Harper College - Lab Safety Inspection

• Document No.

• Audit Title

• Client / Site

• Conducted on

  Date

• Prepared by

• Location
  Address

• Personnel

Fire Safety

• Are fire extinguishers present, sufficient, operable, visible, accessible, labeled, and inspected?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are fire extinguishers located throughout labs and storage rooms (less than or equal to 25ft.)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is a Class D extinguisher available for reactive metals?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there a policy for fire extinguisher use vs. calling PFD?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are fire blankets present, sufficient, operable, visible, accessible, labeled, and inspected?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are fire blankets located throughout the labs and storage rooms (less than or equal to 30 ft.)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Have teachers been trained on how and when to use these?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Emergency Communication

• Emergency lighting systems are in place, functional, and checked every year?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Telephone with outside line is located in the science department?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Emergency telephone numbers are clearly posted by the telephone?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Smoke/fire alarm functioning and tested annually?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Smoke/fire alarms batteries are changed or electrically operated?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Smoke detector is connected to outside detector to alert school personnel?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Functioning fire alarm pull box?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Means of Egress

• Exits are marked and visible?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Exits are unobstructed?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Non-exits are clearly marked?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• More than one exit is provided in each lab/prep room/chemical storage room?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Exit doors open outward to provide rapid evacuation in an emergency?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Doors and Security

• Access to the prep room/storage room is limited to the science staff only?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The storage room's door is clearly marked with words that say "Authorized Personnel Only - Students Keep Out"?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Doors have self-return hardware and automatically shut and lock?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Labs/Prep Rooms/Storage Room areas are kept locked at all times when not in use?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Keys to the science rooms are only available to science staff and administration?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Fire doors are used to separate the chemical storage room from the rest of the school?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Safety Signs

• Fire exits are clearly marked with exit signs?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Safety placards are prominently posted next to all required safety equipment?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Safety rules and posters are on display in the classrooms and labs?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Eyewash Stations and Safety Showers

• Are eye wash stations present, sufficient, operable, visible, accessible, labeled, and inspected?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are eye wash stations located throughout the labs and storage rooms (less than or equal to 25ft.)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are eye was stations equipped with "stay-on" valves for hands-free operation?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are safety showers present, sufficient, operable, visible, accessible, labeled, and inspected?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are safety showers located throughout the labs and storage rooms (less than or equal to 50ft.)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are safety showers equipped with floor drains?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are the floor drains capped so hazardous chemicals can not be poured or spilled down the drain?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Have teachers been trained on how to use an eyewash station/safety shower?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

First Aid Kit

• Do you have a first aid kit?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is it labeled, visible, accessible, stocked, and inspected?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there a written first aid policy?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there a written medical emergency policy?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Have teachers received first aid/CPR training?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Personal Protection Equipment

• Policy written for use of goggles?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Goggles sufficient, available, and in good repair?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Goggles are properly disinfected and cleaned after use?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Goggles worn with chemicals, heat, or glassware?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Chemical-resistant aprons are available if needed?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Heat and/or cold-resistant gloves are available if needed?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Glassware

• Are broken glass containers available?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are broken glass containers labelled?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is it the department's policy to never use scratched, chipped, or cracked glassware?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there a glassware drying rack available?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• When glassware is used with a vacuum or subjected to temperature extremes or mechanical stress, is it shielded or wrapped to protect from possible shattering?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Utility Controls

• Master electrical shutoff?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Master gas shutoff?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Water shutoff valves?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Electrical Safety

• Plugs and cords to all electronic equipment are in good shape; they do not have splices, cracks, exposed wires, or frayed insulation?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All electrical outlets have been tested and are properly wired and grounded?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Outlets within 3 ft. of a water source have ground fault interrupters?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are there a sufficient number of electrical outlets available to eliminate the use of extension cords?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• If electrical cords are used, they have a 3-prong plug and contain 18-gauge wire or heavier?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• No extension cords across traffic aisles?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• No multiple plug adapters are used?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Ventilation and Fume Hoods

• Chemicals are never stored inside the fume hood?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Fume hoods have been tested each semester, and has a face velocity of 100 ft./min.?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Fume hoods have an adjustable, functional sash?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are ventilation systems in place to remove hazardous chemical vapors?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Has the system been tested with a smoke bomb?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is there an exhaust/purge fan available for exhausting lab fumes?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The exhaust fan is able to provide a complete air change in 5-10 mins. or less?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The lab exhaust system is vented directly to the outdoors?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The lab exhaust system stack is at least 8 ft. above the roofline and away from all the fresh air returns?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the ventilation system tested annually?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• SDS are available for every chemical stored and used?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• SDS are stored in an accessible location?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• SDS are used to assess the hazards of all chemicals?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Instructors have completed GHS training?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Chemical Inventory

• A complete and current chemical inventory is available (name, amount, and location)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Chemical Labeling

