Lab Inspections

 Lab Safety General Lab Safety Inspection Program

EH&S safety professionals inspect research labs with hazardous materials, hazardous operations, or biological materials. During inspections, EH&S safety professionals help researchers stay up to date on current safety requirements by providing consultations, support, and resources. Example inspection topics include, but are not limited to: training, chemical safety, equipment safety, fire safety, and housekeeping.

New Lab Inspection Process

Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Office of Environment, Health, and Safety

Announcing New Lab Safety Inspection Format!

The Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) is pleased to launch a new format for lab safety inspections. To everyone in the research community who provided feedback about our services, thank you! We appreciate your input and are dedicated to supporting your needs. 

What’s New

General lab safety inspections and biosafety inspections are now combined into one annual inspection. Inspection checklists are now expanded to cover all biological use authorizations.

The new inspection format streamlines EH&S services by: 

  • Reducing the amount of scheduling and time spent on multiple inspections

  • Establishing one point-of-contact for all inspection communications

What to Expect

For a closer look at what EH&S will be checking for during inspections, see the inspection checklist questions. Reviewing the EH&S lab self-inspection checklist is another good way to prepare for inspections. The department safety coordinator for each department or an EH&S lab safety specialist will reach out to each lab to schedule an inspection time. Contact the campus chemical hygiene officer at (510) 643-6381 or ucbcho@berkeley.edu with any questions or concerns about the EH&S General Lab Safety Inspection Program.

After the Inspection

EH&S lab safety specialists will follow up with each lab regarding any issues that were noted during the inspection. It is the lab’s responsibility to correct issues, mark them as resolved, and provide proof of corrective action in the inspection report online. Labs have 30 days to resolve any issues, after which outstanding findings will be compiled quarterly and sent to the chair and dean of the appropriate academic unit for their review. The results of the inspections are subject to the UC Policy, Enforcement of Safety Standards in Academic Environments, which provides a procedure to address persistent non-compliance in labs.

2025 General Lab Safety Inspection Questions

Download a PDF version

Discussion and EH&S Purposes Only

  1. Are staff members aware of the updated drain disposal restrictions?

  2. Have lab members been trained on the building emergency action plan (EAP), if one is in place?

Documentation and Training (Administrative)

  1. Are lab rosters current?

  2. Are all online trainings up to date for all staff members, including the PI?

  3. Has the PI certified the Lab Hazard Assessment Tool (LHAT) within the last year? Have all members acknowledged the LHAT and
    completed PPE training?

  4. Has a self-inspection been completed and filed online within the last calendar year?

  5. Is the chemical hygiene plan (CHP) read, signed, and understood by all all members and posted in a visible location?

  6. Are all applicable standard operating procedures (SOPs) read, understood, and signed?

  7. Does the lab keep training records for machinery, tools, or other shop-type equipment?

Safe Lab Design and Housekeeping

  1. Are food, drinks, and all other related items (utensils, dishes, water bottles, etc.) stored outside of areas designated for use/storage of hazardous materials?
  2. If the lab has an existing designated food-and-drink area, does it meet the EH&S approval guidelines?
  3. Is the lab negatively pressurized? (inward directional airflow)
  4. Are lab surfaces and furniture non-porous, to reduce the risks of contamination? (e.g. no carpet, no cloth furniture)
  5. Have disposable porous materials been removed from work areas susceptible to splashes and sprays? (e.g. cardboard, Styrofoam, etc.)
  6. Are vacuum traps properly set up and maintained? Are they routinely emptied?
  7. Are lab members able to access a spill kit that is appropriate for the work performed in the lab?
  8. If the lab has a first aid kit, are the contents annually inspected (at minimum) for damaged or expired items? Does the lab keep a record of first aid kit inspections?
  9. Are sinks stocked with soap and paper towels? Do lab staff wash their hands with soap and water after working with potentially hazardous materials?
  10. Does the lab have good housekeeping? Are work surfaces unobstructed? Are shelves and cabinets easily accessible?
  11. Does the lab have evidence or reported issues of pests within the laboratory?
  12. Are there other safety concerns observed which are not addressed in this checklist?

 PPE, Physical Hazards and Equipment

  1. Are all lab members currently observing the minimum requirements of the laboratory dress code?

  2. Are lab members using PPE when using hazardous or BUA-covered materials? Minimum PPE includes gloves, eyewear, and labcoat.

  3. Is PPE kept clean and intact? This applies to lab coats and other reusable PPE such as cryo/oven gloves, or face shields.

