Laboratory Self-Inspection Checklist Revised 2/11/16

CRITICAL ISSUES
YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
Are SDS available for all chemicals in the laboratory SDS must be available in hardcopy, a pdf document saved on a non-
(must be hardcopy or pdf)? If not, are the lab's SDS password protected computer in the lab, or stored in the MSDSonline
stored in MSDSonline? database.

Does the lab have standard operating procedures SOPs must be in place for the use of corrosives, acutely toxic,
(SOPs) in place for the use of corrosives, acutely carcinogenic, reproductive toxins and particularly hazardous
toxic, carcinogenic, or reproductive toxins if these substances. Templates for the SOPs are available under the
chemicals are used in the lab? "Laboratory Safety" section of the EHSO website

Can lab employees readily locate the Lab Safety Lab users must be familiar with the Lab Safety Plan and a hard copy
Plan? must be kept in the laboratory.

Does the laboratory or the department as a whole Every laboratory must appoint a CHO. The CHO may be the PI or an
have a Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) who lab employee who has worked in the lab at least a year. As an alternative,
workers can identify? the department may appoint a CHO who serves all the labs in the the
department. The CHO must be identified by signing the first page of the
Laboratory Safety Plan.

Biological Safety
YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
Is the biosafety manual readily accessible? A hardcopy or electronic version of the Biosafety Manual must always
be available.

The classroom Bloodborne Pathogen Training is a Sign up for the next Bloodborne Pathogen Training here. The online
one-time requirement for researchers who work with training may be taken every subsequent year.
human blood, specimens, and/or cells.

Has the laboratory established written policies and This is to avoid unecessary bloodborne pathogen contamination to the
procedures describing the collection and storage of employee.
serum samples from at-risk personnel?

Are autoclave shutdown procedures readily Shutdown procedures must be available for emergency situations.
available and posted near the autoclave?

Are written policies for the safe handling of sharps This is to avoid unecessary needle stick contamination to the
such as needles, scalpels, pipettes, and broken employee.
glassware developed and implemented?

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 Laboratory Self-Inspection Checklist Revised 2/11/16

Biological Safety
YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
Are sharps and needles handled properly? Sharps and needles must not be bent, sheared, broken, recapped,
removed from disposable syringe, or otherwise manipulated by hand
before disposal.

Are disposable needles and syringes discarded in This is to avoid needlestick injuries. For further information, see the
conveniently located puncture- resistant containers? Biohazard Waste Quick Reference Guide.
Are sharps containers filled below the indicator line
or 3/4 capacity?

Are uncontaminated pipettes disposed in a leak- If contaminated, use the sharps box. This is to avoid a puncture injury
proof puncture-resistant container? and for proper sanitation. See the Biohazard Waste Quick Reference
Guide

Are all procedures involving the manipulation of This is to avoid unecessary bloodborne pathogen contamination to the
infectious materials that may generate an aerosol employee.
conducted within a Biosafety Cabinet or other
physical containment devices?

Are Biosafety Cabinets located away from doors, Biosafety cabinets must be installed and located so that fluctuations of
windows that can be opened, and heavily traveled the room air supply and exhaust do not interfere with proper operations.
laboratory areas?

Have Biosafety Cabinets been re-certified within the Check for certification label. Biosafety Cabinets must be certified
last year? annually by a third party, Biosafety Cabinet Field Certifier.

Is the autoclave checked monthly with a KILZ spore This only applies to desktop autoclaves. Autoclave Quality Control must
test and is an autoclave indicator tape placed in the be checked monthly with the KILZ spore test. Also, autoclave indicator
center of the bag before autoclaving? tape must be placed in bag center before autoclaving to ensure proper
temperature is achieved.

Does a log of ultracentrifuge use exist and state A log of ultracentrifuge use must be kept to ensure proper centrifuge
when maintenance is required? maintenance to prevent explosion.

Is mouth pipetting prohibited in the laboratory? Mechanical pipetting devices must be used.

Are appropriate bio-decontamination materials Standard bio-decontamination disinfectants are 10% bleach solutions
available? or 70% ethanol solutions.

