RAS Equipment Hire Policy
Eligibility
Only RAS members who have paid their annual membership fees are allowed to hire equipment.
Members who wish to hire equipment must be a RAS member and be deemed eligible by the Society Committee.
The Committee has the right to refuse rental if so required.
Training
Members can request a training session from the Committee at anytime.
Request
Rental requests are to be made to the Committee and should include noted in the Society’s assets register against hired items. Equipment Renters or Custodians are encouraged to bring their equipment to camps and public field nights where possible.
Payment
Payments are to be made into the RAS bank account at:
BSB – 633-000
Account No.- 166804880
The renter’s name and the word “RENT” should be used as the payment identifier.
Once the deposit has been made, the bank receipt should be emailed to the redlandsastronomicalsociety@gmail.com
Rental rates
Equipment rental rates are $15 per instrument per month, with the exception of accessories and eyepieces, which are $10 per instrument.
Rental period
Rental period is served in monthly cycles for each Item/instrument. Multiple equipment rentals are allowed.
Pickup
Members have to make their own arrangements for pickup of the equipment from the Committee/Custodian/previous Renter.
A selection of equipment will be made available for pickup at every RAS OGM, AGM or by arrangement with the President.
Returns
Renters are required to return hired equipment in a timely manner.
Custodian-only equipment
Custodian-only equipment is not normally available for hire to members, and any proposed exceptions need to be approved by the President/Committee.
In order to be able to have access to this equipment, members must be a Custodian (as above) and be able to bring the equipment to ALL public outreach events where possible for the club. No rent is paid on Custodian-only equipment.
Loss and Theft of Equipment
If equipment is lost or stolen, this must be reported promptly to the President/Committee, giving the date, time, and location where it was last seen.
If theft is suspected, a police report should be made and a copy submitted to the President /Committee.
In the case of loss due to negligence, the loss will result in the forfeiture of the Renter/Custodian’s deposit and in addition, compensation may be sought.
Damaged Equipment
Normal wear and tear is not counted as damage. Renters should note the initial condition and any damages before renting.
If equipment is damaged, please report promptly to the President/ Committee, giving the date and description of the damage.
If damage by a third party is suspected, a police report should be made and a copy submitted to the President/Committee.
In the case of damage due to negligence, the damage will result in the forfeiture of the Renter/Custodian’s deposit and in addition, compensation may be sought.
The Renter/Custodian should not attempt to repair the damage by themselves without approval from the committee.