Recently, our Trustees decided to implement an electronic key system on
various parts of the campus such as dorms, the chemical stockroom and the
NMR lab. This is said to have been prompted by the Virginia Tech
shootings. I won't go into details but the implementation of this system
has been frustrating.
I would like feedback, especially from other academic institutions, on what
sort of security you have on your NMR labs. Please respond soon as we have
meetings about this coming up.
Our previous system kept the lab locked at all times (with a door that
can't be left unlocked) and users had access to a key to the NMR lab in
their research lab. My office is on a different floor so I am not there to
see who comes and goes.
My security concerns are (1) keeping unauthorized persons from injuring
themselves or the magnets, (2) preventing malicious damage and (3) making
the NMR lab special in the minds of the students, i.e. using NMR is a
privilege that can be revoked. I suppose theft is a concern but it would
seem that most of the NMR equipment would not be easy to fence. Computers
can be more easily found in unlocked computer labs. Regarding unauthorized
persons, we have had trouble keeping facilities people out of the lab, and
they of course have keys to *everywhere.*
I'm not sure what the security concerns are that prompted the inclusion of
the NMR lab in this scheme; perhaps the value of the instruments or the
word "nuclear."
I would like to know
(1) Is the NMR lab left unlocked during any part of the day?
(2) What kind of locks do you have?
(3) Is there someone present, especially if the lab is not locked?
(4) How do users get keys; does each user have a key, is it shared like our
system, etc.
(5) Where are you located or what is the crime rate for your area?
(6) Are there any other security concerns you have in addition to the ones
I mentioned?
And anything else you think is relevant.
Thanks
Brian Breczinski
NMR, Instrumentation and Computer Specialist
Chemistry and Biology Depts.
Bucknell University
Received on Wed Aug 20 2008 - 14:21:21 MST