Laboratory Access Control and Authorization

Laboratories are controlled environments. Access shall be limited to individuals with a legitimate academic, research, or operational need who have completed required training and received appropriate authorization.

Access Authorization

Individuals requiring laboratory access must, as applicable:

  • Have a legitimate need for access.
  • Complete required laboratory safety and hazard-specific training.
  • Obtain appropriate Faculty/PI or LSC authorization.
  • Demonstrate competency for assigned activities.
  • Obtain required medical clearances or other approvals for higher-risk work.

Types of Laboratory Operations

Academic Laboratories – Used primarily for course-based instruction and standardized experiments under appropriate faculty supervision.

Research Laboratories – Used for research activities that may involve non-routine procedures, evolving methodologies, and greater operational autonomy. Access is controlled by the responsible Faculty/PI.

Access Controls

Laboratory access may be controlled through:

  • Keyed locks
  • Key cards
  • Keypads/PINs
  • Electronic access systems

Laboratory doors shall remain secure when laboratories are unoccupied or classes are not in session.

Students, Visitors and Contractors

  • Students generally access laboratories under the supervision of authorized faculty or staff unless specifically approved for other access.
  • Visitors, contractors, and vendors must be appropriately authorized and comply with applicable laboratory safety and PPE requirements.

Minors in the Laboratory

  • Minors under 18 may enter laboratory areas only as part of an authorized University program and with required approvals, training, consent, and direct supervision.
  • Access to high-hazard operations, hazardous waste areas, and regulated materials is restricted unless specifically authorized and appropriately controlled.
  • Applicable federal, state, and University requirements, including the University’s Protecting Minors on Campus Policy, shall be followed.

Visiting Scholars, Short-Term Personnel and Volunteers

Visiting scholars, short-term personnel, and volunteers require formal institutional and departmental authorization before entering laboratory areas. They must:

  • Have a sponsoring department and responsible Faculty/PI or qualified supervisor.
  • Complete applicable safety training before beginning work.
  • Receive access only to areas necessary for their approved activities.
  • Work within the scope of their approved assignment.
  • Remain under appropriate supervision.

Risk Management should review these activities when appropriate to address liability, insurance, and waiver requirements.

After-Hours Laboratory Access

Standard laboratory operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, when the University is officially open.

After-hours laboratory access requires prior authorization from the responsible Faculty/PI or qualified designee. After-hours work shall:

  • Be limited to trained and authorized personnel.
  • Identify the approved activities, location, and time period.
  • Include appropriate supervision or an approved check-in/buddy system.
  • Include notification to Public Safety when required.
  • Prohibit working alone during high-risk research or experiments involving hazardous chemicals or other significant hazards.

After-hours access may be revoked for unsafe practices, non-compliance, or expired training.

Access Review and Revocation

Laboratory access shall be reviewed periodically and may be suspended or revoked when:

  • Employment, enrollment, or affiliation ends.
  • There is no longer an operational need for access.
  • Required training expires or lapses.
  • Safety requirements are not followed.
  • Approved access periods expire.

Lost or stolen keys and access cards shall be reported immediately to Public Safety.