MDC Lab Inspection Template - 2021

• Inspection number:

• Location of inspection:

• Section Head responsible for the area:

• Inspection conducted on:

  Date

• Inspection conducted by: Tanya Aspinall, Kerry Wilkinson

• Report prepared by: Tanya Aspinall

• Executive summary of inspection

  Good

  Fair

  Poor

• Please give summary details.

Lab infrastructure and maintenance

• Is the flooring in good condition with no cracks, trip hazards or tape used to fix it down?

  Yes

  No

• Inform MDC FM of the lab location and building issue, in order for a repair to be made.

• Are the bench tops cleaned after use?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Staff should ensure that there lab bench is cleaned after use.

• Is the lab floor cleaned on a regular basis?

  Yes

  No

• Inform MDC FM of the lab location in order for regular cleaning to be implemented.

• Is the area comfortable with good lighting, temperature, furniture, fixtures & fittings?

  Yes

  No

• Please inform MDC FM of the lab location and issue.

• Are appropriate hand washing facilities available? Are there paper towels and soap/medicated handwash solution, and are they topped up regularly?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Please inform MDC FM of the lab location and issue.

• Is safety signage clearly visible in the lab (eg. on lab entrances)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take action to ensure correct safety signage is placed in this area.

• Is correct signage in place on hazardous storage cabinets (eg. flammable signage on solvent storage cabinets)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Ensure that safety signage is attached to storage cabinets.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Building Emergencies

• Are emergency exits and routes clearly signposted and free from slips/trips and obstructions?

  Yes

  No

• Take immediate action to ensure that emergency exits and routes are clear.

• Do personnel know the fire alarm testing time, evacuation procedures and assembly point?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action to ensure all staff understand the emergency procedures.

• No-one was present in the lab at the time of the inspection.

• Where appropriate, are fire extinguishers available and in date?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take action to ensure fire extinguisher(s) are sited appropriately and tested.

• Do personnel know how to report an accident, incident or building issue?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take action to ensure all staff understand the reporting procedures.

• No-one was present in the lab at the time of the inspection.

• Are staff aware of the hazardous spills procedure?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take action to ensure all staff understand the spill procedure.

• No-one was present in the lab at the time of the inspection.

• Do all staff understand out of hours access rules and lone working procedures?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take action to ensure all users understand the procedures.

• No-one was present in the lab at the time of the inspection.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Safety Procedures and Paperwork

• Has an induction been completed and recorded for all staff?

  Yes

  No

• Take action and ensure inductions are completed as soon as possible

• Is there an up to date lab safety file present, which includes risk assessments and COSHH forms for the work being conducted in the area?

  Yes

  No

• Take action to ensure that the lab safety file is present, and that up-to-date COSHH and risk assessments are present for all activities and chemicals within the lab.

• Are COSHH and risk assessments in-date (ie. have they been reviewed within the last year), and are they signed? Select 2 chemicals at random and check safety paperwork is present and in date.

  Yes

  No

• Take action to review and update the COSHH and risk assessments.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

First Aid

• Are up-to-date first aider contact details clearly displayed?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take action to ensure up-to-date first aider details are displayed.

• Is a first aid kit available for emergency use?

  Yes

  No

• Is the tamper tag on the first aid kit intact?

  Yes

  No

• Ensure that the first aid kit is restocked as soon as possible.

• If an emergency eyewash is available, is it in date?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• A new emergency eyewash should be purchased to replace the out of date eyewash as soon as possible.

• Is an emergency shower available and accessible?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Is the emergency shower routinely tested, and are suitable testing records displayed/available?

  Yes

  No

• Take action to ensure that emergency showers are added to the testing/self inspection schedule, and that records are displayed.

• Take action to make emergency showers available and accessible as necessary.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Housekeeping

• Is there a good standard of housekeeping within this area? Are workbenches clear of unused items??

  Yes

  No

• Take action to ensure that the level of housekeeping improves in this area; waste should be removed, and surplus items should be moved to suitable storage.

• Where present, are heavy items stored correctly?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take action to ensure that heavy items are moved to correct, safe storage.

• Are the hand wash facilities clean and correctly stocked?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take action to ensure that the area is cleaned regularly, and that used items are replaced.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Electrical Safety

• Is electrical equipment in good condition with valid test date (eg. PAT label)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action to ensure equipment without a valid test label is taken out of action, and not returned to use until it has been tested and labelled.

