Environmental Health & Safety : Laboratory Safety Audits

Laboratory Safety Audits

Blue Ribbon Award - Laboratories of Safety Excellence

What are Laboratory Safety Audits? Laboratory safety audits provide an opportunity for departments, faculty, students, and staff to reemphasize safety by focusing on safety topics specific to each research laboratory. Audits are conducted by individuals designated by each department whom have research laboratory experience. Safety audits assess the overall safety in the laboratory.

Why are lab safety audits important? Audits are performed to evaluate your labs conformance to UCR’s Chemical Hygiene Plan, federal and state regulations, standards and codes. Audits are vital to identifying and addressing potential hazards and unsafe conditions in the laboratory.

What is the lab audit process?

II.

III.

Review

lab safety audit checklist and guidance

Inspect-observe-evaluate

lab area according to the lab safety checklist

Complete

online audit form

How often should I perform an audit? At least annually.

What types of laboratories are included in the audit? All rooms which use hazardous chemicals or infectious agents.

How can I prepare for an audit? Every department on campus that operate laboratories using hazardous chemicals are subject to internal self-audits annually. Adhering to laboratory safety guidelines in lab is excellent preparation for an audit.

Why are questions regarding hazardous waste included in an lab safety audit? Laboratory waste plays a major role in the audit process due in large part to the laws that govern it. The online waste tag program developed by the University provides a computerized method to comply with all waste regulations and audit questions. See the Online Tag Program manual for information on how to establish an account.

What documents should be maintained in the lab?Each laboratory is required to maintain certain safety documents such as the chemical hygiene plan, emergency contacts, and Laboratory Safety Orientation training record of all persons working the the laboratory.

UCR Lab Safety Rules	UCR Waste Tag Pogram	UCR Lab Safety Placard	UCR In Case of Accident

Is the lab secure from seismic hazards? Laboratory earthquake preparedness is an essential feature of lab safety especially due to the region in which UCR resides. Learn more about what you can do to increase seismic safety in your lab.

I do not have a first aid kit available in laboratory? The principal investigator is required to have a first aid kit readily accessible to those working in the lab. The campus storehouse stocks approved first aid kits for purchase.

What are the contents of a chemical spill kit? For non-emergency spills, spill control kits should be available that are tailored to the potential risk associated with the materials being used in the laboratory. Typical spill control kits include:

spill control pillows • inert absorbents • neutralizing agents for acid spills

neutralizing agents for alkali spills • collection container • appropriate PPE

What type of signs should be posted in the lab? Appropriate danger and hazard warning signs should be used to identify all devices, structures and areas where hazardous materials are used or where hazards or possible hazards may exist. General laboratory safety signs are available as well as customized signs can be generated that suit the needs of your lab.

For more information, please contact Lab Safety Audits (951) 827-5528

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Laboratory Safety Audits

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