The main security in the labs is the perimeter alarm. It consists of motion detectors and door sensors. The perimeter alarm must be armed when the lab is closed, but does not require disarming when opening the lab. 

Perimeter alarm codes, used to deactivate the motion detector alarms, are given to Consultants who close labs. Consultants who open labs are not given the perimeter alarm codes since the alarms automatically disarm in the morning, but they should be familiar with the emergency calling procedure in the event that the lab fails to automatically disarm before the opening shift.

To set the alarm in the lab…

You must remember to type in the 5-digit number plus the enter button “ENT” . Each lab has its own alarm code.

NOTE: When you arm an alarm panel or there is a false alarm, the phone will seem dead for 1 or 2 minutes (no dial tone).

The lab perimeter alarm panels will automatically disarm at 8:00 am. Therefore, there will be no need for the opening consultant to disarm the lab in the morning. The closing consultant is still responsible for securing the lab and arming the alarm before they leave.

In addition to the security alarms, there are a number of other possible sources for alarm-like noises in the labs including fire and general equipment failure type alarms. Below are descriptions of possible lab noises and some possible troubleshooting procedures.

Alarm Source	Alarm Description	Possible Problem and Procedure
Entire Lab	Deafening, pulsing alarm.	Perimeter alarm has been tripped. Follow the False Alarm procedure.
Entire Lab	Loud, pulsing alarm accompanied by flashing strobe-like lights.	Fire alarms have been tripped, evacuate the building (see the emergency procedures section for more details) or other posted evacuation signs in each lab.
Alarm Panel	Long beeping sound when attempting to set an alarm.	This means that the alarm cannot be set because of an error. Ensure that all security checkpoints are clear (doors closed, motion sensors not being tripped) and try arming the alarm again.
Alarm Panel	Soft beeping.	This can occur when there is a power outage or the campus phone network is being worked on. Post a facilities request and call Learning Technologies staff.
Computer	General beeping sound	Post tech request, especially if it is coming from the server.
Server’s Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) during a power outage	General beeping sound	This is normal. The UPS is notifying you that it is using battery power. You don’t need to do anything about it.
UPS, not during a power outage	General beeping sound	This indicates some type of failure in the UPS. Report a Tech Issue.

False Alarm Warning

Alarms are the lab’s main security system. The equipment in the labs is an expensive resource. If a false alarm occurs:

• Immediately shut off the alarm if you can. Do this by entering the alarm code and then pressing the “ENT” button. If you can’t turn off the alarm or need additional assistance, see below:
  • Mon-Fri, before 5pm: Call the Emergency Cell at 459-5664.
  • Mon-Fri after 5pm and Sat-Sun: Call the Emergency cell phone.
  • Always email consmgr@ucsc.edu with specific information of what happened, including your name, location, time, and reason for false alarm.

Prevention of false alarms is critical because we are charged for them, and they reduce our credibility with the police. You will be held responsible for any false alarms you carelessly cause. Any Student Consultant that causes more than two false alarms may be dismissed. It is your responsibility to make sure you get the current alarm codes at least a day in advance of your shift from a manager and that you have it ready before closing the lab.