Information

  • Document No.

  • Conducted on

  • Area to be inspected

  • Specific Location

  • Name of person completing the checklist

  • Email of person submitting checklist (for email notification)

  • Names of personnel involved in inspection

  • This checklist covers the health and safety (H&S) procedures expected in laboratories, workshops and chemical stores. The checklist should be completed at least every six months.

Work Environment

Layout and access

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Have access restrictions to the facility been identified and communicated to staff and students?

  • Evaluate the access requirements for the facility.

  • Are walkways free of trip hazards (e.g. electrical cords and other clutter)?

  • Move or secure the offending cord or obstruction.

  • Do floors have even surfaces (no lifted carpet or holes)?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

  • Are stair treads in good condition?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

  • Are corridors, walkways and work areas adequately lit?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

Other Work Enviroment

  • Tick if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Is temperature and airflow in the area adequate?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

  • Is the lighting appropriate for the task(s) being undertaken?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

  • Are window coverings available to minimise glare and reflection on computer screens?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

  • Is the area free from odours?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

  • Is noise level acceptable/adequately controlled?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

Storage

  • Tick if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Is storage adequate and convenient and free of rubbish?

  • Reorganise storage areas if possible. If this is not possible, consider providing more space or reduce the amount stored.

  • Are frequently used and heavier items stored between mid-thigh and shoulder height?

  • Reorganise storage areas to put frequently used and heavier items at correct height.

  • Is stored material secured to prevent shifting/falling?

  • Reorganise storage areas if possible. If this is not possible, consider providing more space or reduce the amount stored.

  • Are stepladders or safe steps available to access items stored on high shelves?

  • Consult with staff to determine the type of steps needed, and then purchase it. Inform staff of step location.

UTS H&S Procedures

Emergency Preparation

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Are emergency evacuation procedures posted in the main work areas?

  • Contact Essential Services Compliance Manager on ext. 4689

  • Is the emergency telephone number ‘6’ clearly displayed (e.g. stickers on phones, coasters, phone lists, etc.)?

  • Contact Essential Services Compliance Manager on ext. 4689

  • Are there a sufficient number of trained emergency wardens?

  • Contact Essential Services Compliance Manager on ext. 4689

  • Are the emergency wardens identified and available in an emergency?

  • Contact Essential Services Compliance Manager on ext. 4689

  • Are staff aware of the Security number to be used in an emergency when an internal phone is not available?

  • Ask staff to add the UTS Security Services phone number 1800 249 559 to their mobile phones’ contact list.

  • Are appropriate fire extinguishers easily accessible and signposted (e.g. carbon dioxide for labs)?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

  • Check the tags attached to fire extinguishers and fire blankets - have the fire extinguishers been inspected within the last six months?

  • Contact Essential Services Compliance Manager on ext. 4689

  • Are overhead sprinklers and smoke detectors clear of obstructions, stores, etc.?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

  • Is all emergency equipment functional (e.g. Exit signage illuminated, Fire Doors and Duress Alarms) operating correctly?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

  • Are the exit doors marked, clearly visible and clear of obstructions?

  • Clear up and/or contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476.

  • Are the exit doors suitable for people with limited mobility?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

  • Have all staff and students seen the ’Escape from UTS’ video?

  • Send staff a reminder to view emergency evacuation video and refer to the UTS Security Services webpage.

Hazards

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Are staff and students made aware of all relevant hazards present in the facility?

  • Point out hazards to staff and students during induction.

  • Are staff and students encouraged to report hazards via HIRO?

  • Include instructions on how to use HIRO in induction training.

  • Are inspections completed at least every six months and action taken to ensure compliance?

  • Check inspection schedule and that action items previously identified have been closed off.

Accidents/incidents and First Aid

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Are staff aware that accidents and incidents are reported using the Hazard and Incident Reporting Online (HIRO) system?

  • Send staff a reminder and refer to UTS S&W webpage - Report an Accident or Incident.

  • Is a First Aid Officer readily available during normal work hours, bearing in mind that all Security officers are first aid trained?

  • View the First Aid Officer database to check coverage is adequate.

  • Are the contact details of First Aid Officers up to date on the First Aid Officer database listing and posters/notices listing First Aid Officers?

