Mythbusters: Case 208 - University notice asks library users not to take books into toilets

The latest case.

Issue

A university has put up a health and safety notice to ask library users not to take borrowed books into the toilets.

Panel decision

It is normal for a library to set rules and guidelines for borrowers and library users - particularly to prevent theft or damage to expensive reference materials and archives. It is, though, rather far fetched and inappropriate to quote occupational health and safety legislation to justify these rules. Because of enquiries made by the Panel this sign is now being removed. The Panel hope that the findings in this case encourage other organisations to remove similar misleading health and safety notices.