SA0550 – Minors in Laboratories and Shops

Objective: 

Protect the safety and health of minors on campus who are engaged in University-sponsored activities in laboratories and shops.

Policy: 

1. Scope:
   This policy applies to minors who are not enrolled as a University student and are on campus attending Governor’s School, STEM Academy, classes, camps or are otherwise present in laboratories, shops, or other areas that contain hazardous substances or physical hazards. This policy does not contemplate or authorize a minor who is not enrolled in the University as a student to be hired as a University employee. Approval of the appropriate department head is required to hire a non-University student under the age of eighteen (18) as a University employee. 
2. Definitions:
   1. “Hazardous Substance” is defined as a chemical, biological, or geological substance or radioisotope capable of causing injury. “Hazardous Substance” includes definitions, classifications, and criteria established by 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200 Appendix A. 
   2. “Laboratory” is defined as a location where teaching, experimentation, or research occurs that involves hazardous substances or physical hazards. Examples include, but are not limited to, chemistry labs, biology labs, and chemical engineering labs. The term laboratory does not include computer labs, geography labs, and similar spaces. 
   3. “Minor” is defined as any individual under 18 years of age and not enrolled in the University as a student. 
   4. “Physical hazard” includes, but is not limited to, the following:
      1. Exposed energized conductors operating at more than 50 volts AC 
      2. Shear points, crush points, nip points, or run-in points that are not adequately guarded 
      3. Pressure vessels operating in excess of 15 pounds per square inch gauge for compressed gases 
      4. Flammable liquids, solids or gases as defined by the National Fire Protection Association standard 30 
      5. Cryogenic fluids and reactive materials as defined by defined by National Fire Protection Association standard 45. 
      6. Noise above 90 decibels, A-scale, averaged over an 8-hour day 
      7. Non-ionizing radiation that exceeds standards published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) 
      8. Equipment producing ionizing radiation 
   5. “Shop” is defined as an area where wood, metal, masonry, plastic, or similar products are manipulated by any means, such as cutting, drilling, boring, fastening (nails, rivets, screws, welds, etc.), sanding, grinding, heating, priming, finishing, or any similar activities. 
3. Policy:
   Each campus shall develop a written plan and the appropriate forms to address minors who are involved in university-sponsored activities in laboratories or shops on campus. Campuses that do not have minors present in laboratories or shops do not need to develop a written plan. Elements of the written procedure and forms shall address the following:
   1. Written policy 
   2. Training — to include principal investigator, parents, and students 
   3. List of prohibited activities 
   4. Hazard assessment 
   5. Waiver form