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Tools that Sound Like Firearms/Explosives to be Used in Building 31A Starting April 2

Beginning tomorrow, Thursday, April 2, 2026 and continuing periodically through Tuesday, June 2, 2026, renovation work on the 6th floor of the A wing of Building 31 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 the A wing of Building 31 and hear this noise. Use of EPATs is a common practice in building construction.

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

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as this renovation work continues in Building 31. For questions regarding this message, please contact the Office of Research Facilities (ORF) project officer, Naseera Moore at 301-215-0082.