EHS Laboratory Inspection Preparation Guidelines

Follow the guidelines below to prepare your area for responsibility for the EH&S annual inspection.

Lab Door Posting posted on exterior of each lab door identifying lab personnel to contact in the event of an emergency. Update at least annually.
Emergency phone numbers posted by lab telephone, see Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP), page 2.

The following documents should be available at the time of EH&S annual inspection:

A current copy of the ECU Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Record of current CHP training of all authorized lab users. A complete list of individuals who have completed training is available on the EH&S website under Lab Safety.
Record of Lab Specific Training Documentation Form for each authorized lab user.
Records of weekly, one per semester, and annual self-inspections. Forms are located on lab safety website and should be maintained in the lab for 1 year and available during annual inspections and for external auditors.
Each lab must complete a chemical inventory using the chemical inventory format located on the EH&S website and forward the most current version to safety@ecu.edu each year.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each material listed on the chemical inventory.
Lab safety plans that coincide with all lab protocols and chemicals. Here is a Lab Safety Plan Library. Email copies of each original lab safety plan to safety@ecu.edu.

Hood has been certified within the last 12 months.
Hood is clean (no spills), sash height is at the correct height (sticker) and access is not blocked.
Do not use fume hoods for storage.

Lab users (including students) wear long pants, closed-toed/closed heeled shoes. Arms are covered as well, no shorts. Lab coats, compatible gloves (no latex), safety glasses/goggles are available.

Access to eyewash and safety shower is not blocked. Eyewash station is working, caps are in place.

Equipment is plugged into wall outlets (no daisy-chaining). No cords across floor or through ceiling.
Cords show no sign of fraying.

Compressed gas cylinders are secured with 2 sets of chains (or a combination of chains/stands) attached with eyebolts at 1/3 top and 1/3 bottom of the cylinder to a fixed surface. Segregate incompatible classes.
Cap cylinders when not in use.
Label cylinders with status and content.

Dispose of old/expired chemicals through EH&S.
Store chemicals in secure areas, preferably closed cabinet (open shelves must have a 1/4 inch lip). All containers must have a secure screw top cap. Single stack chemical containers. Store chemicals in the upright position.
Ensure storage areas and chemical containers are clean (free of rust, leaks…).
Store chemicals according to compatibility. Here is a chart of incompatible chemicals.
Limit amount of flammable liquids stored outside a flammable storage cabinet to 10 gallons. 25 gallons allowed if in safety cans.
Carcinogens, highly toxic and reproductive toxins are stored and used in a designated and labeled area. No open bench use. Ensure lab safety plans are available.

Ensure integrity of the manufacturer label an replace damaged labels. Label all secondary containers with chemical name (no formulas or abbreviations) and hazard identity, including non-hazardous substances, the name of responsible party and date of preparation. Include expiration date if applicable.
Label vacuum flasks as “Used” with contents. Do not label as “waste”.

Maintain clear work surfaces, aisles and egress. No spills on counters or floors. No tripping hazards.
Organize and store supplies away from chemicals. Store heavy supplies on lower shelves and more than 18″ from sprinklers if on high shelves.

Use secondary containment to store waste containers and label storage site “Satellite Accumulation Area”.
Use EH&S hazardous waste tag and include accumulation start date, contents (with %), hazard class and generator’s signature.
Keep containers closed at all times when not adding waste.
Request waste pick-up through EH&S when container is 3/4 full and/or before 1 year past accumulation start date.

Safety should be incorporated into employee work plans and student grade structures and enforced as any other key responsibility/dimension.
All laboratory doors must be kept locked when not occupied by lab staff. Measures must be taken to secure hazardous material and recognize/respond to security threats.