Lab Safety Inspection Criteria

Chemical & Biological Lab Inspection Form (PDF)

Department Specific Information

  1. Right – to – know poster

Administration

  1. Closed doors when wet procedures are in progress, or closed and locked when no one is present
  2. Pest control program is in place
  3. Warning signs and emergency contact information up to date and posted on doors
  4. Personnel can demonstrate how to access SDS
  5. Personnel can demonstrate how to access EHS manuals (i.e.: Chem, Bio, Waste)
  6. Laboratory SOPs are available (Huron Click Registration)
  7. Exposure incident response is posted

Facility

  1. Benchtops and furniture are impervious
  2. Disinfection of benchtops and equipment done daily or after equipment is used
  3. Inventory logs are used (biological and chemical)
  4. Eyewash is present, flushed weekly (documented), unobstructed, operational
  5. Emergency shower is present

Personal Protective Equipment

  1. Disposable gloves available, used, disposed of properly
  2. Specialized protective gloves are available and in good condition
  3. Lab coats are available and worn
  4. Safety glasses/goggles and face protection available and worn as appropriate
  5. Dress code for working in laboratories is followed

Laboratory Housekeeping

  1. No food, drink, cosmetics, lotions, non-work-related plants or animals
  2. Broken glass procedures in place (including blood tubes)
  3. Soap and paper towel readily available and used for handwashing
  4. Good housekeeping practices are being conducted

Chemical Storage and Handling

  1. All chemicals are labeled properly
  2. Chemicals are stored according to compatibility
  3. Containers show integrity
  4. Storage areas are labeled

Compressed Gases

  1. Cylinders are secured properly
  2. Flammable and Oxidizing gases are separated
  3. There are SOPs for toxic, pyrophoric and corrosive gases

Peroxide Forming Chemicals

  1. Peroxide formers dated
  2. Peroxides are tested regularly and documented
  3. SOPs are present for high hazardous chemicals

Flammables

  1. Flammables are kept away from heat, ignition, flames and stored in appropriate fridges/freezers or cabinets

Biological Storage and Handling

  1. Biohazard signage on equipment and materials as appropriate
  2. Export controlled agents and toxins are locked
  3. Biological materials are labeled properly

Waste Management

  1. Chemical waste containers are labeled and have closed lids. Hazardous waste tags are completed
  2. Biological waste containers are labeled and have closed lids
  3. Regulated wastes are not stored beyond 90 days
  4. Hazardous waste tags are complete with no abbreviations
  5. Sharps containers labeled, no non-sharp waste, not overfilled, not overdue
  6. Biohazardous waste policies are followed, chemical treatment or autoclaving

Safety Equipment and Containment

  1. Biosafety cabinet properly used, disinfected and located
  2. Biosafety cabinet certified annually (BSL-2)
  3. Mechanical devices are used, no mouth pipetting
  4. Vacuum system with inline filter, dual flasks, stable and disinfected immediately
  5. Spill kits (biological and chemical) are available
  6. Safer sharps or needle locking syringe device are used for rDNA

Lab Safety Inspections