Utility outages do not necessarily represent an emergency that threatens life, but they can cause work disruptions, expensive damage, safety concerns and, can escalate to full-blown emergencies.
Examples of Utility Outages
- Electric
- Water
- Telephone
- Steam or Gas
- Electric or chilled water
Safety Issues
Look and report any safety issue caused by, or likely to result from, the outage or continuing operations under current conditions. Some examples are:
Power Outage
Look for safety equipment dependent on power and cease operations if necessary. Examples are:
- Fume hoods in labs
- Dust evacuation systems
- Inadequate lighting
- Alarm activation
- Elevator failure
- Passengers should use the emergency phone in the elevator. If necessary call UTPD or 865-974-3111.
- Do not attempt to rescue passengers stuck in the elevator
- Establish and maintain communications with other passengers
Plumbing
- Stop using all electrical equipment
- Look for slip hazards
Gas Leak
- Cease all operations
- Do not use light switches
- Evacuate as soon as possible