Working Alone

Working in a laboratory alone or in isolated areas presents unique risks and hazards. Working alone is prohibited in certain laboratories (as described in laboratory-specific SOPs) and is discouraged in all other laboratories. In the even a worker must work alone in the laboratory, these guidelines should be followed:

• Schedule work so that hazardous tasks are performed during times when the worker is not alone.
• The worker should inform a co-worker, or even a friend, family member, colleague that they will be in the laboratory alone and give them information on who to contact in the event the worker does not check in.
• On the Boston University Medical Campus (BUMC), the worker can notify Public Safety at 414-4444 and officers will include the laboratory on the building’s walk-through, if applicable.