Facility-related regulations
Activities in the university’s premises are guided by shared rules that aim to ensure a safe, smooth and respectful everyday environment for everyone. On this page, you will find the rules governing the use of facilities as well as our safer spaces policy.
Purpose and application of the regulations
The regulations are in force on the premises of Uniarts Helsinki and even in other places that are used for the university’s teaching, artistic activities or research.
These rules apply to our entire university community: Every degree student, employee and, where applicable, other students and persons visiting and working on campus of Uniarts Helsinki.
In addition to these regulations, members of our university community must respect the legislation in force and comply with other rules of Uniarts Helsinki and the terms of use of the various services provided by the university.
Safer spaces policy in the university’s activities
This policy is applied in all activities organised under Uniarts Helsinki’s name. It can be applied as is or updated so that it’s suitable for teaching or other situations. It’s important that all members of our community and all visitors to our events commit to following our policy. This way, we can contribute to safer spaces where we can study, work and make and experience art.
I consider all people equally valuable
- I respect everyone’s identity, background and right to self-identification. I don’t make assumptions based on a person’s looks, actions or other characteristics. I use the name and pronouns shared by the person themselves.
- Each member of the community is responsible for creating a safer space for others.
- If I notice inappropriate behaviour happening inside the university community, I intervene. I give support to the person who is treated badly. Our guidelines on what to do and who to contact in a conflict.
- If I do something wrong, I take responsibility for my actions. I apologise and adjust my behaviour based on the feedback I receive.
I enter situations with an open mind
- I try to approach new people, topics and views without prejudice.
- I see things and situations as opportunities to learn new things and develop myself.
- I respect and give space to the thoughts and suggestions of others, too. I make sure with my own actions that everyone’s voice is heard and that everyone is included.
- I take responsibility for shared facilities. I do my own part in keeping rooms pleasant to be in and always tidy up the space before leaving.
Safer spaces policy for events
- I respect the creators of art and those who experience it.
- I’m aware that nearly all our performances, concerts, exhibitions and other events are part of students’ thesis projects or other studies. It’s important that I have a respectful attitude towards the event and follow the given guidelines.
- I arrive on time. If I’m late, I will wait for staff’s instructions and not interrupt an ongoing performance. It’s not always possible to return to the hall during a performance.
- When a performance is ongoing, I avoid unnecessary moving around in the hall. If I absolutely must leave the hall, I do so at a time that is suitable for the event and return only during intermission or when staff lets me in. I understand that after leaving the hall I might not be able to return.
- Each exhibition has their own guidelines on whether artworks can be touched or not. I follow the guidelines presented in the exhibition facilities.
- I turn my phone on silent mode and keep it out of sight in performances. If the event’s programme is provided in electronic format, I can use the phone to follow it.
- I don’t take photos of performances or film them without a separate permission.
- I intervene in disruptive behaviour during a performance and report it to the event’s staff. By intervening, I’m also setting an example to others.
If you witness disruptive behaviour in our facilities and want to give feedback on it afterwards, you can do so by using our general feedback form.
Emergency situations and safety in university facilities
In an emergency, always call 112.
Uniarts Helsinki enforces access control and camera surveillance to protect property, prevent criminal activity and misconduct, investigate crimes and misconduct that have already occurred and promote the peace and safety of staff and students.
Uniarts Helsinki uses an external security service provider to ensure the safety of public events and the security of buildings and people. The service provider operates within the framework of the legislation and the powers granted by Uniarts Helsinki.
The university as a public space
During campus opening hours, buildings are a public space where people can move and spend time freely if they do not disturb others. The access to some workspaces, such as those for staff or students and to concert halls, is restricted to students and staff who have an access control tag.
Outside opening hours, all university premises are accessed by using an access control tag. A person that is opening a door with an access control tag is not allowed to allow unknown or unauthorised persons to enter the premises at the same time as them. Access rights are granted only to Uniarts Helsinki staff and students or other authorised persons to the extent necessary for their work and studies. Access rights are managed by the university’s Facilities Services.
University education is public. Where justified, participation in instruction may be restricted. Filming or other audiovisual recording of teaching is only allowed with the permission of the teacher and the group of students concerned.
University buildings and public spaces may be filmed freely for personal or journalistic use during the opening hours of the buildings, provided that the filming does not harm the university’s activities or materials and does not disturb students, staff or other persons using the university’s facilities. The consent of the persons concerned is always required for filming and photographing them. The permission of the person(s) concerned is also required to publish the images. Filming and photography must be agreed with the Uniarts Helsinki communications team, and everyone is required to follow our more detailed communications guidelines.
