Safety
DalSafe app
You should install the DalSafe app on your phone. This is the best way to get in touch with Security if a problem arises. You can send a text message via the app which makes it less obvious to others around you that you are contacting security. You can also activate the "Working alone" feature if you are working alone on campus, and Security will be aware of where you are and can check in on you.
In an emergency
In the case of any emergency in the lab, or anywhere on Dal campus, you should contact Dal security using the DalSafe app, or call the emergency line at 902-494-4109. Do not call 911 - Dal security will do this as appropriate, and ensure that the appropriate services can actually find you in the LSC. For non-emergency situations, use the DalSafe app or call Dal security at 902-494-6400
Physical Security
In general, please always keep the outside doors from the hall to the lab shut. People leave their coats and backpacks in the "foyer" and it would be easy for someone to steal something. This happens in our department far too regularly - thieves walk around the university looking like normal people and take advantage of any opportunity.
If you are the last person leaving the lab, please shut BOTH the inside and outside PIN pad doors. Volunteers only have outer door access which provides additional protection when people are very new to the lab.
All hallway doors to research areas and exterior doors to the LSC automatically lock at 5pm. After hours access to the lab requires a password for pin pads that unlock these doors. Activation of such a pw requires authorization from Dalhousie Security. Access Authorization must be approved by Aaron and submitted to the main office via the Lab Manager. You will be required to submit an email to the main office with specific text declaring you will not share your password. Authorization will grant you access to the human research area on the 2nd floor and the exterior department doors by Alumni Crescent. However, access to the exterior doors is not available to undergraduate students.
Running Research Participants
You should never run a research participant alone in the lab. Always have someone else present, whether it's a lab volunteer, lab manager, another student, etc.. The other person doesn't need to be helping out with the study, as long as they are within earshot. In general it is best not to put a closed door between yourself and that other lab member. This is for everyone's protection.
While you may feel safe, there are a number of good reasons for this:
Even if you act with the best intentions, in ways that you think are appropriate, not everyone may share the same perspective or values. Having a second set of eyes and ears can help clarify what actually happened.
There have been cases (thankfully not in our lab) of people falsifying accusations, lodging complaints, and even legal action against researchers. In a case like this, a witness may be all you can rely on for protection.
Your research participant may act inappropriately towards you.
A research participant might attempt to access personal information of other participants, or steal lab equipment.
Safety Tips
From Dal security
Always be alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
Walk confidently and at a steady pace.
If you feel uncomfortable with a situation or person, leave.
Trust your intuition.
If you work/study alone or after normal business hours, ensure doors and windows are properly closed and locked.
Keep a written record of obscene telephone calls, harassing behaviour and save harassing e-mails and letters.
Never assume that an individual wandering through a building is a staff member. Asking simple questions such as, "May I help you" or "Who are you here to see?" can discourage the dishonest without intimidating the legitimate visitor. If you are uncomfortable with doing this notify Dalhousie Security Services via the DalSafe app, or by call (902) 494-4109 or (902) 494-6400.
Report problems with safety equipment, such as discharged fire extinguishers, damaged emergency telephones, burnt out lights and malfunctioning electronic door access systems
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