How to Conduct a Lab Safety Audit: A Step-by-Step Checklist for Compliance
By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD ·
Quick Answer
- Conduct a lab safety audit by walking through each work area with a standardized checklist that covers chemical hygiene, PPE, waste disposal, emergency equipment, and training records.
- Prioritize corrective actions by risk level, fix immediate hazards before reopening affected work areas, and document every finding with a photo and a dated follow-up date.
- A single audit is a snapshot, not a guarantee of ongoing compliance, so schedule recurring audits and verify that corrective actions were actually completed.
At a Glance
| Audit Area | What to Check | Common Finding | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Hygiene | Labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), storage segregation, and inventory accuracy | Expired chemicals stored with incompatible materials | Remove expired items, update the inventory, and re-train staff on segregation rules |
| PPE Availability | Gloves, goggles, lab coats, face shields, and respirators at each workstation | PPE is present but not the correct type for the chemical hazard | Replace with the specified PPE and post a PPE selection chart |
| Waste Disposal | Labeled waste containers, closed lids, and correct segregation of chemical, biological, and sharps waste | Overflowing or unlabeled waste containers | Empty containers, re-label them, and schedule more frequent waste pickup |
| Emergency Preparedness | Eyewash stations, safety showers, fire extinguishers, spill kits, and emergency exits | Eyewash station is blocked or not tested weekly | Clear the path, test the station, and log the test date |
| Training Records | Documentation of initial and refresher safety training for all lab personnel | A new researcher has not completed chemical hygiene training | Enroll the researcher in the next training session and restrict unsupervised work |
| Signage and Labeling | Hazard labels on all containers, door signs, and warning placards | A container is labeled with the chemical name but not the hazard class | Re-label the container with the full hazard communication label |
Why a Lab Safety Audit Matters
A lab safety audit is a systematic review of the physical conditions, procedures, and records that keep laboratory workers safe. The audit checks whether the lab meets the safety rules that apply to its work, such as OSHA standards for chemical hygiene, waste disposal, PPE, and emergency preparedness. For a lab manager or safety officer, the audit is the practical tool that turns written policy into a daily working reality.
The work that happens in a lab carries specific hazards. Laboratory technicians and medical laboratory scientists handle chemicals, biological samples, and sharp instruments, and they work in settings where a single mislabeled container or a blocked emergency exit can cause a serious injury. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics describes medical laboratory scientists as professionals who perform complex tests on body fluids, tissue, and other substances, and it describes laboratory technicians as workers who perform routine tests in a medical laboratory. Both roles depend on a safe work environment, and the audit is the process that verifies that environment.
A safety audit also protects the people who are not yet in the lab. Students, researchers, and job seekers who are preparing for laboratory careers need to know what a safe lab looks like. The National Institutes of Health Office of Intramural Training and Education provides research-career development and training context, and that context includes the expectation that a researcher works in a lab that meets safety standards. When a lab manager conducts an audit, the manager is also building the training environment for the next generation of laboratory professionals.
The audit is not a one-time event. It is a recurring process that checks the lab against a standard, finds gaps, and closes those gaps. The audit record becomes the evidence that the lab is meeting its safety obligations, and that record is useful when the lab is inspected by an external authority or when a new employee asks about the lab's safety culture.
Core Principles of a Lab Safety Audit
A lab safety audit works best when it follows a few core principles. These principles keep the audit consistent, fair, and useful.
The Audit Is a Checklist, Not a Memory Test
The audit should be based on a written checklist that covers every area of the lab. The checklist is the same for every audit, so the results can be compared over time. A checklist also prevents the auditor from forgetting an area, such as the chemical storage room or the waste disposal area, because the checklist forces the auditor to visit every area.
The Audit Is a Snapshot, Not a Guarantee
The audit records what is true at the moment of the audit. A lab that passes the audit on Monday could have a new hazard on Tuesday, such as a broken piece of glassware or a spilled chemical. The audit is a snapshot, and the lab manager should treat the audit as one part of a continuous safety program, not as a guarantee of safety.