Use of university premises and movable property
The university’s premises and movable property (furniture, machinery, equipment, supplies, etc.) are intended to be used for studies, research, artistic activities and other university-related work. In principle, temporary accommodation on the university campus and in the buildings is always prohibited. Any use for other purposes must always be agreed in advance with the university. Uniarts Helsinki may restrict the use of premises and movable property for justified reasons.
The university is a non-denominational and non-political organisation. Commercial, political, religious and other declaratory activities by parties outside the university are prohibited without special permission.
Everyone must play their part in keeping the premises clean and comfortable.
University property
University property must be handled with care. Separate operating and maintenance instructions for machinery and equipment must be followed. Any defects, deficiencies or activities that threaten safety should be reported to a supervisor, the teacher responsible for the course, the occupational safety manager or Facilities Services.
Responsible substance use
A substance-free working and studying environment is part of the wellbeing of Uniarts Helsinki employees and students. Uniarts Helsinki has substance use policies concerning employees and students, and they are applied when dealing with suspicions of substance abuse. The substance use policies are available on the university’s internal website.
It is not permitted to study, work or be at Uniarts Helsinki while intoxicated. If a student or employee is suspected of being intoxicated, the situation will be addressed in accordance with the substance abuse policies.
The consumption of alcohol is only allowed at specifically authorised events and occasions. The consumption of alcohol must not cause a disturbance at these events. Anyone behaving in a disruptive manner will be asked to leave the event.
The possession, use or working or acting under the influence of drugs while studying or training at the university, or otherwise representing Uniarts Helsinki, is prohibited. Uniarts Helsinki will always report to the police any drug use or possession discovered in the university environment. The university campuses are smoke-free and smoking, including e-cigarettes, is only allowed in designated areas.
Use of IT services
Each person with a uniarts.fi user account (student, employee, other person) is responsible for acting in accordance with the rules for IT services. The rules apply to the use of all university IT services, devices, applications and networks.
University IT services are intended as a tool for tasks related to studying, teaching, research or administration at the university. Permitted limited private use includes, for example, private email conversations and the use of online services. However, private use must not interfere with other use of the system or conflict with the rules and instructions for use.
Commercial activity and publicity
Commercial activity and publicity are not acceptable forms of private use.
Parking and emergency exit routes
University parking spaces are marked with traffic signs, and vehicles must park in the spaces indicated by the signs. Emergency access roads must be kept absolutely free and accessible. Uniarts Helsinki, as the owner of the buildings, may authorise municipal traffic wardens to issue fines on its grounds. The university’s rescue guidelines and accessibility guidelines can be found on the university’s website.
Alarm situations
The university has emergency procedures and building-specific rescue plans, which users of the premises must familiarise themselves with. When an alarm sounds, everyone must act according to the instructions. In case of a fire alarm, you must immediately evacuate the building and move to the assembly points. Under the general duty of care, everyone must ensure that others also leave and must prevent the spread of damage as far as possible.
Violations and how to deal with them
The university handles suspicions of inappropriate behaviour towards students and deals with them in accordance with the Universities Act and Uniarts Helsinki’s Code of Conduct for studies. The dean of the academy is responsible for ensuring that any disturbance or conflict involving a student and aimed at disrupting the good order of the university is resolved in accordance with the principles of good governance.
A student who is disruptive or behaves in a violent and threatening manner or endangers the life and health of another student may be ordered to leave the lesson or be excluded from teaching for up to three days.
Actual disciplinary sanctions are a written warning from the rector or the suspension of the student, which is decided by the University Board.
The university deals with suspected breaches of employment obligations by an employee in accordance with the legislation governing employment and safety at work. Possible sanctions include verbal or written reprimands, warnings and, in the most serious cases, dismissal or termination of employment.
Everyone is liable for any damage caused either intentionally or negligently to the university’s property or premises. This liability also applies to costs caused either intentionally or negligently by the setting off of a fire- or other alarm.
The rector or someone designated by them will provide further information on the application of these rules and the procedure for resolving situations and dealing with breaches of university discipline.
Regulations in brief
You have the right to do your work or study in peace and safety on university premises.
You are responsible for ensuring that your behaviour contributes to working and studying peacefully at our university.
