Lab Safety Inspection Criteria
Chemical & Biological Lab Inspection Form (PDF)
Department Specific Information
- Right – to – know poster
Administration
- Closed doors when wet procedures are in progress, or closed and locked when no one is present
- Pest control program is in place
- Warning signs and emergency contact information up to date and posted on doors
- Personnel can demonstrate how to access SDS
- Personnel can demonstrate how to access EHS manuals (i.e.: Chem, Bio, Waste)
- Laboratory SOPs are available (Huron Click Registration)
- Exposure incident response is posted
Facility
- Benchtops and furniture are impervious
- Disinfection of benchtops and equipment done daily or after equipment is used
- Inventory logs are used (biological and chemical)
- Eyewash is present, flushed weekly (documented), unobstructed, operational
- Emergency shower is present
Personal Protective Equipment
- Disposable gloves available, used, disposed of properly
- Specialized protective gloves are available and in good condition
- Lab coats are available and worn
- Safety glasses/goggles and face protection available and worn as appropriate
- Dress code for working in laboratories is followed
Laboratory Housekeeping
- No food, drink, cosmetics, lotions, non-work-related plants or animals
- Broken glass procedures in place (including blood tubes)
- Soap and paper towel readily available and used for handwashing
- Good housekeeping practices are being conducted
Chemical Storage and Handling
- All chemicals are labeled properly
- Chemicals are stored according to compatibility
- Containers show integrity
- Storage areas are labeled
Compressed Gases
- Cylinders are secured properly
- Flammable and Oxidizing gases are separated
- There are SOPs for toxic, pyrophoric and corrosive gases
Peroxide Forming Chemicals
- Peroxide formers dated
- Peroxides are tested regularly and documented
- SOPs are present for high hazardous chemicals
Flammables
- Flammables are kept away from heat, ignition, flames and stored in appropriate fridges/freezers or cabinets
Biological Storage and Handling
- Biohazard signage on equipment and materials as appropriate
- Export controlled agents and toxins are locked
- Biological materials are labeled properly
Waste Management
- Chemical waste containers are labeled and have closed lids. Hazardous waste tags are completed
- Biological waste containers are labeled and have closed lids
- Regulated wastes are not stored beyond 90 days
- Hazardous waste tags are complete with no abbreviations
- Sharps containers labeled, no non-sharp waste, not overfilled, not overdue
- Biohazardous waste policies are followed, chemical treatment or autoclaving
Safety Equipment and Containment
- Biosafety cabinet properly used, disinfected and located
- Biosafety cabinet certified annually (BSL-2)
- Mechanical devices are used, no mouth pipetting
- Vacuum system with inline filter, dual flasks, stable and disinfected immediately
- Spill kits (biological and chemical) are available
- Safer sharps or needle locking syringe device are used for rDNA