Laboratory employees are required to safeguard government property at all times, regardless of location and circumstances. There have been numerous instances over the past year when laboratory equipment, primarily laptop computers, has either been lost or stolen. Oftentimes, the equipment is taken offsite and stolen from personal vehicles or left in airplanes and taxis.
This notice is a reminder that all laboratory equipment must be properly secured and safeguarded. Location of your assigned equipment must be known at all times, even while at the laboratory. When equipment is taken offsite, it must be properly secured in the trunk of a locked vehicle when left unattended or in your personal care while in flight. Please see the cyber security training ESH223 Cyber Security Education and Awareness for more information.
The Security and the Property group must report stolen and missing laptops to the U.S. Department of Energy. They are aware of how and when their property is stolen and/or misplaced.
Property Management Regulations, Property Manual 1.2 Paragraph 3, states that “Employees (custodians) are responsible for damage to government personal property caused by their negligent acts, omissions, or reckless and/or willful acts will be held accountable and may be held financially liable for said damage or loss.” Additional information regarding loss of the personal property can be found at: LMS-POL-44: Limited Personal Use of Argonne Resources.