In many of the newer UNL labs, BSM has installed Lab Occupancy Sensors. As we learn about in the Ventilated Cabinet section, it does not control a specific piece of equipment in the room but allows the occupant to control the amount of general exhaust room air changes at will. When occupants are working in the laboratory or active processes are occurring in the laboratory that could result in fugitive emissions, they should push the Start button and the green light will stay on. This will activate the HVAC controls to ensure that the laboratory is receiving at least six air changes per hour. During unoccupied times when active processes are not occurring, they should use the Stop button to conserve energy. At that point the number of room air changes will usually drop to four.
When to cite:
This checklist item would be cited if a lab is equipped with a Lab Occupancy Sensor, the room is occupied and active processes are being conducted WITHOUT the Start button being on.
When NOT to cite:
This item should NOT be cited if the Start button is running the system and the lab is unoccupied. It may not be energy efficient but it is not an unsafe condition.