  4. Is single-use PPE disposed upon removal?

  5. Is PPE removed prior to entering public spaces?

  6. Are all emergency eyewashes flush tested monthly?

  7. Is access to emergency eyewashes and showers unobstructed?

  8. Are furnishings and equipment ( >4' tall or weighing >400 lbs) seismically restrained?

  9. Are items stored on high shelves sufficiently secured by a shelf lip or other type of rigid restraint?

  10. Are sharps (needles, scalpels, razors, etc.) stored and handled appropriately?

  11. Are all compressed gas cylinders over 26 inches tall secured to a rigid structure at 1/3 and 2/3 the height, with non-combustible restraints? (One restraint for cylinders <26" tall)

Waste

  1. Are all hazardous waste containers kept closed, except when adding waste?

  2. Are all hazardous waste containers labeled with current Hazardous Waste Program (HWP) labels?

  3. Is chemically contaminated waste properly collected in waste containers (e.g. not in the trash)?

  4. Are solids waste streams handled appropriately?

  5. Are old, unused, and expired chemicals regularly removed from the lab?

  6. Are sharps disposal containers in use, properly labeled as needed and kept below their fill lines?

  7. Are broken glass waste boxes lined and kept below their capacity?

Chemical Safety

  1. Are all hazardous waste containers kept closed, except when adding waste?
  2. Has the chemical inventory been certified within the last calendar year

  3. Is the most current chemical inventory door sign posted at the lab entrance(s)?Does the lab have a chemical abbreviation guide posted?

  4. Are all hazardous chemicals stored below eye level and do open shelves have appropriate rigid lip?

  5. Are chemicals stored appropriately in cabinets or shelving? (not on the floor)

  6. Is secondary containment used where appropriate? Particularly for waste, flammables and corrosives.
  7. Do all hazardous chemical containers have inventory QR/RFID barcode tags?

  8. Are chemical containers in good condition with legible labels?

  9. Are temporary chemical containers labeled with chemical name or structure and hazard class

  10. Are incompatible chemicals stored separately?

  11. Are flammable materials stored in appropriate cabinets or rated fridges? Only 10 gallons of flammable material is allowed to be stored outside of such storage locations.

  12. Are peroxide formers and other time-sensitive chemicals within the appropriate timeframe for use?

  13. Are all empty containers defaced of all identifiers, rinsed and marked "EMPTY"?

  14. Has each fume hood in the lab received an EH&S flow check within the past 12 months?

  15. Are fume hood and vented biosafety cabinet baffles kept clear for airflow?

Electrical Safety

  1. Are electrical lines and cords properly managed and not in walkways or places where they can cause tripping hazards?

  2. Are power strips and extension cords used appropriately to avoid daisy chaining and overloading circuits? Are large appliances plugged directly into the wall outlets?

  3. Are outer sheaths of flexible cords undamaged?

  4. Is there a minimum clearance of 36" maintained in front of electrical panels?

Fire Safety

  1. Is 18 inches of clearance provided from the top of stored materials to the ceiling in laboratories with fire sprinklers (24 inches if no sprinklers are present)? For all questions and follow-up issues regarding this item, please contact the Fire Prevention Division at fireprevention@berkeley.edu

  2. Are aisles and exits clear of obstructions and slip or trip hazards? For all questions and follow-up issues regarding this item, please contact the Fire Prevention Division at fireprevention@berkeley.edu

  3. Does the group conduct and document monthly visual inspections for all fire extinguishers located in their lab spaces? For all questions and follow-up issues regarding this item, please contact the Fire Prevention Division at fireprevention@berkeley.edu

  4. Is access to portable fire extinguishers free of obstructions? For all questions and follow-up issues regarding this item, please contact the Fire Prevention Division at fireprevention@berkeley.edu

  5. Are incompatible gases adequately separated (e.g., oxygen and flammables)? For all questions and follow-up issues regarding this item, please contact the Fire Prevention Division at fireprevention@berkeley.edu

  6. Are all fire doors kept closed and unobstructed? For all questions and follow-up issues regarding this item, please contact the Fire Prevention Division at fireprevention@berkeley.edu

BSL-1: Good Microbiological Practices

  1. Is all biosafety specific training and documentation up to date (e.g. BUA sign off, NIH training, HBV vaccine offer/declination)?

