A Laboratory Safety Checklist provides a systematic way to identify laboratory hazards, evaluate safety practices, verify that required controls are in place, and document conditions that need correction. A well-designed checklist can be used during routine laboratory inspections, supervisor reviews, safety audits, or periodic evaluations of a laboratory safety program.
Laboratories may contain chemical, biological, electrical, mechanical, fire, pressure, compressed gas, cryogenic, ergonomic, and other hazards within a relatively small work area. A laboratory safety checklist helps ensure these hazards are reviewed consistently rather than relying solely on informal observations.
OSHA does not prescribe one universal laboratory safety checklist for every laboratory. Instead, applicable requirements depend on the hazards and activities present. OSHA’s laboratory resources identify numerous standards that can apply, including the Laboratory Standard, PPE requirements, respiratory protection, Lockout/Tagout, and other General Industry standards.
For laboratories covered by OSHA’s Laboratory Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1450, inspections can also help determine whether the employer’s Chemical Hygiene Plan is being effectively implemented. OSHA’s nonmandatory Appendix A specifically recommends regular laboratory, preparation-room, chemical-storage, housekeeping, emergency-equipment, and chemical-fume-hood inspections.
What Is a Laboratory Safety Checklist?
A Laboratory Safety Checklist is a structured list of safety conditions, equipment, procedures, and documentation that should be reviewed during a laboratory inspection.
The checklist should be appropriate for the particular laboratory. A general chemistry laboratory, microbiology laboratory, testing laboratory, medical laboratory, research laboratory, and quality-control laboratory may have very different hazards.
A useful checklist therefore combines general laboratory-safety items with sections that can be applied when particular hazards are present.
The objective is not simply to check boxes. The checklist should help answer three important questions:
What hazards are present?
Are appropriate controls in place?
Are those controls actually working and being followed?
How to Use a Laboratory Safety Checklist
A laboratory safety checklist can be used for scheduled inspections, periodic self-assessments, supervisor inspections, Chemical Hygiene Officer reviews, or follow-up inspections after deficiencies have been identified.
For each item, consider using responses such as:
Yes – Acceptable
No – Corrective Action Required
N/A – Not Applicable
A comments section should be provided for deficiencies, observations, corrective actions, responsible persons, and target completion dates.
Significant hazards should be corrected immediately when possible. Conditions presenting an immediate danger should be controlled before affected work continues.
Laboratory Safety Checklist
General Laboratory Safety
☐ Laboratory work areas are clean and orderly.
☐ Floors and walking surfaces are maintained in a safe condition.
☐ Aisles and passageways are clear.
☐ Exit routes and exit doors are unobstructed.
☐ Emergency equipment is readily accessible.
☐ Work surfaces are appropriate for the materials being used.
☐ Shelves, cabinets, and storage systems are stable and in good condition.
☐ Heavy materials are stored where they can be safely retrieved.
☐ Materials are not stored where they could fall or obstruct access.
☐ Employees use appropriate ladders or step stools rather than chairs, boxes, or laboratory furniture to reach elevated locations.
☐ Personal belongings are stored away from hazardous work areas.
☐ Food and beverages are prohibited in areas where hazardous chemicals or biological materials could contaminate them.
☐ Laboratory refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, and other equipment used for laboratory materials are not used for food or beverages.
☐ Employees understand applicable laboratory rules and prohibited practices.
OSHA’s nonmandatory laboratory guidance emphasizes housekeeping, safe facility design, accessible emergency equipment, and regular laboratory inspections as elements of an effective chemical hygiene program.
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Related Programs
Autoclave Safety
Bloodborne Pathogens
Chemical Spill Prevention & Response
Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety
Cryogenic Materials Safety
Emergency Eyewashes & Safety Showers
Hazard Communication & Safety Data Sheets
Hazardous Waste Management
Laboratory Chemical Safety
Laboratory Emergency Procedures
Laboratory Equipment Safety
Laboratory Hazard Assessment & Risk Assessment
Laboratory PPE
Laboratory Safety Inspections
Laboratory Safety Training
Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Medical Consultation & Chemical Exposure Response
Respiratory Protection
Sharps Safety
Spill Prevention & Response
Visitors & Contractors in Laboratories
Working Alone in Laboratories
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Chemical Hygiene Plan
For laboratories covered by OSHA’s Laboratory Standard:
☐ A written Chemical Hygiene Plan has been developed and implemented.
