Laboratory inspection checklist

High hazard Issues are indicated with a (H) and will prompt an unannounced follow-up
inspection within 4-6 weeks to ensure remediation.

Record-Keeping:

• All laboratory personnel have completed all required annual Laboratory Safety
  Training in MyPath. (H)
• All lab personnel have completed the required annual site-specific compliance
  checklist and the records are maintained. (H)
• The necessary signage is posted on the doors for all corresponding hazards,
  including the names and phone numbers of two responsible individuals.
  (Hazardous chemicals, radioactive isotopes, biohazards, and lasers.)
• Written protocols (SOPs) are available for hazardous activities performed in the
  lab. (H)
• Lab has a documented sharps safety plan. (EH&S’s Lab-Specific Sharps Safety
  Plan may be used.)
• University emergency plans (flipcharts) are posted, preferably near a phone.
• A University phone is available to all personnel for emergency response. (H)
• A Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Assessment has been performed for the
  lab by EH&S. (H)

Housekeeping:

• Food/drink/smoking materials are not present in the lab.
• The general housekeeping was found acceptable. (H) (Countertops are
  uncluttered and clean, floors are dry and clean.)
• All aisles are clear of materials/equipment and paths of egress are unobstructed
  (H) (36 inches)
• Disposable gloves are discarded after each use.
• Only non-fabric chairs are used at laboratory benches.
• Lab personnel are appropriately dressed, with legs and feet fully covered. (H)
  (Covered legs, closed shoes [including heel,] no unsecured materials [hair,
  jewelry, tie, etc.])
• Vacuum systems are not being used without engineering controls for hazardous
  materials. (Particles, vapors, gases, etc.)

PPE:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available, in good condition, and is the
  correct PPE for the procedure or hazard. (H)
• Gloves and other potentially contaminated PPE are not worn outside of the lab,
  including in hallways.

Eyewash/Shower/Sink:

• A sink and hand soap are available for hand washing. (H) (May be in adjoining
  lab.)
• A university approved eyewash station is available. (H) (Approved style and
  supplied with tempered water.)
• The eyewash is unobstructed. (H)
• An eyewash is within 10 seconds of all hazardous lab work. (H)
• The log for flushing the eyewash station is visible and shows it has been flushed
  weekly.
• A University approved safety shower is available. (Approved style and supplied
  with tempered water.)
• The safety shower is unobstructed. (H)
• A safety shower is within 10 seconds of all hazardous lab work. (H)

Local Exhaust:

• Hazardous materials are used only within a local exhaust system. (H)
• The correct local exhaust system is available for special equipment and
  procedures. (H) (Chemical fume hood, biological safety cabinet, canopy hood,
  glove box, snorkel.)

Chemical Fume Hood:

• Chemical fume hoods have been certified within the last 12 months. (H)
• Chemical fume hood sash is at, or below, working height. (H)
• Chemical fume hoods are uncluttered, and nothing is being hung from
  knobs/nozzles on the hood. (H)

Compressed Gases:

• Gas cylinders are not stored near the sole exit of the laboratory.
• Gas cylinders, including cryogenic liquids, are secured to a wall, permanent
  bench, or attached to an approved cart to prevent tipping. (H)
• Gas cylinders not in use are capped.
• Acutely toxic gases are stored and used within a ventilated, approved gas
  cabinet and have the correct engineering controls. (H) (GHS 1 or 2 for acutely
  toxic materials, as noted on the SDS.)
• A face shield, cryogenic gloves, and apron are available and used for dispensing
  cryogenic liquids. (H)
• Rooms containing multiple cryogenic liquid tanks have an operational oxygen
  sensor. (H) (Large enough volume to displace the amount of air specified in the
  University’s Gas Sensor Policy.)

Electrical/Fire Safety:

• Combustible materials are stored at least 18 inches away from the ceiling in labs
  that have sprinklers, 24 inches in non-sprinklered labs.
• A fire extinguisher is properly mounted on the wall or in a cabinet, clear and
  unobstructed, and within 75 ft of all laboratory space. (H)
• Electrical outlets within 6 ft. of a water source have GFI protection.
• Electrical panels are free of obstructions.
• Electrical wires and equipment are found in good condition. (No cracks, not
  frayed, etc.)
• Power strips are plugged directly into an outlet and are used only for computer
  equipment. (H)
• Extension cords are not being used.

