Hello Jennifer and DCHS,
All the non-hazards in the lab aside, I’m pretty sure if your friend were to check with the insurance carrier for the small liberal arts college, they would say any solitary activities anywhere on the campus is an unacceptable risk.
Eric
Eric Clark, MS, CCHO, CHMM
Environmental & Occupational
Health & Safety Specialist
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
400 West Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90015
T: 213-763-3632
F: 213-763-5392
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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