University Properties of Finland Ltd’s campuses in Jyväskylä are covered by Are’s maintenance services. The campuses comprise 33 buildings used by approximately 14,000 students and 2,500 employees.
Are’s comprehensive service concept consists of maintenance operations that cover all technical areas, as well as building services, remote monitoring services and expert services that support day-to-day maintenance operations. The diversity of the buildings on the campuses creates certain demands for maintenance operations, as the properties include protected buildings as well as state-of-the-art facilities. In some cases, the purposes the buildings are used for also pose certain special requirements for maintenance services.
Particle accelerators and cutting-edge technology
The Department of Physics’ accelerator laboratory contains four particle accelerators that are unique even on the global scale. Maintenance operations in the building are subject to special demands related to safety as well as the uninterrupted operation of technical building systems. The unit is subject to radiation and nuclear safety legislation, safety regulations and guidelines, which set stringent standards for maintenance operations and technical building systems.
The presence of the accelerators means that the building has two separate cooling circuits and, due to isotopes, ventilation must function without interruption. When filters are replaced, their particle concentrations are measured. “It is absolutely essential for us that maintenance operations are highly responsive and fast, and that proactive maintenance measures effectively prevent the occurrence of any interruptions. Are has been very successful in its operations,” says Pauli Heikkinen, Chief Engineer of the accelerator laboratory.