  • View the First Aid Officer database to update names on First Aid posters.

  • Are posters / notices indicating the contact details of the First Aid Officers on display?

  • Update the details on all First Aid Officer signs. Additional posters and notices are available from UTS S&W webpage - First Aid.

  • Are the First Aid Officers keeping their First Aid kit stocked with supplies that are not out-of-date and aware that they should never include medication (including Aspirin, Panadol or other headache preparations or pain killers of any kind)?

  • Ask the First Aid Officers to order missing supplies using the order form available at UTS S&W webpage - Order First Aid Supplies. Dispose of any medication appropriately.

Risk management, information and signage

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Is there an up to date Hazard Information Poster posted on or adjacent to the door?

  • Create a Hazard Information Poster using online tool on health and safety website.

  • Is special signage for radiation, biological or other hazards prominently posted?

  • Post hazard specific signage

  • Are Safe Work Procedures specific to the work area displayed or easily accessible?

  • Display SWMS or make easily accessible to persons performing task.

  • Is the laboratory safety manual available?

  • Make available a copy of laboratory safety manual.

  • Are risk assessments conducted / reviewed annually for all hazardous activities in the facility?

  • Update risk assessments.

  • Are staff and students made aware of risk assessments?

  • Inform workers how to access risk assessments.

  • Is safety information included in student notes for each subject?

  • Make sure subject coordinators are aware of their responsibility to include safety information in student notes.

Hazard Programs

Electrical Safety

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Are electrical sockets and switches in good repair?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

  • Is there a schedule for testing and tagging plug-in electrical equipment and electrical cords based on risk assessment?

  • Contact Safety & Wellbeing for assistance on ext. 1063.

  • Is there a register of tested electrical equipment?

  • Establish and maintain an electrical testing register.

  • Do all portable electrical appliances have a current inspection tag?

  • Test and tag electrical equipment immediately.

  • Has the use of double adaptors been eliminated?

  • Replace double adaptors with power boards.

  • Are all electrical conductors, such as power boards and sockets, away from wet areas?

  • Move electrical conductors away from where water can reach.

Manual Handling

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Is work organised to limit unnecessary or excessive bending and the need to transport heavy loads?

  • Redesign the work area or work, or email Safety and Wellbeing for advice.

  • Is there adequate space for tasks to be carried out?

  • Redesign the work area or work, or email Safety and Wellbeing for advice.

  • Are trolleys available for transporting heavy loads? Is the trolley/s in good repair? Is the trolley storage location relayed to staff?

  • Consult with staff to determine the type of trolley needed, and then purchase it. Inform staff of trolley location. Contact Safety and Wellbeing for advice.

  • Is the “Tips for Manual Handling” poster on display?

  • Download "Tips for Manual Handling Poster" for Safety and Wellbeing website

  • Have staff received appropriate training in manual handling?

  • Contact Safety and Wellbeing for assistance in organising manual handling training.

Chemical inventory, labelling and risk assessments

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Is an up to date inventory/register of chemicals available?

  • Update inventory/register of hazardous materials/chemicals.

  • Is an up to date (<5yrs old) SDS readily accessible for each chemical used?

  • Obtain up-to-date SDS. Refer to UTS S&W webpage - Chemical safety.

  • Are chemicals labelled according to GHS?

  • Label chemicals in accordance with GHS. Refer to UTS S&W webpage - Chemical safety.

  • Has a risk assessment been completed for all hazardous substances or dangerous goods (designated as such by the SDS)?

  • Contact Safety and Wellbeing on ext. 1063 to discuss doing a risk assessment on the hazardous chemicals.

  • Has there been consultation between the subject coordinators and lab manager regarding controls required for each class?

  • Initiate coordination of responsibility for management of chemicals between academic and lab staff.

  • Are there up to date chemical control measures included in all student lab notes?

  • Include chemical safety control measures in student notes based on risk assessment.

  • Are staff and students aware of the procedures in place for the use of high-risk chemicals (i.e. flammables, explosives, cytotoxics, poisons, HF, carcinogens, etc.)?

  • Provide safe work procedures for use of high risk substances.