Examples of prohibited conduct include threatening or violent behaviour, disruptive or violent activities, damage to university property, physical or verbal intimidation, harassment, discrimination and bullying.
You also share responsibility for the cleanliness and safety of the working and learning environment.
It is not permitted to study, work or be at the university while intoxicated.
The possession, use or working or acting under the influence of drugs while studying or training at the university, or otherwise representing Uniarts Helsinki, is prohibited.
Uniarts Helsinki is a smoke-free place to work and study.
You must handle Uniarts Helsinki property with care and be careful to follow the specific instructions for the use and maintenance of machinery and equipment.
Uniarts Helsinki implements access control and camera surveillance to support security.
Emergency access roads must be kept accessible at all times.
Any anomalies and suspected infringements that are detected and reported are addressed and responded to.
If you cause damage, you may be liable to pay for the damage you cause to the university’s property or premises or the costs you incur to the university.
Collection of hazardous waste
Hazardous waste must always be kept separate and delivered to the designated collection container. Hazardous waste should preferably be packaged and disposed of in its original container or packaging. If the original packaging is not available, another container or packaging suitable for the substance shall be used.
Guidelines for packaging of hazardous waste
- Secure and leak-proof packaging. Preferably the original packaging of the product.
- Name of the waste marked on the packaging.
- Filling of the packaging up to 90% of the maximum volume.
- Inventory documentation must be kept of hazardous waste, showing what hazardous waste is in the warehouse, when it was imported and how much of it there is.
- The waste collector of hazardous waste has the right not to accept waste for transport if it is not correctly packaged or labelled.
- Hazardous waste must be disposed of properly at least once a year.
- Hazardous waste
Photography chemicals
Photographic chemicals include fixer waste liquids and developer waste liquids, which should be sorted separately. Fixers and developers are collected in separate containers at the workplace. The canisters are emptied by technicians into the waste container at Kaikukatu 5.
Fixer waste liquids
- Liquid fixer waste.
- Fixers are acidic.
- Used fixer liquids are clear.
Developer waste liquids
- Liquid developer waste.
- Developers are bases.
- Used developer liquids are dark in colour.
Non-halogenated solvent waste
- Solvents are highly volatile and flammable substances.
- Solvents are often colourless liquids.
- Sort to non-halogenated solvent waste
- Acetone
- Turpentine
- Solvent detergents
- Isopropanol
- Sinol
- Lamp oil
Aerosol waste
- All spray and propellant cylinders containing aerosols.
- Note that aerosols containing plant protection products are included in pesticides and safener waste and aerosols containing pharmaceuticals are included in pharmaceutical waste.
- Waste electrical and electronic equipment
- Collection: waste facilities at Kaikukatu 5 and Haapaniemankatu 6.
Battery waste
- Please tape the battery terminals before putting them in the collection container.
Recycling of rags and brushes containing paint, solvent or linseed oil
Rags or brushes stained with paint, solvents or linseed oil are also hazardous waste, as the hazardous characteristics of the substance do not disappear as the product dries. Sort the rags and brushes according to the following instructions:
Rags and brushes containing paint or solvent
- Collected in a metal bin at the work area, from where they are delivered to the Kaikukatu 5 waste room.
- When the metal bin is full, the rags or brushes are delivered to the Kaikukatu 5 waste room in a waste bag. The bag should be marked “solid paint waste” and sorted into the solid paint waste container.
Linseed oil rags and brushes
- Linseed oil rags are highly flammable!
- Used rags and brushes should be laid out to dry, opened, on a non-combustible surface. Rags should not be left in a pile, as this increases the risk of flammability.
- Dried rags and brushes should be placed in a metal trash can with a lid in a cool place. A plastic bag will not be placed in the metal trash bin.
- Disposal as hazardous waste. When the container is full, it will be delivered to the Kaikukatu 5 waste room and the need to empty the container must be reported.
Other hazardous waste
Other hazardous waste, other than the hazardous waste mentioned above, must be delivered to the locked waste room at Kaikukatu 5. The waste must be packed in its own packaging and clearly marked what is contained in the packaging. Place the waste in the box marked “other hazardous waste” on the roller cage in the waste room.
Examples of other hazardous waste:
- Chemicals other than those mentioned above.
- Chemicals or substances containing a hazard label.
- Powdered cement, concrete, plaster.
- Metal scrap from a sawmill in a metal workshop. Contains cutting oil, sorted as solid oily waste.
- Fluorescent tubes and energy saving light bulbs.
- Ink cartridges.