High School Students in the Laboratory

New Jersey’s Department of Labor regulates a variety of issues relating to work performed by minors, whether the work is paid or unpaid.  In this context, “work performed” means the individual provides services to the University and is not primarily participating in educational activities.   Participation in educational programs, teaching projects, and outreach initiatives do not qualify as “working in a research laboratory.”  Princeton University does not permit minors under the age of 16 to work in or observe work in its research laboratories.  For individuals between the age of 16 and 18, specific procedures must be followed to ensure compliance with child labor regulations and other requirements. 

This procedure helps to ensure that the underage worker has received the appropriate instruction, has parental consent, and will not be allowed to take part in any operations that are a violation of the myriad of New Jersey child labor regulations.

1. Faculty Sponsorship: The student must be sponsored by a member of the Princeton University faculty. This faculty sponsor is responsible for ensuring that this procedure is completed and that the student's activities are supervised closely. The faculty sponsor must also ensure that the student's activities will not include direct work with:
   
   • Corrosive materials
     
   • Toxic chemicals, including carcinogens
     
   • Radioactive materials
     
   • Flammable liquids
     
   • Infectious agents
2. Parental Consent: The student's parent or guardian must complete the Parental Consent Statement and Insurance Documentation form and submit it to the sponsoring faculty.
3. Laboratory Safety Approval: The sponsoring faculty completes the Proposal for High School Student to Conduct Research or Work (Paid or Unpaid) in a Laboratory/Department form. Once the Department Chair has signed the proposal, the sponsoring faculty sends the completed form, along with the completed parental consent form, to James Boehlert, EHS, 262 Alexander St.
4. EHS Approval: EHS reviews the proposal and either approves the project or contacts the sponsoring faculty for clarification or modification. Once approved, EHS determines which safety training is needed and makes arrangements for it through the sponsoring faculty.
5. Student may begin work once training has been completed.
6. The Laboratory Safety Approval must be resubmitted if there are any substantial changes in the activities or scope of work.

Contact Jim Boehlert with any questions.