The Lodge contains the Observatory's reception area, as well as pigeonholes for all staff and students. Mail may be franked and sent from the Lodge, but personal letters must be paid for. The Lodge is also one of the points on the internal University mail system, which connects departments and University offices throughout the city, with collections at 9am and 2.30pm each working day.
All visitors to the Observatory, except those going to the Visitor Centre, must be signed in at the Lodge. Outside office hours (ie. at weekends and after 7.00pm on weekdays) all staff and students must sign in at the Lodge, for safety and security reasons. For convenience you can just ring the lodge (ext. 100) to let them know you are still around, but remember to sign out.
The Observatory is covered by an extensive security and surveillance system. Between the hours of 9pm and 8am the intruder alarm is activated closing access to most buildings in the Observatory. However, there is a special ``free area'' to enable staff and students to work on through the restricted hours.
The free area consists of the Upper and Lower terminal rooms, the research corridor in the 1894 building and the Library -- note that the lecture theatre is alarmed. The only way to leave the free area is through the exit next to the Library which (though locked) can be opened from within. Many students work late - but those leaving the building later than 10pm must ensure that the exit door locks behind them.
Ignas Snellen is currently responsible for Health and Safety within the Institute. Liz Gibson and Peter Brand are First-aiders.