Environmental Room:

• No mold is present and there is no evidence of condensation or pooled water. (H)
• The room is free of cardboard, Styrofoam, and other porous materials. (H) (Paper
  towels, paper products, bench pads, etc.)
• Compressed gas cylinders, cryogenic liquids, dry ice, and dewars are not stored
  or used in the environmental room. (H)
• Only small quantities of flammable or corrosive chemicals are stored or used in
  the environmental room. (H) (<500 mL)

Waste:

• All materials are being disposed of in the correct containers. (H) (Broken glass,
  sharps shelters, chemical sharps, biohazard waste, antineoplastic waste.)
• The outsides of all hazardous waste containers are clean.
• Hazardous waste containers are maintained closed.
• Hazardous waste containers are not over-filled (about 3/4 full). (H) (Biological,
  chemical, sharps, etc.)
• Hazardous waste containers are disposed of within 90 days of generation. (H)
  (Biological, chemical, sharps, etc.)

Chemical Safety:

• The lab has a current chemical inventory that is actively updated and has been
  reconciled within the last year. (H) (Upon arrival, consumption, inheritance, or
  disposal.)
• All chemical containers are labeled and only approved chemical abbreviations
  are used for labeling prepared solutions. (See the University’s Chemical Hygiene
  Plan for a complete list.)
• Chemicals are separated and stored by chemical classification. (H) (Acutely
  toxic, reproductively toxic, and carcinogenic chemicals must be separated from
  other chemicals.)
• Strong acids and bases in glass containers are stored below eye level.
• The outsides of all chemical containers are clean. Chemical containers are
  closed and in good condition. (H)
• Minimum quantities of chemicals are present in the lab.
  Dichloromethane:
• Has EH&S performed an assessment of all DCM use within the lab? (H)
• The correct PPE is available for DCM use (silver shield or PVA), and engineering
  controls or local exhaust systems are present. (H)

Ethidium Bromide:

• Ethidium Bromide waste is stored in a durable, labeled bucket with sealed lid. (H)
• Environmental Compliance Unit’s guidelines are used for the disposal of
  fluorescent dyes/Ethidium Bromide. (H)

Formaldehyde:

• The appropriate signage/precautions are present. As listed in the University’s
  Formaldehyde program.
• A lab-specific formaldehyde assessment has been completed. (H)
  Hydrofluoric Acid (HF):
• All laboratory personnel have completed HF Awareness training in MyPath.
• The Hydrofluoric Acid Safe Handling Guideline is posted in the lab.
• A lab specific SOP is readily available for HF and has been reviewed and
  approved by the PI and meets all University requirements. (H)
• A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and emergency procedures are readily available.
• HF is stored in a cabinet labeled “Danger – Hydrofluoric Acid Storage”.
• The chemical fume hood designated for HF use is clear of additional hazards and
  is labeled “Danger – Hydrofluoric Acid Area”. (H)
• Calcium Gluconate gel is available and not expired. (H) (Calcium gluconate
  expires annually.)
• Reusable, medium weight neoprene gloves, face shield, safety glasses, rubber
  apron, and rubber sleeve protectors are available and in good condition. (H)
• The reusable neoprene gloves have been pin tested before each use.
• Only Teflon or polyethylene bottles, containers, and pipettes are being used for
  HF work. (NO GLASS)
• HF work is only performed when others are present within the lab. (No lone
  worker activities with HF.)

Perchloric Acid:

• Less than 50 mL is present within the lab and is accurately documented within
  the lab’s chemical inventory. (H)

Chemical Waste:

• Hazardous chemical waste is stored in an identified Hazardous Waste Satellite
  Accumulation Area.
• Hazardous chemical waste containers are labeled HAZARDOUS WASTE as well
  as the name of all waste components.
• Hazardous chemical waste is stored in a durable and leak-proof secondary
  containment. (That can hold 110% of the waste container’s contents.)
• Incompatible wastes are stored in separate secondary containment.

