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NJIT Environmental Health and Safety Department
Guidelines for Minors and Volunteers in Laboratories and Shops
Research-Oriented Programs
(Updated April 2016)
NJIT is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all members of the university
community as well as visitors and members of the general public.
Minors may be more susceptible to the health effects of certain toxic and hazardous agents; may be less aware
of potential risks and hazards present in laboratories and shops; and may require heightened supervision and
oversight.
Minors may only be allowed in NJIT laboratories and shops as part of an organized event, program, or tour.
Minors may never be allowed in settings where research activities involving controlled substance
s are being
, other faculty, and their designated staff shall adhere to the following guidelines for
working in their laboratory and shop facilities:
The principal investigator must notify the department chair that minors or volunteers will be working in
their lab or shop.
Prospective minors and volunteers must complete an application that provides appropriate individual
information (address, phone, etc.), emergency contact information, as well as any medical concerns.
All applicants must complete the Risk Management waiver forms and provide proof of medical coverage.
Departments must ensure compliance with applicable labor laws for all minors.
The minor or volunteer must attend training appropriate for the work activities they perform or that may
be performed by others in their assigned laboratory or shop.
Personal protective equipment shall be provided by the department and worn by the minor or volunteer as
directed by the laboratory or shop director(s), EHS Department, or other NJIT guidelines.
Minors shall never be permitted to work unsupervised a NJIT laboratory or shop.
Minors shall be prohibited from the following work activities:
• Handle or manipulate organisms at Biological Safety Level 2 or higher
• Operate or work in laboratories with hazard class 3b or 4 open beam lasers
• Handle or manipulate Select Agents (as defined by the CDC)
• Handle or manipulate radioactive materials or ionizing radiation sources
• Handle or manipulate Particularly Hazardous Substance (as defined by OSHA) or Highly
Hazardous Substances - including pyrophorics, explosives,
large quantities of flammable materials,
and highly toxic compounds - without prior approval from the department chair and EHS
• Perform research activities with live laboratory animals.
Principal Investigators, other faculty, and their designated staff wishing to host and mentor minors or
volunteers in their laboratory or shop must adhere to the criteria described above, complete the attached
form, and submit for EHS approval PRIOR to project initiation.