Minors in University Laboratories

Minors often seek and acquire opportunities to study or work at the University and gain valuable knowledge and experience. We recognize both the importance of the educational and outreach missions of the university, and also the need to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all employees, students, and visitors.

The following guideline pertains to the presence of minors in all University-based laboratory settings or other work areas where potentially hazardous materials or conditions exist. For the purpose of this guideline, a minor is considered any individual under the age of 18 not currently matriculating at the university.

Visiting minors may not enter a university laboratory unless approved by EHRS, Risk Management, the Minors Coordinator, and the Chair of the Department hosting the minor. Faculty member wishing to bring a minor into his/her laboratory for an educational program, the faculty member must:

• Complete all the required steps outlined in the Minor Program Registration. Contact the university's Minors Coordinator to discuss the requirements. 
• Complete the following forms:
  • Minors Program Registration. Submit this form to the Minors Coordinator. 
  • Request for Minor in University Laboratories. Submit this form to EHRS once the Chair of the Department approves. 
  • Informed Consent, Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability. Submit form to the Chair of the Department for record retention. 

EH&S will evaluate the request for approval upon receiving the statement from the Chair of the Department. Additional responsibilities for any faculty member planning to bring a minor into his/her laboratory include:

• Review these requirements for Minors in Research Laboratories and discuss the requirements with all minors that may be working in the laboratory.
• Provide and document hazard specific safety training with the minor. The hazard specific training must be uploaded to BioRAFT under the document section. 
• Provide personal protective equipment, specific for any hazard, with instructions for proper use and disposal.
• Ensure the minor is supervised at all times while in the facility and never left alone. The minor is not permitted to work alone in the laboratory.
• Ensure the laboratory/facility is in full compliance with all applicable university safety policies and regulations.

Visiting minors are prohibited from working with the following materials or in the following laboratories or facilities:

• Any laboratory designated as Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3).
• Any laboratory where select agents or Class 1 explosive are used or stored.
• Any laboratory working with radioactive materials, radiation generating equipment (X-rays), or class 4 laser systems.
• Acutely toxic chemicals.
• DEA Scheduled Drugs.
• Pyrophoric chemicals.
• Hazardous gases.
• High Voltage Equipment.

Research personnel are not permitted to bring their children into the research laboratory without prior approval from their Department Chair and EHRS.