Laboratory Safety Inspection

Laboratory Inspections

All research laboratories on campus are inspected at least annually to meet NIH and other federal and state regulatory requirements — and to protect the safety of faculty, staff, students, and contractors.

Inspections are tailored to each lab's specific hazards and evaluate compliance with institutional policies and state and federal laws covering employee safety, public health, and the environment. The Office of Research Safety is available to help address any issues identified.

Labs with identified deficiencies may receive unannounced follow-up inspections to verify that corrective actions have been completed.

Lab Inspection Process:

1. Schedule – Research Safety will contact the PI or Lab Supervisor to set an inspection date and time.
2. Pre-inspection form – The PI or Lab Supervisor must complete and return the pre-lab form at least one day before the inspection.
3. Inspection – The inspector will meet with the PI or Lab Supervisor to review research activities and assess the following:

• • • IBC and IACUC protocols
    • Exempt toxins (usage, training, documentation)
    • Training records
    • Chemical inventory and SDS
    • Lab-specific hazard training (pyrophoric, water-reactive, or acutely toxic materials)
    • Emergency procedures and contact numbers
    • Bloodborne pathogen training and Exposure Control Plan
    • Personal protective equipment (availability and use)
    • Safety equipment (eyewash stations and safety showers)
    • Engineering controls (fume hood and biosafety cabinet annual inspections)
    • Chemical management (handling, storage, labeling)
    • Controlled substances (security, storage, handling, training, documentation)
    • Hazardous and biohazardous waste (storage, labeling, disposal)
    • Spill management procedures
    • Radioactive materials (signage, labeling, handling, storage)
    • Sharps and broken glass handling
    • General safety conditions (electrical, fire hazards, etc.)

4. Debrief – The inspector will review all findings and required corrective actions with the PI or Lab Supervisor on-site.
5. Report – Research Safety will email an inspection report detailing findings and corrective actions to the PI.
6. Follow-up – After 30 days, Research Safety will conduct an unannounced revisit to verify corrective actions have been completed.

• • • If all issues are resolved, a closeout email will be sent to the PI.
    • If issues remain or new ones are identified, a second revisit will be required.

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Questions or concerns? The Office of Research Safety is here to help — reach out anytime for guidance on compliance or lab safety issues.

Use the Laboratory Safety Self-Checklist to periodically assess your lab between formal inspections.