Laboratories and animal facilities must be in compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and university environmental health, and safety regulations and meet university environmental health and safety requirements in order to allow minors to work within their facility.

This document outlines when it is permissible for minors to work or conduct research in laboratories and/or animal facilities; and to identify the responsibilities of the Principal Investigator (PI)/Faculty/Sponsors/Supervisors and Department Heads for minors working or conducting research in laboratories, and/or animal facilities. By adhering to this document, the exposure of minors to chemical, physical, biological, animal and radiation hazards will be minimized.

Minors under the age of 14 may not enter laboratories, and/or animal facilities at UofL. An exception is permitted for minors who are part of a UofL program designed for youth under age 14 who are observers of the laboratory or animal facility.

All Minors are prohibited from working or conducting research in the following areas:

• Any laboratory or facility designated as BSL-3, ABSL-3 or higher for recombinant or infectious organisms.
• Any laboratory or facility where select agents or explosives are used or stored.
• Radioactive materials or radiation (X-rays).
• Acutely toxic and highly hazard chemicals (including air and water reactive chemicals).

For detailed information and additional restrictions please refer to the Related Information section.

Minors who work in any capacity with animals must be added to an Animal Care and Use protocol currently approved by the IACUC. Minors who are students must review the Periodic Animal Contact Health Survey. IACUC Level II training, appropriate to the species of animal handled, is mandatory. Contact the Research Resources Facility (RRF), 852-4605 for help with these items. Successful completion of these requirements allows the minor access to animals in the animal care areas.

The Department Chair must be notified of any minor who will be in a laboratory. Minors will not be permitted in the lab until all proper training and consent forms are completed. This includes children of UofL employees and students.

RULES FOR MINORS WORKING IN LABORATORIES AND ANIMAL FACILITIES 

1.  Never work alone in any laboratory environment without direct, immediate adult supervision from the sponsor or someone designated by the sponsor. 

2.  Always follow the instructions of the sponsor or laboratory supervisor. 

3.  Always report any accident (regardless of severity) immediately to the sponsor or laboratory supervisor. 

4.  Always wear the personal protective equipment as directed and dispose of it appropriately. This personal protective equipment includes glasses, gloves, coats/gowns, and other face/body protection as dictated by the hazard being worked with or around. 

5.  Always keep your hands away from your face and wash them well with soap and water prior to leaving any laboratory area. 

6.  Never eat, drink, chew gum, apply lip balm, or touch contact lenses while in any laboratory environment. 

7.  Always wear closed-toe shoes while in any laboratory. 

8.  Always tie back long hair to keep it out of all the hazards listed listed in the table below. 

9.  Always wear clothing that reduces the amount of exposed skin. Shorts and sandals are prohibited in the laboratory. 

10. Always ask questions if you don’t understand the safety requirements. 

Training:

1. Lab-Specific or Animal Facility-Specific Training - Minors working in laboratories or animal facilities must complete all appropriate safety training before beginning work with hazardous materials. The PI is responsible for making sure minors are provided with lab-specific training which includes review of the specific hazards that exist in the lab and the procedures, equipment, and resources available for working safely with these hazards.
2. DEHS-Provided Training – The PI is responsible for ensuring minor completes all DEHS training applicable prior to beginning any laboratory activity. For training requirements and information see: http://louisville.edu/dehs/occup-health-safety/occup-health-safety-files/lab-safety-self-assessment/.
3. Laboratory Safety Self-Assessment: http://louisville.edu/dehs/occup-health-safety/occup-health-safety-files/lab-safety-self-assessment/.
   
   Documentation: The PI/Sponsor intending to have minors work in their lab are responsible for completion of the Minors in Research Lab or Animal Facility Consent Form by the PI, minor, and minor’s parent/guardian:
   
   
4. Minors in Research Lab or Animal Facility Consent Form - https://louisville.edu/research/common/lab-agreement-form-student.
   
   *Note: all required IACUC protocols and IBC registration documents must include any minors that will be working on the research.

Prohibited Activities: If the proposed work in a lab or animal facility includes hazards addressed in this table, contact DEHS 502-852-6670 for more information.

• Minor – Any person under the age of 18.
• Laboratory – Any room, suite, or part of a building used to conduct research, academic, animal, clinical, other technical work or scientific experimentation which may pose potential chemical, physical, biological, or radiation hazards.
• Animal facility – Any UofL property where animals are housed or used for research purposes.
• CDC/USDA Select Agent or Toxin – Biological agent or toxin listed in 73 CFR part 4 and 9 CFR part 121.4.
• Visitor – Any person who enters a laboratory, or animal facility with the express or implied invitation of the laboratory director or supervisor.
• Volunteer – Any person who freely and willingly provides services to UofL for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons without promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation.

The Principal Investigator/Lab Supervisor/Sponsor of the laboratory where the work will be performed is responsible for adhering to this policy and associated procedures; it is their responsibility to ensure the health and safety of minors working in the laboratory. The PI retains the primary responsibility for providing a safe and healthy activity.

The minor’s Guardian is responsible for reading and understanding the consent form and the policy and associated procedures. The Guardian should read and understand the research project that the minor will be involved with and the risks involved along with the steps required to minimize exposure to those risks.

Minors in Research Lab or Animal Facility Consent Form