• Where required, has fixed appliance testing been undertaken, and is there a valid test date displayed on the equipment?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action to ensure equipment without a valid test label is taken out of action, and not returned to use until it has been tested and labelled.

• Where present, are extension leads used correctly (no daisy-chaining; not overloaded)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action to ensure equipment is safe

• Are all fridges labelled as either “spark-proof” or “warning explosion hazard”?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take action to ensure all fridges are labelled correctly.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Chemical Safety

• Where corrosive chemicals are present, are they stored in an appropriate cabinet with corrosion resistant shelving that is clearly labelled?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Ensure corrosive chemicals are transferred into appropriate storage as soon as possible.

• Are the acids and bases correctly labelled and segregated (both from each other and any other incompatible substances)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Ensure the chemicals are segregated as soon as possible, and stored appropriately.

• Are flammable chemicals stored in an appropriately designated cabinet that is clearly labelled?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Ensure that flammable chemicals are moved to a designated, labelled cabinet.

• Are excessive amounts of solvents on benches/shelves?

  Yes

  No

• Ensure that solvents are limited to the lowest amounts possible, and that they are stored appropriately after use.

• Are properly designed carriers available for the transportation of bottles?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Please contact MDC FM to arrange for a carrier to be purchased.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Biological

• Is biological work conducted within this area?

  Yes

  No

• What biological agent(s) are used in this laboratory?

• Is GM work conducted within the area?

  Yes

  No

• Is a GM/Biohazard sign displayed at the lab entrance?

  Yes

  No

• Please contact Simon Brocklehurst to arrange for the appropriate signage to be displayed.

• Is all work covered by a GM or BioCOSHH risk assessment?

  Yes

  No

• Please contact Tanya Aspinall or Malcolm Hadrick to ensure that an appropriate assessment is conducted for the work; work must stop until the assessment has been completed and approved.

• Have all personnel read and signed the relevant assessments?

  Yes

  No

• All staff should read and sign the assessments relevant to their work.

• What disinfectants are currently available in the lab for immediate use?

• Do all staff know what can cause aerosols and how to prevent/minimise their formation?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The inspection team spoke to the staff present and explained what can cause aerosols, and how to prevent/minimise ther formation.

• No-one was present in the lab at the time of the inspection.

• Are in vivo workers under health surveillance?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Please contact Tanya Aspinall to discuss access to health surveillance.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Noise & Vibrations

• Is there any equipment within the area which produces noise that requires a formal noise assessment?

  Yes

  No

• Are appropriate noise assessments in place with suitable control measures?

  Yes

  No

• Take immediate action - make equipment safe and remove from use until appropriate assessments are in place.

• Where appropriate, is hearing protection available and suitable and sufficient ?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action - ensure that the equipment is not used until appropriate hearing protection is available for use.

• Is there any equipment within the area which produces vibrations that requires a formal vibration assessment

  Yes

  No

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Ionising Radiation

• Is ionising radiation used within this area?

  Yes

  No

• Which types of ionising radiation are used in the area?

  Select Radioactive sources (eg. 32P, etc) X-rays

  • Radioactive sources (eg. 32P, etc)
  • X-rays

• Are specific radiation inspections being conducted in this area (eg. by your local Radiation Protection Supervisor or the Radiation Protection Unit)?

  Yes

  No

• Take action to ensure a specific radiation inspection is being carried out.

• Are risk assessments and SOPs completed and in-date?

  Yes

  No

• Take immediate action to ensure that this work stops until valid risk assessments and SOPs are available.

• Are local rules, Safe Systems of Work and training records available?

  Yes

  No

• Take immediate action to ensure that this work stops until this information is available.

• Are film badges, shielding, guarding and interlocks being used correctly, with inspection records valid and available as appropriate?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action to ensure that this work stops until all procedures, protective devices and records are available

• Is the correct PPE (eg. lab coat, safety glasses, gloves, etc) available and being used?

  Yes

  No

• Take immediate action to ensure that this work stops until all required PPE is available, and all users have been trained in its use.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Non-Ionising Radiation

• Is non-ionising radiation used within this area?

  Yes

  No

• Which of the following sources of non-ionising radiation are present?

