Lab Safety Audit Template
Lab Safety Audit Template
Checklist for general lab safety
Lab Safety Audit Template
Checklist for general lab safety
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Preview of the template
Audit
A. General Work Environment
1. Work areas illuminated
2. Storage of combustible materials minimized
3. Trash removed promptly
4. Aisles and passageways kept clear
5. Wet surfaces covered with non-slip material
6. Heavy items stored on lower shelves
7. Means available to reach items stored above shoulder level
8. Storage at least 18 inches below sprinkler head
9. Storage at least 24 inches below ceiling
10. Exits a. Illuminated signs working
b. Paths free from obstruction
c. Alternate exits available where required
d. Fire doors not blocked or wedged open
e. Doors not locked
11. Security/controls where required for select materials
12. Pits and floor openings covered or guarded
B. Emergency Planning
Facilities
1. Fire extinguishers mounted near doorway
2. Fire extinguishers unobstructed
3. Fire extinguisher fully charged
4. Fire extinguisher tamper indicator in place
5. Eyewash and safety showers available in close proximity and unobstructed
6. Fire alarm pull stations unobstructed
7. Emergency lights functional
Inspections
8. Fire extinguisher inspected
9. Self-contained breathing apparatus(SCBA) inspected
10. Eyewash and safety shower inspected
11. Spill control plan completed
12. Spill control materials available and adequate to cover anticipated spills
C. Required Information/ Postings
1. Written Emergency Action Plan
2. Material Safety Data Sheets readily accessible
3. Written Chemical Hygiene Plan available in lab
4. Written Respiratory Protection Plan
5. Documentation of Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment and training
Postings
7. Emergency Information Posters accurate and current
8. OSHA poster
9. Telephones posted with 911 sticker
10. Building Evacuation Routes posted
11. Ice making machines posted Not for Human Consumption
12. Fire Code Permits posted (when required)
D. Personal Protective Equipment
1. Eye and face protection available where needed
a. Goggles and face shields for corrosives
b. User enrolled in respiratory protection program
E. Electrical Hazards
1. Flexible cords in good condition
2. Cover plate in place for outlets and switches
3. Circuit breaker panels unobstructed
4. Machine/instrument access panels in place
5. No exposed electrical conductors (50 volts or more)
6. Multiplug adapters have overload protection
7. No extension cords used
8. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) used for wet/exterior use
9. Guards/covers used for electrophoresis devices
F. Chemical Storage
Facilities
1. Shelving adequate for loads imposed
2. Refrigeration units for chemical storage labeled No Food
3. Refrigeration units for food labeled Food Only
4. Chemical storage cabinets properly labeled
5. Ventilated gas cabinets used for highly toxic gases
6. No volatile chemical storage in unventilated environmental chambers
7. Containers clearly labeled with chemical name(s)
8. Containers kept closed except during transfers
9. Storage strictly limited in actively used fume hoods
10. Containers compatible with the chemical
11. Chemicals segregated to avoid incompatibilities
12. Large/heavy containers stored on lower shelves
13. Corrosives not stored above eye level
14. Storage quantities minimized
15. Secondary containers used during transport of more than one pint of chemicals
16. Materials with shelf lives dated and disposed of per supplier's recommendations
17. Lab check-out procedures for departing lab workers in place
18. Fire code permits obtained
G. Flammable Liquids
1. Used in fume hood or well-ventilated area
2. Stored in flammable liquid storage cabinet for more than 10 gallons per room
3. Refrigeration units approved for flammables storage
4. Flammables separated from strong oxidizers
5. Class ABC or BC fire extinguisher available
6. Flammable liquids not stored near hot plates or other ignition sources
H. Compressed Gases
1. Used in well ventilated area
2. Toxic, flammable, corrosive gases used in fume hood
3. Storage quantities minimized
4. Secured from tipping in use
5. Regulators compatible with gas cylinder
6. Cylinder carts used for transport
7. Protective valve caps in place
8. Empty or unused gas cylinders promptly returned to supplier
I. Cryogenics
1. Personal protective equipment used to avoid skin contact
2. Used/dispensed with good ventilation
3. Containers vented or pressure relief devices provided
4. Low temperature embrittlement considered
5. Glass dewars shielded
J. Waste Disposal
1. Containers kept sealed except during transfer
2. Containers labeled with the words Hazardous Waste
3. Constituents of the waste described on the container label
4. Storage limited to
5. Glass chemical containers recycled per established procedures
6. Separate disposal containers available for broken glass
7. Containers compatible with waste
K. Ventilation
1. Each chemical fume hood has been surveyed
2. Fume hood vents (baffles) unobstructed
3. Fume hoods used with sash in appropriate position
4. Chemical storage strictly limited in actively used hoods
5. Other local exhaust devices (e.g. gas cabinets, elephant trunks) surveyed
6. Laminar Flow Cabinets posted
L. Pressure/Vacuum Systems
1. System Components properly designed
2. Pressure relief devices provided and inspected
3. Corrosion prevention considered
4. Written operating procedures available
5. Inspection/Maintenance procedure in place
6. Failure analysis and hazard control documented.
7. Glass vessels shielded/enclosed
8. Operators trained/authorized
M. Security
1. Doors to the lab operate, close and lock properly
2. Windows operate, close and lock properly
3. Alarm systems are operating properly
4. Keys and access cards are kept in a secure area, out of sight
N. Training/ Awareness
Training
1. Workers have attended Laboratory Safety Training
2. Workers have attended Emergency Action Plan Training
3. Workers have attended Laboratory Security Training
4. Workers have attended a laboratory orientation
5. Workers have had training beyond EHS training
6. Training (EHS and departmental is documented)
Awareness: Do laboratory workers know
1. what to do in the event of an emergency, such as fire, injury, including evacuation routes
2. how to clean up chemical spills
3. the location /contents of the Chemical Hygiene Plan
4. the Chemical Hygiene Officer and Safety Manager for the department
5. what an MSDS is and where to find them and other safety information
6. what type of personal protective equipment to use and when to use it
7. what to do with chemical waste
8. what are the most hazardous materials you use and what precautions to take
9. 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?
10. if any DHS Chemicals of Interest are present, have they been reported to EHS. *Particular attention to Chemical Warfare Convention Chemicals and toxic gases*
11. where and how to use emergency equipment, such as safety showers and eyewash stations
12. to question unfamiliar visitors in the lab
13. the contents of the Laboratory Security Policy
14. if anyone in the laboratory is conducting unauthorized research activities
15. to report unusual or suspicious conditions and security incidents to Public Safety
O. Shipping and Procuring Dangerous Goods
1. Lab ships flammable, corrosive, toxic or material otherwise regulated for transport
2. EHS contacted
3. Dangerous Good Shipping Form used
4. Dry Ice Shipper Training up to date, as applicable
5. Hazardous Chemicals obtained from external departmental stockrooms
6. Route back crosses public roads
7. Vehicle used
8. Container protection from transport
Please sign upon Audit completion
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This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.