Flammables:

• Flammable materials are not stored in a standard refrigerator or freezer.
• A flammable storage cabinet is in use if the lab has greater than 10 gallons of
  flammable or combustible liquids present. (H)
• No materials are being stored on top of flammable storage cabinets.
  BSL-2:
• Laboratory doors are self-closing and, while experiments are in progress, doors
  are not propped open.
• The laboratory safety manual is current and incorporates biosafety SOPs and/or
  IBC approvals and forms. As documented in annual site-specific training,
  personnel have access to and have read the IBC L/Lab form, if applicable.
• Safety sharps are used or have been evaluated.
• Biohazard labels (printed in color) are affixed to all powered equipment used to
  process or store materials handled at BSL-2. Transport containers are also
  labeled. Refrigerator and freezer labels list the agents being stored and contact
  information of two responsible individuals. (H)
• Biological safety cabinets and other containment equipment are used with
  aerosol producing tasks unless equipment design provides for aerosol
  containment. (H) (Aerosol producing tasks include but are not limited to blending,
  grinding, sonicating, shaking, opening pressurized containers.)
• Biological safety cabinets have been certified within the last 12 months. (H)
• Biological safety cabinets are uncluttered. (H)
• Liquid biological waste is chemically decontaminated to 10% bleach prior to
  disposal. (H) (Or with other NYS-DEC approved disinfectant effective for the
  agents used in the lab.)
• Vacuum lines are protected with clean 0.2 micron (pathogens, viral vectors) or
  0.45 micron (cells) hydrophobic filters and liquid disinfectant traps, or the
  equivalent. (A routine replacement schedule is only required, per OSHA’s
  Bloodborne Pathogens standard inspection guidance, for HIV culture labs.)
• A NYS-DEC approved surface disinfectant is available and effective for the
  agents used in the lab. (H)
• Centrifuge safety cups or sealed rotors are used as approved by the IBC, or the
  University’s Centrifuge Spill Plan is posted. O-rings are present and in good
  condition. (H) (For the Centrifuge Spill Plan – see EH&S policy/procedure BS017
  and have chin-length face shield available.)
  BSL-2+:
• There is inward (negative) directional airflow. (H)
• IBC BSL-2+ door signage and PPE are present. (H) (Closed front lab coat)
  Lasers:
• All class 3B&4 lasers have been registered with EH&S. (H)
• All laser users have completed required annual Laser Safety Training in MyPath.
  (H)
• Nitrile gloves and standard lab coats are utilized for lasers generating UV light.
  (H) (400 nm)
• The laser-controlled area has an EH&S approved laser sign at each entrance
  which lists the optical density and wavelength of the required laser eyewear. (H)
  (Must be printed in color.)
• A physical, flame-resistant barrier is present between the laser hazard area and
  other working areas. (H) (Approved black curtain, wall, flame-resistant panels.)
• Laser beam paths are terminated at the end of the useful path.
• The laser is fully enclosed. (Microscope, optical fibers, sturdy and non-reflective
  side panels on all sides.)

Open Beam Path Lasers:

• Laser beam paths are fully horizontally enclosed with sturdy, non-reflective
  materials. (H)
• Laser beams are oriented away from doors, windows, and aisles. (H)
• Laser beam height is below eye level. (H) (Using barriers and high chairs, and
  not storing routinely used equipment below the beam path.)
• The correct laser specific eyewear for the wavelength(s) and optical density of
  beam(s) being used is available. (H)
• Multiple pairs of each necessary type of laser protective eyewear are available.
  (H) (For visitors and training users)
• Eyewear is in good condition and is inspected before each use, or every six
  months. (No signs of pitting, cracking, or damage. OD is clearly labeled and
  visible.)
• All Class 4 lasers are fully-enclosed.

Open Class 4 Lasers:

• Flammable materials are not stored on laser tables. (Kim wipes, paper,
  flammable solvents, etc.)
• Enclosures and side panels are sturdy, nonreflective, and flame resistant. (H)
• Fire Rated lab coats are utilized for laser setups with moderate to high fire risks.
  (H)