The Audit Is a Team Activity
The lab manager, the safety officer, and the lab staff all have a role in the audit. The manager provides the resources to fix the findings, the safety officer conducts the audit, and the staff provides the daily knowledge of how the lab actually works. The audit is a team activity, and the findings are more useful when the staff is involved in the process.
The Audit Is a Record
Every audit produces a record. The record includes the date, the auditor's name, the checklist, the findings, and the corrective actions. The record is the evidence that the lab is being managed safely, and it is the basis for the next audit. The record also protects the lab and the institution if an incident occurs.
The Step-by-Step Lab Safety Audit Checklist
The following checklist is a practical tool for a lab manager or safety officer. The checklist is organized by area, and each area has a set of questions to answer. The answers are recorded as pass, fail, or not applicable, and the failures are the basis for the corrective action plan.
Step 1: Prepare for the Audit
Before the audit begins, the auditor should gather the documents that the audit will check. These documents include the lab's chemical inventory, the Safety Data Sheets for each chemical, the training records for each staff member, the waste disposal records, and the previous audit report.
The auditor should also schedule the audit at a time when the lab is active. An audit during a quiet period may miss the hazards that appear during a busy period, such as a crowded bench or a full waste container. The auditor should also notify the lab manager of the audit date so that the manager can be available to answer questions.
Step 2: Walk Through the Lab
The auditor should walk through the lab and observe the physical conditions. The walk-through is the core of the audit, and the auditor should look at every area, including the benches, the storage cabinets, the waste containers, the emergency equipment, and the exits.
The auditor should look for the following:
- Are the aisles clear of boxes, carts, and other obstructions?
- Are the benches clean and free of spills?
- Are the chemical containers closed and labeled?
- Are the waste containers labeled and not overflowing?
- Are the emergency exits marked and unobstructed?
- Are the eyewash stations and safety showers accessible and working?
The auditor should take notes and photographs. The photographs are the evidence of the findings, and they are useful when the corrective action is discussed with the staff.
Step 3: Interview the Staff
The auditor should talk to the staff who work in the lab. The staff can describe the daily work, the hazards they see, and the safety issues that are not visible during a walk-through. The auditor should ask about the training the staff has received, the PPE they use, and the incidents that have occurred since the last audit.
The interview is also the chance to check the training records. The auditor should verify that each staff member has completed the required training and that the training is current.
Step 4: Review the Records
The auditor should review the lab's records. The records include the chemical inventory, the Safety Data Sheets, the training records, the waste disposal records, and the incident reports. The auditor should check that the records are complete, current, and accurate.
The chemical inventory should match the chemicals that are actually in the lab. The Safety Data Sheets should be available for every chemical. The training records should show that each staff member has completed the required training. The waste disposal records should show that the waste was removed by a licensed hauler.
Step 5: Write the Audit Report
The auditor should write the audit report after the walk-through, the interviews, and the record review. The report should list the findings, the corrective actions, and the deadlines for the corrective actions. The report should also list the areas that passed the audit, so the staff can see what is working.
The report should be shared with the lab manager and the staff. The manager should assign the corrective actions to specific people, and the manager should set a date for the follow-up audit.
Step 6: Follow Up on the Corrective Actions
The audit is not complete until the corrective actions are done. The auditor should return to the lab on the follow-up date and verify that the corrective actions were completed. The follow-up is the step that closes the loop, and it is the step that makes the audit a continuous improvement process.
Chemical Hygiene and Hazard Communication
Chemical hygiene is the foundation of lab safety. The lab must have a written chemical hygiene plan that describes the procedures for the safe use, storage, and disposal of chemicals. The plan is the reference for the lab staff, and the audit checks that the plan is current and that the staff is following it.
Chemical Inventory and Safety Data Sheets
The lab must have a current inventory of every chemical in the lab. The inventory should include the chemical name, the concentration, the quantity, the location, and the date of receipt. The inventory is the basis for the hazard assessment, and it is the record that the lab uses to track the chemicals.
