Volunteers and Minors in the Lab

Summer is a great time for students to gain valuable laboratory or research experience through volunteering or internships. Working in a laboratory presents the risk of exposure to hazardous materials, which requires inexperienced lab personnel to receive training to help them identify the inherent hazards of experiments. EHSO has an established registration program to help investigators understand the University requirements associated with volunteers and minors working in the lab.

How does Emory Define “Minors”?

Any person who is less than 18 years of age AND who is not currently enrolled in an Emory University or Oxford College regular catalog course or degree program. Most high school students fall into this category.

How does Emory Define “Volunteers”?

Any person who offers a service or contributes knowledge and skills to 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).

Note: Investigators at Yerkes should follow the specific process in place for volunteers and minors. Contact Maureen Thompson for more information.

As an Investigator, What Steps do I Need to Follow?

1. Review applicable policy at policies. emory.edu & search for policy number in the table below.
2. Register volunteer or minor with EHSO by completing and submit the applicable form listed in the table below.
   • If you have questions about completing the form, please contact EHSO.
   • Forms can be found at ehso.emory. edu/forms.
3. Request ELMS access for the minor or volunteer: Visit http://www.emory.edu/elms-training/administrators, log into the toolkit, and then click “request external learner” link.
4. Determine if amendment to your biosafety or chemical safety protocols is required.
   • Volunteers participating in research associated with a protocol will need to be added.
   • Minors participating in research cannot be added to a protocol.

Be Sure to Include/Complete:

• Start and End Dates for Periods of Research Activity.
• Required Trainings for the Volunteer or Minor.
• Vaccination Records (when appropriate).
• Signatures from the Investigator, Volunteer, or Parent of Minor.
• Amendments to Protocols.