Laboratory Inspection Program

The Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is dedicated to ensuring a safe and compliant environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. In accordance with regulatory requirements set forth by the CDC, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and other federal and local authorities, EH&S conducts annual inspections of all laboratory spaces where hazardous materials are present. These inspections are federally mandated and are a critical component of our institutional compliance program. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator (PI) to ensure full adherence to all applicable safety regulations. Participation in these inspections and correction of any identified deficiencies is mandatory for all research personnel.

Laboratory Self-Inspections

EH&S strongly recommends that Principal Investigators conduct quarterly self-inspections of their laboratories, including all associated research support areas such as common rooms, cold rooms, and storage spaces. To support this effort, EH&S provides a Self-Inspection Checklist.

If any concerns arise during these self-assessments—or at any time—laboratories are encouraged to request an EH&S consultation. During these visits, an EH&S inspector will review the space, identify potential hazards or compliance issues, and guide corrective actions.

Annual Laboratory Inspections

The annual laboratory inspection includes both a physical walkthrough of the lab space and a review of written and programmatic safety elements by EH&S personnel. This encompasses the evaluation of administrative documents, including the Annual Laboratory Hazard Registration Form (ALHRF), Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and training records.

Following the inspection, a detailed report outlining the findings will be sent to the Principal Investigator (PI), Lab Manager, or Lab Supervisor. Inspection results can also be accessed through the EHSA CHEM-BIO Portal. The PI is responsible for ensuring that all identified safety deficiencies are corrected within 30 calendar days of receiving the report.

Typical inspection items include:

Fire, Electrical and Life Safety

  • Safe use of power cords, Power Strips, and overloaded electrical circuits.
  • Obstruction of exits and aisles.
  • Storage of flammable and combustible materials.
  • Fire extinguisher monthly inspection.

General Laboratory Safety

  • Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (e.g. fully buttoned lab coat, safety glasses and gloves).
  • Laboratory hygiene: Countertops are clean; bench paper is not torn or stained.
  • No evidence of eating/drinking in the lab.
  • Weekly eyewash inspections
  • Adequate performance of chemical fume hoods

Chemical Safety

  • Chemical storage and segregation
  • Chemical waste storage areas and weekly
    inspection by lab staff
  • Proper labeling

Biological Safety

  • Pathological and autoclave waste management  
  • Vacuum trap set-up and use
  • Annual Biological Safety Cabinet certification

Compressed Gas Safety

  • Cylinders are secured to a wall or immovable
    object (no storage on cylinder cart)
  • Caps are in place when not in use