• All chemical containers are clearly labeled with the name of the chemical, the concentration, the hazards, and the effected organs?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Student chemical bottles are correctly labeled when transferred from an original container?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Chemical container labels are replaced immediately when damaged or missing?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Chemicals are date labelled upon receipt from the manufacturer?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Chemical containers are inspected annually for leakage or deterioration?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• No chemicals are kept in containers that are in poor condition?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Bulk chemicals are never packaged into smaller package sizes unless the chemical is placed in small bottles for student use?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Chemical Storage

• The science offices are not located in the chemical storage area?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Chemicals are never stored in the classroom or laboratory unless they are in student reagent bottles or in a low concentration solution?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Clear traffic paths are provided - all traffic paths are free of clutter?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Flooring is non-reactive with chemicals (i.e., no carpeting or rugs)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Tile floors are covered with non-skid wax?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Exits are large enough for occupant limits (minimum width - 28 inches)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Floor drains are capped to prevent spills from entering the sewer system?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Aisles are at least 3 ft. wide and do not have dead ends?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Storage room does not "stink" when you enter it?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Shelving is secure, wood, in good repair, and not sagging?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Shelving brackets are inspected regularly for structural damage?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Shelves have raised lip to prevent roll-over?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Chemical shelves are not overcrowded or loaded beyond capacity?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Chemical bottles are stored neatly without being stacked on top of one another?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• No chemicals are stored on the floor?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All chemical containers are securely capped and sealed except when in use?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Chemical storage room is kept dry and cool (50-80*F)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Large/Heavy items are stored on lower shelves?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All peroxide-forming chemicals are identified and marked with the date received?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Severely poisonous chemicals are given special protection and are stored in a locked cabinet?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Mercury is stored in closed containers and has a plastic bag around the container for secondary confinement?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Sodium, lithium, and potassium metals are always stored under light, dry mineral oil?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Corrosive chemicals (acids and bases) are stored in appropriate chemical storage cabinets?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Nitric acid and acetic acid are stored separately?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All flammable liquids are stored in NFPA-certified chemical safety storage cabinets?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All flammable liquids are stored away from sources of heat or flame?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Flammables cabinet is not vented?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Severely dangerous chemicals are only kept in small quantities (no more than 3-year supply)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• No chemicals are kept beyond the manufacturer's suggested shelf life?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• No excessive quantities of chemicals are stored?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Chemical Handling

• The school does not allow incoming shipments of chemicals to be opened and transported by school personnel other than qualified science staff?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The school has adopted a purchasing philosophy that when buying chemicals - safety and chemical disposal are as important as cost?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• A cart is provided for transport of chemicals from the storage room to the lab?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Chemicals are always returned to the chemical storeroom at the end of the day?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Safety shields are available and used to protect students from potentially dangerous experiments or demonstrations?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All flammable liquids are kept away from open flames or spark-producing apparatus?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• A stable/sturdy step stool/ladder is provided for reaching items on upper shelves?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Lab sinks have rubber mats in the bottom?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Spill Control

• Do you have spill control equipment?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Do you have spill control equipment large enough for your largest chemical bottle?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is your spill control equipment labeled, visible, and inspected?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is your spill equipment kept where chemicals are stored?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Have teachers received training on how to handle a chemical spill?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is mercury spill control equipment available?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Waste Management

• Waste receptacles are available, labelled for type of waste, sturdy, and inspected for leaks?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Hazardous waste records are kept showing the initial date of storage and the chemicals involved?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Chemicals are disposed of on a regular basis?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All excess chemicals and chemical wastes are disposed of according to federal and state guidelines?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Biological Waste

• Written procedures and policies established for handling and disposal of biological waste?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All biohazards are identified, labeled, and properly stored?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Do you prohibit bloodletting experimentation and experiments that use body fluids?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Do you prohibit the handling of dangerous pathogens by students?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Plants with poisonous oils or saps are never used?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Policies and Procedures

• Safety Manual available?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Chemical Hygiene Plan available?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Teachers trained?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Teachers follow procedures?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Experiments reviewed for hazards?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Administrators are aware of policies and supportive of safe teaching/learning environment?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Unsafe/Hazardous conditions are reported? How?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Administration quickly rectifies the problem?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Teachers promote positive attitude towards safety and are good safety role models?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Only certified teachers supervise lab activities?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Students receive safety training prior to their first lab activity?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Students receive, read, and sign a safety contract?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• If safety rules are violated, penalties are defined and carried out without bias or discrimination?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Lab technicians and student aides have received special safety training relative to the tasks they perform?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Accident report forms are available and used anytime someone is hurt, injured, "events", or spills?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Miscellaneous

• Student - Teacher ratio never exceeds 24:1?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The classroom/lab has no blind spots where students can not be supervised by the teacher from all points in the room?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is disinfectant soap available for student use?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Pipet bulbs available for pipetting?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Book bags, coats, etc. are kept outside the lab area?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• This comprehensive inspection is conducted annually?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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