Lab Safety and Visitors

Lab Safety and Visitors Heading link

We recommend visiting our faculty directory to review faculty profiles. Here you can find a summary of their research, Laboratory Web page, and direct contact information. Once you have decided on a lab you would like to visit, please contact the faculty member directly.

Once you have received approval from a faculty member to visit their lab, please email your completed Lab Visitor Form to Jacquelyn DeLaurentis at jdelaur@uic.edu.
Be sure to mention if you will be needing a University Identification Number (UIN) or visitor Icard.

Many students, visitors, and volunteers are drawn to UIC laboratories. We need to ensure the safety of these individuals by following the UIC policies detailed below:

Minors:
1.No one under the age of 16 can work or volunteer at UIC laboratories. Children under 16 must have written EHSO approval to enter a lab.
2.Teenagers between the ages of 16-18 may not perform any work that is determined to be exceptionally hazardous, infectious, extremely toxic, or potentially deadly
3.EHSO requires all non-UIC visitors to sign the “Acceptance of Risk, Waiver and Release form.” Before working in a laboratory, the form must be signed by a parent/legal guardian for all visitors under 18 and by the visitors over 18. A signed copy of the form must be submitted to EHSO for approval prior to the commencement of work and a second copy maintained by the department. The form can be found on the EHSO website, www.ehso.uic.edu.
4.Hours of participation shall be limited per Federal Regulation 29 CFR 570.35. Less than 20 hours per week is recommended.
5.The minor must complete “Laboratory Safety Refresher” training online at www.uictraining.org. Lab-specific training must be provided to the minor by the PI/lab manager. Visitors must be aware of the UIC Laboratory Safety Plan.
6.Visitors must wear appropriate personal protective equipment as outlined in the UIC Laboratory Safety Plan. Please refer to the UIC PPE Hazard Assessment for guidance on the appropriate PPE.
7.Teenagers under the age of eighteen may not handle radioactive materials, work with animals, or be alone in a laboratory. Also, teenagers under the age of eighteen may not handle human blood, human cell lines, or other material defined as “other potentially infectious materials” by the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030).

Visiting Researchers (Including Volunteers)

1.EHSO requires all non-UIC visitors to sign the “Acceptance of Risk, Waiver and Release form.” Before working in a laboratory, the form must be signed by a parent/legal guardian for all visitors under 18 and by the visitors over 18. A signed copy of the form must be submitted to EHSO for approval prior to the commencement of work and a second copy maintained by the department. The form can be found on the EHSO website, www.ehso.uic.edu.
2.No visitors are allowed in a laboratory actively conducting work with infectious materials or permitted in a select agent laboratory or storage areas.
3.Visitors must wear appropriate personal protective equipment as outlined in the UIC Laboratory Safety Plan. Please refer to the UIC PPE Hazard Assessment for guidance on the appropriate PPE.
4.Visitors must complete the “Laboratory Safety Refresher” training online at www.uictraining.org. Lab-specific training must be provided to the minor by the PI/lab manager. Visitors must be aware of the UIC Laboratory Safety Plan.
5.Visitors who will use radioactive material or ionizing radiation must have approval from Radiation Safety (6-7429). Please call to find out more information on the training requirements and approval process.

1.Immediately report accident/incident to supervisor
2.Promptly seek medical care as needed
3.Thoroughly complete and sign the First Report of Injury/Illness

* The First Report of Injury should be completed by the employee within 24 hours. The First Report of Injury Form includes Workers’ Compensation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) as well as instructions for how to submit an Injury/Illness Report.