Monash Workplace Inspection Program: Faculty of Science: Laboratory Inspection Checklist- 2013

• Audit Title

• Document No.

• Client / Site

• Conducted on

  Date

• Prepared by

• Location
  Address

• Personnel

1. Laboratory Classification- Requirement to complete an additional checklist.

• Does this laboratory have an OGTR,PC or QC classification? <br>If so an additional inspection checklist must be completed to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.<br>other checklists available for specific laboratories:<br>OGTR PC2 Laboratory Checklist<br>OGTR PC2 Constant temperature room checklist<br>OGTR PC2 Arthropod Facility checklist<br>OGTR PC2 Plant Facility Checklist<br>OGTR PC2 Animal Facility checklist<br>OGTR PC2 Aquatic Organism checklist<br><br><br>

  Yes

  No

  N/A

1.1 Background information for the auditor

• Are there any outstanding OHS issues arising from previous audits of this laboratory that have not been addressed<br>If so make a note at the appropriate audit question that this is an ongoing .You may attach additional information to the report.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

2.1 Emergency Procedures

• Emergency procedures and floor plans are clearly displayed.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Occupants are aware of emergency procedures<br>Note: Are there specific emergency procedures for this laboratory? Are occupants aware of the emergency procedures? (exposure to HF, low oxygen alarm, quenching of liquid nitrogen into laboratory, chemical spill)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Emergency contacts are clearly displayed and current.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Emergency exits are clear.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Emergency lighting is provided in:<br> - areas a where there is no natural lighting<br> - escape routes, including stairwells<br> - public areas<br>

  Yes

  No

  N/A

2.2 Egress and evacuation

• Exit doors are marked and clearly visible

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Exit doors can be opened from the inside ( no padlocks)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Exit corridors and doors are clear of obstructions, including stored materials or equipment.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Exit ladders and catwalks are clear of obstructions

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Exit lights are provided, including directional indicators where required

  Yes

  No

  N/A

2.3 First aid

• A first Aid kit is available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Lists of trained First Aiders and contact numbers are displayed and current

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Kits are inspected on a regular basis

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Cabinets and contents are clean and properly stocked. <br>List date of last check.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

2.4 Fire extinguishers

• Fire extinguishers are readily accessible in easy to see locations.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Fire extinguishers have been inspected and tagged within the last six months. <br>List the date of last inspection as noted on the tag.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Overhead sprinkler/detectors are clear of obstructions and clear of obvious visible damage.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

2.5 Floors and aisles

• The floor surface is even ( no cracks or holes), openings in the floor are protected

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The area is free of tripping hazards.<br>Floors and aisles are clear of rubbish, materials and equipment.<br>No electrical cords are lying across walkways

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• There is sufficient width of aisles for movement ( at least 1 M clearance )

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• There are no worn or broken treads on stairs.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Hand rails are in good repair

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Non-skid strips on stairs are in good condition

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Landings are clear of obstructions

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Emergency exit stairs are adequately lit

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• There is no storage of materials or equipment in emergency exit stairs

  Yes

  No

  N/A

2.6 Environment

• Lighting levels are sufficient and not excessive for general tasks, movement throughout the workplace and for tasks that that have specific lighting requirements

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Glare from both external and internal light is controlled

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Light fittings including diffusers, reflectors, tubes, bulbs, are clean and in good condition

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Noise exposures is prevented<br> where these is noisy equipment or processes a noise survey has been conducted to ascertain required controls (including substitution, isolation, & hearing protection)<br>Contact the OHS consultant to request a noise assessment if required.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• General ventilation , temperature and humidity in the area appear sufficient<br>

  Yes

  No

  N/A

2.7 Handling and storage of material

• Mechanical aids or equipment are available for handling materials

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Materials are stored on shelves or in storage rooms as appropriate.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Heavy items are not stored above shoulder height

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Storage material is secured to prevent shifting/falling.<br><br>

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Storage units are free of rubbish and properly secured

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Storage units are properly constructed and secured to prevent shifting/falling

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Storage rooms are neat and tidy

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Adequate storage is proved for PPE

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.1 Laboratory facilities (general)

