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Residence Health and Safety

RISD strives to ensure that the residential environment is safe, but the primary responsibility for safe behavior rests with students. This becomes increasingly important in areas such as apartments, where staff supervision is minimal. The following guidelines have been developed to safeguard you and your friends. Please read them carefully and follow them closely.

Chemical Handling 
Corrosive or flammable materials should be used only in designated work areas or studios. Gamsol is the only solvent approved for use in the residence halls. Disposal of corrosive, flammable or other chemicals (in containers or on cloth, brushes, etc.) must follow the guidelines posted in each work area and incorporated herein by reference. Leftover or used combustible or flammable liquid waste should be poured into the liquid waste containers in each work area or studio. Under no circumstances should any of these substances be poured down drains or mixed in with regular trash. Should you have any questions about proper disposal methods, contact the Office of Environmental Health & Safety at 401 454-6780. 

Fire Drills and Evacuation Procedures
In accordance with state laws, RISD conducts fire drills on a periodic basis. When the alarm sounds, everyone must evacuate the building as quickly as possible. During an alarm students should cooperate with any requests from RISD or Fire Department officials. Failure to evacuate a building during an alarm results in consequences that could include fines and/or dismissal.

It is very important that you familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures and multiple routes prior to an emergency. In the case of a fire, seconds may mean life or death. When the alarm sounds, get out of the building as quickly as possible. Never assume that the alarm is false! Exit charts are posted on the back of each room door.

Health and Safety Inspections
Responsibility for enforcing safety regulations and health standards is shared by the departments of Public Safety, Facilities, Environmental Health & Safety and Residence Life. Regular, periodic inspections of student rooms take place during the course of the school year. These inspections may or may not be announced in advance.

Rooms and other areas dedicated for resident use must be maintained to a minimum level of cleanliness to protect everyone’s health. Note that residents of the Benefit Street Apartments, Charles Landing Apartments and 15 West maintain each living unit’s common space, including kitchen areas and bathrooms. Conditions that present a nuisance or jeopardize the general health or well-being of residents will not be allowed to persist in that state. Students who repeatedly fail to maintain their space will be required to contract cleaning services through the college, at the student's expense. If more than one student is responsible for an area, cleaning costs will be shared by all residents of the area.