Subject:    Safety advisory - Single Pedestal Desk/Chairs

This is a safety advisory from NMSU Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) to faculty and staff.  Affected departments should print and post this notice.

Please be aware that certain single pedestal desk/chair units (photo below) found in various lecture halls and classrooms may pose a physical hazard.  The pedestal strut or the weld at its base (right hand photo) may fail and allow the chair and occupant to topple.  The unit has a pull-up/fold-down arm with a writing surface.  It has been noted with several variations (some have a wood-like seat and back and most have different numbers).
   

Facility Services (OFS) has identified and marked units for repair in the following locations. Please inform students/staff that marked units should not be used for seating.  The likelihood of unexpected collapse is believed to be low, but excessive use or frequent side-to-side movements can increase the risk.

    Chemistry, rooms 111, 203, 205
    Gardiner rooms 229, 230
    Hardman rooms 101,104, 112, 114, 206, 208, 212, 216
    John Whitlock Hernandez Hall (a.k.a. Engr. Complex II) room 103
    Milton Hall room 171
    Neale Hall room 131
    Science Hall rooms 102, 106, 108, 109, 111, 112, 113, 115, 116

Note that untagged units may exist or develop.  If you notice a weakened, wobbly or broken unit that is not tagged, please reported it to the OFS Work Desk (646-7114).  Please give building and room where the unit(s) is located.  OFS is working towards a long term solution to correct this type of seating.

Thank you

David Shearer
EH&S 646-3327.