Laboratory Safety Audits

The purpose of the laboratory safety audits is to educate faculty and staff on the university’s current safety program as well as the standards and compliance requirements. To meet the university’s ongoing commitment to safety and comply with state and federal regulations, the Environmental Health and Safety Office conducts biennial audits. See the UCHP, Section 14 (https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/file/LabSafetyPlan2024_v1.pdf?VersionId=i.F_Lz.GTbZg.POI2IZASKJPJbgjzAGl), for more information regarding EHS Lab Audits.

In preparation for EHS audits and on an as-needed basis, the DCHO conducts laboratory safety audits in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

The Departmental Audit Process

• The audit process begins by scheduling a meeting time for the audit with the principal investigator (PI).
• During the audit, an inspection checklist, which is provided to you prior to the inspection, will be used to review documentation, chemical storage, chemical waste, housekeeping, personal protective equipment, chemical and biological hoods, gas cylinder storage, emergency safety equipment, signs and labels, biosafety, electrical and equipment safety, and ventilation.
• Following inspections, a detailed report will be sent to the principal investigator and the present graduate students. The report will be sent via email and will include a summary of recommendations for improved safety. Once the report has been received, the PI will need to work with their graduate students to address the listed items.
• After the inspection, the DCHO will return to verify that recommendations have been implemented.
• If conditions are found that pose immediate danger to life or health or are in serious violation of any regulatory requirements, these are deemed “critical actions.” The responsible party will promptly be asked to address the issues, and the DCHO will oversee the corrective actions.
• It is important to note that the audit inspection checklist was developed using the following: Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Ohio Fire Code, the Kent State University Chemical Hygiene Plan, Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Management of Chemical Hazards (2011), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), National Institute of Health (NIH) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association.