Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) is committed to supporting the education and training of fledgling scientists by stewardship of the Minors in Research Laboratories Program. Temple University (TU) hosts a robust and ever-expanding scientific research program with hundreds of laboratories that store and/or utilize an array of hazardous materials as part of their work. The Minors in Research Laboratories Program allow for the performance of hazard identification and risk assessment by EHRS staff for a wide variety of projects minor students actively conduct or observe with mentorship and guidance of university researchers. Completion of this program’s requirements is crucial in ensuring that standard operating procedures, appropriate safety practices, and online training are documented and in place before minor students can begin work in these spaces.
Principal Investigators (PIs) who intend to host individuals who are minors (under 18 years of age) for work or observation in laboratories must complete the process outlined below. This must be completed prior to the minor beginning.
- Register with Temple University Ethics and Compliance Office. All programs and activities involving minors at Temple University must be registered using the Minors on Campus registration system. Registration must be completed at least 60 days prior to the first scheduled date of participation by minors.
- Review CHE087-RSG-Minors in Research Laboratories. Section 6 of the document identifies hazardous materials and/or activities that are restricted.
- Instruct all participating students to complete EHRS Initial Safety Training for Researchers and any laboratory-specific training required by the PI. All training must be completed by each minor prior to using or being exposed to any hazardous materials or operations. Additional training courses may be deemed necessary by the minors’ supervisor and/or EHRS.
- EHRS will review the information submitted in the registration and contact the PI if additional information, documentation (SOPs), and/or controls are required prior to the minor beginning work. EHRS may conduct a brief visit of the lab prior to the minor beginning work.
- EHRS will notify the PI once the EHRS review has been completed. Minors are prohibited from working in the laboratory until the PI receives notification from EHRS
NOTE: EHRS may delay/deny the proposed research activity if the requesting PI and associated labs have prior compliance issues or failure adhering to TU/EHRS policies and procedures.