☐ The Chemical Hygiene Plan is readily available to employees.
☐ A qualified Chemical Hygiene Officer has been designated.
☐ Responsibilities for implementing the Chemical Hygiene Plan are clearly assigned.
☐ Appropriate laboratory SOPs have been established.
☐ Criteria for engineering controls, PPE, and work practices have been established.
☐ Procedures exist for verifying that chemical fume hoods and other protective equipment function properly.
☐ Circumstances requiring prior approval have been identified.
☐ Particularly hazardous substances are addressed.
☐ Medical consultation and examination provisions are established.
☐ Employee information and training requirements are addressed.
☐ The Chemical Hygiene Plan is reviewed and evaluated for effectiveness at least annually and updated as necessary.
These are among the core requirements established by 29 CFR 1910.1450.
Chemical Inventory
☐ A current inventory of laboratory chemicals is maintained as appropriate.
☐ Unneeded, expired, deteriorated, or unknown chemicals are identified for appropriate disposition.
☐ Containers are periodically inspected for leakage, corrosion, crystallization, bulging, pressure, or other deterioration.
☐ Time-sensitive chemicals are identified and managed appropriately.
☐ Peroxide-forming chemicals are managed according to established procedures.
☐ Chemical purchasing practices discourage unnecessary accumulation.
☐ Particularly hazardous or security-sensitive materials receive appropriate additional controls.
OSHA’s Appendix A recommends maintaining an accurate chemical inventory and removing chemicals that are no longer needed.
Chemical Labeling
☐ Original manufacturer labels remain legible and are not removed or defaced.
☐ Secondary chemical containers are appropriately identified.
☐ Solutions, mixtures, samples, and reaction containers are identifiable as required by laboratory procedures.
☐ Chemical labels provide sufficient information to prevent mistaken use.
☐ Unknown or unidentified containers are promptly reported and evaluated.
☐ Deteriorated or illegible labels are corrected.
OSHA’s Laboratory Standard requires incoming hazardous-chemical labels not to be removed or defaced, while Appendix A recommends identifying the contents of other chemical containers and transfer vessels.
Safety Data Sheets
☐ Safety Data Sheets are available for hazardous chemicals.
☐ Employees know how to access SDSs.
☐ SDSs are readily accessible during the work shift.
☐ Employees review applicable SDS and label information before using unfamiliar hazardous chemicals.
☐ Emergency procedures allow relevant chemical hazard information to be provided to responders or medical personnel.
Under 29 CFR 1910.1450, employers must maintain SDSs received with incoming hazardous chemicals and make them readily accessible to laboratory employees.
Chemical Storage and Compatibility
☐ Chemicals are stored according to hazard and compatibility.
☐ Incompatible chemicals are adequately separated.
☐ Acids and bases are appropriately segregated where necessary.
☐ Oxidizers are separated from incompatible organic, combustible, or reducing materials.
☐ Water-reactive chemicals are protected from water and incompatible materials.
☐ Cyanides and sulfides are protected from accidental contact with acids.
☐ Flammable liquids are stored appropriately.
☐ Corrosive chemicals are stored in compatible locations and containers.
☐ Highly hazardous chemicals receive appropriate additional storage controls.
☐ Chemical containers are not routinely stored on floors or in exit routes.
☐ Shelves are stable and appropriate for chemical storage.
☐ Secondary containment is provided where appropriate.
☐ Chemicals requiring special temperatures are stored in suitable equipment.
OSHA’s Appendix A recommends separating incompatible materials during transport, storage, use, and disposal and provides additional chemical-storage recommendations.
For a more detailed review, see Chemical Storage and Compatibility.
