Self-inspection Checklist

Part 1

GENERAL LABORATORY SAFETY

• Accurate Hazard Warning Placards posted at entrance

• Hazard warning labels affix on refrigerators and freezers (Radioactive, Biohazard, etc)

• Warning signs and labels at designated hazardous work areas (Radioactive, Carcinogens, etc)

• Equipment maintained in good condition, preventive maintenance program in place

• Updated Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) in place for hazardous equipment and operations

• No flammable chemicals stored in ordinary domestic refrigerator

• No uncapped syringe needle that is not in use and left on work surface

• Adequate PPE is worn (e.g. lab coats, gloves, safety glasses, etc.)

• No inappropriate clothing and shoes (e.g. sandals etc). Long hair properly restrained

• Gloves removed before handling telephone, door handle or leaving laboratory

• No food or drinks in laboratory area

• No overnight unattended experiments

• Follow established procedures for lead-acid and research batteries and submit disposal request via HSEO batteries disposal form

• Broken glass boxes are available for broken sharps and glass

• No observable mould growth present (if present, please report to CMO via their Defect Reporting System)

 

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

• All electrical circuits and apparatus are three-wire with earthing or double insulated. If not, you may seek assistance from MDMF for maintenance and repair

• High voltage equipment (>600 V) is labeled, grounded, and insulated

• Proper wiring and plugs and no frayed wires

• Electrical outlets, sockets and extension cords are complied with EMSD standard, not overloaded and placed away from water sources

 

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

• Emergency procedures and Fire Escape Route are posted

• Antidotes are available if hydrofluoric acid is used

• First aid materials are available and in good condition

• Spill kit is readily available

• Access to safety showers and eye washes are not obstructed

• 500mm vertical clearance is maintained below ceiling sprinkler heads

• Access to fire fighting equipment (e.g. extinguisher, hose reel, etc.) is not obstructed

 

HOUSEKEEPING

• Facility, furniture, work areas, sinks and equipment are in good condition

• Door viewing panel not covered or blocked

• Adequate aisle space and exits not blocked. Keep tidy with no tripping hazards

• Overhead storage is minimized and restrained from falling

 

Part 2 (users only answer questions according to the hazards selected)

BIOLOGICAL AGENT STORAGE AND HANDLING

• All Risk Group 2 agents are handled in certified Class II Biosafety Cabinets (BSCs) and/or BSL-2 facilities

• Biosafety Cabinets (BSCs) are certified every 12 months. If expired, please contact CMO-LS for re-certification

• Follow Standard Precautions while handling human blood and other body fluids

• Clinical/biohazardous waste are segregated and stored in designated sealed bin or refrigerator with hazard warning sign

• Decontaminate biohazardous wastes and potentially infectious materials using appropriate methods (e.g. autoclaving, chemical disinfection, etc.) before disposal as municipal wastes

• Sharp containers are available for used syringes and needle

 

CHEMICAL STORAGE AND HANDLING

• Synthesized chemicals labelled by owner name, reactants, possible products, and probable hazards

• All chemical containers are properly labelled and in good condition

• Proper segregation and only compatible chemicals are stored or disposed of together

• Corrosive, flammable and oxidizing chemicals are stored in compatible cabinet (e.g. flammable/ corrosive cabinet) or refrigerator (e.g. explosion-proof) according to manufacturer's instructions or safety data sheet

• No chemicals stored or left on floor

• All hazardous liquid chemicals are stored below eye-level

• Peroxide forming chemicals dated upon opening, tested regularly and are not stored beyond expiration

• Specific chemical waste containers are used and properly filled waste log sheets are available

• Each 20L liquid chemical waste container is placed inside a plastic container as secondary containment

 

COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS/TOWN GAS/LPG

• No expired towngas/LPG tubings or gas cylinders

• Each gas cylinder is properly secured to structural component with bracket and chain

• Gas cylinders are stored away from heat

• Gas tubing of suitable pressure rating are secured and in good condition

• Flashback arrestors are installed for flammable gas and oxygen gas

• Acetylene cylinder maintained at upright position

 

LABORATORY FUME HOOD

• Storage within the hood is minimized and containers kept closed

• Sash is lowered when not in use and autosash is functioning properly

• DO NOT USE sign put up for hood not in working order

• All works generating vapor, fume, or aerosol are performed in hood

• Airflow through the hood is not blocked by bulky items either at the front or back of the working surface

• Hood(s) are certified every 12 months. If expired, please contact CMO-LS for re-certification

 

 LASER SAFETY FOR OPEN-BEAM LASER

• The laser beam is not placed at eye-level and directed away from door entrance

• Approved Laser Hazard Control Plan (LHCP) and Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) are implemented

• Laser warning light/safety interlock is installed and functioning properly

• Adequate laser eye goggles are available and kept in good condition Reflective items (e.g. watch, ring) or surface (e.g. mirror) in the laser control area are removed

 

Radiation Safety

• Thermoluminescent Dosimeter (TLD) are worn by radiation workers (e.g. authorized unsealed source users or open beam X-ray operators)

• Radioactive sources licence(s) and Radiation Use Authorization (RUA) are displayed. Irradiating apparatus licence(s) is displayed.

• Radioactive materials are properly locked with updated inventory list

• Calibrated radiation survey meters are available for unsealed work, and are used for monitoring surface contamination on a regular basis or upon completion of work

• Radioactive wastes are properly stored with log sheet filled out