Despite Name Change, 'Old' Name Still Appears on Digital Certificates Due to Software Bug

When individuals change their name in NED, they should be aware that their 'old' name will still appear on their badge's digital certificates. While this is a known bug with the HHS badge management software, it will not affect the individual's login or secure e-mail. Likewise, when an individual transfers to NIH from another HHS operating division (e.g., FDA), his/her prior organization will still appear in their digital certificates (e.g., OU=FDA).    

Issuance Works Station (IWS) operators and DPSAC Customer Service staff have been alerted to this issue and will now ask the badge holder at the time of re-issuance whether this action (re-issuance) is being requested due to a name change.    

If the answer is yes, staff will be able explain that even though the user's old name/organization will still appear in his/her certificates due to the HHS software bug, login or secure e-mail will be unaffected.  

Once this software bug is fixed, which is expected to occur before the end of the calendar year, affected individuals will be notified of the fix and told how to download new certificates with his/her new name/organization in the certificate. 

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Play it Safe when Using Space Heater in NIH Buildings

The following fire safety awareness article was prepared by the Division of the Fire Marshal, ORS

Each year at this time, questions arise concerning the use of space heaters at NIH owned facilities. The guidelines that follow below do not pertain to NIH leased facilities. Please be aware that if you work in a leased facility, there may be more stringent requirements from the building owner and/or local fire-safety "Authority Having Jurisdiction."   

Please check with your Office of Research Facilities (ORF) Facility Manager (http://orf2.od.nih.gov/AboutORF/BuildingsandFacilityManagers.asp) before purchasing or using a space heater in any NIH leased facility.    

Before a space heater can be considered for an NIH owned facility, any difficulties in regulating or maintaining a comfortable temperature must first be directed to ORF to have a building engineer attempt to make mechanical adjustments to the heating system.   

If it is determined by ORF that an area cannot be adequately heated, written approval will be provided by the ORF Facility Manager assigned to the building to support the purchase and use of a space heater in designated areas only.

Space heaters are not permitted, under any circumstances, in laboratories, patient care units, or clinics.

Prior to installing any space heater, ORF must also verify that the electrical service to the area is adequate to safely accommodate the heater. Space heaters can easily overload electrical circuits in a building, therefore, additional circuits may need to be installed.   

If electrical work is required, the occupant's IC should initiate a work request. If ORF has available funds and it is clear the building is not capable of providing reasonable levels of heat (70 degrees) in that particular room, ORF will fund the electrical work.

The Division of the Fire Marshal, Office of Research Services, does not endorse any particular brand or manufacturer of space heaters; however, a convection-type heater is preferable. Convection models slowly warm the air around them and pose less of a burn hazard since their surface temperatures are generally lower.   

Prior to purchasing the heater, be sure that the unit has been tested by an approved testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and is equipped with ALL of the following features to minimize fire hazards typically associated with these devices:   

• A multi-directional tip-over switch - space heaters can easily tip over. This switch automatically turns off the unit regardless of which way it may fall.
• An overheat sensor - this sensor limits the heat output of the space heater and automatically turns off the unit if it becomes too hot.
• A visible on/off indicating switch and light.

Proper placement of the space heater is important for safety as well as for comfort. Make sure the unit is placed on a hard, non-combustible surface instead of carpet. All combustible materials (e.g., paper, plastics, wood,

etc.) must be stored at least three feet away from the heater. The power cord must not be covered by carpeting or other materials and extension cords should not be used.   

Electrical current used for space heaters can cause extension cords to overheat and potentially cause a fire. Plug the space heater directly into a properly grounded outlet.

Never leave the heater in operation when an area is unattended or unoccupied.

NED Release V 3.7 Boosts Emergency Preparedness at NIH