Laboratory Inspections

Annual Inspections

 

Laboratory inspections are performed annually by EH&S. Each department with laboratories is scheduled for a different month of the year. The month is communicated but inspections are typically unannounced. However, PI's are welcome to accompany during the inspection if requested.

Inspection reports and issues assigned are sent via CampusOptics directly to the PI and/or a representative for the laboratory. Issues are given a risk ranking by rating the severity of potential impact and likelihood of impact. 

For information on completing issues in CampusOptics, use the CampusOptics Guidance Document.

Items reviewed include but are not limited to:

• General Safety:
  • Front & back door signage in place & correct
  • Lab security
  • PPE availability
  • Current occupants of the lab are wearing proper laboratory attire including closed-toed shoes
  • Lack of food/drink
  • Spill kit accessibility
  • Glass disposal boxes not overfilled
  • Eyewash/shower stations unobstructed and inspections current
  • Documentation & training record review
• Chemical Safety:
  • Proper labels - full chemical name & hazards identified on all chemicals and waste containers
  • No open containers that are not currently in use, including funnels on waste containers
  • Incompatible chemicals are separated (*nitric acid is stored separately from other acids)
  • Flammables are not stored with combustibles
  • Compressed gas cylinders are stored upright, secured, and with a cap or regulator 
  • Appliances labeled for food or no food
  • Fume hoods have been inspected and do not contain excessive materials or storage
  • Snorkel inspected
  • Flammable storage limited - no more than 10 gallons in bottles or 15 gallons of fire safety cans stored outside of a flammable storage cabinet
• Biological safety if applicable:
  • Waste containers are marked as "biohazard"
  • Waste containers are closed and not overfilled
  • Sharps containers are closed
  • Work area is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition
• Fire, Extension Cord, and Life Safety:
  • Minimal clutter / housekeeping satisfactory
  • Access to exit and aisles/walkways within the lab are clear and free of trip hazards
  • Extension cords, daisy-chained cords (power strip plugged into another power strip), and zip-cords (no ground prong) are not in use
  • Storage material is at least 18" below the ceiling of a sprinklered room unless stored on a shelf against the wall, or at least 24" if the room is not sprinklered
  • No combustible materials on or stored on flammable cabinets
  • Fire extinguisher is visible, unobstructed, and inspected
  • Ceiling tiles are intact (these are smoke and heat barriers, that, when missing, affect fire detection systems)
  • Equipment cords are in good condition
  • There is 36" clearance from electrical panels
• Laser safety if applicable:
  • Laser controlled area posted and labeled
  • Appropriate eye protection available
  • Beam shielding & protective housing
  • Access limited
  • Laser warning light / crash button (class IV)
• Warning labels for:
  • UV light sources
  • Lasers
  • NMR Spectrometers
  • Radioactive material