Safety reviews of laboratory and research spaces are an important mechanism to evaluate work practices and procedures, verify work is conducted safely and in compliance with applicable requirements, educate individuals who work in the area, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Ensuring a safe laboratory environment is essential for effective teaching and learning in chemistry. This checklist is designed to help Lab Supervisors and Teaching Assistants (TAs) maintain high standards of chemical hygiene and minimize risks associated with laboratory work. By following these guidelines, Lab Supervisors and TAs can protect themselves, their students, and the integrity of the laboratory while fostering a culture of safety and responsibility.
Self- Lab Safety Reviews
Principal Investigators (PIs), Laboratory and/or Shop Supervisors are responsible for managing safety and compliance in their areas. By performing periodic self-lab safety reviews, PIs and supervisors remain informed and involved with safety practices in their areas. Self-lab safety reviews should be conducted by reviewing items from the Lab Safety Audit Form that are applicable to the specific area being reviewed. Laboratories or research spaces that use hazardous chemicals should be self-reviewed at least annually.
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Lab Safety Reviews
EHS conducts routine lab safety reviews in laboratory and shop areas campus-wide for EHS related concerns. These safety reviews may focus on a number of categories:
- Biological safety
- Chemical safety
- Compressed gas and cryogenic safety
- Electrical safety
- Emergency preparedness
- Engineering controls
- Equipment safety
- Fire safety
- General safety
- Laser safety
- Magnet and magnetic fields
- Personal protective equipment
- Radiation safety
- Regulated waste
- Standard operating procedures
If compliance issues or other concerns are identified, EHS staff will contact the PI, Laboratory and/or Shop Supervisor to review and recommend next steps. The PI, Laboratory and/or Shop Supervisor is responsible for implementing the necessary corrective actions and responding to EHS with confirmation of completion.
