I am Jonathan Dannatt. I am a fairly new assistant professor at a primarily undergraduate institution, University of Dallas and was hoping you could guide me and our department a bit.

We are currently re-writing our chemical hygiene plan and came across a dilemma. We are unsure if there are laws or ACS guidance surrounding undergraduate research students to perform simple, PI approved tasks in the lab while the PI is not present. For example, if on a Saturday a water bath needs to be filled or a reflux needs to be stopped, are there laws or safety regulations prohibiting a pair of students coming into the lab and completing this task? Is there any specific ACS guidance in this area?

Again thank you for any advice or assistance you can provide.

Best regards,

Jonathan