Are materials to be decontaminated outside of the This is to avoid spills.

immediate laboratory placed in a durable, leak proof
container and secured for transport?

Are absorbent pads changed daily or when soiled This is to avoid unecessary bloodborne pathogen contamination to the
and disposed of as biohazardous waste? employee.

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 Laboratory Self-Inspection Checklist Revised 2/11/16

Chemical Safety
YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
If you are dispensing a flammable liquid from a When filling a metal container with flammable liquids or dispensing
metal container, is the container grounded? flammable liquids from a metal container, grounding must be used to
avoid sparking and fire.

Are flammable liquids in excess of 10 gallons stored Chicago Fire Code states that all flammables liquids in accumulation of
in a flammable safety cabinet? 10 gallons or more must be stored in a fire safety cabinet.

Are highly flammable liquids stored in appropriate A statement of certification should be listed on a brass or steel plate.
refrigerators or freezers that are labeled "Flammable
Materials Storage" and certified for flammable
materials?

Are oxidizers and flammable chemicals stored in This is to prevent serious fires.
different cabinets with doors?

Are corrosives stored in a separate cabinet than This is to prevent a violent reaction.
flammables?

Are corrosives in excess of 10 gallons stored in a An acid/base cabinet is only required for quantities in excess of 10
corrosive safety cabinet? gallons.

Are acids and bases stored in separate cabinets or An acid/base cabinet is only required for quantities in excess of 10
in separate spill trays in a ventilated acid/base gallons.
cabinet?

Is nitric acid (an oxidizer) stored away from Nitric acid is not compatible with other acids because it is an oxidizer. It
corrosives? must be stored separately.

Are oxidizers, toxics, dangerous when wet, and Store chemicals by hazard class not alphabetically to avoid adverse
pyrophorics stored separately from reactions. Most chemical manufacturers have color systems or
other chemicals and is each hazard class on a pictograms to designate the hazard class of chemicals. Please refer to
separate shelf? Chapter 12 of the UIC Lab Safety Plan.

Are hazard labels posted on shelves, cabinets, and Post appropriate hazard labels on shelves, cabinets, and appliances
appliances containing hazardous chemicals? containing potential hazards. Use signs that can be removed, not
stickers. Templates are available on the EHSO website.

Are hazardous liquids that are in glass bottles stored This is to avoid spills and exposure or ignition of harmful vapors.
below eye level?

Are chemical containers closed when researchers This is to avoid spills and exposure or ignition of harmful vapors.
are not actively pouring?

Are all chemical bottle caps free of cracks? This is to avoid spills.

Are empty chemical bottles defaced with their caps This is to ensure proper non-hazardous waste disposal and to eliminate
removed before disposing in a refuse container? confusion.

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 Laboratory Self-Inspection Checklist Revised 2/11/16

Chemical Safety
YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
Are Class A peroxides dated and less than three Class A peroxides older than three months can form explosive crystals.
months old? The disposal cost for one container of an expired peroxide is
approximately $2000. For more information see the Chemical Safety
Fact Sheets.

Are Class A and B peroxides stored away from Sunlight and heat accelerate peroxide formation
sunlight and heat?
Are all Class B peroxides dated and do you only Class B Peroxide-forming substances must be dated and tested semi-
have quantities of Class B peroxides which can be annually for peroxides or used completely before six months. Class B
consumed within 6 months? peroxides older than six months can form explosive crystals. The
disposal cost for one container of an expired peroxide is approximately
$2000. For more information see the Chemical Safety Fact Sheets.

If you have high pressure operations such as Shield or tape glass vessels in operations involving high pressure or
rotovaps, are glass vessels in high pressure vacuum to avoid vessel shattering.
operations taped or constructed of shatter proof
glass and/ or do you have a blast shield?

Is an appropriate secondary container available to Wire carts may not be used. Spill trays should be used in addition to
move chemicals outside the laboratory? the cart.
Are carcinogens stored in a secure, labeled area The Carcinogen Designated Area Sign & Log are available on the
and are carcinogens stored in unbreakable EHSO website.
secondary containers (i.e. plastic tubs)?

