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Minors in the Lab

Guidelines

1. Roles and Responsibilities

a. Faculty Member Sponsoring Minor

i. Ensure all documentation completed and approved prior to minor being allowed into laboratory. This includes all documentation listed in UPPS No. 01.04.41 Protection of Minors and Reporting Abuse Policy as well as the required documents listed in this guide.

ii. Ensure minor completes all safety training courses required for laboratory before starting work.

iii. Provide site specific safety training to minor before beginning work.

iv. Provide appropriate PPE to minor and require it to be worn in laboratory.

v. Provide constant supervision of minor while working in the laboratory. The minor can never be in the laboratory alone. Supervision must be carried out by a member of the faculty, staff or a graduate student who is at least 21 years old.

vi. Add Minors name to any pertinent protocols such as IBC, IACUC or IRB.

b. Minor

i. Complete required safety training prior to beginning lab work.

ii. Wear appropriate laboratory attire.

iii. Wear PPE while in the laboratory.

iv. Never carry out unauthorized work in laboratory.

v. Never enter or work in the laboratory when unsupervised.

c. Department Chair/Dean/EHSREM/IACUC Chair/AVP Research

i. Ensure policies are followed in regards to minors in laboratories, review documentation including work to be done and supervision to be provided. Sign work agreement and exemption forms if it is determined work will be carried out safely.

2. Prohibitions

a. Prohibited Minors

i. Persons under the age of ten (10) are not permitted in any laboratory.

ii. Person under the again of sixteen (16) are not permitted to work in any laboratory unless an exemption is granted. They may tour laboratories if all hazardous activities have been suspended.

b. Prohibited Laboratories

i. Minors are not permitted under any circumstances in the following laboratories:

1.Laboratories where radiation or radioactive materials are stored or used,

2.Laboratories which store or use a class 3B or 4 lasers,

3.Laboratories which store or use x-ray producing devices.

4.Laboratories where high hazard chemicals are stored or used (such as, but not limited to, hydrofluoric acid, carcinogens, teratogens, pyrophorics, and toxic gases)

5.Laboratories where controlled substances are stored or used.

 c. Unless an exception is granted, minors are not permitted in the following laboratories:

1.Laboratories classified as Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2)

2.Animal care facilities classified at Animal Biosafety Level 2 (ABSL-2) or Animal Biosafety Level 1 (ABSL-1)

3.Any facility or location where the use of a hard hat or respirator is requited during normal operations.

4.Any areas/laboratories which pose physical hazards (such as cut, burn, crush, pinch, etc.)

3. Forms

a. Minor Laboratory Worker Agreement

b. Minor in Laboratory Exception Request Form