Odor Complaints
Chemical Safety (713) 500-5832 (Hotline)
Building Services (713) 500-FIXT (3498)
UT Police (713) 794-4357 (Emergency)
Reporting an odor/indoor air quality problem
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) is dedicated to providing the safest and most productive workplace environment. UTHealth supports a myriad of functions that range from administrative and clerical duties to patient care, research, and education. This combination of activities will sometimes bring about indoor air quality issues, namely odor complaints.
Odors can come from many different sources. The majority of indoor air quality complaints can be tied to the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, "HVAC" system. HVAC systems are designed primarily for controlling temperature, humidity, odor control, and air quality. A properly operating HVAC system can be adjusted to remove or reduce all of these parameters.
If you are experiencing discomfort from an odor in your work area, knowing who to call is important. Listed below are the important phone numbers to call to report the odor.
What to do and Who to call:
Extremely strong and acutely irritating odors (life threatening), strong burning smells or visible smoke
If you experience very strong and extremely irritating odors/fumes in your work area and you feel that you need emergency medical attention, leave the area at once and call: 911 or the UT Police Department 713-794-HELP or (713-794-4357)
Chemical, natural gas, electrical burning smells, and any other non-immediately life threatening odors-
Environmental Health and Safety 713-500-5832 (If no answer, leave a detailed message or press 8 and the on-call safety specialist will be immediately notified) Facilities Building Services FIXIT Hotline 713-500-FIXT (3498) This is a 24-hour hotline.
Temperature, humidity, dusts, and musty odors-
Facilities Building Services at the FIXIT Hotline 713-500-FIXT (3498) This is a 24-hour hotline. During normal business hours, Building Services will answer the call. After hours, the UT-Houston Police Department will answer the call and will contact the night maintenance manager if needed.