The BSM department provides maintenance services for a large variety of building systems. The knowledge, experience, skills and tools necessary to provide repair and maintenance services to the systems listed below represent a valuable resource of the institution. We consider our department the “custodians” of all building systems, maintaining them for the current campus community and preserving them for future generations.

Electrical Services
BSM provides service to the building electrical distribution systems, lighting and outlets. Connections to departmentally owned equipment can be requisitioned by the department. State electrical codes require all high voltage electrical connections be performed by a licensed electrician and inspected. Departments may secure an electrical permit through the Facilities Service Desk.

Plumbing Services
Domestic water, drinking fountains, showers, emergency eyewashes, sinks, toilets, urinals, flush valves, back flow preventers and sewer maintenance is provided by the BSM plumbing staff. Refrigerated drinking water service was eliminated by a recent budget reduction. Drinking water will be provided at fountain locations, however when the refrigeration fails, the water will no longer be chilled.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Service to furnaces, air conditioners, ventilation systems, air handlers, heating pumps, heat exchangers, control valves, control systems, steam pressure reducing stations, exhaust systems, motor controls, motors, fans, coils, filters, steam traps, terminal control boxes, thermostats, fin tube radiation, chillers, window air conditioners etc. is provided by the HVAC/Controls group.

Specialized Systems
Laboratory support systems such as fume hoods, bio safety cabinets and laminar flow hoods require annual certification. In addition, BSM services central building laboratory support systems such as vacuum systems, compressed air and gas distribution, water softeners, and water polishers. BSM is not funded to provide service to departmentally owned laboratory equipment such as stills, autoclaves, freezers, walk-in coolers, growth chambers, centrifuges, ice machines and air driers. Departments must provide a requisition for service to these and other similar pieces of equipment.

Access and Alarm Systems
Access control including UNL’s ID card access system, electric and mechanical locks, doors and door hardware, fire alarms, fire sprinklers, burglar and security alarm systems are all maintained by this group. Expansion and maintenance of the electronic card access system to interior departmental doors may be requisitioned by departments. University Police and UNL’s Environmental Health and Safety Departments must approve all locking systems for sensitive or high security areas.

Structural System Services
The BSM structural trades staff perform maintenance services on floors & floor coverings, walls and wall coverings, paint, windows, ceilings, non-moveable furniture, cabinetry, shelving, wall hangings and signage. Recent budget reductions have reduced or eliminated services deemed expendable. BSM also provides services to exterior systems including roofs, gutters, downspouts, brick work, stone and masonry work, caulking, tuck pointing, exterior protective coverings, concrete stoops and steps attached to the building.

Pest Control
In a facility as large as UNL, a variety of unwelcome visitors may find a home. This service is funded by departmental requisitions. Once the Facilities Service Desk receives a departmental requisition, BSM will coordinate with an outside vendor or service with internal personnel. When the response includes the use of a chemical, a two-week advance notice will be given to allow building occupants who are sensitive to pesticides, an opportunity to make arrangements for a temporary alternate work site. All chemical treatment is performed by a licensed private contractor, using only environmentally friendly agents.