Is an inventory kept for all carcinogens showing A running inventory record of carcinogens must be posted on storage
additions and withdrawals? area, showing additions, withdrawals, and usage. The Carcinogen
Designated Area Sign & Log are available on the EHSO website.

Fume Hoods
YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
Are all fume hoods unobstructed (i.e. no equipment Fume hoods must be unobstructed to provide employees proper
and bottles in the path of the exhaust)? protection from overexposure. Equipment, bottles, etc must be
removed from the path of the fume hood exhaust slit in the back.
Is all fume hood work performed deeper than six For optimum safety, work must not be performed within the first 6" of
inches in the fume hood? the fume hood. Work should be done in the center of the hood.

Have all fume hoods been tested within the last All UIC chemical fume hoods have a color coded certification attached
year? to them indicating the year they were tested and if they are functional. If
the fume hood has not been tested within the calendar year, please
email [email protected] to notify EHSO.

Does fume hood appear to work properly? A Kimwipe taped to the bottom of the sash will detect the direction of
airflow. Notify EHSO by emailing [email protected] immediately if
chemical vapors are being generated that are not being contained by
the chemical fume hood.

If your chemical fume hood has an alarm, is the Submit a work order to FM to have fume hood repaired.
alarm functional?

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 Laboratory Self-Inspection Checklist Revised 2/11/16

Unwanted Chemical Storage & Waste

YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
Are all potentially hazardous chemicals disposed via All unwanted chemicals which may be hazardous must be disposed
EHSO? through EHSO Hazardous Waste Removal.

Are all unwanted chemical containers that are stored Unwanted chemical containers must be stored in secondary containers
on the floor, lab bench or closet placed in secondary to avoid spills.
containment?

Are all unwanted chemical containers closed (i.e. no Unwanted chemical containers must remain closed to prevent vapors
funnels in place?) from escaping; remove funnels. A "working container" no greater than
2 gallons, may be kept open until the end of the shift.

Is the unwanted chemical area clearly marked with Designate an "UNWANTED CHEMICAL AREA" with the EHSO
the EHSO approved sign? approved sign. The template for the sign is available on the
EHSO website.

Are all chemicals in good condition (i.e. not Polymerized chemicals will have a visible crystal structure.
polymerized, unstable, or expired)? They must be removed from the lab to avoid adverse reactions.
Powders and metals can be safely kept for a long time.

Are all unwanted chemicals labeled with the The appropriate hazard boxes must be checked and percentages listed
"Unwanted Chemical Label" and is the label for mixtures. The label can be found under Chemical Disposal on the
completed properly? EHSO website.

Are unwanted chemicals segregated from non- This is to avoid contamination.

waste chemicals?

Are unwanted chemicals properly segregated? This is to avoid adverse and violent reactions
(oxidizers separate from flammables, separate from
corrosives, etc)

If you have any chemicals which are categorized as Containers that held a P-listed waste must be treated as hazardous
P-listed wastes, do you submit a waste request waste. No more than one quart (0.95 liters) of P-listed waste may be
before storage exceeds 1 quart (0.95 liters)? kept in a laboratory. The P-listed wastes are: Aluminum Phosphide,
Ammonium Picrate, Mercury Fulminate, Nitroglycerine,
Tetranitromethane and Zinc Phosphate (>10%).
Is a brush, dustpan, tongs, or forceps available to Broken glassware should be handled with tongs and disposed in a
handle broken glass and is there is a proper sturdy box labeled "BROKEN GLASS." Use a cardboard box
container for broken glass? marked "Broken Glass" to dispose of both broken glass and
uncontaminated pipets. The box must be taped shut, sealed, and have
a sturdy bottom. There can be no signs of liquid inside the box. An
employee should be able to comfortably lift the box.

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 Laboratory Self-Inspection Checklist Revised 2/11/16

Training Requirements
YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
Has the Principal Investigator attended the "Principal Information regarding upcoming trainings can be found under "Training"
Investigator's Responsibilities for Lab Safety" on the EHSO website.
training?

