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Laboratory Health and Safety Self-Audit Inspection Checklist

Regular safety and health inspections can help your company uncover safety or health risks; reduce or eliminate the chances of an incident. This checklist will also help educate your employees on workplace hazards.
MaintainX
07/22/2022

Laboratory Health and Safety Self-Audit Inspection Checklist

Regular safety and health inspections can help your company uncover safety or health risks; reduce or eliminate the chances of an incident. This checklist will also help educate your employees on workplace hazards.

    Building:

    Room:

    Principal Investigator:

    Date:

    Audit Performed By:

    General Work Environment

    Work areas illuminated

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Storage of combustible materials minimized

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Trash removed promptly

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Aisles and passageways kept clear

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Wet surfaces covered with non-slip material

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Heavy items stored on lower shelves

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Means available to reach items stored above shoulder level

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Storage at least 18 inches below sprinkler head

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Storage at least 24 inches below ceiling

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Exits

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Security/controls where required for select materials

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Pits and floor openings covered or guarded

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Emergency Planning

    Facilities

    Fire extinguishers mounted near doorway

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Fire extinguishers unobstructed

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Fire extinguisher fully charged

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Fire extinguisher tamper indicator in place

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Eyewash and safety showers available in close proximity and unobstructed

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Fire alarm pull stations unobstructed

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Emergency lights functional

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Inspections

    Fire extinguisher inspected

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) inspected

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Eyewash and safety shower inspected

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Procedure

    Spill control plan completed

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Spill control materials available and adequate to cover anticipated spills

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Required Information/Postings

    Written Emergency Action Plan

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Material Safety Data Sheets Readily accessible

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Written Chemical Hygiene Plan available in lab

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Written Respiratory Protection Program

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Documentation of Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment and training

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Postings

    Emergency Information Posters accurate and current

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    OSHA poster

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Telephones posted with 911 sticker

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Building Evacuation Routes posted

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Ice making machines posted Not for Human Consumption

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Fire Code Permits posted (when required)

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Personal Protective Equipment

    Eye and face protection available where needed

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Areas requiring the use of eye protection posted

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Open toe shoes prohibited in areas where corrosives are used

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Respirator use:

    Appropriate respirator/appropriate cartridge used

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    User enrolled in respiratory protection program

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Electrical Hazards

    Flexible cords in good condition

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Cover plate in place for outlets and switches

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Circuit breaker panels unobstructed

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Machine/instrument access panels in place

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    No exposed electrical conductors (50 volts or more)

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Multiplug adapters have overload protection

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    No extension cords used

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) used for wet/exterior use

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Guards/covers used for electrophoresis devices

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Chemical Storage

    Facilities

    Shelving adequate for loads imposed

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Refrigeration units for chemical storage labeled No Food

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Refrigeration units for food labeled Food Only

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Chemical storage cabinets properly labeled

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Ventilated gas cabinets used for highly toxic gases

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    No volatile chemical storage in unventilated environmental chambers

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Containers

    Containers clearly labeled with chemical name(s)

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Containers kept closed except during transfers

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Storage strictly limited in actively used fume hoods

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Containers compatible with the chemical

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Procedures

    Chemicals segregated to avoid incompatibilities

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Large/heavy containers stored on lower shelves

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Corrosives not stored above eye level

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Storage quantities minimized

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Secondary containers used during transport of more than one pint of chemicals

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Materials with shelf lives dated and disposed of per supplier’s recommendations

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Lab check-out procedures for departing lab workers in place

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Fire code permits obtained

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Flammable Liquids

    Used in fume hood or well-ventilated area

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Stored in flammable liquid storage cabinet for more than 10 gallons per room

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Refrigeration units approved for flammables storage

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Flammables separated from strong oxidizers

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Class ABC or BC fire extinguisher available

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Flammable liquids not stored near hot plates or other ignition sources

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Compressed Gases

    Used in well ventilated area

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Toxic, flammable, corrosive gases used in fume hood

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Storage quantities minimized

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Secured from tipping in use

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Regulators compatible with gas cylinder

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Cylinder carts used for transport

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Protective valve caps in place

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Empty or unused gas cylinders promptly returned to supplier

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Cryogenics

    Personal protective equipment used to avoid skin contact

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Used/dispensed with good ventilation

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Containers vented or pressure relief devices provided

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Low temperature embrittlement considered

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Glass dewars shielded

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Waste Disposal

    Containers kept sealed except during transfer

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Containers labeled with the words Hazardous Waste

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Constituents of the waste described on the container label

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Storage limited to < 1 quart of acutely hazardous waste

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Glass chemical containers recycled per established procedures

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Separate disposal containers available for broken glass

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Containers compatible with waste

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Ventilation

    Each chemical fume hood has been surveyed

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Fume hood vents (baffles) unobstructed

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Fume hoods used with sash in appropriate position

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Chemical storage strictly limited in actively used hoods

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Other local exhaust devices (e.g. gas cabinets, elephant trunks) surveyed

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Laminar Flow Cabinets posted

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Pressure/Vacuum Systems

    System components properly designed

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Pressure relief devices provided and inspected

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Corrosion prevention considered

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Written operating procedures available

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Inspection/Maintenance procedure in place

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Failure analysis and hazard control documented

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Glass vessels shielded/enclosed

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Operators trained/authorized

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Security

    Doors to the lab operate, close and lock properly.

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Windows operate, close and lock properly.

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Alarm systems are operating properly.

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Keys and access cards are kept in a secure area, out of sight.

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Training/Awareness

    Training

    Workers have attended Laboratory Safety Training

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Workers have attended Emergency Action Plan Training

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Workers have attended Laboratory Security Training

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Workers have attended a laboratory orientation

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Workers have had training beyond EHS training

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Training (EHS and departmental) is documented

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Awareness: Do laboratory workers know

    what to do in the event of an emergency, such as fire, injury, including evacuation routes

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    how to clean up chemical spills

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    the location/contents of the Chemical Hygiene Plan

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    the Chemical Hygiene Officer and Safety Manager for the department

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    what an MSDS is and where to find them and other safety information

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    what type of personal protective equipment to use and when to use it

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    what to do with chemical waste

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    what are the most hazardous materials you use and what precautions to take

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    if any of the materials used in the lab are carcinogens, highly toxic agents or reproductive toxins. If so, have you completed a prior approval form?

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    where and how to use emergency equipment, such as safety showers and eyewash stations

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    to question unfamiliar visitors in the lab

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    the contents of the Laboratory Security Policy

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    if anyone in the laboratory is conducting unauthorized research activities

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    to report unusual or suspicious conditions and security incidents to Public Safety

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail
Source: MaintainX (Community Member)

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