Approval of Public Workshops

Timely approval for submitted applications for this program requires the cooperation of the administrative official(s) of the sponsored program (i.e., school coordinator), the Principal Investigator or Laboratory Supervisor of the project’s laboratory or location, and the Department of Research Safety.

In general, particularly for demonstrations with minor school children, it is recommended to not engage in any demo or activity that involves anything requiring special precautions, ventilation, PPE, or disposal.  

1) If applicable, complete University and Departmental requirements for hosting workshops on campus.   Minors under the age of 14 are not permitted inside University of Kentucky locations unless as part of an official UK sponsored program, tour, or event (i.e., science fair) designed for youth under the age of 14 for which documented safety policies have been established. For information about university-sponsored programs, please visit:  

 https://www.uky.edu/administrativeservices/minors-campus

2) Workshops or project involving minors unenrolled at the University regularly visiting UK research facilities over a period of time are required to complete the Safety of Minors in Research approval process.  Please visit: https://researchsafety.uky.edu/chemical-safety/cs-policies-and-procedures/safety-minors-research-program  

3) UK personnel must be current on completion of the annual Chemical Hygiene Plan/Lab Safety Training and any additional training required for the activities performed and materials in use. (https://researchsafety.uky.edu/chemical-safety/chemical-hygiene-plan/training-requirements)

4) Information must be submitted to the Department of Research Safety (labsafety@uky.edu) detailing:

• UK personnel involved in presenting the workshop.  
• Location of workshop
• Will demonstrations be "hands-on" by participants, or will they be only observing?
• Brief explanation of the activity
• Materials for the activity, including identification of any hazards
• Documented Standard Operating Procedures for activities involving the use of hazardous chemicals or any other hazardous materials such as UV or heat producing equipment, biohazards, animals, radionuclides or equipment with sealed radioactive sources.
• How will materials be transported to the location (secondary containers, personal or state/university vehicle)? Transportation of chemicals or any hazardous materials off campus shall be arranged in consultation with UK Environmental Quality Management and according to DOT regulations (859-323-6280). Hazardous materials shall be transported between location on campus in secondary, shatter-proof secure-lidded containers (e.g., cooler), marked with proper hazard communication.  Please see the following for information regarding transport of materials on campus: https://researchsafety.uky.edu/Chemical%2520Storage/Transporting 
• What emergency procedures are in place in the event of an incident or injury?  Will first aid supplies be available on site? 
• How will waste from the workshop be disposed of?

For questions and concerns about this policy, please contact labsafety@uky.edu .