Has the lab completed the UIC Chemicals of The Chemicals of Concern form tracks high risk and highly regulated
Concern form and is a copy of the form kept inside chemicals. The form must be completed for a new lab or whenever a
the lab? chemical from the list is added or deleted from a lab's chemical
inventory.

Are all employees in the laboratory up-to-date with Lab employees must complete one live training seminar and
Lab Safety training? subsequently on-line training must be completed every year thereafter.
Register for training under the "Training" section of the EHSO website

If any employee in the laboratory signs for (i.e. This online training must be completed for everyone who receives
receives) hazardous materials, biological agents, or hazardous chemicals biological agents, or infectious substances by air
infectious substances, have they completed the on- or ground. Register for online training under the "Training" section of
line training "Introduction to Hazardous Materials the EHSO website.
Receiving"?

If any employee in the laboratory ships hazardous This classroom course must be completed every two years for
chemicals, biological agents, and/or infectious individuals who ship the above-mentioned substances. Register for
substances, have they completed the classroom training under the "Training" section of the EHSO website.
"Shipping Hazardous Materials" training?

Entry Way
YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
Is an updated Lab ID Data Card posted at the Use the FIM website to create your lab ID card: If you do not have
doorway? access to the lab ID card application, e-mail [email protected]

Are adjacent corridors free from lab storage and Adjacent corridors must be free from lab storage and furniture to allow
furniture? egress in an emergency.

Is the outer door to the laboratory closed at all For the ventilation to work effectively, all laboratories must be closed at
times? the entrance way when conducting laboratory work.

Are appropriate hazard signs posted at the Appropriate hazard signs must be posted at the doorway to guide
doorway? Verify what the sign says reflects the emergency responders. To create a lab ID card and hazard placard
hazards actually in the laboratory. visit the FIM website. If you do not have access to the lab ID card
application, e-mail [email protected]

Are laboratories with radioactive materials locked Labs with radioactive materials must be locked when unattended to
when unattended? avoid theft.

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 Laboratory Self-Inspection Checklist Revised 2/11/16

Electrical Safety
YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
Are power strips only used for computers, and do Laboratory equipment, refrigerators and freezers cannot be plugged
they appear to be in good condition? into power strips. Install additional outlets for laboratory equipment,
refrigerators, and freezers.

Are all power cords in good condition (i.e. no wiring Power cords with exposed wiring must be replaced; wrapping with
exposed and no duct tape)? electrical tape is insufficient. The RRC can repair power cords.

Are there no extension cords in use? (Note: there Extension cords must not be used; rearrange appliances or install
are exceptions when it is appropriate to use additional power outlets. Submit a work order to install an additional
extension cords temporarily.) outlet.

Are all electric outlets and junction boxes secure? Electric outlets and junction boxes must be secured and covered.
Submit a work order for outlet or junction box repair.

Is there a separate shut-off for high voltage/high A separate shut-off must exist for high voltage/high amperage
amperage equipment? equipment so it can be readily shut off in an emergency. Submit work
order to install an emergency shut off.

Are all circuits in electrical panels identified? Circuits in electric panel must be identified. Submit a work order to get
electric panels labeled.

Can all electrical panels be easily accessed in an Electric panels must be unobstructed so the electricity can be readily
emergency? disconnected in an emergency.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Exposure

Control
YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
Has the lab completed the UIC Lab Hazard This document identifies proper PPE for lab workers. All lab workers
Assessment and has the PI signed off on the should be trained on the document and sign off. A copy of the
assessment to ensure that all employees been PPE/Hazard Assessment should be retained in the lab safety binder.
trained on appropriate PPE? Does a hard copy of
the Lab Hazard Assessment exist in the lab safety
binder?
Are lab employees wearing the PPE the hazard All laboratory employees shall wear a laboratory coat and safety
assessment indicates is appropriate? glasses, in addition to other indicated PPE, while inside the laboratory.

If any employee wears a respirator, have they been Employees must receive an annual medical evaluation, respirator
trained and fit tested? Does documentation exist of training, and fit testing if they wear a respirator. Please contact
training and fit-testing? [email protected] for more information on how to fulfill these
requirements.

