OSHA Laboratory Safety Audit Checklist for Chemical Facilities

A comprehensive checklist for auditing laboratory safety in chemical facilities to ensure compliance with OSHA's Laboratory Safety Standard, covering chemical hygiene plans, equipment safety, and exposure controls.

OSHA Laboratory Safety Audit Checklist for Chemical Facilities
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About This Checklist

Ensuring safety in chemical laboratories is critical for protecting researchers, technicians, and the environment. This OSHA Laboratory Safety Audit Checklist is specifically designed for chemical facilities to evaluate compliance with OSHA's Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories standard (29 CFR 1910.1450). By addressing key areas such as chemical hygiene plans, fume hood operations, personal protective equipment (PPE), waste management, and emergency procedures, this checklist helps identify potential hazards, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain a safe laboratory environment in the chemical industry.

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Industry

Chemicals

Standard

OSHA Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (29 CFR 1910.1450)

Workspaces

Chemical research and testing laboratories

Occupations

Chemical Hygiene Officer
Laboratory Manager
Research Chemist
Safety Specialist
Quality Control Analyst

Laboratory Safety Practices

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1
Describe the laboratory emergency procedures in place.

Provide a detailed description of the emergency procedures.

To ensure all personnel are familiar with emergency protocols.
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2
What is the frequency of chemical waste disposal in the laboratory?

Provide the number of days between disposals.

Regular disposal of chemical waste is necessary to maintain safety and compliance.
Min: 1
Target: Weekly
Max: 30
3
List the personal protective equipment (PPE) required in the laboratory.

Please specify the required PPE.

To verify that proper PPE is being used to minimize exposure to hazards.
4
Are all fume hoods functioning properly and inspected regularly?

Indicate whether fume hoods are functional.

Fume hoods are critical for protecting personnel from hazardous fumes.
5
Is the chemical hygiene plan up to date and accessible to all laboratory personnel?

Select compliance status.

To ensure that all staff are aware of and comply with safety protocols.
6
Provide a detailed description of the procedures for handling hazardous chemicals.

Detail the hazardous chemical handling procedures.

To ensure that all personnel are aware of the proper procedures to minimize risks.
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7
When was the last training session on chemical safety conducted for laboratory personnel?

Select the date of the last training session.

Regular training is necessary to keep staff informed about safety practices.
8
How often are incidents related to chemical exposure reported in the laboratory?

Provide the number of incidents reported per month.

Regular reporting is crucial for identifying trends and improving safety measures.
Min: 0
Target: Monthly
Max: 100
9
Has a laboratory hazard assessment been completed and documented?

Select assessment status.

To ensure that all potential hazards are identified and mitigated.
10
Is there an exposure control plan in place for handling hazardous chemicals?

Indicate whether the exposure control plan is available.

An exposure control plan is essential for minimizing health risks associated with chemical exposure.
11
Provide a summary of the current safety training program for laboratory personnel.

Summarize the safety training program.

To assess the effectiveness of the training program in promoting safety awareness.
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12
When was the last safety drill conducted in the laboratory?

Select the date of the last safety drill.

Drills are important for ensuring that personnel know how to respond in emergencies.
13
How often are fire extinguishers inspected in the laboratory?

Enter the number of days between inspections.

Regular inspections of fire extinguishers are crucial for ensuring readiness during emergencies.
Min: 1
Target: Monthly
Max: 30
14
Describe the last test conducted on the emergency shower functionality.

Provide details about the emergency shower test.

To ensure that the emergency shower is operational in case of chemical spills.
15
Are all safety equipment items inspected regularly and documented?

Select the inspection status of safety equipment.

Regular inspections ensure that safety equipment is functional and ready for use in emergencies.
16
Describe the emergency response procedures for chemical spills in the laboratory.

Detail the emergency response procedures for chemical spills.

Clear procedures are vital for minimizing risks and ensuring safety during spills.
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17
When was the last chemical safety audit conducted in the laboratory?

Select the date of the last chemical safety audit.

Regular audits help identify areas for improvement in chemical handling and storage.
18
How often is the chemical inventory updated?

Enter the number of days between inventory updates.

Regular updates ensure accurate tracking of chemical quantities and compliance.
Min: 1
Target: Monthly
Max: 30
19
Is the chemical storage area organized and free from clutter?

Indicate whether the storage area is organized.

An organized storage area helps prevent accidents and facilitates quick access to chemicals.
20
Are all chemicals properly labeled according to safety standards?

Select compliance status for chemical labeling.

Proper labeling is essential for ensuring safe handling and storage of chemicals.
21
Provide a summary of the mitigation strategies implemented for identified risks in the laboratory.

Summarize the mitigation strategies in place.

Effective mitigation strategies are essential for minimizing risks associated with laboratory activities.
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22
When was the last review conducted for incidents related to chemical handling?

Select the date of the last incident review.

Reviewing incidents helps identify trends and improve safety measures in the laboratory.
23
How often are training sessions on risk management conducted for laboratory personnel?

Enter the number of months between training sessions.

Regular training sessions help ensure that all staff are aware of safety practices and protocols.
Min: 1
Target: Quarterly
Max: 12
24
Are Safety Data Sheets (SDS) readily available for all chemicals in use?

Indicate whether SDS are available for all chemicals.

Access to SDS is essential for safe handling of chemicals and emergency response.
25
Is there documented risk assessment for all laboratory activities involving hazardous materials?

Select the status of risk assessment documentation.

Documented risk assessments are crucial for identifying and mitigating potential hazards.

FAQs

The primary focus is to assess compliance with OSHA's Laboratory Safety Standard and evaluate the effectiveness of safety measures in chemical laboratories, including chemical hygiene plans, equipment safety, and exposure controls.

While OSHA doesn't specify a frequency, it's recommended to conduct laboratory safety audits at least annually, with more frequent checks for high-risk areas or processes.

Key elements include chemical hygiene plan implementation, fume hood performance, proper PPE usage, chemical storage and handling, waste management, emergency equipment, and employee training on laboratory safety procedures.

The audit should involve the Chemical Hygiene Officer, laboratory supervisors, and safety professionals familiar with OSHA laboratory standards and chemical safety practices.

Audit results can identify areas for improvement in laboratory safety practices, leading to updates in chemical hygiene plans, enhanced safety equipment maintenance, improved training programs, and better hazard control measures.

Benefits

Ensures compliance with OSHA's Laboratory Safety Standard

Identifies and mitigates potential laboratory hazards

Improves safety practices in chemical research and testing facilities

Reduces the risk of laboratory accidents and chemical exposures

Enhances the effectiveness of chemical hygiene plans