Sample Inspection Checklist

Department/Group/Laboratory:
Inspector:
Date:
Building and Room:
Laboratory Supervisor:

LABORATORY ENVIRONMENT

Work areas illuminated Y N NA

Storage of combustible materials minimized Y N NA
Aisles and passageways are clear and unobstructed Y N NA
Trash is removed promptly Y N NA
No evidence of food or drink in active laboratory areas Y N NA
Wet surfaces are covered with nonslip materials Y N NA
Exits are illuminated and unobstructed Y N NA
Proper management of hazardous materials and waste Y N NA

COMMENTS:

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND PLANNING

Fire extinguishers mounted and unobstructed Y N NA

Fire extinguishers fully charged with tamper indicator in place Y N NA
Fire extinguisher inspection up-to-date Y N NA
Eyewash unit and safety shower within 10 seconds of hazard Y N NA
Eyewash unit and safety shower inspection up-to-date Y N NA
Fire alarm pull stations unobstructed Y N NA
Spill control materials available and adequate for potential spills Y N NA

COMMENTS:

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Personnel are wearing appropriate eye and face protection Y N NA

Appropriate eye and face protection available for all hazards in the laboratory
Y N NA
Personnel are wearing appropriate gloves Y N NA
Appropriate gloves are available for all hazards in the laboratory Y N NA
Shoes are appropriate to the hazard Y N NA
Clothing is appropriate to the hazards posed in the laboratory Y N NA

COMMENTS:

SIGNS, LABELS, PLANS AND POSTINGS

Emergency action plan available Y N NA
Material safety data sheets accessible Y N NA
Chemical hygiene plan available Y N NA
Contact sheet posted and up-to-date Y N NA
Telephones labeled with emergency number Y N NA
Building evacuation routes posted Y N NA
Ice-making machines labeled “Not for human consumption” Y N NA
Chemical refrigerators labeled “No food” Y N NA
Food refrigerators labeled “Food only – no chemicals” Y N NA
Lasers labeled appropriately Y N NA
High voltage equipment labeled appropriately Y N NA
Emergency equipment labeled with highly visible signs Y N NA

COMMENTS:

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

Flexible cords in good condition Y N NA

Cords are not on surfaces where flammable liquids may pool Y N NA
Cover plates in place for outlets and switches Y N NA
Circuit breaker panels are unobstructed Y N NA
Multi-plug adapters have overload protection Y N NA
No extension cords in use Y N NA
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) used for wet areas Y N NA
Guards/covers in place for electrophoresis devices Y N NA

COMMENTS:

STORAGE

Heavy items on lower shelves Y N NA

Storage at least 18 inches below sprinkler heads Y N NA
Storage at least 24 inches below ceiling Y N NA
Means available to reach items stored above shoulder level Y N NA
Shelving adequate for loads imposed Y N NA
Chemicals stored by compatibility and hazard class Y N NA
Chemical containers clearly labeled with contents Y N NA
Corrosive chemical stored below eye level Y N NA
Materials with shelf lives dated upon receipt Y N NA
Secondary containment used near sinks and drains Y N NA
Waste containers are sealed except during transfers Y N NA
Waste containers labeled with the contents, “Hazardous Waste” Y N NA
Storage limited to <1 quart of acutely hazardous waste Y N NA
Storage limited to <55 gallons of hazardous waste Y N NA
COMMENTS:

COMPRESSED GASES AND CRYOGENICS

Toxic, flammable, corrosive gases used in chemical fume hood Y N NA

Cylinders stored by hazard class and chemical compatibility Y N NA
Gas cylinders stored upright and secured from tipping Y N NA
Regulators compatible with gas cylinder Y N NA
Cylinder carts available and used for transport of Y N NA
Valve caps in place when not in use Y N NA
Empty or unused cylinders returned to supplier Y N NA
Gases and cryogenic liquids dispensed in areas with good ventilation
Y N NA
Cryogenic Dewars vented or have pressure relief devices Y N NA
Glass Dewars shielded Y N NA

COMMENTS:

PRESSURE AND VACUUM SYSTEMS

Vacuum glassware in good condition Y N NA

Vacuum pressure relief devices in place and inspected Y N NA
Glass vessels shielded/enclosed Y N NA
Temperature and pressure measuring devices in place where needed
Y N NA

COMMENTS:

CHEMICAL HOODS AND VENTILATION

Each chemical fume hood has been tested within last year Y N NA
Sash is closed when not in active use Y N NA
Chemical fume hood vents (baffles) unobstructed Y N NA
Chemical fume hood used with sash in appropriate position Y N NA
Chemical storage is limited in actively-used hoods Y N NA
Chemicals and equipment are at least 6 inches from the sash Y N NA

COMMENTS:

SECURITY

Doors to lab operate, close and lock properly Y N NA

Windows operate, close and lock properly Y N NA
Alarm systems are operating properly Y N NA
Keys and access cards kept in a secure area out of sight Y N NA
COMMENTS:

TRAINING/AWARENESS

Workers have attended all appropriate training Y N NA

Training has been documented Y N NA

Laboratory personnel know…

What to do in the event of an emergency, such as fire, injury, etc Y N NA
How to clean up chemical spills Y N NA
Location and contents of the chemical hygiene plan Y N NA
Chemical hygiene officer or safety manager Y N NA
What an MSDS is and where they and other safety information are stored
Y N NA
What type of personal protective equipment to use and when to
to use it Y N NA
What to do with chemical waste and how to label it appropriately Y N NA
What are the most hazardous materials they use and what precautions
to take when handling them Y N NA
The location of safety showers and eyewash units and how to use them
Y N NA
The security policies and procedures in the laboratory Y N NA
To question unfamiliar visitors in the lab Y N NA
How and when to report injuries, illnesses or other incidents Y N NA
What resources exist within the department or organization for assistance
or information regarding laboratory safety and security Y N NA

COMMENTS: