On behalf of the Department for Health & Safety (Ant Division), I have now concluded my investigation into the recent manufacture of fraudulent identification cards using a laminator and have determined that, in doing so (quite aside from any criminal activity), Station Rats A and B breached the following Office Health & Safety Regulations:
❌ Operation of a laminator without a valid Small Office Equipment Operator Licence.
❌ Failure to wear tail protection whilst laminating.
❌ Failure to complete Form HS-14 (“Notification of Intent to Laminate”).
❌ Failure to maintain possession of the laminator at all times.
These represent serious breaches of protocol which could very easily have resulted not only in injury to the rats themselves, but also to other Office staff and, indeed, potentially members of the public. Had Lost Property not taken possession of the laminator after it was abandoned on the station concourse, it could easily have caused a passing commuter to trip and fall.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind all staff that anyone wishing to operate laminators, binding machines, staplers or other designated Small Office Equipment must first obtain the appropriate licence and complete the mandatory Workplace Stationery Safety Course.
Small Office Equipment represents a significant workplace hazard. Last year alone, 24,034 working mice were reportedly injured in the UK whilst operating hole punches. Rules are made for a reason. That reason is not for them to be broken; it is to keep everyone safe in the workplace.
The Department regrets that such guidance continues to be necessary.
Issued by:
Anita Butler
Senior Risk Assessment Officer (Ant No. 14,351)
Department for Health & Safety (Ant Division)