How does EHSO define “volunteers”?
A volunteer is defined as an individual who offers a service or contributes knowledge and skills the University without expectation of compensation. Volunteers are individuals 18 years or older that are not enrolled in Emory University or Oxford College in a degree seeking program or individuals that are not employed by the University (full-time or part-time). The department head or designee is responsible for orienting, identifying assignments (including a written description of duties), and developing lines of accountability and supervision for the volunteer. Researchers must complete a separate form for each of their volunteers and submit it to Human Resources and EHSO.
Obtain the Volunteer Registration Form from the EHSO website.
View the University’s Policy on Volunteers.
Can volunteers and minors work with animals?
Volunteers can work with animals with permission from the Principal Investigator. The volunteer must be added to the Principal Investigator’s IACUC protocol. Additionally, the volunteer must complete DAR orientation before gaining access to the animal facility. Once a volunteer completes DAR orientation, they will receive a DAR access card.
Minors that are 16 years of age and older can work with animals housed at Animal Biosafety Level 1. The minor cannot participate in any work with animals housed at ABSL-2 or higher. The minor must be accompanied at all times by the Principal Investigator or their designee.
Are there training requirements for volunteers and minors?
Yes. Volunteers and minors must complete training before participating in research activities. Minors receive one-on-one training provided by the designated EHSO Research Safety Building Liaison.
Volunteers have the option of completing training requirements online or attending a classroom session. EHSO will work with the PI or designee to obtain a guest user account for the volunteer. The table below can help the labs identify the training needs for both Volunteers and Minors .
| Work Involves: | Required Training |
| Animals | CITI Training; DAR Orientation (Volunteers Only) |
| Human Bloodborne Pathogens | Bloodborne Pathogen Training; Lab Safety Awareness (Minors Only) |
| Biological Agents/Recombinant DNA | Biosafety Training |
| Hazardous Chemicals | Research Laboratory Safety Training; Lab Safety Awareness (Minors Only) |
| Radioactive materials | Radiation Safety Training (Parts 1 and 2) |
| Equipment that Generates radiation (e.g. irradiators) | Dosimetry Training |
| Lasers | Laser Safety Training |
What is the approval process once training is completed?
First, submit the completed registration form to EHSO. Before submitting the registration form, be sure to include specific details of the procedures that the volunteer or minor will perform. Additionally, the PI or sponsor must provide hazard specific training to the volunteer or minor. The hazard specific training must be in accordance with anticipated hazards for a particular experiment or procedure. Next, submit amendments to add the volunteer or minor to your Biosafety, Chemical Safety, Radiation Safety or IACUC protocol. EHSO will review and approve the registration form. The PI or Sponsor will receive an email notification to indicate the volunteer or minor is approved to participate in research activities.
