Information for Researchers, Controlled Environments

Information for Researchers

The University has cover in place to protect Staff and Students undertaking research activities including:

  • Clinical Trials
  • Public Liability
  • Professional Liability
  • Corporate Travel

In relation to the use of University assets or equipment:

  • Property Cover
  • Marine Transit Insurance
  • Boat Insurance
  • Motor Vehicle Insurance

For insurance queries or advice specific to your research activities please contact insurance@scu.edu.au.

The University is required to declare values for Assets and Research Projects to the insurer as part of the annual renewal process. Regular review of your research projects is encouraged.  Failure to declare such assets may result in a claim being denied in the event of a loss.

Copies of Protection Certificates are available for download from the Insurance Certificates and Guides page.

Controlled Environments

Are defined by the insurer as -

"Any enclosed area to create a controlled environment for Research, including a combination of controls to manage temperature, air pressure, air quality, humidity, lighting, water quality etc; such as refrigerators, freezers, cool rooms, dewars, fish tanks, greenhouses, herbaria and sterilised housing."

The amount claimable in the event of a loss of Controlled Environment (CE) contents (ie research materials) depends on whether or not the CE is mitigated.

A CE is considered to be mitigated if it has a:
  1. Back to Base Alarm monitored 24 hours a day. The alarm must be capable of detecting a change in the environment and serviced to manufacturer specifications.
  2. Back-up Power is capable of providing power in the event of a loss of regular power. Back-up power must be serviced in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
  3. Controlling Mechanism, for example, a minus 80-degree freezer, serviced to manufacturer specifications.
  4. Documented and tested Response Plan for management of research contents in the event of a failure.
  5. Valuation Assessment in accordance with Unimutual Research Valuation Guidelines or a similar, approved methodology. 
  6. Variation of the above that has been assessed and approved by the insurer.

Faculties and researchers are responsible for maintaining a record of the contents contained in University CE’s. Regular review of your research projects is encouraged.  dFailure to declare such assets may result in a claim being denied in the event of a loss.

Please refer to Insurance Certificates and Guides for the following:

  • Unimutual Guideline for the Valuation of Controlled Environment Contents
  • Controlled Environment Maintenance Guideline and Matrix
  • Controlled Environment Contents Calculator

For further advice relating to CE cover and claims contact insurance@scu.edu.au.

All University Protections are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions.

FAQs

Before signing a contract with a third party, you should contact the University Insurance and Risk Team to review any insurance and liability requirements.

Email insurance@scu.edu.au with details of the proposed arrangement, goods, services, or transaction before any agreement is signed. The Insurance and Risk Team will assess the insurance implications and advise on any risk management requirements. In some cases, the University may need to seek guidance from its insurer to confirm that appropriate insurance cover is in place.

The University may also be required to disclose certain activities, projects, or contractual arrangements to its insurers to ensure coverage is available if a loss or claim arises.

In addition, all non-standard agreements and contracts, including non-standard purchase orders, must be reviewed by a University lawyer before they are signed. Refer to the Legal Office webpage for information about contract review requirements and the legal approval process.

If you are unsure whether an arrangement requires insurance review, seek advice from the University Insurance and Risk Team before committing the University to any contractual obligations.

Yes. University-owned remotely piloted aircraft (drones) used by Southern Cross University staff or students for authorised University activities are covered by the University's Property Protection and Public Liability insurance, subject to the policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.

Public Liability insurance may provide cover for legal liability arising from injury to a person or damage to property caused while carrying out authorised University activities.

Anyone using a drone for University purposes must comply with the University's Remotely Piloted Aircraft (Drone) Policy and any applicable operational requirements. Depending on the nature of the activity, a risk assessment may also be required before the drone is used.

If you are unsure whether a planned drone activity is covered by the University's insurance, or you need advice about insurance requirements, contact the University Insurance and Risk Team at insurance@scu.edu.au before commencing the activity.