Jennifer,
You’re absolutely right that no one should be in the building alone, but I’m also completely unsurprised that the PI wasn’t interested in hearing that answer.
I think your best path forward is going to be to shift the conversation from “can the student work alone?” to “what has to be in place for the student to safely work alone?” which can allow you to discuss in greater depth what the student will be doing and
what could go wrong. You’ll probably find it easier to find agreement on the latter question, at which point the PI gets to decide if they’re willing and able to implement it all. You might also want to bring in the Chair or a Dean, since this is also a question
of institutional risk appetite.
Best of luck!
Chris
________________________________
Christopher M. Kolodziej, Ph.D.
Chemical Hygiene Officer
UCLA Environment, Health & Safety
| Chemical Safety
Phone: (310) 794-5013
Book a virtual appointment
My working hours may not be your working hours. Please do not feel obligated to reply outside of your normal work schedule.
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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