One UST college is keeping a closer watch on vaping in campus restrooms.
The College of Commerce and Business Administration has installed photographic smoke and haze detectors in restrooms at the St. Raymund de Peñafort Building to deter the use of e-cigarettes or vapes.
Commerce Asst. Dean Francis de Jesus told the Varsitarian that the college installed four detectors on the third and fourth floors after receiving numerous complaints from students and parents about vaping in restrooms.
“Our office has been receiving multiple complaints from students and their parents who are witnesses to their fellow students who are vaping inside restrooms,” De Jesus said. “Currently, we have several ongoing cases regarding vaping inside restrooms.”
The detectors sound an alarm when triggered by vapor or smoke and are also an added layer of precaution in case fire breaks out, according to De Jesus.
“This is also part of our standard risk management for fire safety, as the [Commerce] floors of the building already suffered a major fire incident in 2015, given that vapes have also been reported to cause explosions and fires,” he said.
Multiple signs posted on the bathroom walls read, “Warning: Vaping is prohibited. Violators will receive severe SWDB sanctions.”
Students caught vaping or smoking inside the restrooms face punishment ranging from reprimand to suspension, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense.
These punishments are outlined in Section C-7 of the UST Student Handbook.
The Commerce assistant dean said the college had requested additional detectors from the Facilities Management Office.