Laboratory PPE
☐ PPE requirements have been evaluated for laboratory activities.
☐ Required eye protection is available and used.
☐ Chemical splash goggles are available where splash hazards require them.
☐ Face shields are used with appropriate primary eye protection when necessary.
☐ Laboratory coats or other protective clothing are used as required.
☐ Gloves are selected for the chemicals and hazards involved.
☐ Employees understand that glove materials have different chemical-resistance limitations.
☐ Damaged or contaminated disposable gloves are replaced.
☐ Appropriate footwear is worn.
☐ Contaminated PPE is removed before entering designated clean areas when required.
☐ Respirators are used only under an appropriate Respiratory Protection Program when required.
OSHA’s laboratory resources recognize PPE requirements as part of the standards applicable to laboratory work, and the Laboratory Standard requires the CHP to establish criteria for selecting PPE and other controls.
For additional information, see Laboratory PPE.
Emergency Eyewashes and Safety Showers
☐ Required eyewashes are available.
☐ Required emergency showers are available.
☐ Access to eyewashes and showers is unobstructed.
☐ Employees know where emergency equipment is located.
☐ Equipment can be activated readily.
☐ Eyewash and shower equipment is inspected or tested according to applicable requirements and facility procedures.
☐ Problems identified during inspections are corrected promptly.
☐ Employees understand immediate flushing procedures following chemical exposure.
OSHA’s Appendix A recommends an adequate number and placement of safety showers and eyewash units and recommends that emergency equipment be regularly tested and kept readily available.
Fire and Emergency Safety
☐ Employees know how to report an emergency.
☐ Emergency telephone numbers or contact information are readily available.
☐ Emergency exits are identified and accessible.
☐ Fire extinguishers are accessible where provided.
☐ Fire extinguishers are inspected and maintained as required.
☐ Employees understand evacuation procedures.
☐ Employees know the laboratory’s procedures for fires, chemical spills, exposures, gas releases, and equipment emergencies.
☐ Emergency drills are conducted as appropriate.
☐ Emergency equipment is clearly identified.
☐ Employees know where to assemble following evacuation.
OSHA’s laboratory guidance recommends readily available emergency equipment and advance planning for spills, fires, releases, and other laboratory emergencies.
Chemical Spill Preparedness
☐ Employees understand the laboratory’s chemical spill procedures.
☐ Appropriate spill-control materials are available.
☐ Spill kits are appropriate for the chemicals present.
☐ Spill supplies are accessible and clearly identified.
☐ Employees know which spills they are authorized and trained to clean up.
☐ Procedures identify when evacuation or emergency assistance is necessary.
☐ Appropriate PPE is available for incidental spill cleanup.
☐ Chemical waste generated during cleanup is properly managed.
☐ Employees know how to report spills and exposures.
A laboratory should determine in advance how accidental chemical releases will be handled rather than developing a response after a spill occurs. OSHA’s Appendix A specifically discusses spill planning, equipment, training, and emergency procedures.
Compressed Gas Cylinders
☐ Cylinders are secured against falling.
☐ Cylinders are stored and used in appropriate locations.
☐ Valve protection caps are installed when required.
☐ Regulators and fittings are appropriate for the gas and service.
☐ Damaged cylinders, regulators, hoses, or fittings are removed from service.
☐ Cylinders are protected from excessive heat and physical damage.
☐ Oxygen and fuel-gas cylinders are separated as required where applicable.
☐ Flammable, toxic, corrosive, and oxidizing gases receive appropriate additional controls.
☐ Cylinders are transported using suitable carts and restraints.
☐ Employees do not lift cylinders by their valve protection caps.
☐ Empty and full cylinders are appropriately identified and managed.
For additional information, see Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety.
Cryogenic Safety
☐ Cryogenic containers are appropriate for their contents.
☐ Cryogenic containers are protected from pressure buildup.
☐ Appropriate cryogenic gloves are available for handling operations where needed.
☐ Eye and face protection is used when splash or pressure hazards exist.
☐ Employees understand the potential for severe cold burns and frostbite.