  2. Is the lab aware of biological spill or exposure response and reporting expectations in the event of an emergency? (e.g. loss of containment, splash exposure, puncture injury, biohazard spill, animal bites, etc.)
  3. Are actively used work surfaces and equipment disinfected daily or immediately if they are grossly contaminated?
  4. Are aerosol-generating procedures performed in a manner that reduces the risk of aerosols, splashes, and spills?
  5. Are windows kept sealed or fitted with screens? (if operable)
  6. Is the lab free of pets and plants not associated with work being performed in the lab space?

BSL-1 Waste

  1. Is solid BSL-1 waste processed in an autoclave before being put in the trash?

  2. Is solid BSL-1 trash labeled accurately?

  3. Is liquid BSL-1 waste disinfected with bleach OR processed in an autoclave before drain disposal? (10% final concentration with a minimum contact time of 20 minutes)

  4. Does the lab have agent-appropriate, unexpired disinfectant?

BSL-2 Biohazardous Materials

  1. Is laboratory access controlled while experiments are in-progress in order to maintain containment?
  2. Are EH&S-issued biosafety signs posted outside all doors leading to areas where biohazards are used or stored?
  3. Is all BSL-2 equipment labeled with a biohazard symbol?
  4. Do lab members wash or sanitize their hands after removing gloves and before leaving BSL-2 areas?
  5. Are work surfaces and equipment decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant after work, spills, splashes, or service?
  6. Are disinfectants refreshed regularly and labeled appropriately to include their expiration dates?
  7. Are aerosol generating procedures involving biohazardous materials conducted inside a certified biosafety cabinet or other form of appropriate physical containment?
  8. Do all biosafety cabinets (BSC) have a current annual certification?
  9. Are biosafety cabinets at the appropriate height for the available chairs and operating sash level? Are biosafety cabinets located away from sources of air disturbances? (e.g. doors, vents, high traffic areas)
  10. Are biosafety cabinets free of clutter and not used for supply storage?
  11. Are bunsen burners kept and used outside of biosafety cabinets?
  12. Are biohazardous or recombinant materials transported in closed primary containers inside of a secondary container? Is the secondary container labeled with the biohazard symbol and the lab's contact information?

BSL-2: Waste

  1. Is liquid biohazardous waste deactivated, colorless, and free of secondary growth prior to drain disposal?

  2. Are biohazardous waste bags compliant with CA Health and Safety Code § 117630? (bags meet ASTM D1709 and ASTM D1922 testing requirements)

  3. Are biohazardous waste bags sized appropriately for their secondary containers?

  4. Are secondary containers operational, labeled on all visible sides, clean, and free of storage of other materials?

  5. Is solid biohazardous (red bag) waste disposed of/removed from the lab within 7 days of the first item being placed in the receptacle? (30 days for small waste generators)

  6. Are solid biohazardous (red bag) wastes properly transported?

  7. Are containers collecting animal carcasses or other pathology waste labeled "PATHOLOGY WASTE" or "PATH WASTE?"

  8. Is chemotherapy waste disposed into yellow bags or hard-sided containers labeled with "Chemotherapy Waste" or "CHEMO?" (on all sides, including the lid)

BSL-2 +: High Containment

  1. Is documentation of BSL-2+ training available?

  2. Is there a BSL-2+ door sign posted?

  3. Is the door self-closing, inward opening, and lockable?

  4. Are appropriate respiratory protections available for all BSL-2+ lab staff?

  5. Are dedicated lab coats/disposable gowns AND double gloves in use by all BSL-2+ lab staff?

  6. Are surgical masks or other barrier face coverings available for all BSL-2+ lab staff?

  7. Is the doffing station clearly marked?

  8. Is a handwashing sink or hand sanitizer available next to the doffing station?Are engineered sharps/non-glass/plastic tools in use?

  9. Are engineered sharps/non-glass/plastic tools in use?

Lab Safety Inspection FAQ

General Inspection Overview

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How are inspections scheduled?

Labs will be contacted by an EH&S safety professional to schedule a time.

How long will inspections be?

Inspections vary depending on the size of the lab. The team typically schedules at least an hour. Larger labs may be around two hours.

What if my lab does not have biological materials or other hazards referenced in the checklist?

With any questions on the checklist, if the situation is not applicable to your lab, the lab will not be inspected for those items. Any questions will be indicated as “Not Applicable”.

Will EH&S safety professionals inspecting my lab also be handling Biological Use Authorization support?

Biological Use Authorization support is still provided by the biosafety team. It is possible someone on the biosafety team may also be inspecting your lab, but it is not a guarantee.

Training/Admin

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What is EHS 502: Workplace Safety Program and why do I have to take it?