The lab must also have a Safety Data Sheet for every chemical. The SDS is the document that describes the hazards of the chemical, the safe handling procedures, and the emergency response. The SDS must be accessible to the staff, and the audit checks that the SDS is present and current.
Chemical Storage and Segregation
The chemicals must be stored according to their hazard class. Flammable chemicals must be stored in a flammable storage cabinet. Acids and bases must be stored separately. Oxidizers must be stored away from flammable materials. The audit checks that the storage is correct and that the containers are labeled.
The audit also checks the expiration dates on the chemicals. Expired chemicals can be unstable, and they must be removed from the lab and disposed of properly. The audit checks that the expired chemicals are not on the shelf.
Chemical Waste Disposal
The lab must have a waste disposal program that follows the regulations for the disposal of chemical waste. The waste must be collected in labeled containers, and the containers must be closed when they are not in use. The waste must be removed by a licensed hauler, and the lab must keep the disposal records.
The audit checks that the waste containers are labeled, closed, and not overflowing. The audit also checks that the waste is segregated, so that the chemical waste is not mixed with the biological waste or the sharps waste.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is the last line of defense between the lab worker and the hazard. The lab must provide the PPE that is required for the work, and the lab must train the staff on the correct use of the PPE.
PPE Selection and Availability
The lab must have the correct PPE for the hazards in the lab. The PPE includes lab coats, gloves, safety glasses, face shields, and respirators. The audit checks that the PPE is available at the point of use, and that the PPE is the correct type for the hazard.
The audit also checks that the PPE is in good condition. Gloves that are torn, safety glasses that are scratched, and lab coats that are worn are not protective. The audit checks the condition of the PPE, and the corrective action is to replace the damaged PPE.
PPE Training and Fit
The lab must train the staff on the correct use of the PPE. The training includes the selection of the PPE, the correct way to put on and take off the PPE, and the limitations of the PPE. The audit checks the training records, and the corrective action is to provide the training if the records are missing.
The audit also checks the fit of the PPE. A respirator that does not fit is not protective, and the lab must have a fit-testing program for the respirators. The audit checks the fit-testing records, and the corrective action is to schedule the fit test.
Waste Disposal and Environmental Safety
The lab must manage its waste according to the regulations. The waste includes chemical waste, biological waste, and sharps waste. The audit checks that the waste is segregated, labeled, and disposed of properly.
Waste Segregation and Labeling
The lab must separate the waste by type. The chemical waste goes in the chemical waste container, the biological waste goes in the biological waste container, and the sharps go in the sharps container. The containers must be labeled with the contents and the hazard class.
The audit checks that the containers are labeled and that the waste is not mixed. The audit also checks that the containers are closed when they are not in use, and that the containers are not overflowing.
Waste Disposal Records
The lab must keep the records of the waste disposal. The records include the date of the pickup, the name of the hauler, and the type and quantity of the waste. The audit checks the records, and the corrective action is to obtain the records if they are missing.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
The lab must be prepared for an emergency. The emergency can be a chemical spill, a fire, a medical emergency, or a natural disaster. The audit checks that the lab has the equipment and the procedures to respond to the emergency.
Emergency Equipment
The lab must have the emergency equipment that is required for the hazards in the lab. The equipment includes the eyewash station, the safety shower, the fire extinguisher, the first aid kit, and the spill kit. The audit checks that the equipment is present, accessible, and in working order.
The eyewash station must be tested weekly, and the test must be logged. The safety shower must be tested, and the fire extinguisher must be inspected. The audit checks the test logs, and the corrective action is to test the equipment and log the test.
Emergency Procedures
The lab must have written emergency procedures. The procedures describe the response to a chemical spill, a fire, a medical emergency, and an evacuation. The audit checks that the procedures are posted, and that the staff has been trained on the procedures.
The audit also checks the emergency exits. The exits must be marked, and the exits must be unobstructed. The audit checks the exit paths, and the corrective action is to clear the obstruction.
Training and Documentation
The lab must train the staff on the safety procedures, and the lab must document the training. The audit checks the training records, and the audit checks that the training is current.
