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Hazard Alert #3

TO: ALL RESIDENTS
RE: POTENTIAL FIRE RISK

On Monday 19 March 1990, a fire broke out in a student bedroom. A Birko that was inadvertently left on caused the fire. The Birko boiled dry, became red hot and ignited materials beneath it. The Birko did not have an automatic cut-off switch. Fortunately, no one was injured and the damage caused by the fire was kept to a minimum. However, the fire did produce extremely noxious smoke. It is important that I reaffirm the Halls policy in relation to private equipment used by students in their bedrooms

COOKING EQUIPMENT:

  • Cooking of any description is only allowed in designated areas and absolutely forbidden in student bedrooms.
  • Birkos and/or kettles are allowed, provided that they have an automatic cut off switch.
  • All other cooking equipment is forbidden.

ELECTRICAL LIGHTING

  • Make sure all personal electrical light fittings have not been damaged and are in good working order.
  • Use all personal electrical light fittings in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Do not use a light globe, a bulb and/or tube in any electrical light fitting if the globe, bulb and/or tube do not comply with the manufacturers instructions.
  • Do not place or locate personal electrical light fittings in close proximity to flammable objects.
  • Do not cover personal electrical light fittings.
  • Do not place personal electrical light fittings on a surface that is unstable.
  • Ensure personal electrical light fittings cannot be knocked over.
  • Do not leave personal electrical light fittings switched on if you leave your room.
  • Ensure that bedside electrical light fittings are properly secured and cannot fall over and come into contact with your bed and bedding.
  • Please contact the campus, Residential Services office if you wish your electrical light fitting to be checked by the electrician. There is no charge for this service.

POWER POINTS:

All power points in student bedrooms are rated at 10 amps. There may be up to 6 power points per circuit. Each circuit has a 15-amp circuit breaker. In order to minimise the circuit breakers tripping, the maximum load you are allowed per power point, is 500 watts. On average a Birko is rated at approximately 500 watts.

DOUBLE ADAPTORS AND POWER BOARDS:

All double adaptors are a fire risk. Piggybacking double adaptors is extremely dangerous and is forbidden. Power boards are safe but they must have a 10 amp automatic trip, for the following reasons:

  • All power boards are rated at 10 amps.
  • If your power board does not have a 10-amp circuit breaker and you plug in too many appliances, the electrical flex between the board and point will overheat.
  • It is highly possible that this will cause a fire.
  • I cannot stress highly enough the importance of adhering to the points raised above. Should a fire break out as a result of you using forbidden items of equipment, you may be deemed to be responsible and as a consequence you may be required to pay for damages sustained.

Naked flames of any description are prohibited.

This also seems an appropriate time to bring up private contents insurance. I strongly advise all of you to consider the benefits of contents insurance and recommend some form of cover be taken out.

Many Thanks,

Vladimir A Prpich
Director
Monash Residential Services