California state regulations require every employer to have an effective injury prevention program. To satisfy this requirement, all lab personnel are required to complete the EHS Workplace Safety Program - a one-time mandatory training that includes information on responsibilities, analyzing hazards and applying controls, what to do in a campus emergency, and resources...

What training can I access from the Labs At Berkeley (L@B)?

The following training can be accessed through the Labs At Berkeley (L@B): Lab Safety Fundamentals (EHS 101), Spill Response (EHS 206), Workplace Safety Program (UC Learning Center) and ...

Chemical Safety

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Where can I find guidance on how to properly store chemicals?

Chemicals should always be segregated and stored based on their chemical class and compatibility. Storage requirements such as allocated area, shelving, cabinets, and secondary storage should be taken into consideration. See the document Safe Storage of Hazardous Chemicals found on the Resources and Guides page for more information on this topic.

When should I label my waste container?

Label your chemical waste container as soon as you start collecting waste. Every container must be labeled with a Hazardous Waste Program (HWP) label. Starting from the first day waste begins accumulating, you have six months before EH&S needs to come to pick it up.

Why do I need a chemical abbreviation guide?

The labeling of chemicals and containers in use is an important part of hazard communication. Labs use many abbreviations, and these may not be known to visitors, emergency responders, or facilities staff. Please use the chemical abbreviation template to create a chemical abbreviation guide and post it in a visible location, preferably near the entrance to the lab. This allows anyone in your space to have a reference...

Electrical and Engineering Safety

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What do I do when I encounter cords with damaged outer sheaths?

Flexible cords should be repaired or replaced if the outer sheath is damaged such that any conductor insulation or conductor is exposed. The use of electrical tape to repair cords with exposed wiring is not a substitute for insulation provided by an intact sheath. exposed wire

Fire Safety

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It takes a lot of effort to keep aisles and exits clear in our busy, crowded lab. Why is it so important?

EH&S wants you to get out of your lab safely in an emergency. A good question to ask yourself is: “Could I quickly and safely get out of my lab in the dark?” Maintain a minimum of 36 inches clearance in aisles at all times and never block required exits with equipment, boxes, or other items (required exits have a lighted “exit” sign above the door).

How far apart do incompatible gases need to be?

Flammable gases (e.g., hydrogen, methane, propane, acetylene) and oxygen (or other oxidizing gases) must be separated by 20 feet or by a non-combustible partition extending 18 inches above and to the sides of stored gas cylinders. Cylinders should be positioned so that the label with the name of the gas and its hazard is clearly visible. Gas cylinders are often difficult to reach; in an emergency, first responders need to see what they’re dealing with as quickly as possible.

Why do I need to keep so much space between our stored materials and the ceiling?

For fire sprinklers to work properly, they must not be blocked in any way such that their spray pattern is impeded. There needs to be enough room for the spray from fire hoses to reach throughout the room. Any storage within 18” of sprinklered areas or 24” of non-sprinklered areas of the ceiling must remain clear, except when the storage is along a wall.

Safe Lab Design & Housekeeping

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What criteria does EH&S use to review clean areas (i.e., areas not designated for the use/storage of hazardous materials)?

We consider what hazardous materials may be present in a room. If there are hazardous materials present, we then look at what kind of separation is possible. Discussions can be had with your lab safety specialist or start a conversation by reaching out to ucbcho@berkeley.edu.

What qualifies as "good housekeeping"?

In general, workspaces should be free of obstructions. Employees must be able to safely carry out their experiments. Benches should be clean with no dirty lab mats or bench paper. Clutter must be kept to a minimum.

PPE, Physical Hazards and Equipment

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Why do I have to test my emergency eyewash?

Rust can accumulate in water pipes. Testing eyewashes ensure clean water is available in an emergency. Flush test your eyewashes on a monthly basis by slowly pushing the handle away from you until water is flowing freely and you see that the stream(s) will be able to effectively rinse your eyes. Let it run for 15 seconds. Mark the eyewash tag with your initials and the date; including the year. For eyewashes that do not have plumbed drains, use a small basin capable of holding the drained water while flush testing the eyewash for 15 seconds. All eyewashes, whether they have a drain...

Waste

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How do I properly label my sharps waste containers?

You can view the Sharps Fact Sheet for questions regarding sharps.

Inspection Questions

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Guide

Chemical Abbreviation Guide

Lab Safety Inspection FAQ

Lab Self-Inspection Checklist

Inspection Documents

Resources

EH&S Inspections

Learn more about EH&S Inspections and self-assessment programs.

Related Topics

Lab Safety topic page