Minors in Laboratories

Access to Georgetown University laboratories by minors is strictly regulated due to the inherent hazards present in research environments. Minors may not enter or work in laboratories unless they are participating in an approved University program and have received written authorization from the Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and the appropriate University offices. At no time may minors work independently or be left unsupervised in a laboratory.

When permitted, minors must be appropriately trained for the activities they will perform, wear required personal protective equipment, and be supervised at all times by a qualified Georgetown University employee. Certain laboratory activities and hazards are prohibited for minors, including work with particularly hazardous chemicals, select biological agents, or high-risk equipment, in accordance with University policy and applicable regulations.

Principal Investigators and program supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all requirements for minors in laboratories are met before access is granted. Failure to comply with University requirements may result in immediate revocation of laboratory access and suspension of program activities.

What Is Prohibited for Minors in Laboratories

Minors are prohibited from participating in laboratory activities or entering laboratory spaces that present elevated or unacceptable risk. The following activities and conditions are not permitted for minors under any circumstances:

• Working alone or without continuous, direct supervision by a qualified Georgetown University employee
• Handling, preparing, or being exposed to particularly hazardous chemicals, including carcinogens, reproductive toxins, acutely toxic chemicals, or highly reactive materials
• Working with select agents, Risk Group 3 or higher biological agents
• Operating high-risk equipment, including autoclaves, centrifuges, presses, lasers, high-temperature equipment, or energized mechanical systems
• Working with radioactive materials, radiation-producing devices, or energized electrical systems
• Participating in procedures involving sharps unless explicitly approved and justified
• Entering laboratories during off-hours or outside of approved program schedules
• Eating, drinking, or handling food or personal items in laboratory spaces

Any laboratory activity not explicitly reviewed and approved by the University is prohibited for minors. Violations of these restrictions may result in immediate removal of the minor from the laboratory and suspension of program approval.

Georgetown University policy and District of Columbia regulations require minors receive written Parental Consent prior to participating in any research activity. Please remember to indicate which hazardous materials are present in your laboratory prior to providing the form to the minor for parental consent. A copy of the completed form (with parental signature), can be emailed to EH&S.

Georgetown University has established a Protection of Minors Policy to protect those under 18 years of age who participate in programs and activities associated with the University, and to provide guidance to University students, faculty and staff who are involved with such programs and activities.