Check-in timer function

To use the check-in timer on the SafeZone app, you will need to add notes to say exactly where you are on campus and any potential risks at your location.

You can then set a timer. This can be set for up to two hours at a time. If you have not cancelled the timer before it’s due to go off, an alert will be sent to Security Services. Your location details and the notes you have entered into the app will be shared with Security Services and they will be prompted to do a safety check. 

The safety check will involve Security Services sending you a message and/or calling you. If you don’t respond and are within the central campus area, the residences or Advanced Manufacturing Group (AMG), Security Services will go to your location. If you are outside of these areas, Security Services may notify the police. 

The check-in timer also includes optional fall detection. This means that if your device detects a sudden fall, an emergency alert will be sent to Security Services. 

Security Services are the only people who will see the information you share via the app.

Check-in timer FAQs

Where on campus can I use the check-in timer?

The SafeZone geofence covers central campus, the residences and the Advanced Manufacturing Group (AMG). View the SafeZone geofence to see maps of all of the areas covered. 

Do I need to change the settings on my device to ensure the check-in timer will work?

Yes, this is important. To ensure check-in timer works, you will need to enable location access for the app via your settings. You will need to select ‘allow all the time’. 

There may be other settings permissions that you need to look at. These will differ between devices and you will be prompted to look at this when using the app.

Is the check-in timer mandatory for lone or out-of-hours working?

No, this is not mandatory. This is an optional tool to provide extra reassurance when working alone, should you need it. 

If you ever work alone or supervise someone who does, it is important that  you read the University's lone working and out of hours policy, which explains the need for risk assessments and safe working arrangements.

On the SafeZone app I can see options for 'check-in' and 'check-in timer', what’s the difference?

Using check-in simply puts you on the map. This means that Security Services can see where you are on campus. You don’t need to use this function. Instead, use the check-in timer, this puts you on the map and allows you to add notes and set a timer. 

Who can use the check-in timer?

The check-in timer is designed to give extra reassurance to anyone undertaking out-of-hours or lone working. 

If you’re working in this situation, please read the University's lone working and out of hours policy, which explains the need for risk assessments and safe working arrangements. 

What can I use the check-in timer for?

To use the check-in timer on the SafeZone app, you will need to add notes to say exactly where you are on campus and any potential risks at your location.

You can also add in any code words you would like to use if called by Security Services. A code word is a word or words that you could drop into the conversation that would alert Security Services to the fact that you’re in danger without giving away the meaning of the conversation to anyone else who might be listening.  

You can then set a timer. This can be set for up to two hours at a time. If you have not cancelled the timer before it’s due to go off, an alert will be sent to Security Services. Your location details and the notes you have entered into the app will be shared with Security Services and they will be prompted to do a safety check. 

The safety check will involve Security Services sending you a message and/or calling you. If you don’t respond and are within the central campus area, the residences, and AMG, Security Services will go to your location. If you are outside of these areas, Security Services may notify the police. 

The check-in timer also includes optional fall detection. You will need to activate this once you have set your timer. This means that if your device detects a sudden fall, an emergency alert will be sent to Security Services. 

Please note that the effectiveness of the fall detection will depend on the sensitivity of the motion detector on your device and it is not a guaranteed tool.

How does the timer work?

There are two settings for the timer. You can choose a count down or select a specific time. 

You get two notifications to say the alarm is about to go off to prompt you to turn it off if it’s not needed.  

The longest you can set an alarm for is two hours at a time.

Can I use the check-in timer for other purposes, such as when I’m walking to my bus stop after the working day?

Yes, you can do this. You will need to make sure that you set the timer whilst in the University geofence area. As long as it’s been set whilst in these areas, the timer will still go off if you have left the geofence.

Do I have to be on campus to set the timer?

You must set the timer whilst in the University geofence areas. As long as it’s been set whilst in these areas, the timer will still go off if you have left the geofence.

Do I have to enter my details each time I use the check-in timer?

No, if you always work in the same location, you can save the notes for the next time you want to use the check-in timer.

Who can see the information I add to the check-in timer?

Security Services are the only people who will see the information you share via the app when using the check-in alerts function. 

Will SafeZone automatically check me in?

There is an option for automatic check in but this is not the default. You can opt into this if you would like to. 

If you do decide to select the option for automatic check-in, please be mindful that if you happen to live within the University geofence and you are checked-in, you will show up on the Security Services map (seen by Security Services only). Security Services will not do anything with this information.

What happens if I work in a University building which is not currently in the geofence?

If you work in a University building not covered by geofence, it might be possible to add that building. Please email security@sheffield.ac.uk and we will look into this for you.