• Access to the laboratory is restricted to appropriate personnel

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Appropriate PPP is available and in use ( lab coat, safety glasses, fully enclosed footwear)<br>Note: Check if any other PPE is used in the lab. Is it appropriate for the tasks conducted?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Safe work procedures have been prepared for hazardous equipment, chemicals and processed and are readily available ( e.g posted next to equipment,in lab safety folder)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Adequate washing facilities are provided

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Food and drink are not stored r consumed in the laboratory

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Warning signs for radiation, biological or other hazards are prominently displayed and in good condition.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Spill kits, supplies and decontamination material are available for the hazards present.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Spill procedures are clearly displayed.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Appropriate PPE is available and in use

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.2 Waste management

• All waste is disposed of appropriately

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Hazardous or EPA prescribed wastes contained within bunded areas that do not drain to storm water or sewer

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Hazardous waste is clearly labeled with waste description, biohazard symbols if required and date produced. The waste label Includes the waste generator contact details (name, department/school/unit and contact number) and if the waste has had any on-site treatment or testing

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Wastes are segregated according to hazard, treatment requirements and to optimize recycling opportunities

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Wastes are stored in "fit for purpose" containers that are able to withstand storage conditions and transport

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Wastes are stored at appropriate temperatures

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• There are sufficient and appropriate waste disposal containers

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Wastes are disposed of regularly and volumes are kept to a minimum

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.3 Electrical equipment

• Laboratory equipment, including cords and leads, are in a good working order

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• There are sufficient general purpose outlets (GPOs) for the equipment

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Double adapters and piggy-back plugs are not in use

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Extension leads are only used for temporary, short-term power connections

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Power boards with overload protection are used if sufficient GPOs are not available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Fittings are protected against external damage

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Equipment and appliances are earthed or double insulated. Look for the double insulated symbol on the specification plate

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Equipment that may be left on unattended has a manually resetting oven-temperature cut-off switch fitted

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Electrical equipment is tested at appropriate intervals

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.4 .Special equipment

3.4.1 Refrigerators / freezers / cool rooms,

• Seals on doors are in good condition

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Refrigerators, freezers, cool rooms are appropriately labelled

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Freezers and cool rooms have well maintained emergency door releases

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.4.2 Fume cupboards

• Fume cupboards are appropriate for the type of hazard (i.e. radiation, biological)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The fume cupboard is used with the sash at or below the recommended height

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Flammable liquids are only stored in fridge/freezers that are intrinsically safe

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The leading edge of the fume cupboard is clear of equipment and other items

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The area behind the main work area is clear

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The fume cupboard is free of clutter and large equipment

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The doors and windows within 1m of the cupboard are closed when the cupboard is used

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Emergency switches are clearly identified for power and gas supply

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The fume cupboard has been inspected and certified within the last 12 months

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.4.3 Biosafety cabinets

• The Biosafety cabinet is clean and free of clutter ( i.e. routine cleaning performed recently)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The Biosafety cabinet has been inspected and certified within the past 12 months

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.5 Chemicals (general)

3.5.1 Chemical management

• A register of chemicals is available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• MSDS are available for chemicals

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Documented risk assessments are available for chemical use

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Carriers are available for large containers (>2L)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.5.2 Labelling of chemicals

• Unattended reactions are clearly labelled

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Chemicals in use or storage labelled clearly and unambiguously

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All reused containers have label removed or completely covered

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Decanted chemicals are labelled

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.5.3 Chemical storage

3.5.3.1 Storage on open shelves

• All containers are <5kg or 5L

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• On shelves >1.5m high all glass containers are <1kg or 1L

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The shelving is chemically resistant to the chemicals stored

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.5.3.2 Storage in fire-proof cabinets

• All containers in cabinets are <25 L in size

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• The self-closing mechanisms of the door are operating correctly

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Incompatible chemicals stored in the same cabinet have separate spill containers

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.5.3.2 Storage in ventilated cupboards

• All containers in cupboard are <2 kg or 25L in size

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Incompatible chemicals stored in the same cabinet have separate spill containment

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Ventilation is sufficient to prevent build up of offensive odors

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.6 Chemicals (specific)

