Denison University Student Handbook 2006-2007

Residential Safety and Health

Residential Safety and Health

Bicycles:Bicycles must be stored in designated areas or in students' rooms, never in stairwells or hallways. Bicycles must never be placed within a path of egress or attached to railings designed to assist in egress. Operators of bicycles on campus must adhere to the motor vehicle regulations. Campus Security can register bicycles to locate the owners in the event of loss or theft.
Loss or Damage to Personal Property: The University does not cover, is not responsible for, and offers no agreement for any loss, theft, or damage to personal property of residents. It is strongly recommended that residents carry insurance on their personal belongings, most likely through their parents' fire or "homeowners" policies. Individual policies should be reviewed to determine conditions for coverage.
Cooking: For fire safety and sanitation purposes, cooking is strictly prohibited in student rooms except those residence halls with self-contained kitchens within an apartment. Microwave ovens and other cooking appliances are prohibited in student rooms; violations may result in conduct action. The kitchenettes, located in public areas of the residence halls, are to be used for snack preparation and to assist in hosting social functions. The kitchenettes are not designed for full service food preparation.
Loft Guidelines:Some students may choose to have a loft in their residence hall room to utilize additional space and individualize their room. Lofts must comply with the fire safety requirements outlined below. The university does not, however, assume any responsibility for inspecting for the purpose of approving the structural adequacy of lofts. Lofts are built and used at the risk of the owner. The top surface of the bedding should be a minimum of 30 inches from the ceiling (allow for 8 foot ceiling). Windows and doors may not be obstructed or limited in any way since they serve as a means of emergency exit or entry. Flammable decoration material should not be attached to a loft. The purpose of this statement is to advise residents of the safety and stability standards required for lofts. The construction, assembly, disassembly, and removal of lofts are the sole responsibility of the residents of the room. If residents do not disassemble and remove lofts at the end of their residency, they will be billed for the cost of university personnel to do so.
1. Because the ceilings are too low, lofts are not permitted in Sunset A, B, C, D, Shannon House, Prospect House, Monomoy Annex and Ash House.
2. In the residential buildings where lofted beds are provided or made available, students are not permitted to make, build, or construct lofts of their own.
3. No residence hall furnishings, including bed springs and frames, may be stored in the hallways, stairs or other common areas.
4. An elevated bed must be freestanding and self-supporting. It may not rest on residence hall furnishings such as desks or bookcases. The elevated bed may not be nailed or fastened to the room (walls, floors, ceiling) or its furnishings.
5. Residents are expected to take all possible precautions against damage to walls, paint, floor tile, woodwork and other furniture. Damages will be charged to the resident.
6. Under no circumstances shall a loft obstruct a window or door at any time. Window(s) and door(s) must be operable at all times and must not be used as anything other than an emergency exit or entry into the room.
7. Lofts cannot be constructed or enclosed in any way that could impede, block or hinder egress from the area in an emergency.
8. Ladders for lofts are optional. When used, ladders must be securely attached to the loft.
9. Side rails are encouraged since they provide extra protection from injuries caused by accidentally falling out of bed.
10. Flammable decorative materials such as paneling, netting, curtains, etc., are not to be attached to the loft.
Pets: Due to a variety of health related issues, no animalswill be permitted in student rooms within University residence facilities. Fish are the only exception to this policy. Aquariums up to a maximum of 10 gallons are allowed.
Posting Policy (approved and distributed 11/04): Absolutely no posting of signs, posters, written or printed information and/or flyers will be allowed on front lobby doors, windows and window frames, inside stairwells or on stairwell doors. The posting of any type of information in these areas could impede, hinder, disorient or obstruct someone in their attempt to exit the building in an emergency. Student room doors both inside and outside may not be covered to excess with paper or other highly flammable material.
Obstruction of Common Areas: In order to avoid potentially dangerous traffic situations, hallways, lobbies, stairwells and common areas must be kept free of obstruction at all times. For example, trash bags, bicycles, furniture, personal effects or other items may not be left in places where they might impede, block or hinder egress in an emergency.
Smoking: Smoking in any interior area of the University, including classrooms, labs, private offices, restrooms, hallways, residence hall rooms and dining rooms is prohibited.

