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Office of Research Services

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Tools that Sound Like Firearms/Explosives to be Used Adjacent to Building 40

​Beginning today, November 4, 2024 and continuing periodically through approximately April 30, 2025, construction work on the next phase of the new 40A addition to the Dale and Betty Bumpers Vaccine Research Center (Building 40), will include explosive powder-actuated tools (EPATs).

When in operation, EPATs can sound like a gunshot, firearm or explosive discharging. Please do not be alarmed or confused if you work in or near Building 10 and surrounding facilities and hear this noise. Use of EPATs is a common practice in building construction.

If you work in or near these buildings, please ensure your colleagues are aware so no one is unnecessarily alarmed. 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as NIH continues with this important renovation of Building 10. For questions regarding this message, please contact the Office of Research Facilities (ORF) project officer, Melinda Alexander at 703-507-4788.