Initial and Refresher Training
The lab must provide the initial safety training to every new staff member. The training covers the chemical hygiene, the PPE, the waste disposal, and the emergency procedures. The audit checks that the new staff has completed the training, and the corrective action is to complete the training.
The lab must also provide the refresher training on a regular schedule. The refresher training keeps the staff current on the procedures, and the audit checks that the refresher training is current.
The Training Record
The lab must keep a training record for each staff member. The record includes the date of the training, the topic of the training, and the name of the trainer. The audit checks the training records, and the corrective action is to obtain the missing records.
Common Failure Patterns in Lab Audits
The audit is a learning process, and the auditor will see the same failure patterns in many labs. The following are the common failure patterns, and the corrective actions that close the gaps.
The Missing SDS
The lab has a chemical on the shelf, but the Safety Data Sheet is not in the binder. The corrective action is to obtain the SDS from the supplier, and to place the SDS in the binder.
The Unlabeled Container
The lab has a container that is labeled with the chemical name, but the label does not include the hazard class. The corrective action is to re-label the container with the full hazard label.
The Overflowing Waste Container
The lab has a waste container that is overflowing, and the container is not labeled. The corrective action is to empty the container, label the container, and schedule a more frequent waste pickup.
The Blocked Emergency Exit
The lab has a cart in front of the emergency exit, and the exit is not accessible. The corrective action is to move the cart, and to post a sign that the exit must be kept clear.
The Missing Training Record
The lab has a new staff member who has not completed the safety training. The corrective action is to complete the training, and to restrict the staff member from unsupervised work until the training is complete.
The Expired Chemical
The lab has a chemical that is past its expiration date, and the chemical is still on the shelf. The corrective action is to remove the chemical, and to dispose of the chemical properly.
Records and Measurements
The audit produces a set of records that the lab uses to track the safety program. The records are the evidence of the audit, and the records are the basis for the next audit.
The Audit Report
The audit report is the primary record of the audit. The report includes the date of the audit, the name of the auditor, the checklist, the findings, and the corrective actions. The report is the record that the lab manager uses to track the progress of the corrective actions.
The Corrective Action Log
The corrective action log is the record of the findings and the corrective actions. The log includes the date of the finding, the description of the finding, the corrective action, the person who is responsible, and the date of the completion. The log is the tool that the manager uses to track the progress.
The Training Record
The training record is the record of the training for each staff member. The record includes the date of the training, the topic, and the trainer. The training record is the evidence that the staff is trained.
The Equipment Test Log
The equipment test log is the record of the tests for the emergency equipment. The log includes the date of the test, the equipment that was tested, and the result of the test. The log is the evidence that the equipment is working.
The Audit and the Laboratory Career
The lab safety audit is also a career skill. The laboratory technician and the medical laboratory scientist are the roles that work in the lab, and the safety audit is the process that keeps the lab safe. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics describes the laboratory technician as a worker who performs routine tests, and the medical laboratory scientist as a professional who performs complex tests. Both roles are the ones who benefit from the audit, and both roles are the ones who can participate in the audit.
The audit is also a skill for the job seeker. The job seeker who understands the audit is the candidate who can describe the safety practices in the interview, and the candidate who can demonstrate the safety awareness that the employer wants. The American Society for Microbiology provides career development resources for the microbiology professional, and the safety audit is the practice that the professional uses in the lab.
The audit is also a skill for the student. The student who learns the audit is the student who is prepared for the lab, and the student who is prepared for the lab is the student who is safe in the lab. The National Institutes of Health provides research-career development and training resources, and the safety audit is the practice that the student learns in the training.
The Limitations of the Audit
The audit is a useful tool, but the audit has limitations. The audit is a snapshot, and the audit cannot predict the future. The audit is also a checklist, and the audit cannot capture the full complexity of the lab.
The audit is also limited by the auditor. The auditor is a human, and the auditor can miss a hazard. The audit is also limited by the checklist, and the checklist may not cover every hazard in the lab.
The audit is also limited by the regulations. The audit checks the lab against the regulations, but the regulations are the minimum standard. The lab may be compliant with the regulations, but the lab may still have a hazard that is not covered by the regulations.