  Select Lasers Magnets Microwaves UV/LEDs/mercury lamps

  • Lasers
  • Magnets
  • Microwaves
  • UV/LEDs/mercury lamps

• Are specific non-ionising radiation inspections being conducted in this area (eg. by the LSA or Radiation Protection Unit)?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take action to ensure specific non-ionising radiation inspections are completed.

• Are risk assessments and SOPs available and in-date??

  Yes

  No

• Take immediate action to ensure that this work stops until valid risk assessments and SOPs are available.

• Are local rules, Safe Systems of Work and training records available?

  Yes

  No

• Take immediate action to ensure that this work stops until this information is available.

• Are shielding, guarding and interlocks being used correctly, with inspection records valid and available?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action to ensure that this work stops until all protective devices and records are available

• Is the correct PPE (eg. lab coat, laser goggles, etc) available and being used?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action to ensure that this work stops until all required PPE is available, and all users have been trained in its use.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

PPE / RPE

• Is specific PPE/RPE required when working in this area?

  Yes

  No

• Were all staff wearing a lab coat and safety glasses at the time of the inspection?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Staff were reminded that it is a mandatory requirement to wear lab coats and safety glasses within all MDC lab areas.

• No-one was present in the lab at the time of the inspection.

• Are items of PPE supplied, used, stored and maintained correctly?

  Yes

  No

• Take action to ensure PPE is being correctly selected, supplied, used, stored and maintained.

• Where respiratory protection is used, is it suitable, fit for purpose and are users suitably trained and face fit tested?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action to ensure that this activity stops and does not restart until suitable respiratory protection is available and users are trained to use it.

• Are there records of users being trained in the safe use, storage and maintenance of the RPE?

  Yes

  No

• Take immediate action to ensure that users are suitably trained with records available.

• Are there records of face-fitting by a trained and competent face fitter?

  Yes

  No

• Take immediate action to ensure that users are suitably fitted with records available.

• Are users fully aware of the limitations of RPE?

  Yes

  No

• Take immediate action to ensure that users are suitably trained with records available.

• Do users conduct monthly inspections on the RPE equipment and do they keep records?

  Yes

  No

• Ensure self inspections take place and are recorded

• Where there are UV visors, are they clearly labelled as "suitable for use with UV"?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action to ensure that the UV visors are labelled correctly.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Pressure Systems

• Are pressure vessels in use in the area?

  Yes

  No

• Do all of the pressure vessels have valid statutory inspection certificates where required?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action to ensure equipment without a valid certificate is taken out of action, and that equipment is inspected and certified before being returned to use

• Do all pressure vessels below 250 bar, have a valid maintenance record?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Ensure that all maintenance records are retained, and ensure vessels are placed onto a planned preventative maintenance schedule.

• Is the equipment clearly marked with a safe working pressure ?

  Yes

  No

• Take action to ensure that the safe working pressure is displayed clearly on the equipment or in a suitable location if this isn't possible.

• Are there any other comments

  Yes

  No

• Are autoclaves used within this area?

  Yes

  No

• Is the autoclave in good condition and has it been inspected within the last year?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action to remove the autoclave from service until it has been inspected.

• Are there heat proof gloves in good condition readily available for use with the autoclave?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action to ensure that heat proof gloves are placed in close proximity to the autoclave.

• Have all users received training in how to use the autoclaves?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All staff should be trained in the safe operation of the autoclave.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Piped gases

• Are piped gases used in this area?

  Yes

  No

• Please check all that apply

  Select Argon Nitrogen Carbon Dioxide Compressed Gas Oxygen Helium

  • Argon
  • Nitrogen
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Compressed Gas
  • Oxygen
  • Helium

• Is the fixed pipework (eg. pipes, manifolds, connections, etc) appropriate?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take action to ensure that the fixed pipework is inspected, and that any required changes are made as soon as possible.

• Has the area been appropriately risk assessed to determine if gas detection is required?

  Yes

  No

• Take immediate action to assess if gas detection is required with follow up actions as necessary.

• Is a suitable gas detection/low oxygen detection present in the area?

  Yes

  No

• Take immediate action to ensure suitable gas detection is installed

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Cryogenic material

• Are cryogenic materials being used in this area?

  Yes

  No

• Are cryogenic vessels present in this area?

