Laboratory Inspections

Laboratory Safety Inspections

To help protect the campus community, the Institutional Biosafety Committee is tasked with evaluating research, teaching, and diagnostic testing involving biological hazards and monitoring safety and compliance. Laboratories where biohazards are present must thus be periodically inspected by qualified personnel.

Scheduled Inspections: Inspections are collaborative and allow for the inspectors to gain understanding of the biosafety requirements specific to the lab being audited; therefore, the PI or designee must be available during the audit to participate in the conversation. Scheduled inspections will be conducted at least annually. When feasible, inspections will be conducted when teaching or research activities are occurring to provide inspectors with the opportunity to observe work practices. Additional information about laboratory inspections can be found in the IBC’s Standard Operating Procedure #4, Laboratory Inspections, on the Bylaws, Policies and Procedures page.

Unscheduled Inspections: Unscheduled inspections may be conducted at the discretion of the IBC or Director of Safety and Risk Management. The primary purpose of unscheduled inspections is to determine whether safety practices are being followed during the day-to-day operation of a given laboratory.

A copy of the laboratory inspection form is available for advance review and internal use by PIs and lab supervisors.