(1) It is an offence under the Firearms Act 1996, Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW) and Crimes Act 1900 to possess or use dangerous weapons in an unauthorised manner. In terms of the Firearms Act penalties extend to the unlawful possession and/or safekeeping of ammunition. Further to these legal requirements the University also believes that the presence of any weapons on its campuses poses an increased risk to the health and safety of members of its community. (2) As the health and safety of all members of its community is a high priority for the University it will not tolerate the unlawful or unnecessary possession of firearms and prohibited weapons on its premises. (3) These Procedures apply to all members of the University community, including staff, students and visitors and sets out the University's position on the possession and use of dangerous weapons on its premises. (4) Notwithstanding the fact that certain items designated under legislation as "Dangerous Goods" are covered by these Procedures, it is not the intent of these procedures to cover all such items. For information or advice relating to "Dangerous Goods" individuals should contact the Work Health, Safety and Wellbeing or Office of the Director, Campus Safety and Security or refer to the University's Work Health and Safety documentation. (5) For the purpose of these procedures: (6) Refer to the Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy. (7) Under no circumstances other than those prescribed in these procedures are students, staff or members of the general public to bring dangerous weapons onto University premises. Furthermore under no circumstances are students, staff or members of the general public to use University premises, equipment or resources to make or maintain dangerous weapons. This prohibition also applies to residential students residential villages situated on or associated with University campuses. (8) Officers of the NSW Police Force and Australian Federal Police, and members of the Australian Defence Forces and other persons authorised by legislation are exempted from the University's prohibition on the possession of dangerous weapons where the officer/person is on University premises in relation to the performance of their official duties and is legally authorised to carry such weapons in the performance of their official duties. (9) Persons engaged in the humane destruction of an animal as a result of injury to the animal, in relation to research or teaching regarding an animal or in order to comply with the University's commercial obligations, are exempted from the University's prohibition on the possession of dangerous weapons on the proviso that: (10) Sporting goods (e.g., archery and fencing equipment) that could be considered dangerous weapons if used inappropriately may be brought to or stored on campus on the proviso that: (11) Equipment such as domestic utensils (e.g., kitchen knives); professional tools of trade (e.g., Stanley knife, nail gun), and chemicals that may be used to undertake or support research or that may be used for common purposes (e.g., pool chlorine, gas cylinders) can also be considered dangerous weapons if used inappropriately. The University requires that such tools, chemicals and equipment are used only for their professional purposes on University premises by those qualified and authorised to use them. Any improper use of such items will be deemed a breach of these Procedures. (12) Any student or staff member or visitor who contravenes the requirements of these Procedures or those of the governing legislation may find themselves subject to disciplinary and/or legal proceedings. The University reserves the right to remove any individual from its premises for failure to comply with its policy documents or the reasonable directions of its employees. The University also reserves the right to confiscate and impound any dangerous weapons found on University premises in breach of these Procedures and, if appropriate, to report them and hand them over to appropriate external authorities. (13) The University has developed emergency preparedness procedures to ensure the effective management of emergency situations. The University recognises that emergency situations involving dangerous weapons may arise. The University therefore expects that members of the University community will familiarise themselves with emergency procedures so that emergency situations can be managed effectively. (14) Implementation of the emergency preparedness procedures may include contacting the University's security services (Emergency Response Personnel) or external emergency services as necessary in the circumstances. (15) Persons using a University ground line as part of an emergency response need to dial zero (0) for an outside line before dialling the external emergency services number, triple zero (000) for police, fire or ambulance services. Internal security services can be contacted on 4736 0300 (or extension 2300). (16) Alleged breaches of these Procedures are to be reported to the University's Campus Safety and Security who will initiate appropriate action in regard to investigating such allegations. (17) The University's Campus Safety and Security will initiate any appropriate follow up action, including notifying relevant authorities (e.g., NSW Police Force) and initiating internal disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the Student Misconduct Rule or relevant Enterprise Agreement where they believe a breach has occurred. (18) Actions involving dangerous weapons that may involve a possible breach of criminal law will be reported to Police in every instance. (19) The University's Campus Safety and Security will be responsible for liaison with external bodies in relation to potential offences under the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW) and Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW). (20) Anyone who wishes to apply for an exemption to these procedures should submit a written application to the Director, Campus Safety and Security. Written applications must clearly specify which items are to be covered by the exemption and the express purpose for which the exemption will apply. Applications must also be supported by a completed risk assessment and management strategy. (21) Notwithstanding that a current exemption is in place in relation to the University's prohibition on the possession of a dangerous weapon, the Vice-Chancellor and President may, in their absolute discretion, withdraw an exemption at any time and direct that the dangerous weapon be immediately removed from University premises. (22) Examples of dangerous weapons include but are not limited to guns, explosives, armaments, arms, ammunition, knives of any kind, explosives, cross bows, sling shots, darts, maces, flails, whips, nunchaku, batons, electric shock devices, knuckle dusters, studded gloves, ammunition magazines, handcuffs. Equipment such as domestic utensils (e.g., kitchen knives); professional tools of trade (e.g., stanley knife, nail gun), and chemicals that may be used to undertake or support research or that may be used for common purposes (e.g., pool chlorine, gas cylinders) can also be considered dangerous weapons if used inappropriately. (23) For further information regarding dangerous weapons, related offences and potential penalties, refer to the: (24) For further information regarding emergency procedures students and staff can refer to the:Health Safety and Wellbeing Procedures - Dangerous Weapons
Section 1 - Purpose and Context
Section 2 - Definitions
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Section 3 - Policy Statement
Section 4 - Procedures
Part A - Emergencies
Part B - Reporting Breaches
Part C - External Liaison
Part D - Applying for Exemptions
Section 5 - Guidelines
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