  Yes

  No

• Are the cryogenic vessels suitable and in good condition?

  Yes

  No

• The vessel must be removed from use if it is not in good condition; it should be inspected and either repaired or replaced.

• Where required, is there a Written Scheme of Examination?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The equipment should be removed from use until the equipment has been examined, and a written scheme of examination completed.

• Where cryogenic material is being used, is appropriate PPE available for immediate use (eg. thermal gloves, apron, face visor, etc)?

  Yes

  No

• Take immediate action to ensure that suitable PPE is placed in the area where cryogenic material is being used and users are appropriately trained.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Ladders and Kick Stools

• Are kick stools or ladders used in this area?

  Yes

  No

• Are kick stools used in this area?

  Yes

  No

• Are the kick stools in good condition?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Remove the kick stool from use immediately and repair/buy replacement as soon as possible.

• Are ladders used in this area?

  Yes

  No

• Are the ladders tagged, and have they been maintained within the last 12 months?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action to remove the equipment from use until it has been repaired and/or inspected/labelled

• Have all users of this equipment received working at height training?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action to stop users from using this type of equipment until they have completed working at height training.

• Has training been recorded, and are the records available?

  Yes

  No

• Ensure training is recorded in future, and that the records are available.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Local Exhaust Ventilation systems

• Is LEV (eg. fume cupboards, class II microbiological safety cabinets, etc) used in this area?

  Yes

  No

• Has the LEV been thoroughly inspected and tested within the last 14 months?

  Yes

  No

• Take immediate action - remove the LEV from use and ensure it is not used again until it has been inspected and tested.

• Is a pre-use checklist present, and is it up to date?

  Yes

  No

• Take action to ensure that a pre-use checklist is displayed on/close to the LEV, and that it is updated as required.

• Is a monthly anemometer face velocity test completed, and are records present?

  Yes

  No

• Ensure that monthly testing is implemented and that records are kept

• Is the LEV clean and free from dust?

  Yes

  No

• Take action to ensure that the LEV is cleaned regularly

• Is at least 50% of the fume cupboard/class II microbiological safety cabinet empty/free from clutter?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take action to ensure the LEV is cleared of all unnecessary equipment after use, and that there is a good standard of housekeeping.

• Are all flow indicators and alarms working properly?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action - remove the LEV from use and ensure that a qualified engineer attends as soon as possible to make any repairs that are required.

• Are the fume cupboard sashes closed if they are not in use?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take immediate action - close fume cupboard sash and ensure users are reminded of the safe operation procedures for using fume cupboards.

• Is ductless/recirculating LEV in use in this area?

  Yes

  No

• Is the ductless LEV being correctly managed and maintained (e.g. service contract, filter changes, etc)?

  Yes

  No

• Take action to ensure that the ductless LEV is placed onto a service contract, and that there is a planned preventative maintenance schedule in place.

• Are flexible extraction arms (eg. elephant trunking?) in use in the area?

  Yes

  No

• Is the capture distance specified in the risk assessments and is the equipment subject to statutory inspections?

  Yes

  No

• Take action to ensure that this information is added to the risk assessment, and that statutory inspections are completed and reported.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Waste Management

• Are correct waste disposal routes available and being followed (eg. biohazard, pipette chimney, glass, sharps, etc)?

  Yes

  No

• Take action to ensure that all users in the area are following the correct disposal routes for all types of waste, and that suitable waste receptacles are present within the area.

• Is waste being removed in a timely manner and not allowed to accumulate?

  Yes

  No

• Take action to remove surplus waste via the correct disposal routes.

• Are waste chemicals/substances being managed appropriately e.g. correct containment or collection points, within ventilated spaces if appropriate etc?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Take action to ensure waste is being managed appropriately.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Water systems

• Are any water systems (such as water baths, chillers, etc) in use in this area?

  Yes

  No

• Are all adequate controls (which may include controls against Legionella) in place?

  Yes

  No

• Take immediate action to remove the equipment from use until suitable control measures are in place.

• Are there any other comments?

  Yes

  No

Inspection Summary

• The inspection team found the overall condition of this area to be:

  Good

  Fair

  Poor

• Are there any further comments? This may include areas of good practice identified during the inspection.

  Yes

  No

• Please insert your comments here.