(updated 21/9/16)

1. University Security
2. SLS Building Security
   1. Main Doors
   2. Permanently Locked Doors/Facilities
   3. Alarmed Doors
   4. CCTV
   5. Identity Badges
   6. Potential Intruders
   7. Theft
3. Bomb Threats and Suspect Packages
   1. Bomb Threats
   2. Suspect Packages

Appendix 1: Bomb Threat Checklist (pdf)

1 University Security

A brief overview of the security arrangements for the University can be viewed here.

All Security incidents should be reported using the on-line Security Incident Report Form.

2 SLS Building Security

2.1 Main Doors
The main doors of SLS buildings are unlocked between 8.30am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Outwith these times, entry is via a proximity or swipe style keycard. Exit is via keycard or door release button. When entering or leaving a locked building, be wary of potential intruders attempting to gain access – see section 2.6 for further information.

All staff, postgraduate students and senior undergraduate students (3rd and 4th year) working/studying within MSI/WTB/JBC/DC or OMS/Carnelley are issued with a keycard for their building. Other University personnel authorised to access SLS buildings, e.g. Safety Services and Estates and Buildings, are also issued with keycards. Temporary cards may be granted to non-University personnel at the discretion of senior staff. All keycards are issued by and returnable to Discovery Centre/LABSe main reception desks. Note: Temporary cards will be deactivated if not returned to Reception by the specified time, usually 5pm. Lost or stolen keycards must be reported to Reception at the first opportunity, to allow for immediate deactivation.

2.2 Permanently Locked Doors/Facilities

Within each building there are areas/doors that remain locked at all times. Some of these secure areas/doors are unlocked via regular keycard; some require keycards to which special access privileges have been assigned; others require special keys; a few employ digital keycode entry. In instances where something other than a regular keycard is required, access is granted at the discretion of the person in charge of the secure facility. When entering or leaving a permanently locked facility, be wary of potential intruders attempting to gain access – see section 2.6 for further information.

2.3 Alarmed Emergency Exit Doors

In MSI/WTB/JBC/DC, opening a perimeter emergency exit door during normal working hours will activate the local alarm. Outhwith normal working hours it will activate the building's perimeter intruder alarm system. Use push-bar emergency exit doors only during an emergency building evacuation.

2.4 CCTV

SLS buildings are under 24 hour CCTV surveillance. Campus Security can access the SLS CCTV system remotely from their control room at any time and the head of the Security team takes responsiblity for checking on a daily basis (Mon to Fri) that all cameras are functional and recording. There is also a monitor and control console at Discovery Centre Reception for use by the Security Guard manning the desk outwith normal working hours.

2.5 Identity Badges

All personnel should wear their official identity badge, i.e. University staff card or student matriculation card, at all times. In MSI/WTB/JBC/DC, visitors are required to wear their visitor's badge at all times.

2.6 Potential Intruders

Due to the high turnover of staff and numbers of students, you may well come across people, within your normal workplace, unfamiliar to you and with their surroundings. In most instances such individuals may transpire to be new recruits or visitors, presenting no security threat. However, SLS buildings are freely accessible during normal working hours, and this creates opportunity for intruders, with malicious or criminal intent, to gain entry. Vigilance, caution and appropriate action are required to minimise the risks posed by intruders. If you encounter a potential intruder follow the procedure shown below.

• Do not, under any circumstances, put yourself at risk.
• Attempt to make a mental note of any distinguishing features the potential intruder possesses: this may later prove to be important information.
• If an intruder presents an obvious, immediate threat to personal safety or building security:
  • Withdraw to a safe location.
  • Immediately call 4141 on any internal phone.
  • Clearly state the location of the intruder and nature of the threat.
  • Wait for confirmation that your message has been understood.
  • Inform a member of SLS senior support staff.
• If you do not perceive any risk to your personal safety and feel confident in approaching a potential intruder:
  • Courteously ask them if you can be of assistance, while quickly scanning for an identity card that confirms their authority to be in the building, e.g. staff or matriculation card.
  • If no proof of identity is visible, exercise caution.
  • If they are looking for a specific person or facility:
    • Escort them to a central office or reception desk.
    • Telephone the contact/facility and confirm the visitor is expected.
    • Ask the contact to collect the visitor from the central office/reception desk.
  • If they are clearly heading to a seminar room, lecture theatre or such like:
    • Direct or escort them to their destination.
    • Observe to ensure they head in the specified direction or into the appropriate room.
  • If you are still suspicious, inform a member of SLS senior support staff.
• If you feel apprehensive about approaching a potential intruder, withdraw to a safe location and inform a member of SLS senior support staff.
  

2.7 Theft

In the event of a suspected or confirmed theft or break-in, inform a member of SLS senior support staff.
Minimise the opportunities for thieves by:

• Ensuring doors that should be locked, remain locked, and are never wedged open.
• Ensuring windows are closed and secured in areas that are not often frequented and, outwith normal working hours, in all areas.
• Following the guidelines in section 2.6 for dealing with potential intruders.
• Storing personal belongings and valuables in a locker or other secure holding area.

3 Bomb Threats and Suspect Packages

3.1 Bomb Threats

3.1.1 By Letter

• Handle the letter and envelope as little as possible.
• Immediately inform inform a member of SLS senior support staff.

3.1.2 By Telephone

• During and after the call, follow the Bomb Threat Checklist.
• Immediately inform inform a member of SLS senior support staff.

3.2 Suspect Packages

• Keep calm.
• Do not touch the object in any way.
• Instruct personnel in the area immediately surrounding the object to move away, without causing undue panic.
• Prevent other people from entering the area, i.e. cordon off and use “keep out” signs. Once again, do not cause undue panic.
• Instruct all those within the vicinity of the package to avoid using mobile phones, radios, etc.
• Note the nature and exact location of the suspect package and immediately inform a member of SLS senior support staff.

Click here for common indicators of a suspect package.

To reduce the potential for false alarms, always address internal mail correctly, using the officially recognised titles and facility/building names.