I will piggyback on James’ response as it extends the one I sent in my personal message to Jonathan. James considerations seems to be  part of risk-based analysis, which  should help with a decision.

 

ACS position is that students should not be working alone in the lab and this position aligns with recommendations in Prudent Practices in the Laboratory by the National Research Council, which states that “it is prudent practice to avoid working alone at the bench in a laboratory building. Experiments known to be hazardous should not be undertaken by a worker who is alone in a laboratory.”  According to Prudent Practices in the Laboratory, the definition of “alone” is beyond visible or audible range of another individual for a few minutes at a time.

The following laboratory tasks should never be conducted when alone:

• Procedures involving toxic or hazardous materials.
• Procedures involving high-pressure equipment.
• Procedures involving cryogenic materials.
• Transferring large quantities of hazardous materials.

 

ACS however advocates risk -based safety  rather than rigid rules.  The safety decisions should be made  based on recognizing hazards , assessing  risks and making sure that to minimize risks from hazards, as well as prepare for emergency.  You should always document this risk management process as the due diligence records. I would also suggest that you also check with your administration as there might be internal rules about not allowing undergraduate students alone in the lab.

 

ACS has published this video that may help you with risk management process and final decision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8DBd45W4hY&list=PLLG7h7fPoH8IZ6i2rfDK0zVoompXayRL_&index=16

 

As far as I know, OSHA, which  provides regulations for laboratory safety only covers employees but not students. Universities/colleges  have responsibility to assure the safest learning environment for students.

 

 

Marta Gmurczyk

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Actual Sender is owner-dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**princeton.edu]

This is always a tough decision and many do not have a policy. We always want to foster a learning environment and facilitate research, and this can be difficult to do and remain in compliance with all rules and regulations.

 

In our jurisdiction, the local fire department issues a lab laboratory operating permit, the permit requires a certificate holder (certificate obtained by fire department) to be present when the lab is in operation.

Akin to driving, the permit is a registration and the certificate is a license. Usually our PI’s and graduate students have the certificate, and must be present when the undergraduates are working, as per the permit conditions.

 

What if the undergraduates run into a problem? Make a spill? Would you let an unlicensed driver operate a motor vehicle? May not be the best analogy, but it’s similar.

 

Finally, the ol’ saying, when the cat is away, the mice will…..  while the two undergraduates are in the lab, unsupervised, they will have unabated access to the entire lab and may become curious and touch things they are not supposed to be touching.

 

Having undergraduates working without supervision, increases risk. How would you address that increased risk. Some administrators will not allow under 18, or students from another home institution.

You can limit the time from 8 hrs to 1 hr. You can have colleagues from another lab supervise if they are willing.

Sorry I don’t have a clear answer, but I hope this has helped.

be well,

James

 

 

I am uncertain as to “regulations for undergraduates.” If they are over 18, they are adults subject to the same regulations as us. Ultimately, this is a liability issue. However, my university as safety policy does require a “buddy system” for undergraduates during working hours, supervision after-hours, or a “work alone” form. The “work alone” document establishes hours for working, communication requirements, and limits on the type of activities allowed. For example, a student with PI approval may work on Saturdays between 9 am-5 pm if the PI is contacted by text when entering & leaving and only does activities outlined and considered low-risk by the PI.

 

Tammy Lutz-Rechtin

 

 

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