Laboratory/ workshop inspection - export test

Are the laboratory/ workshop regulations up to date and displayed in the area?

Is the floor space clear of debris or clutter?

Is the area tidy and well kept (n.b. Ceiling tiles in place, no obvious damage to walls, Windows, blinds)?

Is the floor surface free for spillages, in good condition and not slippery?

Are the lighting levels satisfactory for safe working?

Is the plant and equipment located in an appropriate location within the laboratory/ workshop (e.g. Enough space, air flow around fume cabinets)?

Is the ventilation adequate (general ventilation, LEV)?

Is the temperature comfortable(adjustment available)?

Are welfare facilities including wash hand basin, soap, towels available and clean?

Have risk assessments been carried out for the activities in the are that pose a risk of injury?

Have COSHH assessments been completed for potential exposure to hazardous substances in the area?

Is the signage for PPE requirements displayed?

Is the PPE in good condition?

Are outdoor clothing and non essential personal items removed and stored away from the laboratory/ workshop?

Are laboratory coats/ workshop overalls worn by all staff and students in the laboratory/ workshop?

Are protective gloves in use and of the right resistance for the type of work?

Is RPE provided and has face fit testing been undertaken (staff)?

Is suitable eye protection available and worn where required?

Have any harnesses or fall protection items been inspected and records kept?

Are there any trailing cables that could cause a person to trip?

Have all items of portable electrical equipment been tested and labelled with the date of the test?

Are there any apparent faults with any electrical equipment, including damage to plugs, cables and sockets?

Are any extension leads used only for temporary supply and low power equipment?

Has manual handling been eliminated where possible or minimised so far as is reasonably practicable?

Are lifting aids maintained in a good condition?

Are items stored sensibly with easy access I.e. Heavy items used frequently stored at waist level?

Are steps provided for reaching higher shelves (BSEN 131)?

Are all fire exits and escape routes, fire alarm points and firefighting equipment clearly visible, unobstructed and appropriately signed?

Are all fire doors kept closed when not in use mad never wedged open (unless on magnetic hold back)?

Are fire alarm action notices displayed?

Is the storage of flammable materials kept to a minimum?

Are there any exposed ignition sources?

Are first aid notices displayed in the area?

Is an eye wash or emergency shower accessible and in date or flushed?

Is a spill kit available for the type of spill hazard in the area?

Are machines adequately guarded to prevent contact or entanglement?

Is the equipment maintained in a good condition and records kept?

Is the equipment stored correctly?

Are emergency stops clearly visible and working?

Is there warning signage on hazardous equipment?

Are keys to secure areas being securely held?

Is the use of equipment restricted to those who are trained/ authorised to use it?

Have pressure vessels been labelled with the safe working pressure and been inspected?

Have items of lifting equipment been marked with the safe working load and been inspected to the correct timescale?

Are centrifuges clean and have working interlocks?

Is there a system in place to control apparatus or experiments running out of hours?

Is there a procedure for the decontamination of equipment prior to testing, maintenance, repair or disposals?

Is safety information available for all chemicals in the area?

Are chemicals labelled clearly and appropriately?

Are chemicals stored correctly, segregating incompatible chemicals?

Are flammables and corrosives stored in appropriate containers and in flammable cabinets?

Are flammable cabinets at least 3m away from any potential sources of ignition?

Are there approved methods of chemical disposal?

Are gas cylinders stored correctly and securely?

Have all gas cylinders and regulators been logged on an inventory and are regulators within their 5 year life span and have been tested regularly?

Are fume cabinets clean, uncluttered and not used for storage?

Are fume cabinet sashes undamaged, opened to the correct height and closed when not in use?

Are fume cabinet test results in date?

Are fume cabinet low indicators functioning?

Is LEV sufficient to reduce airborne contaminants and is the annual test date still valid?