Housing inspects health and safety

by Chrissy Zehrbach
Assistant Editor

The Department of Housing and Residential Life is currently conducting a series of health and safety inspections within University housing.

Health and safety inspections are typical at other universities, but have not happened for some time at ULV. Byron Howlett, director of housing and residential life, is reinstating the inspections.

"It's a brand new initiative I've brought here," Howlett said. "It's something we should be doing."

Each residence hall is being inspected. Even student rooms at the Sheraton Suites are being inspected because students live there, and the Housing Department wants to make sure all housing is safe.

Eugene Shang, interim assistant director of housing services, said the inspections give them a chance to asses damages in the residence halls, make sure the buildings are in compliance with fire, safety and building codes and understand the overall condition of each building.

Housing staff, resident coordinators, resident assistants, maintenance and housekeeping staff are inspecting not only the rooms, but common areas and bathrooms as well.

They are looking for general maintenance and fire and earthquake hazards. They want to make sure everything is in working order from furniture, lights, doors and windows to smoke detectors, fire alarms, heaters and sprinklers. They are also checking to make sure electrical outlets are not overloaded, and that windows and exits are not blocked by furniture.

"A lot of what we're looking for is fire hazards," Shang said.

A common problem found is the overloading of electrical power strips. While there is no current policy against power strips, older buildings such as Brandt and Stu-Han cannot handle the electrical capacity of new technology.

"Electricity is a major cause of fires," Shang said.

There has been confusion on campus that the inspections are personal inspections. Although they will enter each room, they will not search through personal items.

"We're not looking through drawers and closets, although we will check to make sure they are in working order," Howlett said. "They're not meant to be intrusive at all, that's why everyone was notified ahead of time."

While they are not looking specifically for violations such as alcohol, candles or microwaves, if there are obvious violations they will be documented.

The inspections are also giving the housing department a chance to review their current policies, to see if the policies are being upheld or if they need to be changed.

Inspections began on Nov. 11 and will last until Nov. 26. The Housing Department is allowing a long period of time for inspections because it is a long and tiring process. They also need to work around the schedules of resident assistants and the availability of maintenance and housekeeping staff.

"RAs are in closest contact with the students, so it is crucial that they be there," Howlett said.

Maintenance and housekeeping are present for the inspections to supply a more technical procedure, so that some of the problems can be fixed on the spot as opposed to waiting for a maintenance request to go through. Cleanliness can also be monitored to make sure excessive dirt or food is not attracting pests, Howlett said.

The inspections show students that they do not always have to come to housing with their problems, but that housing will come to them too.

"We're letting students know we're here, we know there are issues and we are tying to connect with them, " Howlett said.

Howlett is enjoying the inspection process because it has given him a chance to meet some of the residents, and see the personality of the dorms.

"I think that's the best part about it, " Shang agreed.

"It's also fun to see how the dorms are decorated. We usually see them during the summer when they are completely empty, " Howlett said.

Health and safety inspections will take place once a semester from this point on and will be advertised ahead of time, just as the current one was.

"There will be no surprise inspections," Shang said.

After inspections have been completed, residents with specific violations or hazards will be notified by a letter warning them of the risks, and asking them to remedy the situation.

The purpose is not to get people in trouble, but to correct issues and keep people safe, Howlett said.

"It's looking pretty good. Students are keeping their rooms pretty decent, and it's pleasant to see that," Howlett said.

Shang and Howlett are appreciating the cooperation, conversation, and understanding of the students thus far.

They believe it is the Housing Department's responsibility to provide suitable housing, and are open to what the students have to say.

"We want the buildings to be in the best possible condition they can be in," Howlett said.