Policy on Children and Unauthorized Personnel in Hazardous Environments

Issued: April 2002
Revised: July 2004

It is the policy of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute that access to Institute premises, identified as laboratories, workshops, mechanical rooms, warehouses and other work areas housing potentially dangerous materials, conditions, machinery or processes, be limited to authorized Institute staff and students or other persons on official, related business. Measures should be taken to ensure that persons entering into these areas be appropriately trained and adequately protected from hazards and informed about the safety and emergency procedures relevant to their activities. Children under the age of 18 are prohibited from entering laboratory areas or other areas where hazardous materials or conditions may be present unless:

such entry is in the context of a scheduled open house or tour;
in the context of the normal duties of a student, student worker or intern who has been deemed competent to handle those risks by his or her supervisor.
there exists written documentation by the department chair or director that approval has been given.

This policy is intended to protect the health and well being of all Institute employees and to avoid exposing unauthorized individuals to a hazardous environment.

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Last modified: Jun 29, 2004, 14:56 EDT