PURPOSE:-- The purpose of this policy is to identify when minors will be allowed to work or conduct research in a University of Florida research laboratory, greenhouse or animal facility.

DEFINITIONS:-- “Minor” means any person who has not attained the age of 18 years.

 “Visitor” means any person who enters a laboratory, greenhouse or animal facility upon the express or implied invitation of the laboratory director/supervisor.

 “Volunteer” means any person who, of his or her own free will, provides services to the University of Florida with no monetary or material compensation.

SCOPE:-- This policy covers all University of Florida research laboratories, greenhouses, animal facilities, animal procedure rooms, animal housing areas and clinical laboratories.

This policy is directed to include all persons under age 18 whether students, employees or volunteers. 

*Visiting minors, not previously approved as part of a University of Florida program or science fair, are not allowed in UF research facilities for any reason*

POLICY:-- Unless enrolled as a University of Florida student, minors are not allowed to work or conduct research in University of Florida research laboratories, greenhouses or animal facilities except as identified specifically below.  In addition, minors are prohibited from operating farm machinery or state vehicles and from working in machine shops.

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

a.       Any laboratory or facility designated as BSL-3, ABSL-3 or higher for recombinant or infectious organisms.
b.      Any laboratory where select agents or explosives are used or stored.
c.       Any Animal Care Services (ACS) housing or procedure area/lab/facility.        
See ACS Policy # ACS-PY-012.  (Note that this does not apply to individual Principal Investigator animal research laboratories).

2.      Minors are prohibited from working with any of the following materials.

a.       Radioactive materials or radiation (X-rays)
b.      Acute Toxins

3.      Minors are allowed to work or conduct research in laboratories (not listed in #1 above) if the following requirements are met in full:

a.       The University of Florida EH&S Policy titled; MINORS IN RESEARCH LABORATORIES OR ANIMAL FACILITIES has been read and understood.  The Potential Hazards Information & Signature Sheet (http://www.ehs.ufl.edu/bio/hazinfo.pdf) has been reviewed, signed by the parent/legal guardian and returned to EH&S by mail to P.O. Box 112190 or by fax to (352) 392-3647.
 b.      A MINORS RESEARCH PROPOSAL REGISTRATION FORM ( http://www.ehs.ufl.edu/Bio/MinorReg.pdf) is submitted to and approved by the University of Florida Institutional Biosafety Committee.
c.       Hazard specific safety training is completed by the Principal Investigator/Sponsor with the minor as approved by EH&S.
d.      Personal protective equipment, specific to the hazard, is provided to the minor with instructions for use and disposal.
e.       The minor is supervised at all times while in the laboratory and never left alone.
f.       Hours of work comply with Federal Regulation 29 CFR 570.35.
g.       The laboratory is in full compliance with all applicable University of Florida safety programs and regulations.

UFEHS-BIO-06/14/2004