Is all work that generates hazardous dust or vaper Move operations that generate hazardous dust or vapor into the fume
conducted in a fume hood? hood to avoid overexposure.

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 Laboratory Self-Inspection Checklist Revised 2/11/16

Gas Cylinder Safety

YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
Are caps on all compressed gas cylinders valves Replace caps on compressed gas cylinder valves that are not in use
when not in use with a regulator? (regulator is not attached).

Do you perform the "soap test" to detect leaks to When attaching the regulator to a cylinder, check the connection with a
check the regulators? soap solution to detect any leaks.

Is there only one spare gas cylinder for each gas This is to avoid storage issues and physical hazards with high pressure
type (i.e. oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen)? cylinders.

Is the regulator in good working condition? The regulator should be tight and not mangled, the regulator is meant
for the cylinder (i.e. not jammed on), and the gauges are free of cracks.

Are gas cylinders marked with the name of the gas This is needed for both emergency response and disposal purposes.
and a DOT (United States Department of
Transportation) label?

Do the gas lines for the regulator have a PSI This is to avoid explosions, gas release, and line ruptures.
compatibility for the gas contained?

Are compressed gas cylinders secured (including This is to ensure that the gas cylinder is properly secured and there is
lecture bottles) and are there two or less cylinders no threat of the cylinder falling and consequently releasing high energy
per fastener? gases.

Is the lab free of lecture bottles? Lecture bottles are discouraged due to high disposal costs. The cost for
disposal of a single lecture bottle can be as high as $4000. If lecture
bottles must be used, use suppliers who will accept empty lecture
bottles.

Does the toxic gas storage unit have a leak This is to avoid a toxic gas leak.
detection system? (Hint: Look for an alarm system.)

Are all toxic and corrosive gases stored in a gas See "Toxic Gases" under Compressed Gas Safety in the Lab Safety
safety cabinet vented to the fume hood exhaust Plan
duct?

Do Bunsen burners have the proper flame retardant Flame retardant tubing is often orange or black with an argyle pattern.
tubing and are the connectors of the tubing free of The connective rubber tubes must also be free of cracks to prevent
cracks? fugitive gas emissions.

Are flammable gas cylinders and oxygen cylinders Flammable gas cylinders and oxygen cylinders must be separated to
separated by 20 feet or a 5 foot fire wall? avoid explosion.

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 Laboratory Self-Inspection Checklist Revised 2/11/16

Emergency Preparedness
YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
Is the "Lab Specific Emergency Response Plan" The "Lab Specific Emergency Response Plan" must be completed or
found in the Lab Safety Plan completed and posted updated annually and posted in your laboratory. This sheet contains the
in the lab? fire exit location, spill kit location, and eyewash/safety shower locations
for your l aboratory. Each researcher should become familiar with
the document.

Do all sprinklers have 18" clearance? Remove storage within 18" height of sprinklers for efficient spray in a
fire.

Does the laboratory have an eyewash that is within University Administration has decided that it is the responsibility of the
10 seconds travel time of the area where hazardous individual Principal Investigator to pay for the installation of an eye
chemicals are used? wash in their lab. Please contact Vy Milunas, UIC Director of Project
Management, at [email protected] to arrange an estimate for eye
wash installation.

Are eyewashes flushed weekly by the laboratory and This is to prevent rust build up, bacterial build up, and to check the
is there a log of these eyewash flushes posted near quality of the water (color is clear and temperature is normal).
the eyewash?

Have all eyewashes been tested within the last year Eyewashes must be flushed weekly by laboratory staff but also tested
by EHSO? annually by EHSO to ensure they will function properly in an emergency.
If your eyewash has not been checked within one year, contact Leo
Njongmeta at [email protected]

Is a safety shower present within within 10 seconds University Administration has decided that it is the responsibility of the
travel time of areas where hazardous chemicals individual Principal Investigator to pay for the installation of a safety
are used? shower in their lab.Please contact Vy Milunas, UIC Director of Project
Management, at [email protected] to arrange an estimate for a safety
shower installation.