Chemical use, risk controls and emergency response

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Does the laboratory have appropriate ventilation for the types of chemicals in use (general exhaust, local exhaust, dust extraction, fume cupboards, glove boxes etc.)?

  • Request that appropriate ventilation be installed.

  • Is appropriate safety equipment (e.g. dispenser, grounding straps, etc.) available for use?

  • Obtain any safety equipment based on risk assessment

  • Is personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, aprons, etc.) available and maintained in good condition?

  • Obtain and maintain appropriate PPE based on risk assessment. Refer to UTS S&W webpage - Select and use Personal Protective Equipment.

  • Are appropriate spill kits and decontamination material available where needed?

  • Obtain and maintain appropriate spill kit based on risk assessment.

  • Is there a sign noting the location and instructions for use for the spill kits - noting use of appropriate PPE?

  • Install signs showing location of spill kits.

  • Is safety equipment maintained in good operating condition and accessible to laboratory staff at all times?

  • Maintain chemical safety equipment.

  • Are safety carriers available for transporting glass or plastic containers of 2L or greater?

  • Provide safety carrier for transporting Winchesters.

  • Are safety showers and eye-wash stations clearly signposted and kept clear of any obstructions and regularly checked and records kept?

  • Install signs showing location of safety shower and eye-wash station.

  • Do staff in the area know how to respond to an emergency involving flammable liquids (ask them)?

  • Provide instruction for flammable gas emergency.

  • Do staff in the area know how to respond to a chemical spill (ask them)?

  • Provide instructions for chemical spill response.

Fume cupboards and laminar flow cupboards

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Are electrical services located outside cupboard?

  • Install power points and switches outside cupboard.

  • Are emergency switches clearly identified for power and gas supply?

  • Install emergency stop switched for power and gas.

  • Has fume cupboards been inspected and certified within the last 12 months?

  • Immediately arrange of fume cupboard inspection or tag out of service.

  • Are restrictions posted near fume cupboards (< 2.5L of flammables only; no H3ClO4, etc.)?

  • Post restrictions on fume cupboard use.

  • Are fume cupboards appropriate for the type of hazard (i.e. radiation, biological, etc.)?

  • Ensure that fume cupboards are used for use intended. Post signage if required.

  • Have all laminar flow cabinets been certified within the last 12 months?

  • Immediately arrange of laminar flow cupboard inspection or tag out of service.

  • Are procedures for the appropriate use of cabinets posted?

  • Post procedures for safe use of cabinet.

  • Do the fume cupboards look clean and tidy (i.e. routine cleaning performed recently)?

  • Establish regular cleaning of fume cupboards.

Chemical storage

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Are chemicals stored correctly (i.e. only with other compatible chemicals)?

  • Store chemicals so that incompatible dangerous goods classes are not stored together.

  • Are domestic refrigerators kept free of flammable liquids?

  • Move flammable liquids into spark-proof chemical storage refrigerator.

  • Are all storage refrigerators spark-proof?

  • Move flammable liquids into spark-proof chemical storage refrigerator.

  • Are cabinets used for the storage of large quantities of chemicals?

  • Install dangerous goods cabinets if large quantities of dangerous goods are stored (e.g. > 1L per 1 m2 of flammable liquid)

  • Is there security/restricted access to store areas?

  • Keep chemical store areas locked.

  • Is fire suppression or fire protection equipment available?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476.

  • Is the ventilation sufficient to prevent build-up of offensive odours?

  • Request that ventilation is installed to remove offensive odours.

  • Is there appropriate secondary containment to prevent the spread of major spills?

  • Install bunding to prevent spread of spills of dangerous goods.

  • Are all glass containers > 1kg or 1L stored below 1.5m high?

  • Store large glass containers close to the ground.

  • Is all shelving compatible with chemicals stored or covered with a protective coating?

  • Install shelving that will not perish when in contact with chemical vapours or spills.

  • Are all containers free from leaks or damage?

  • Dispose damaged containers according to hazardous waste disposal guidelines.

Flammable liquid cabinets

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Is there not more than one flammable liquid cabinet per 250m2 of floor space?

  • Distribute cabinets so there is less than one per 250m2 of floor space.

