I agree with all responders about the need for phones, but ensue you know the system installed and test/confirm it!! Our campus VOIP phones did not register the address of the building and room to the 911 operators,
and when making a call, most staff and students do not know the building’s 911 street address. 911 operators needed to look up each location. That has been addressed and most locations now register with 911. Some off campus ones may not still. We also printed
up placards saying “you are calling from room ___ in building ___ at 123 Newell Dr” and posted them at the phones.
Training and help tips are important! We also had an issue where a 911 call was made from an off campus location requesting an ambulance. 911 operator sent it to the location on the screen. Ambulance was sent
to the hospital on campus, not the offsite facility, because the computer controlling the phone system is registered to the hospital’s address. This address issue apparently can’t be fixed for offsite facilities, so we again posted the placards and remind
staff at every opportunity during in-services, fire drills, etc., asking them how to make a 911 call and to confirm they know their street address. 911 operators also have a reminder on their screen to ask where the address is for the call if the call originates
from a campus or hospital number.
I also call 911 from each new off campus facility to confirm that the 911 system does or does not have the correct address on their screens.
Mark Yanchisin
Coordinator for Clinical and Laboratory Safety Programs
Environmental Health and Safety
University of Florida
POB 112190 Bldg 179 Newell Dr.
Gainesville, Fl 32611-2190
O- 352-392-1591
F- 352-392-3647
Mark**At_Symbol_Here**ehs.ufl.edu
“Just because you are in compliance doesn’t mean you are out of danger.” Mike Rowe
Greetings,
We are designing lab space and have run into the question of a hard wired phone? How many out there are still doing this? Would you recommend it? Suggestions and ideas are welcome.
Thanks,
Margaret Smallbrock
Campus Environmental Health and Safety Manager
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
501 East St. Joseph Street
Rapid City, SD 57701-3995