The audit is also limited by the resources. The lab may not have the resources to fix the findings, and the corrective actions may be delayed. The audit is the record of the findings, and the audit is the basis for the corrective action, but the audit cannot force the corrective action.
The Professional Escalation Criteria
The audit is the process that identifies the hazards, and the audit is the process that the corrective actions. The auditor should escalate the findings when the finding is a serious hazard, and the auditor should escalate the finding when the lab is not responding to the corrective action.
The auditor should escalate the finding when the finding is an immediate hazard. The immediate hazard is a hazard that can cause an injury or a fire, and the auditor should stop the work in the area until the hazard is corrected.
The auditor should escalate the finding when the lab is not responding to the corrective action. The lab manager should be the first escalation, and the institutional safety officer should be the second escalation. The auditor should document the escalation, and the auditor should keep the record of the escalation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a lab safety audit and a lab inspection?
A lab safety audit is an internal review that the lab conducts to check its own compliance with the safety regulations. A lab inspection is an external review that a regulatory authority conducts to check the lab's compliance. The audit is the proactive process, and the inspection is the reactive process.
How often should a lab conduct a safety audit?
The lab should conduct a safety audit at least once a year, and the lab should conduct the audit more often if the lab has a high hazard or a high turnover. The lab should also conduct the audit after a significant change, such as a new chemical, a new procedure, or a new staff member.
Who should conduct the lab safety audit?
The lab safety audit should be conducted by a person who is trained in the safety regulations and who is not the person who works in the lab. The auditor can be the lab manager, the safety officer, or an external consultant. The auditor should be objective, and the auditor should not be the person who is responsible for the findings.
What is the most common finding in a lab safety audit?
The most common finding in a lab safety audit is the unlabeled container. The lab has a container that is not labeled, or the label is incomplete. The corrective action is to re-label the container, and the corrective action is a simple fix.
What is the most serious finding in a lab safety audit?
The most serious finding in a lab safety audit is the immediate hazard. The immediate hazard is a hazard that can cause an injury or a fire, such as an obstructed emergency exit or a chemical spill. The corrective action is to stop the lab and fix the hazard immediately.
How does a lab safety audit help a laboratory technician career?
A lab safety audit helps a laboratory technician career because the audit is the practice that keeps the lab safe. The technician who knows the audit is the technician who can work safely, and the technician who can work safely is the technician who is the valuable employee. The audit is also the skill that the technician can list on the resume, and the audit is the skill that the technician can discuss in the interview.
How does a lab safety audit help a medical laboratory scientist?
A lab safety audit helps a medical laboratory scientist because the audit is the process that verifies the safety of the lab. The scientist who participates in the audit is the scientist who understands the safety, and the scientist who understands the safety is the scientist who can protect the patient and the staff. The audit is also the practice that the scientist uses to prepare for the inspection.
What should a job seeker know about lab safety audits?
A job seeker should know that the lab safety audit is the practice that the employer uses to keep the lab safe. The job seeker should be able to describe the audit in the interview, and the job seeker should be able to demonstrate the safety awareness that the employer wants. The job seeker should also be prepared to work in a lab that is audited, and the job seeker should be prepared to participate in the audit.
Using the Evidence
| Source | Best use in this topic | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Outlook Handbook | official guidance | Check the linked page for current local requirements |
| O*NET OnLine | official guidance | Check the linked page for current local requirements |
| Office of Intramural Training and Education | official guidance | Check the linked page for current local requirements |
Related Articles
- Conducting a Study: A Practical Checklist for Life Science Researchers
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References and Further Reading
- Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- O*NET OnLine. U.S. Department of Labor.
- Office of Intramural Training and Education. National Institutes of Health.
- Careers at NSF. U.S. National Science Foundation.
- Career Services. American Society for Microbiology.
- AAVMC Career Resources. Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges.
- NCBI Literature Resources. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- PubMed. National Library of Medicine.
This article is educational and does not replace institutional policy, professional advice, or applicable safety and regulatory requirements.