Important Info – Campus Safety

Important Information

[insert links, information & documents here]

Useful Student Documents

Dispatch Application

Useful Staff Documents

[insert links & documents here]

Interim Policy Regarding the Use and Possession of Hover Boards and Similar Devices

Siena Heights University Department of Public Safety

Office of the Chief of Public Safety

(517)264-7194

cbirdwel@sienaheights.edu

Interim Policy Regarding the Use and Possession of Hover Boards and Similar Devices

Recent information has revealed that the batteries in the devices are dangerous and prone to explosion, creating a safety and fire risk. Until a time that the safety standards of these devices are improved, Siena Heights University Public Safety has prohibited them from being on the Adrian campus, including storage in any University housing. Effective immediately, the use, possession, or storage of Hoverboards, Swagways, IO Hawks, Skywalkers, and similar devices, is prohibited on campus until safety standards for them can be developed and implemented, and the prohibition lifted.

If you have one of these devices, please remove it from campus. If you received or purchased one of these devices during the break, please know that you will not be able to have it on campus and if it is found, it will be confiscated. Violation of this policy will result in referral to student conduct and removal of the devise.

Why Ban Hoverboards

This ban has been put in place until safety standards for Hoverboards can be developed and implemented. The primary concern is the number of documented incidents of fire related to Hoverboard use. Several major retailers have stopped selling the devices due to customer safety concerns. Major airlines have also refused to allow the devices on their planes. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have issued statements regarding the devices. The CPSC is currently conducting investigations into why the devices might be prone to catching on fire. Here are a few additional reasons why the devices have been banned in the Residence Halls. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has expressed concern about the use of these products and the risk of fire and personal injury.

Major retailers and airlines have stopped selling Hoverboards or have banned them from their planes due to the potential risk to customer safety.
Some of the products on the market have not been certified by a national independent testing laboratory (Underwriters Laboratory – UL).
There are currently no consistent safety standards in place related to the design or manufacturing of Hoverboards.
There have been numerous documented incidents of fires resulting from the use of Hoverboards and similar devices.
The Office of Residence Life has a responsibility to assure the comfort and safety of all students living in the Residence Halls.
The Office of Residence Life, as part of its fire prevention program, sometimes prohibits deviceswhich may pose a fire risk.

Consumer Product Safety Commission Statement on Hoverboards: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/About-CPSC/Chairman/Kaye-Biography/Chairman-Kayes-Statements/Statements/Statement-from-the-US-CPSC-Chairman-Elliot-F-Kaye-on-the-safety-of-hoverboards/

John Fleenor

Chief Public Safety

Siena Heights University

Media Reports on Hoverboards

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) statement regarding devices: http://www.nfpa.org/press-room/news-releases/2015/nfpa-issues-fire-safety-warnings-on-hover-boards