Unauthorized Individuals in Laboratories Policy

I. Purpose

In the interest of safety, the purpose of this University is to limit acccess to laboratories. Only authorized individuals are permitted to enter laboratories due to the presence of potentially hazardous materials. An authorized individual is a person considered by the faculty or person-in-charge to have sufficient knowledge and experience necessary to recognize the inherent hazards. Individuals must have a legitimate academic, research, operational, maintenance, or safety-related assignment recognized by the faculty, or designated laboratory supervisor, in order to be in a laboratory.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all University research, teaching, and service laboratories at the main and regional campuses where toxic or corrosive chemicals, radioactive materials, or other recognized hazards are found. For other than supervised educational or employment purposes, children under the age of 17 are prohibited from entering these laboratories. 

III. Description

Each faculty or person-in-charge must ensure that:

1. Only authorized individuals occupy laboratories under their jurisdiction.  
2. All authorized visitors are apprised of significant hazards within the laboratory and are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment during the course of their stay.  

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