  • Are flammable liquid cabinets at least 3m from power points and other ignition sources?

  • Move cabinet 3m from ignition source.

  • Is the bunding / bottom shelf in place and kept clear?

  • Install bunding at bottom of cabinet.

  • Is the area around and on top of the cabinet clear of all material i.e. no storage of combustible materials on or around cabinet?

  • Remove combustible material from around cabinet.

  • Is there appropriate signage in place?

  • Install correct dangerous goods placard on door.

  • Are warning signs on the cabinet legible?

  • Install new dangerous goods placard on flammable liquid cabinet.

Hazardous waste

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Is hazardous waste separated and labelled as per the UTS procedures?

  • Follow UTS Hazardous Waste Disposal procedures.

  • Are there sufficient and appropriate waste disposal containers in the laboratory?

  • Order waste disposal containers

  • Have all staff and students working in the facility received chemical safety training?

  • Provide chemical safety training.

  • Is there signage stating that tipping of hazardous waste down the sink is prohibited?

  • Install sign by sink prohibiting waste disposal down sink.

Gas cylinders and cryogens

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Are all gas cylinders in laboratories connected for use? (i.e. no laboratory storage)?

  • Remove any cylinders that are not connected for use.

  • Are gas cylinders securely chained?

  • Secure gas cylinders from falling.

  • Are supply valves closed/capped if not in use?

  • Install sign to remind that supply valves be closed when not in use.

  • Are flashback arrestors used in fuel gas supply lines?

  • Install flashback arrestors in fuel lines.

  • Are non-return (check) valves fitted to all processes that exceed cylinder pressure?

  • Install check valve to line directed to high pressure process.

  • Is gas use confined to areas with good ventilation?

  • Provide good general ventilation to areas with gas use.

  • Are specialised trolleys available for moving gas cylinders?

  • Provide gas cylinder moving trolleys.

  • Are all cylinders at least 3m away from ignition sources and combustible material?

  • Locate cylinders more than 3 m from ignition sources.

  • Are empty cylinders separated and identified as empty?

  • Locate empty cylinders in away from other cylinders.

  • Has monitoring equipment (e.g. gas detectors, alarms) been calibrated and in date?

  • Request that gas detectors and alarms be maintained and calibrated.

Biological

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Are safe work practices in place for laboratory techniques (including minimisation of aerosols)?

  • Develop Safe Work Procedures for standard laboratory techniques.

  • Are cleaning procedures established for normal cleaning and emergency spills?

  • Develop procedures for responding to spills.

  • Are autoclaves / procedures available for disinfection?

  • Develop procedures to access autoclave.

  • Are staff aware of decontamination procedures?

  • Communicate decontamination procedures to workers.

  • Are sharps and biohazardous waste procedures established and implemented?

  • Develop and communicate waste disposal procedures.

  • Is all research approved (where required) by the UTS Biosafety committee?

  • Obtain Biosafety approval for work with PC2 organisms and GMOs.

  • Is specialised personal protective equipment available and maintained in good condition?

  • Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment. Refer to PPE webpage.

  • Are specimen containers always labelled and legible?

  • Label all specimen containers.

  • Have all staff / students been provided with information on appropriate vaccinations?

  • Refer to UTS Vaccination webpage.

Communicable diseases

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Are sharps containers available where required?

  • Refer to UTS S&W webpage - Sharps and Needlestick Injuries.

  • Are personal protective equipment available as required?

  • Refer to UTS S&W webpage - Select & use personal protective equipment.

  • Are staff made aware of safe work practices for handling of sharps and disposal procedures?

  • Provide instruction on safe handling of sharps.

  • Are the laboratory manager and academic staff aware of the emergency response procedure?

  • Provide emergency response instruction to laboratory and academic staff.

Animal handling and facilities

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Are separate facilities available for animal storage, cleaning, examination etc.?

  • Request that appropriate animal holding facilities be provided.

  • Are infected and non-infected animals segregated?

  • Keep infected animals segregated.

  • Are all staff trained in safety procedures associated with animal handling?

  • Provide instruction on safe animal handling procedures.

Ionising radiation

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Are the areas designed for specific radiation procedures/work appropriately registered?

  • Contact the Radiation Safety Officer.

