Lab Inspections
Laboratories are inherently dynamic environments where chemical, biological, and
physical hazards are present. To ensure a safe working environment and maintain
compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards,
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) conducts routine, university-wide laboratory
safety
inspections.
These inspections are designed to proactively identify risks, protect university property,
and ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. While EHS
facilitates these assessments, Principal Investigators (PIs) and laboratory supervisors
retain primary responsibility for identifying hazards, controlling risks, and correcting
identified deficiencies within their spaces.
Safety Inspection Scope
Laboratory inspections may be scheduled in advance or conducted unannounced. During
these reviews, EHS personnel assess compliance with the university's Integrated Laboratory
Management Plan and applicable safety regulations.
Key areas of evaluation include, but are not limited to:
- Documentation & Training: Hazard communication, emergency signage, and current training records.
- Chemical Hygiene: Proper chemical storage, segregation, and active inventory management.
- Hazardous Waste Management: Proper labeling, capping, and secondary containment of chemical and biological waste (EPA/TCEQ compliance).
- Safety Equipment: Unobstructed access to safety showers, eyewashes, fire extinguishers, and functional fume hoods/biosafety cabinets.
- Physical Hazards: Compressed gas cylinder management, electrical safety, and general housekeeping.
- Specialized Hazards: Radiation, laser safety, and biological risk containment (where applicable).
Reviewing an Inspection Report in CampusOptics
To streamline the safety review process, TCU utilizes CampusOptics for reporting and tracking corrective actions. Following a laboratory Inspection,
the Primary Space Owner (PI or Lab Supervisor) will receive an automated email containing
a link to their official review report, which details any regulatory or safety deficiencies
identified during the inspection. The PI or designated contact is responsible for
logging into the portal, navigating the "Issues" tab, and implementing the necessary
corrective actions.
After correcting any issues, the responsible contact will click on the “Actions” menu
and click “Mark as Complete.” Responsible contacts will also post a comment and upload
pictures to show how it was corrected before selecting “Update Issue”.
If a corrective action requires additional time, such as waiting on replacement parts or a Facilities work order, an extension can be requested directly within the system.
To login to CampusOptics directly, click the button below, select “Sign in at your institution," then proceed through the TCU two-factor authentication system.
Inspection Questions
For questions about the audit, corrective actions, or associated pictures, please
contact us at: safey@tcu.edu or call our office at 817-257-3687
Resources & Forms
29 CFR 1910.1200 - OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
29 CFR 1910.1450 - Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories
Lab Safety Performance Evaluation Tool
Lab Inspection Report Form
Lab Self-Inspection Checklist
Eyewash Testing Log