From:
Neal Langerman <chemsaf**At_Symbol_Here**GMAIL.COM>
Subject:
Re: [DCHAS-L] Working in labs on the weekend proposal
Date:
Mar 14, 2024 17:02 UTC
Reply-To:
chemsaf**At_Symbol_Here**GMAIL.COM
Message-ID:
<CAOo07Zp5+eDGhWBvhG88KQx6sCc44wSMWQ=azyz=m-LXY-kvzg**At_Symbol_Here**mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:
<BL3PR04MB7914210937BC079638CFC489CA2B2**At_Symbol_Here**BL3PR04MB7914.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>
I concur that moving the conversation from "should it be done" to "how to do it safely" is imperative. While I do not like someone working alone, regardless of the risk level, sometimes that is the only option.
I worked on a similar situation. We implemented a "person down" device and a mandatory, periodic check in. The device is an alert system, also known as incapacitation alerts, that use sensors to detect a user's position, movement, or impact, and send a notification to their employer when needed. These systems can help provide a quick emergency response if a user has fallen, tripped, or been attacked. This is similar to the device advertised for seniors in
the event they fall or become incapacitated.
Think outside the box and develop a technology-procedure
combination that minimizes the risk, but also causes
enough effort to the PI and student that they rethink
the proposal.
Neal
"Yes, I see a future ..." President Joe Biden, SOTU Address, 7 March 2024
NEAL LANGERMAN, PhD
+1 (619) 990-4908
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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