July 15, 1995

by Steve Karlman 

ORS now has Laboratory Safety Specialists on both campuses to meet the increasing need for laboratory inspections. As required by OSHA's Laboratory Standard, regular safety inspections must be conducted. ORS provides that service. 

We're helpful, friendly, and really do have important information to convey to each investigator about laboratory safety. Still, many investigators do not respond to requests to schedule a lab inspection. 

The basic inspection is simple. After the investigator responds to our request to schedule a survey, we visit the lab on a convenient date and time. First we interview the investigator or safety designate and ask about the work performed in the lab, the people working in the lab, and the types of materials and procedures used. We check paperwork such as the Safety Plan, Hazard Communication Program, and Safety Desk Book. Then we move into the lab and examine chemical storage, fire protection equipment, general housekeeping, personal protective equipment, engineering controls, access and egress, compressed gas cylinders, electrical safety, electrical appliances, and signage. Finally, we meet with the investigator or safety designate to go over the results of the inspection and make any suggestions for improving safety. 

The inspections are meant to help point out weaknesses inside of labs and get to the hazards before they get to you. So please, if you receive a request to schedule a safety inspection, don't ignore it, call right away.