Skaggs and Health Sciences Buildings

Last Review Date: August  27, 2020

I.  Purpose

An alarm system, provided by Montana Securities, is operational in North and South Skaggs Building and Health Science Building animal facilities. After hours and on the weekends, the alarm is armed and will detect any motion within the facility. The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to explain how to operate the alarm systems properly to ensure that the facilities are secure at all times.

II.  Policy

It is LAR policy to meet or exceed all federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines and to comply with all institutional policies and procedures as they apply to the use of animals in research. Personnel must attend any applicable training in animal care and use, occupational health and safety, equipment operation, and Standard Operating Procedures prior to performing activities outlined in this SOP or work under the direct supervision of a trained LAR staff member.

III. Responsibility

It is the responsibility of all LAR Staff, and other animal users who require access to LAR facilities after hours, to know how to properly arm and disarm the Skaggs Building and Health Science Building alarm systems.  All animal users will be trained on the use of the alarm system during walk-through training by LAR staff before building access is activated.

IV. Procedure

        A.  To enter the facility and disarm the alarm

              1.  Check the slider sign on the entrance wall to either facility to determine if
                   the facility is "open" or "closed".

               2.  If the sign reads Open, you will not need to disarm the alarm.

               3.  If the sign reads Closed, and you open the door, the alarm will sound unless it is
                    disarmed.

               4.  To disarm the alarm: Once inside the main door, the alarm and keypads are
                     located either to your left (HSB), right (north SB), or directly in front of you (South
                     SB).   A red light indicates that the alarm is armed. 

                     a.  Enter your 4-digit access code and then press the 1 key on the keypad (OFF)

                     b.  Your access code is for your specific investigator; make certain you are
                           authorized to use the code.

                     c.  Sign in on the dry erase board (after hours and weekends only) located on all
                           lab entry doors with your name, date, and time for as long as you are in the
                           facility; erase when you leave.

                     d.  If the alarm does not disarm, press your 4-digit access code again and press
                          1 (you have 60 sec in which to turn off the alarm).

                     e.  Warning: If the alarm is not disarmed within the 60-second time frame, the
                          alarm is activated and Campus Police are automatically alerted. Campus
                          police will come to the animal facility to check the alarm, so be prepared to
                          show them your ID!  Do not leave the area until security arrives and clears the
                          alarm. If the telephone rings in the facility, answer the phone (it will be
                          campus security) and answer their questions.

        B.  To exit the facility and reset the alarm system

             1.  To arm the alarm system, wait for ready (green light to appear) above the digital
                  display

             2.  Enter your 4-digit access code and press 2 (AWAY)

             3.  Wait for the armed (red) light to appear above the digital display

             4.  Exit and close outer the door firmly (you have 60 seconds to leave the facility)

             5.  Slide the sign to Closed