Facility Management Unit

Overview

The Facility Management Unit (FMU) serves as the operational backbone of research at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. The unit is dedicated to creating and maintaining an environment that enables world-class biomedical research. From maintaining Ghana’s first BSL-3 laboratory to ensuring optimal performance of critical equipment such as PCR machines, centrifuges, biosafety cabinets and autoclaves, FMU plays a pivotal role in sustaining the institute’s research excellence.

With a multidisciplinary team of professionals in Biomedical, Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering, as well as HVAC, fire safety and facility management, the unit safeguards both physical infrastructure and scientific integrity of NMIMR. Their dedication to efficiency, innovation, and continuous professional development directly empowers researchers while upholding the institute’s world-class global standards.

The unit has played a key supporting role in helping the institute attain major milestones including ISO 15189:2022 accreditation for various laboratory processes and Africa CDC BSL-3 certification. It continues to provide essential technical support for research activities involving infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, COVID-19, and others.

FMU provides comprehensive technical support to ensure safety, functionality, and compliance across all laboratory operations:

Maintain BSL-3 containment standards through management of HVAC systems, HEPA filters, and pressure differentials.
Service and maintain general HVAC systems including air conditioners, cold rooms, refrigerators and freezers.
Calibrate and service environmental monitoring systems (e.g., temperature, humidity, and airflow) on a scheduled basis.
Ensure reliability of power systems, including emergency backups, to prevent operational downtime.
Collaborate with safety officers to enforce decontamination protocols, waste handling, and safe equipment use.
Coordinate fumigation and deep-cleaning activities using validated biocidal procedures.
Conduct preventive maintenance and repairs on laboratory equipment such as biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, autoclaves, and incubators.
Manage inventory and logistics for spare parts and consumables to minimize equipment downtime.
Support regulatory compliance with national and international biosafety standards (e.g., WHO, Africa CDC and external accreditation bodies).
Maintain facility-related compliance records and audit trails for inspections and certifications.
Oversee waste management logistics, including autoclaving and safe disposal of biohazardous materials.
Facilitate laboratory upgrades, renovations, and safety system enhancements.
Conduct routine facility checks and manage incident reporting systems for facility-related issues.
Serve as an interface between research staff and technical teams to quickly resolve facility-related issues.
Support emergency preparedness exercises, such as containment breach simulations and equipment failure response drills.

Electrical Section

Maintain and troubleshoot all electrical systems.
Ensure uninterrupted power supply to essential research equipment.
Manage and service emergency power systems, including backup generators.
Inspect and repair electrical distribution panels.

Mechanical/Air conditioning Section

Oversee HVAC systems, including air conditioners and air handling units.
Ensure good laboratory ventilation.
Monitor and sustain conductive environmental conditions for biomedical research.
Maintain any other mechanical infrastructures at the institute.

Biomedical Section

Install, maintain, calibrate, and repair biomedical research equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability in experimental data.
Work closely with researchers to optimize instrument performance and compliance with international standards.
Train users on effective use and management of equipment in the laboratory.