  • Is radiation monitoring and detection equipment readily available and calibrated?

  • Contact the Radiation Safety Officer.

  • Are appropriate personal and / or area monitoring procedures adopted?

  • Contact the Radiation Safety Officer.

  • Is adequate and sufficient shielding material/equipment provided?

  • Contact the Radiation Safety Officer.

  • Are all staff licensed users unless specifically exempted as postgraduate students?

  • Contact the Radiation Safety Officer.

  • Are radioactive materials securely stored according to procedures?

  • Contact the Radiation Safety Officer.

  • Is radioactive waste securely stored and disposed of according to procedures?

  • Contact the Radiation Safety Officer.

  • Are safe work procedures and decontamination/emergency procedures established?

  • Contact the Radiation Safety Officer.

  • Are staff and students provided with training on safe work procedures?

  • Contact the Radiation Safety Officer.

  • Are relevant licenses and exemption notices displayed?

  • Display notice of exempted students.

Non-ionising radiation

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Are arc-welding operators provided with helmets (with filter lens), fire-resistant gauntlet gloves and apron, boots, spats, skull cap and boilermaker's coverall or bib, brace, shirt?

  • Provide appropriate PPR to welders.

  • Do arc-welding areas have ventilation to protect operators from inhaling fumes?

  • Request installation of adequate ventilation for welders.

  • Do laser laboratories have the appropriate warning signs?

  • Install laser safety signs.

  • Are lasers equipped with protective housings, safety interlocks, key controls, beam stops, attenuators and scanning safety guards as appropriate?

  • Only use laser equipment that adequate engineering controls.

  • Are laser operators provided with wavelength-specific eye protection?

  • Provide laser operators with eye protection as required by risk assessment.

  • Is suitable eye protection and skin protection worn by any persons exposed to ultraviolet radiation?

  • See AS/NZS 1337 and AS/NZS 2211.1 for eye protection

Plant and equipment

  • Check if this category is NOT applicable.

  • Are machines built in accordance with relevant Australian Standards?

  • Check that new equipment meets Australian Standards.

  • Are safe operating instructions / warning signs clearly visible?

  • Make safe operating instructions easily accessible and signs clearly visible.

  • Are machines guarded / protected to prevent contact, entanglement or damage?

  • Contact Safety and Wellbeing to discuss doing a risk assessment and implement corrective actions.

  • Are any items of plant obsolete and unsafe to operate?

  • If the item cannot be repaired it should be disposed of.

  • Have preventative maintenance arrangements been made if required?

  • Implement preventative maintenance schedule.

  • Have items of plant/equipment requiring risk assessment been identified and risk assessments documented?

  • Contact Safety and Wellbeing to discuss doing a risk assessment.

  • Are documented safe work procedures available for high risk plant and equipment?


  • Refer to UTS S&W webpage - Plant and Equipment.

  • Are staff and students trained in the safe work procedures for use of the plant/equipment?

  • Include safe work procedures in training and induction.

  • Is personal protective equipment available (where specified in the risk assessment / safe work procedure) and maintained in good condition?

  • Refer to UTS S&W webpage - Select and Use Personal Protective Equipment.

  • Is a register of slings/ladders kept, with details of all maintenance and inspections noted?

  • Maintain register of slings/ladders. Refer to UTS S&W webpage - Slings webpage and the Ladders webpage.

  • Has sound level testing been performed on noisy equipment and adequate controls / hearing protection provided?

  • Contact Safety and Wellbeing on ext. 1063 to organise sound level testing.

  • Are residual current devices in use for electrical equipment?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

  • Is local exhaust ventilation drawing air effectively?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

  • Are lighting levels sufficient for operators to run equipment safely?

  • Contact Building Services on ext. 7477 or 7476 or send a maintenance request via the Facilities Management website if review required.

Sign off

Person completing this inspection

  • Name:

  • Signature:

The templates available in our Public Library have been created by our customers and employees to help get you started using SafetyCulture's solutions. The templates are intended to be used as hypothetical examples only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. You should seek your own professional advice to determine if the use of a template is permissible in your workplace or jurisdiction. You should independently determine whether the template is suitable for your circumstances.