Denison University Non-Smoking Policy

The Granville Clean Indoor Air Ordinance 02-05 became effective January 1, 2006. This policy ensures full compliance with the new ordinance and applies to all employees, students, contractors and visitors. Prominent signs communicating the policy will be posted at all buildings.

Smoking will be strictly prohibited within all university work areas and public spaces including conference rooms, reception areas, lobbies, dining areas, restrooms, stairwells, hallways and work stations. Public spaces also include university vehicles and all areas immediately adjacent to the entrances to any enclosed space (including the parking garage).
Screens: Screens may not be removed from residence hall windows. Security screens shall remain in the closed position at all times unless there is an emergency.
Waterbeds: For safety reasons, waterbeds are not permitted in any residence hall.
Roofs: Students are strictly prohibited from access to roofs, balconies, ledges, and fire escapes. Students should not lean, hang on or place any part of their body out of residence hall windows.
Room Decorations
1. Room decorations must be limited in order to comply with all fire safety regulations. All decorations are to be flameproof, fire resistant or non-combustible.
2. Posters and pictures should be affixed to walls with caution given to the amount of the wall covered by paper or other flammable material. See your RA and HR about specific guidelines for affixing decorations to walls in your building.
3. Drapes, tapestries, beads, or other items that block egress from the room into the hallway are not permitted, as these pose a fire hazard.
4. No decorations which may interfere with safe passage or evacuation may be hung from the ceilings of rooms, hallways or lounges. Freestanding decorations may not block aisles or exit routes and are to be fire resistant. Only a small portion of entrance and bathroom doors may be covered by papers, flyers, pictures, etc.
5. All electrical lights must be UL-approved (Underwriters Laboratories). The UL sticker must be intact. The Residence Hall staff may check all lights. Lights should not be placed against anything flammable. NEVER leave lights unattended.
6. Be sure you know the location of fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations, and exits.
Wreaths and live trees are not permitted in any residential area. Below is specific information related to Holiday decorations:
1. "Christmas tree" means any tree, limb or branch thereof or any device however constructed that is intended to imitate or simulate any such tree used for decoration purposes during the Christmas season.
2. NEITHER LIVE NOR CUT TREES ARE PERMITTED IN ANY CAMPUS BUILDING, INCLUDING RESIDENCE HALLS.
3. Students wishing to have an artificial tree in the main lounge should contact student staff.
4. Only those artificial trees that are certified as slow burning or fire resistant may be used in residence halls, including student rooms.
5. Metallic trees are to be lighted only by indirect spot lighting.
Prohibited Items List: the following lists some of the items which residents may not have in the residence halls; violators may face community rights and standards action and items will be confiscated:

Cooking appliances of any type, including but not limited to: hot plates, skillets, electric open element grills (e.g. George Foreman Grills), toasters and toaster ovens, rice cookers, coffee pots, etc.
Improper use of extension cords and any devices which have the potential to overload electrical receptacles. UL- approved power strips with circuit breakers that automatically shut off are required.
Halogen lamps - Only incandescent or fluorescent lamps are permitted.
Light dimmers, ceiling fans or any other device that replaces, adds to or interferes with any building fixture.
Live Christmas Trees and Wreaths.
Explosives, sparklers, firecrackers, smoke bombs or fireworks of any kind.
Candles are not permitted for any reason in any campus residence hall. This includes incense and potpourri burners.
All flammable and combustible liquids including, but not limited to, charcoal, lighter fluid and mini-propane bottles for gas grills.
Gasoline powered items such as mopeds, motorcycles or their components.
Knives, firearms or weapons of any kind including, but not limited to, air guns, metal tipped darts, brass knuckles, etc.
Space Heaters.
Pets.
Window air-conditioners unless approved and installed by the University.
Gasoline, chemicals or incendiary devices of any kind.

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