Health and Safety Inspections

The George Washington University will conduct periodic Health & Safety Inspections in all residence hall rooms during the Summer 2010 season.  The inspection will involve examining the integrity of electrical plugs, the removal of prohibited electrical devices and appliances and other prohibited items, a visual inspection of sprinkler heads, smoke detectors, and other life safety systems, and a general assessment of storage and cleanliness of the room.

There are a number of items that are prohibited in the residence halls:  Hot plates, coffee makers, George Foreman grills, sandwich makers and the like are strictly prohibited in residence halls without private kitchens in the unit.  Although the University will not provide them, it is permissible to bring the appliances mentioned above into residence halls with private kitchens.

Candles, incense, lanterns, oil lamps, flammable liquids for cleaning, heating or any other purpose, burners (objects with open flames), halogen lamps of any shape or style and any other potentially dangerous materials are strictly prohibited in all residence hall locations.  While this is not an exhaustive list, it is intended to be representative of the prohibited items.

Prohibited items will be confiscated immediately and disposed of without reimbursement.  The University Police Department (UPD) will be contacted for items found that pose a substantial threat to person or property (drugs, weapons, explosives, etc.) and a thorough administrative search will then be conducted. 

Costs associated with housekeeping necessary to clean excessively dirty/unsanitary rooms and to repair intentional damage to University property will be billed directly to Summer guests.  Additionally, all University residence halls are designated non-smoking areas and evidence of smoking in Summer guest rooms will be reported. 

Disciplinary action may be taken for any health & safety violations by GWU academic-year students.  Administrative action including eviction may be taken for any health & safety violations by any Summer guest.  Please visit the Office of Risk Management Web site for more information.