Is the safety shower unobstructed and does it have Safety showers must be unobstructed so they can readily be used in an
an intact handle? emergency. A safety shower should have three feet of clearance. A
handle must be present and intact.

Have all safety showers been tested within the last Safety showers must be tested annually by EHSO. If your safety
year by EHSO? shower has not been checked within one year, contact Leo Njongmeta
at [email protected]

Have all fire extinguishers been tested within the last Please email [email protected] to notify EHSO that your fire
year? If not, has the fire extinguisher been reported extinguisher is past its inspection date.
to EHSO?

Do all fire extinguishers have unbroken seals? If Please email [email protected] to notify EHSO that your fire
not, has the fire extinguisher been reported to extinguisher has a broken seal.
EHSO?

If the laboratory has HF (hydrofluoric acid), is there a The HF antidote must be stored in all areas where HF is used in the
non-expired calcium gluconate antidote readily laboratory. Note the antidote only has one year shelf life. See the
available and in good condition (i.e. soft and HF Chemical Safety Fact Sheets for more information.
spreadable)?

Are spill kits present and stocked with appropriate Spill kits must include materials in quanitities appropriate to chemicals
spill supplies? uses or stored in the laboratory. See the Lab Safety Plan for
recommended spill kit contents.

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 Laboratory Self-Inspection Checklist Revised 2/11/16

General Lab Safety

YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
Does the lab have three feet of unobstructed aisle Three feet of unobstructed aisle space must be maintained throughout
space? lab so employees can exit in an emergency. Rearrange equipment to
clear aisle space.

Is laboratory furniture capable of supporting This is to ensure laboratory equipment does not casue a lab bench,
anticipated loads? table, etc to collapse.

Are lab benches as well as areas behind freezers There must be no clutter behind refrigerators and freezers, this is a
and refrigerators free of clutter and accessible for major fire hazard.
cleaning?

Is there no eating, drinking, smoking, handling These activities put employees at risk of chemical and biological
contact lenses, or applying cosmetics in the overexposure.
laboratory?

Is there no food for human consumption stored in Food must be stored outside the laboratory area in cabinets or
laboratory areas? refrigerators designated only for food to avoid employee poisoning.

Are all moving parts on machinery guarded (i.e. Refrain from using mechanical equipment or pumps until moving parts
belts, pumps)? are properly guarded. Moving parts must be covered to avoid
amputations and other serious injuries.

Is the floor clear of spill and trip hazards (i.e. cords)? This is to avoid any slip and fall incidences.

Is the ceiling intact (i.e. no missing ceiling tiles or Missing ceiling tiles must be replaced and holes in the ceiling repaired.
holes)? Submit a work order to FM.

Are corridor walls free of holes? Holes in walls to must be sealed with "Fire Stop" or the equivalent.
Submit a work order to FM.

If there are lasers in the laboratory, is every laser Lasers must be registered with the Laser Safety Officer. Contact the
registered with EHSO? UIC Laser Safety Officer at [email protected].

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 Laboratory Self-Inspection Checklist Revised 2/11/16

Cold Room
YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
Are all flammable liquids not in use removed from Storing flammable liquids in a cold room is a fire hazard.
the cold room?

Is there no food or drink for human consumption in Storing food in the same location as chemicals puts employees at risk
the cold room? of poisoning.

Are Ground Fault Interrupt Circuitry (GFIC) outlets GFIC outlets usually have red and black restart buttons. Submit a work
installed in the cold room? order to FM.

Closets
YES NO N/A QUESTIONS REASONING & CORRECTIVE ACTION
Is a heat detector present in all closets? Install a heat detector linked to the building fire alarm system in storage
closets. Submit a work order to FM.

Is a current Lab ID Card posted on the closet door? A Lab ID Card must be posted and current on closet doors to provide
vital emergency response information in an emergency. Visit the FIM
website to update the lab ID card.

Thank you for taking the time to fill out this self-inspection checklist. If you need any assistance from EHSO, please email us
[email protected] or call us at 312-996-7411 and we will assist you. If you need assistance from Facilities
Management (FM), please email them at [email protected] or call 312-996-7511.

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