Hi Jennifer,
I would advocate a risk-based approach. I would ask the PI exactly what materials would be used (in case the PI’s assessment of not involving hazardous substances is a matter of personal opinion
as opposed to definitional; I’m sure we’ve all been surprised to learn what some folks think “isn’t hazardous”), what procedures, and what equipment.
Stanford has some broad guidance on working alone that you can find here:
https://ehs.stanford.edu/subtopic/working-alone-guidance
Sincerely,
Jack Reidy (he/him)
Research Safety Specialist & Assistant Chemical Hygiene Officer
Environmental Health & Safety
Stanford University
484 Oak Road, Stanford, CA, 94305
Tel: (650) 497-7614
I acknowledge that the land on which I live and work is the ancestral and unceded land of the
Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. As an uninvited guest on these lands, I am a beneficiary of the ongoing displacement of the Ohlone people. I pay my respects to the Native peoples, past
and present.
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU>
On Behalf Of Jennifer L. Gile
Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 1:14 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Working in labs on the weekend proposal
Hello DCHAS members,
A friend of mine works in a small liberal arts college and came to me with the following situation: one of the faculty asked if their summer research student could do their research work (lab based, but according to the PI it does not involve
hazardous substances) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to allow the student to also work at an additional opportunity Monday – Thursday. This would be the students second summer doing research with this PI. While I understand larger universities do keep
a 24 hour schedule, my friend’s college is a Monday – Friday 9a-5p institution. The likelihood of there being anyone else in the building during these weekends is almost certainly zero.
I admit that I told them I didn’t think anyone should be working in the building alone for a number of reasons, but I’m hearing the PI is not interested in that answer. I am requesting some additional thoughts if you’d care to share them;
your personal identities will not be shared with my friend. You can respond on list or to me privately as you feel comfortable.
Thank you all, and stay safe!
Jennifer.
(she/her/they/theirs)
Wittenberg Chemistry – Catalyzing Student Success
Coordinator of Chemistry Labs
Chemical Hygiene Officer
Barbara Deer Kuss Science 245C
(937) 327-6442
gilej**At_Symbol_Here**wittenberg.edu
Please note that I am often unable to respond to calls or emails in the afternoon. I appreciate your patience.
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