From:
Melinda Box <melinda.box**At_Symbol_Here**GMAIL.COM>
Subject:
[DCHAS-L] Duty of care limits/boundaries
Date:
Mar 25, 2026 17:11 UTC
Reply-To:
ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
Message-ID:
<CAKUvSB58hxDrfJbnr3sMhnELiG2zeZAKL_UDMukhvB8B6XhMFw**At_Symbol_Here**mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:
Hello, all,
I have a new inquiry. This question was brought to my attention recently when a student got a scalpel cut. That is where does the instructor's duty of care end?
Aspects of that I am thinking include delegation to fellow students to escort a student who has fainted or felt faint back to their residence. Similarly delegation for accompanying a student for injury to clinical services. The challenge is often the balance of duty of care to the one in need medical attention and the ongoing health and wellbeing of the students still in lab. As a lab manager in these situations I have felt so torn between my obligation to be physically present and available while labs are running and the need to be sure that the injured student gets the proper attention.
Any thoughts/experiences much appreciated,
Thanks as always for all your help with all of my questions,
Melinda Box, MEd, CCHO, ASP
Academic Affairs EHS Specialist
(336) 278-6225
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