Assessment and Inspection Management System
Manage lab safety inspections, personal protective equipment (PPE) assessments, and radiation-related materials and activities
Lab Assessments and Inspections
Summary
How to conduct safety assessments and inspections that evaluate lab equipment and activities.
Who is this for?
Labs and research.
Lab safety assessments and inspections at Harvard
Lab assessments and inspections include checklist-based general observations and more targeted reviews of particularly hazardous processes identified by EHS and school, department, and lab representatives.
EHS conducts annual or biennial research lab safety assessments and inspections that supplement routine inspections conducted by lab staff.
Inspection schedule
Conduct these lab safety inspections and certifications according to the inspection schedule.
Contact EHS about other types of inspections.
| Inspection Type | Inspection Frequency |
|---|---|
EHS biosafety inspection (labs registered with the Committee on Microbiological Safety (COMS)) | Annually (may coincide with EHS inspection) |
EHS general lab inspection | Annually |
Emergency shower inspection | Twice a year |
Eyewash station inspection | Weekly |
Fume hood or biosafety cabinet certification | Annually |
Lab personal protective equipment (PPE) assessment | Annually or when lab work changes |
Laser equipment certification | Every two years |
Peer inspection | Annually (if applicable) |
Lab hazard assessments
Lab hazard assessments are based on regulatory requirements and best risk assessment management practices.
Contact your Lab Safety Advisor (LSA) to request an assessment of new equipment or new or modified lab processes that may use:
- Biological hazards.
- Hazardous materials.
- High voltage equipment.
- Lasers.
- Nanomaterials.
Related resources
Find documents and online tools to manage lab assessments and inspections.
Electron Microscope Safety Form
Form to safely use an electron microscope
Emergency Eyewash Station, Facewash Station, and Safety Shower Inspection Schedule
When to inspect emergency eyewash stations, facewash stations, and safety showers
Eyewash and Facewash Station Annual Inspection Form
Form to conduct an annual eyewash or facewash station inspection
Nanomaterials
Work with nanomaterials and nanoparticles
New and Renovated Lab Survey Form
Form to submit safety information about proposed lab construction and renovations
Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment Form
Form to conduct a personal protective equipment (PPE) hazard assessment
Radiation Personal Survey Form
Form to survey for personal radiation contamination
Safety Shower Semi-Annual Inspection and Equipment Form
Form to conduct a semi-annual safety shower inspection
Satellite Accumulation Area Inspections
Weekly hazardous waste storage satellite accumulation area (SAA) inspections
X-Ray Cabinet Safety Form
Form to work safely with an X-ray cabinet
X-Ray Diffraction and Fluorescence Unit Safety Form
Form to work safely with an X-ray diffraction or fluorescence unit
EHS support
Contact lab_safety@harvard.edu or your LSA for more information about lab inspections and assessments, including:
- Fire department inspections.
- Regulatory inspections.