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Lab safety inspection checklist

Lab safety inspection checklist

Systematically evaluate laboratory hazards and ensure regulatory compliance with this comprehensive safety inspection tool.

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  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Get reports and analyse your data
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Lab safety inspection checklist

Systematically evaluate laboratory hazards and ensure regulatory compliance with this comprehensive safety inspection tool.

Use this template with Lumiform

  • Customize this template or build your own
  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Get reports and analyse your data
Prices start from ░░░ per month
Book a demo
Learn more
or Download template as PDF

Your lab safety inspection checklist is a comprehensive tool for identifying and addressing potential hazards in laboratory environments before they lead to accidents or injuries. This digital checklist guides you through a systematic evaluation of all critical safety aspects—from chemical storage and handling to emergency equipment functionality and proper PPE usage.

According to a study by SciSure, regular laboratory inspections are fundamental to accident prevention, allowing labs to catch hazards before they cause harm by spotting improper storage of materials or misuse of safety equipment.

Related categories

Preview of the template
Audit
NOTE: This general template can be used for lab safety self-inspections. You can modify this template to suit your lab area and institution standards.
General Safety
Lab is maintained secure. Door is locked when no one is in lab.
Appropriate clothing worn by everyone in lab.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) (i.e. lab coats, nitrile gloves, safety glasses, etc.)
REFERENCE: Lab PPE to be worn [This is an example of how you can use Lumiform to include best practice reference images in your templates to assist with inspections]
Work and storage areas clear of clutter; access to exit is unrestricted.
No food or drinks found in labs.
Hazard sign posted on corridor door.
Emergency phone numbers & plan posted next to phone.
Chemical Safety
Eyewash not blocked; can be accessed easily.
Fume hood free of clutter and stored chemicals.
Appropriate labels are found on all hazardous chemical containers.
No flammable chemicals stored in regular refrigerator.
All compressed gas cylinders secured in upright position.
All compressed gas cylinders capped when not in use.
Shelves and chemical containers in good condition (no leaks, rust).
Spill control equipment (neutralizers, absorbent pads) are present.
Hazardous Waste
Is Hazardous chemical waste generated in this area?
Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA) is located at or near where waste is generated.
Maximum SAA storage capacity not exceeded.
Waste containers are in good condition (not leaking, rusted, bulging or damaged).
Each container is marked with the words "Hazardous Waste".
Each container is marked with full chemical names identifying the contents stored inside (no abbreviations or formulas).
Waste containers are kept closed unless adding waste.
Waste containers storing liquid hazardous waste at or near sinks and drains are stored within secondary containment.
Secondary containment is in good condition (free of cracks, gaps and impervious to leaks).
Is regulated medical waste or "sharps" waste generated in this area?
Sharps are disposed in a proper container that is kept closed unless waste is being added.
Regulated medical waste is placed in red bags within boxes that are properly labeled or in another suitable container
Biological Safety
Biological materials are not stored in hallways or chaseways in unlocked freezers or refrigerators.
Biohazard signs are posted in all labs handling infectious materials.
Lab coats, gowns or scrubs are in use in labs handling infectious materials.
Disinfectants are on hand for sanitizing bench tops and treating spills.
Biological safety cabinet(s) were certified within the last 12 months.
Radiation Safety
Is radioactive material present in this area?
Is a proper sign posted on the lab door?
Radioactive and/or mixed waste containers are properly labeled.
The GM meter(s) is calibrated.
The radioactive material use area is marked properly.
The radioactive material storage freezer is properly labeled.
Vials of radioactive material within a freezer are stored in a proper "lock box".
Completion
Any other observations
Inspected by
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Frequently asked questions

How can I ensure corrective actions from inspections are ready?

To ensure corrective actions is in place, assign specific responsibilities with clear deadlines, create a tracking system to monitor progress, and schedule follow-up inspections to verify implementation. Communicate findings to all relevant staff and leadership. For critical safety issues, implement temporary controls until permanent solutions are in place. Regular review meetings help maintain accountability and prioritize outstanding items.

What documentation should I maintain for lab safety inspections?

Maintain thorough documentation of each inspection, including the date, inspector names, areas examined, findings, corrective actions, and follow-up verification. Keep records of completed checklists, photographs of identified hazards, corrective action plans with completion timelines, and verification that issues were resolved. These records are crucial for regulatory compliance and demonstrating your commitment to continuous safety improvement.

What should I look for in a lab safety inspection checklist?

During a lab safety inspection, examine chemical storage and labeling, emergency equipment functionality, personal protective equipment availability and condition, proper waste disposal practices, ventilation systems, electrical safety, and emergency exit accessibility. Also check that safety documentation is current and that staff can demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures. Focus on areas with the highest risk potential first.

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.