3.6.1 Compressed & fuel gases

• All the cylinders inside the room are connected for use ( no laboratory storage)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Gas cylinders are each securely chained with individual chains secured around the body of the cylinder and the chain ends attached to 2 separate securing points

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Cylinders, pipes & valves are protected from mechanical damage

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Strength of hoses and clamps attached to gas cylinder regulators are sufficient for maximum regulator delivery pressure

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Flashback arresters are used I fuel gas supply lines

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Non-return (check) valves are fitted to all processes that exceed cylinder pressure

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• There is a cylinder trolley available for carrying cylinders

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.6.2 Cryogenic liquids

• Cryogenic liquids are located In well ventilated areas

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Containers used for cryogenic liquids are designed for that purpose

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.7 Biological hazards

• Documented risk assessments for use of biological hazards are available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Laboratory doors are closed when work is in progress

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Hand washing facilities are available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Biological material are clearly labelled, dated and appropriately stored

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Appropriate disinfectants are available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Appropriate waste handling procedures are in place (autoclaving, disinfecting etc.)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Biohazardous wastes and sharps bins are provided, where necessary

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Separate facilities are provided for animal storage, cleaning, examination etc.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• No items are stored on the floor

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.8 Ionising radiation hazards

3.8.1 unsealed sources

• Documented risk assessments and safe work procedures for use of ionizing radiation are available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Work surfaces are impervious (wooden benches and tiled surfaces are unsuitable)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Hand washing facilities are available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Appropriate shielding material is available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Secondary containment is available and utilized (i.e. spill trays)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All sources of ionizing radiation are labelled and stored in secure locations

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All storage locations of ionizing radiation are labelled

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Appropriate monitoring equipment is available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Decontamination/emergency procedures are clearly displayed

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.8.2 Sealed Sources

• Documentmented risk assessments and safe work procedures for use of ionizing radiation are available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Appropriate shielding material is available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Hand washing facilities are available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All sources of ionizing radiation are labelled and stored in secure locations

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All sources of ionizing radiation are labelled and stored in secure locations

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All storage locations of ionizing radiation are labelled

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Appropriate monitoring equipment is available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Sealed radiation sources are maintained in good condition

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.8.3 x-ray apparatus or sealed apparatus

• Documentmented risk assessments and safe work procedures for use of ionizing radiation are available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Appropriate shielding material is available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Appropriate monitoring equipment is available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Appropriate fail-safe devices to prevent accidental exposure are in place

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Appropriate Labelling (including registration labels) are in place

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3.9 Ultraviolet radiation

• Appropriate shielding &/or interlocks are in place (eg interlocks on germicidal lamps; and protective shields on transilluminators)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Appropriate PPE is available (i.e. additional skin and eye protection may be required)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

3. 10 Lasers

• Access to Class 3 and Class 4 lasers is controlled

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Beam stops are installed and access to the beam is restricted

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Appropriate fail-safe devices to prevent accidental exposure are in place

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Documented risk assessments and safe work procedures for use of lasers are available

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Warning signs are clearly displayed

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Wavelength-specific eye protection is available for laser operators

  Yes

  No

  N/A

4.0 Environmental issues

• Chemical containers are cleaned prior to Recycling or disposal<br>- triple rinsed with labels and lids removed before placement in the bottle and can recycling bins<br>- containers with oily or persistent residues are washed with detergent and labels removed before placing in the bottle and can recycling bins

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Contaminated glassware that is not cleaned as above is treated as prescribed industrial waste

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• There is no evidence of incorrect disposal down sinks, staining, odorous sinks etc.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• There are no odours, dust or smoke in area

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All service areas, where chemicals are used and silenced or where wastes are stored are suitably bunded/protected from leakage into storm water or sewer drains

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• All electrical equipment, including computers. Are switched off when appropriate

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Lights out stickers are placed on light switches

  Yes

  No

  N/A

5.0 Risk Management

• Documented risk assessments are in place for all work procedures, including work involving chemicals, biologicals, manual handling, ergonomics, machinery and equipment

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Risk assessments have been reviewed within the last three years

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Risk assessments have been transferred online to SARAH and all hard copy risk assessments are no longer in use

  Yes

  No

  N/A