☐ Cryogenic liquids are handled in adequately ventilated locations.
☐ Oxygen-deficiency hazards have been evaluated.
☐ Oxygen monitoring is provided where the hazard assessment indicates it is necessary.
☐ Employees understand that cryogenic liquids can rapidly expand when converted to gas.
☐ Elevators, enclosed rooms, and other confined or poorly ventilated areas receive special consideration during cryogenic transport and use.
For additional information, see Cryogenic Safety.
Electrical Safety
☐ Electrical equipment and cords are in good condition.
☐ Damaged cords, plugs, outlets, or equipment are removed from service or repaired.
☐ Extension cords are not used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
☐ Electrical panels remain accessible.
☐ Electrical equipment is appropriate for the environment and application.
☐ Grounding and other protective features are maintained.
☐ Employees do not perform unauthorized electrical repairs.
☐ Electrical equipment near water or wet locations receives appropriate protection.
☐ Equipment is de-energized before servicing when required.
OSHA identifies electrical requirements and Lockout/Tagout among standards that may apply to laboratory operations.
Laboratory Equipment
☐ Equipment is operated only by trained or authorized employees as required.
☐ Guards, shields, covers, and interlocks are installed and functioning.
☐ Equipment is maintained according to applicable procedures.
☐ Defective equipment is identified and removed from service when necessary.
☐ Centrifuges are properly maintained and operated.
☐ Rotors, buckets, and safety cups are inspected as appropriate.
☐ Autoclaves and sterilizers are maintained and operated safely.
☐ Vacuum and pressure equipment is protected against foreseeable failure.
☐ Heating devices are located away from incompatible combustibles.
☐ Refrigerators and freezers are appropriate for the materials stored.
☐ Equipment modifications are reviewed before use.
OSHA’s laboratory resources specifically address hazards associated with equipment such as centrifuges and autoclaves in addition to the broader laboratory standards.
Biological Safety and Sharps
Where biological materials are present:
☐ Appropriate biological containment practices are established.
☐ Biological safety cabinets are used when required.
☐ Sharps containers are available and not overfilled.
☐ Needles and other contaminated sharps are disposed of promptly.
☐ Biological waste containers are appropriately identified.
☐ Appropriate disinfectants are available.
☐ Work surfaces are decontaminated as required.
☐ Employees understand biological spill procedures.
☐ Bloodborne Pathogens requirements are implemented where occupational exposure exists.
☐ Employees know how to report needlesticks and other biological exposures.
Laboratory Waste
☐ Chemical waste containers are compatible with their contents.
☐ Waste containers are properly labeled.
☐ Waste containers remain closed except when adding or removing waste as permitted.
☐ Incompatible wastes are segregated.
☐ Waste containers are in good condition.
☐ Secondary containment is used where appropriate.
☐ Accumulation limits and dates are observed where applicable.
☐ Biological, chemical, radioactive, sharps, and ordinary wastes are properly separated.
☐ Employees understand prohibited drain and trash disposal practices.
☐ Unknown waste is reported rather than mixed with other waste.
Security and Access Control
☐ Laboratory access is limited as appropriate to the hazards.
☐ Doors, locks, badges, or other access controls function properly.
☐ High-hazard or sensitive materials are appropriately secured.
☐ Visitors are appropriately controlled or escorted.
☐ Employees report suspicious activity or unauthorized access.
☐ Lost keys, access cards, or credentials are promptly reported.
☐ After-hours access procedures are followed.
☐ Emergency responders can obtain necessary hazard information.
OSHA’s Appendix A includes laboratory security as part of a comprehensive chemical hygiene program.
Working Alone
☐ Laboratory activities that may not be performed alone have been identified.
☐ Higher-hazard operations receive appropriate review before lone work is permitted.
☐ Employees have a reliable means of obtaining emergency assistance.
☐ Check-in procedures are used where required.
☐ After-hours work follows established authorization procedures.
☐ Employees understand when a second person must be present.
Laboratory Safety Training
☐ Employees receive required laboratory safety training before performing applicable work.
