4.10.1 Visitors and Children in Labs

Laboratory and laboratory support spaces present chemical, biological, physical, and radiological hazards that require structured oversight when visitors and minors are present. The Principal Investigator or laboratory supervisor is responsible for the safety of all visitors and minors entering their laboratory space.

Visitors

University employees and other adults with a legitimate reason to enter a laboratory may do so provided they follow all precautions and restrictions established for that space. Visitors must be escorted at all times by a person with knowledge of the laboratory's operations and hazards. The host is responsible for providing the visitor with a safety orientation appropriate to the hazards present, ensuring required PPE is provided and worn, and ensuring PPE is removed before exiting the laboratory. Visitors must not handle hazardous materials or operate laboratory equipment.

Minors in Laboratories

All programs, internships, and activities involving minors in laboratory settings require approval from both EHS Research Safety and Cornell Children and Youth Safety before the minor begins work. EHS Research Safety has final authority over the laboratory safety determination; Cornell Children and Youth Safety has final authority over youth safety and Policy 8.8 compliance. Programs must be registered through the Cornell Children and Youth Safety program registration system, which routes to EHS Research Safety for laboratory hazard review.

Who May Be Present

• Under age 13: Observation-only tours or visits; no hands-on activities involving hazardous materials or equipment.
• Ages 13–17: University-sponsored educational programs with prior approval, documented training, required PPE, and continuous supervision by a Qualified Adult.
• Ages 16–17: Internships and working roles subject to FLSA requirements, written parental consent, EHS training documented in Workday Learning, and direct supervision at all times. Minors may not work alone under any circumstances.
• Minor children of university personnel: Not permitted in laboratories or laboratory support spaces except for brief transit to or from an enclosed office or breakroom within or adjacent to the laboratory, under direct escort of the parent or guardian at all times. Minor children may not engage with laboratory spaces, equipment, or materials during transit. Any other presence of minor children of personnel requires registration and approval under the Youth in Labs framework above.

Specific requirements, and materials, equipment, and spaces that are prohibited or restricted for minors, are defined in the Cornell Youth in Labs Guidelines. These requirements apply regardless of program type or PI assessment of hazard level.

Contact EHS Research Safety early in the planning process to allow adequate time for training assignment and resolution of any hazard-specific requirements, including IBC MUA amendments where biological materials are involved, before the program start date.

Policy and Regulatory Basis

• University Policy 8.6: Environment, Health and Safety
• University Policy 8.8: Children and Youth Safety
• 29 CFR 1910.1450: OSHA Laboratory Standard

See Also

• Chemical Hygiene Plan
• Biosafety and Biosecurity
• Laboratory Safety Training Matrix
• Contact EHS Research Safety

4.10.2 Volunteers in Labs

Volunteers in labs are restricted by the University’s Volunteer Policy. Please review this policy for guidance and/or consult with the University’s Office of Risk Management and Insurance for more information.

4.10.3 Visiting Scientists and Other Similar Users

There are potential risks associated with allowing access to labs and equipment by visiting scientists. These risks include: theft or questions of ownership for intellectual property, bodily injury, and property damage. Colleges and units should verify that all users of the lab have the required safety and health training prior to allowing access to the lab and/or specialized equipment. It is the user’s responsibility to have or obtain the appropriate training. Units are advised to consult with the University’s Office of Risk Management and Insurance and/or Office of University Counsel to obtain contracts and agreements to minimize risks associated with the use of labs and equipment by visiting scientists and others.

4.10.4 Pets in Labs

The Cornell University Policy 2.8 – Pets on Campus, specifically states that pets are prohibited “from university-controlled buildings, except for those animals that are specifically exempted by this policy. In addition, while on university-controlled property, animals must be attended and restrained at all times.