From:
Samuella Sigmann <00001d2fb4580b5b-dmarc-request**At_Symbol_Here**LISTS.PRINCETON.EDU>
Subject:
Re: [DCHAS-L] Duty of care limits/boundaries
Date:
Mar 27, 2026 14:42 UTC
Reply-To:
ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
Message-ID:
<6002dbe2-2cc8-4e3e-bae7-179ad3fba01b**At_Symbol_Here**retired.appstate.edu>
In-Reply-To:
<CAKUvSB58hxDrfJbnr3sMhnELiG2zeZAKL_UDMukhvB8B6XhMFw**At_Symbol_Here**mail.gmail.com>
Hi Melinda - I don't think that it is a good idea to have students
do it. We had campus police escort students. They will be more
equipped to handle an emergency.
S-
On 3/25/2026 1:11 PM, Melinda Box
wrote:
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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