☐ Employees covered by the Laboratory Standard receive information and training at initial assignment to an area where hazardous chemicals are present.
☐ Employees receive appropriate information and training before assignments involving new chemical exposure situations.
☐ Employees understand chemical hazards in their work areas.
☐ Employees know how to access the Chemical Hygiene Plan.
☐ Employees know how to access SDSs and other hazard information.
☐ Employees understand required PPE and engineering controls.
☐ Employees understand applicable emergency procedures.
☐ Training records are maintained.
OSHA requires covered laboratory employees to receive information and training at initial assignment and before assignments involving new exposure situations. OSHA leaves the frequency of refresher information and training under the Laboratory Standard to the employer.
For additional information, see Laboratory Safety Training.
Laboratory Safety Inspection Documentation
A laboratory inspection should document more than whether an item passed or failed.
The inspection record should identify:
Laboratory/Department: ______________________________
Location: __________________________________________
Inspection Date: ___________________________________
Inspector: _________________________________________
Laboratory Supervisor: ______________________________
Chemical Hygiene Officer: ___________________________
For each deficiency, document:
Hazard or Deficiency: _______________________________
Corrective Action Required: _________________________
Person Responsible: _________________________________
Target Completion Date: _____________________________
Date Corrected: ____________________________________
Verified By: _______________________________________
Photographs may also be useful for documenting deficiencies and verifying corrective actions.
Correcting Laboratory Safety Deficiencies
The value of a Laboratory Safety Checklist depends on what happens after the inspection.
Deficiencies should be evaluated according to their potential severity and likelihood of causing an injury, exposure, fire, release, or other incident.
A leaking chemical container, blocked emergency exit, failed fume hood, unavailable eyewash, damaged electrical equipment, unsecured compressed gas cylinder, or incompatible chemical-storage condition may require immediate attention.
Less urgent deficiencies should still be assigned to a responsible person and tracked until corrected.
A good inspection system follows a simple process:
Identify → Document → Assign → Correct → Verify → Close
Repeated deficiencies deserve additional attention. When the same problem continues to return, simply correcting the immediate condition may not be enough. The laboratory should determine why the condition keeps occurring and whether improvements are needed in procedures, training, equipment, supervision, purchasing, staffing, or other management systems.
Laboratory Safety Checklist vs. Laboratory Safety Inspection
A Laboratory Safety Checklist is the tool used to guide and document the review.
A Laboratory Safety Inspection is the actual process of examining the laboratory, talking with employees, observing work practices, reviewing equipment and records, identifying hazards, and verifying corrective actions.
The two work together, but they are not exactly the same.
A checklist helps create consistency. An effective inspector still needs to look beyond the checklist because no standardized form can anticipate every hazard in every laboratory.
For a detailed discussion of the inspection process, see Laboratory Safety Inspection.
Customize Your Laboratory Safety Checklist
A generic laboratory safety checklist is a useful starting point, but it should be customized to the facility.
A laboratory working primarily with hazardous chemicals may need extensive sections covering chemical storage, fume hoods, flammable liquids, corrosives, and chemical waste. A biological laboratory may need much greater emphasis on containment, sharps, decontamination, and biological waste. Other laboratories may require specialized sections for radiation, lasers, cryogenics, compressed gases, laboratory animals, high-pressure systems, or other hazards.
The checklist should therefore reflect the actual materials, equipment, processes, and hazards present in the laboratory.
OSHA’s Laboratory Standard requires covered employers to develop and implement a laboratory-specific Chemical Hygiene Plan, while OSHA’s nonmandatory guidance recommends continuing inspections of laboratories, chemical-storage areas, housekeeping, emergency equipment, and fume hoods. A customized inspection checklist can be an effective way to help verify that those safety systems are working in practice.
Download a Laboratory Safety Checklist
Download a customizable Laboratory Safety Checklist to help inspect chemical storage, fume hoods, PPE, emergency equipment, compressed gases, cryogenics, laboratory equipment, waste management, housekeeping, training, and other common laboratory safety conditions.