Health, Safety & Environment Committee

Subject: Misuse of Fire Equipment in Halls of Residence

Origin: Customer Services Manager, imago Services

Actions taken by imago Services to reduce the number of incidents of misuse of fire equipment in Halls of Residence. The students have been made aware of these initiatives. Measures will be available at the end of the academic year.

A notice has been placed by each fire extinguisher location indicating the serious outcome of misusing the equipment.

Covert cameras have been placed in one block in one hall of residence in an attempt to secure evidence of individuals tampering with the break glass fire alarm call points.

Gel has been placed on the fire extinguishers in one hall of residence. If the extinguishers are touched the gel transfers onto the hands and can be detected.

Screamer alarms have been placed on fire extinguishers in one block in one hall of residence.

Actions taken by imago Services to highlight the responsibility students have for health and safety in halls of residence.

Students are directed to a series of web pages as part of accepting the offer of a room in hall. The pages describe health and safety responsibilities and a number of questions have to be answered correctly. The record created will be added to the student’s information held by imago.

Action to be taken to ensure the same message regarding the serious nature of tampering with fire equipment is maintained across all halls. There are standard charges for the replacement of fire equipment however the amount a student can be fined by the Warden is not standard.

Imago Services would recommend the committee considers that the fines levied by Wardens for misuse of fire equipment are the same level for the same offence across all halls. These fines levels are to be agreed with the Wardens, the University Health and Safety Office and imago and need to be in place by September 08.

June 2008