Laboratories are dynamic environments where a wide range of physical, chemical, biological, and radiological hazards may be present. Whether you operate a pharmaceutical quality control lab, a clinical diagnostic laboratory, a research facility, or an academic teaching lab, safety must be the foundation upon which all activities are built. A structured laboratory safety inspection checklist is the most effective tool for systematically identifying hazards, verifying control measures, and ensuring compliance with OSHA, EPA, CDC, and institutional safety regulations.
Regular safety inspections create accountability, reinforce safe work practices, and provide documented evidence of your commitment to protecting laboratory personnel, the environment, and the surrounding community. This guide offers a comprehensive framework that can be adapted to laboratories of any type and size.
Why Laboratory Safety Inspections Matter
Laboratory incidents can result in serious injuries, chronic health effects, environmental contamination, and even fatalities. Chemical spills, fires, exposures to infectious agents, and equipment-related injuries are all preventable through effective safety programs. Regulatory agencies including OSHA, the EPA, and state health departments conduct inspections and impose penalties for non-compliance that can include substantial fines and operational shutdowns. Beyond regulatory compliance, a strong safety culture reduces insurance costs, protects institutional reputation, and is essential for attracting and retaining talented researchers and technical staff. Routine inspections are the mechanism that ensures policies translate into practice at the bench level.
Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist
1. Chemical Safety and Hazard Communication
Chemical hazards are present in virtually every laboratory. Proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals are governed by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, the Laboratory Standard, and institutional chemical hygiene plans.
- Verify that a current chemical hygiene plan is available and accessible to all laboratory personnel
- Check that all chemical containers are labelled with the identity of the contents and appropriate hazard warnings
- Confirm that safety data sheets are available for every hazardous chemical in the laboratory
- Inspect chemical storage areas for proper segregation by hazard class and compatibility
- Verify that flammable liquids are stored in approved safety cabinets and quantities do not exceed allowable limits
2. Personal Protective Equipment
PPE is the last line of defense against laboratory hazards. Selection of appropriate PPE must be based on hazard assessments specific to the tasks being performed, and all personnel must be trained in proper use and limitations.
- Verify that a PPE hazard assessment has been conducted and documented for each laboratory operation
- Check that appropriate eye protection, gloves, lab coats, and other PPE are available and worn during hazardous work
- Confirm that PPE is in good condition and replaced when damaged, contaminated, or expired
- Review that personnel have received training on proper selection, use, removal, and disposal of PPE
3. Emergency Equipment and Preparedness
Emergency equipment must be immediately accessible and functional whenever the laboratory is occupied. Regular testing and unobstructed access are critical requirements that are frequently cited during inspections.
- Test eyewash stations and safety showers for proper flow and verify weekly inspection logs are current
- Check that fire extinguishers are charged, inspected, and accessible with clear paths and visible signage
- Verify that first aid kits are stocked, accessible, and contain supplies appropriate for the laboratory hazards present
- Confirm that emergency exit routes are posted, clearly marked, and free of obstructions
- Review that spill kits appropriate for the chemicals in use are available and personnel know their locations and use
4. Fume Hoods and Ventilation
Chemical fume hoods are the primary engineering control for protecting laboratory workers from inhalation exposure to hazardous vapors, gases, and particulates. Proper function and use of fume hoods are essential elements of laboratory safety.
- Verify that fume hoods have been tested within the past year and face velocity meets the minimum standard of 80-120 fpm
- Check that fume hood sashes are positioned at or below the indicated safe working height during use
- Confirm that fume hoods are not used for chemical storage and that airflow is not obstructed by equipment or clutter
- Inspect biosafety cabinets for current certification and verify HEPA filter integrity testing is documented
5. Waste Management and Disposal
Improper waste management is one of the most common laboratory safety violations. Chemical, biological, and radioactive wastes must be segregated, labelled, stored, and disposed of according to federal, state, and institutional regulations.
- Verify that waste containers are labelled with the words "Hazardous Waste," the contents, and the accumulation start date
- Check that chemical waste is segregated by compatibility and stored in appropriate secondary containment
- Confirm that biohazardous waste including sharps is disposed of in designated containers and autoclaved before disposal
- Review that waste accumulation areas do not exceed the allowable storage time or quantity limits
- Ensure that drain disposal procedures are documented and only approved materials are discharged to the sanitary sewer
6. Biosafety and Biological Hazards
Laboratories working with biological agents, human-derived materials, or recombinant DNA must implement biosafety practices appropriate to the risk group and biosafety level of the agents in use.
- Verify that an institutional biosafety committee has reviewed and approved protocols involving biohazardous materials
- Check that biosafety level signage is posted at laboratory entrances with emergency contact information
- Confirm that personnel have received bloodborne pathogen training and are enrolled in any required medical surveillance
- Review that decontamination procedures for work surfaces, equipment, and spills are defined and practiced
7. General Housekeeping and Ergonomics
Good housekeeping is the foundation of a safe laboratory environment. Clutter, poor organization, and ergonomic hazards contribute to slips, trips, falls, and repetitive strain injuries that account for a significant portion of laboratory incidents.
- Inspect work surfaces, floors, and aisles for cleanliness, organization, and freedom from obstructions
- Verify that food and beverages are prohibited in laboratory work areas and designated break areas are available
- Check that heavy items are stored on lower shelves and overhead storage does not create falling object hazards
- Confirm that workstation ergonomics have been assessed for tasks involving repetitive motions or prolonged postures
Best Practices for Laboratory Safety Inspections
- Conduct formal safety inspections at least quarterly with supplemental self-inspections by lab personnel on a monthly basis
- Involve laboratory personnel in the inspection process to build ownership of safety practices
- Use a standardized checklist tailored to the specific hazards present in each laboratory space
- Track inspection findings through to corrective action completion and verify effectiveness
- Share inspection results and lessons learned across the organization to promote a culture of safety
- Review and update the chemical hygiene plan and biosafety manual annually or whenever hazards change
How Checksheets Helps
Checksheets offers laboratory safety teams a digital platform for conducting, tracking, and analyzing safety inspections. Create tailored inspection checklists for each laboratory space, schedule recurring inspections with automated reminders, and document findings with photographs and corrective action assignments. Our analytics dashboard identifies recurring hazards and tracks resolution timelines, giving safety managers the data they need to allocate resources effectively. Electronic records provide the documented inspection history that regulators expect, without the burden of paper filing systems.
Laboratory safety is a shared responsibility that demands consistent attention and rigorous documentation. A structured inspection program ensures that hazards are identified and controlled before they result in incidents. By digitalizing your laboratory safety inspections, you create a transparent, accountable, and continuously improving safety culture that protects everyone who works in and around your laboratories. Start your laboratory safety inspection checklist today.