As an extension of its educational responsibilities, the University of Pittsburgh allows and encourages community representatives, members of the public and students to visit University facilities. However, because of safety and liability issues, visitations by such groups and individuals to laboratories and shops must be under the direct supervision of an authorized faculty, staff member, or part of a formally organized open house, guided tour, or supervised educational program.
Children are not authorized to visit laboratories and shops, except as a participant in a formally sponsored tour or educational program with the permission of an informed parent or guardian, or with parental permission and as the guest and under the supervision of a University student, faculty or staff member. At no time should children be permitted to use or be exposed to unreasonably hazardous chemicals or materials or dangerous procedures during their visit.
Children of University students, faculty and staff members are not authorized to be in laboratories or shops on either an attended or unattended child care basis. For the purposes of these guidelines, "children" refers to minors under eighteen years of age who are not students or employees of the University.
The organization unit chair/director, shop supervisor, or laboratory principal investigator bears primary responsibility for insuring that University students, faculty and staff members under their direction are aware of and adhere to these guidelines.