this work, the ambient temperatures will be warmer than normal on the Diamond Head side of the building.
Portable fans being deployed
JABSOM Facilities has eight, one-ton portable air conditioning units that will be installed in critical areas such as the library. Facilities will also stage portable fans to help circulate air in the work places. The eight-tons of portable air conditioning falls far short of the normal cooling capacity provided to the MEB. However, if supervisors feel additional fans are necessary, please e-mail freddief@hawaii.edu.
The MEB will remain open for regular posted building hours during both the JABSOM MD student spring break week and the UH Mānoa Spring Break week, except for Monday, March 27, 2017, when the MEB will be CLOSED to observe Prince Kūhiō Day.
The ‘Ewa side of MEB should have normal air flow
That includes the cafeteria, auditorium. Normal air flows and temperatures are expected there.
Those working in the MEB should dress comfortably and everyone is encouraged to speak to their supervisor to address any work-condition concerns during the ventilation and air conditioning work. JABSOM Facilities has eight, one-ton portable air conditioning units that will be installed in critical areas such as the library.
Head’s up: MEB Lobby scaffolding will be fronting the elevators March 20-22
On Monday, March 20 to Wednesday, March 22, the MEB first floor lobby will occupied by construction scaffolding to effect repairs to a ceiling sprinkler and to replace damaged ceiling tiles located 55-feet above the ground-floor of the MEB. The scaffolding will be erected immediately in front of the elevators. Although use of the elevators will still be available, please be aware of your surroundings when walking in the lobby. Please heed all posted signs and all barriers set up for the construction zone. Access to and from the lobby via the mauka doors will be limited during the time the scaffolding is up. Any questions about this project should be directed to Freddie Fernandez at freddief@hawaii.edu.