Laboratory Safety Checklist

Please use the following as a check list to perform safety inspections. This is the same tool used when our office conducts safety inspections throughout the campus.

Compressed Gases All cylinders properly secured in an upright position, with cylinder clamp/chain fastened to solid support Stored cylinders tightly capped and kept to a minimum Flammable materials stored a minimum of 20 feet from cylinders containing oxidizers Regulators, proper connections, and tubing in good condition Flammable gas tubing secured and labeled Flame arrestors on flammable gas supply If toxic gases in use; proper leak sensors/alarms in place and regularly checked and calibrated If toxic gases or gases with poor warning qualities used (i.e. odorless); redundant systems; shutoffs in place in case of leaks/emergencies Electric Powered Apparatus Refrigerators and Freezers Only "explosion proof" or "explosion safe" refrigerators/freezers may be used in labs to store flammables Refrigerators/freezers not "explosion proof" or "explosion safe" labeled NO FLAMMABLES ALLOWED Refrigerators/freezers labeled for "CHEMICAL USE ONLY" or "FOOD USE ONLY" and used accordingly Interior sound and free of chemical spills or contamination; containers stoppered or tightly closed General Electrical apparatus equipped with ground plugs or properly grounded Extension cords in good condition (no splices) Extension cords for temporary use only, not overloaded and no longer than 6 feet Two prong appliances not within a 5 foot radius or directly located above flammables or sinks Appliances properly grounded Emergency Equipment Fire Extinguishers Extinguishers in designated location and area labeled Extinguishers accessible and free from obstruction Current year and date of last inspection indicated on tag Safety Showers and Eyewashes Labeled, accessible and free from obstruction Eye washes and drench hoses flushed weekly Safety showers flushed annually First Aid Kits in designated areas Inventory lists inside of First Aid kit First aid kit properly stocked (refer to University policy SY-21) Emergency PHONE# decals on telephone Hazardous Substances (refer to University SY-8) Chemical Storage Updated chemical inventory Chemicals dated upon receipt Chemical containers labeled, capped and in good condition No chemicals on, above or next to a desk No corrosive chemicals stored above "eye level" Chemicals segregated by hazard (organics from oxidizers, flammables from acids) Solvent Storage Excess solvent stored in approved safety cans or solvent storage cabinets and not high up on shelving Approved safety cans equipped with self-closing lids and flame arrestors intact Safety can lids closed Safety cans/wash bottles properly labeled Infectious / Chemical Waste Waste containers labeled and chemical composition identified Biohazard containers used properly where needed (i.e. autoclave bags, sharps containers) Laboratory Hoods Local Exhaust Exhaust hoods working, date of last inspection Hood sashes open and close and glass intact Hood free of excess chemical storage/equipment Hood sashes down (panels closed) when not accessing Protective Equipment Personal Safety glasses with side shields Substantial shoes, no sandals, open toes Protective clothing worn while working at bench Gloves selected according to hazard Chemical splash goggles where appropriate Equipment Aisles and exits free from obstruction Benches and shelves not overloaded with unused equipment and/or chemicals and no combustibles stored within three feet of ceiling No damaged glassware in use (broken, chipped) Lab apparatus properly assembled and used in a safe manner No bikes in labs Signs Special hazard signs in place (i.e. lasers, cryogenic liquids, biohazards) Training Instruct lab personnel in potential hazards and good laboratory safety practices Provide information on availability of "Right-to-Know" Vacuum Equipment Vacuum pump belt guard in place Glass Dewars wrapped or shielded Protective shatter proof shield in place when in use Glass desiccators under vacuum stored in metal guards or shielded