Laboratory Inspections
Laboratory inspections are completed by EHSS on a periodic basis to identify and address safety concerns and assist Principal Investigators (PIs) in maintaining safe laboratories. EHSS works collaboratively with PIs and lab members to complete the inspections and address actions necessary to correct issues and enhance safety in the laboratories.
The following summarizes the laboratory inspection process:
- EHSS will visit lab to assess conditions, observe operations, and review safety practices.
- After the visit, a report will be emailed to PI providing the inspection findings and necessary corrective actions.
- The inspection report will be generated and emailed from BioRAFT laboratory inspection software system.
- Inspection Module Instructions are available for accessing the report and addressing findings and necessary correction actions
Corrective Actions
- Corrective action(s) listed in the inspection report will have a specified date to be completed by.
- PI must complete the corrective action(s) by the specified date and report the completion in BioRAFT inspection system.
- The PI may request an extension from the assigned due date if assigned action requires additional time or resources to correct.
- PI may request assistance through the BioRAFT inspection system or by emailing ehss@syr.edu
- EHSS may conduct a follow up inspection to confirm corrective actions were sufficiently addressed.
- When corrective actions are completed and the inspection is finalized, EHSS will send a notification to the PI and no further action is required.
If EHSS observes an operation or situation in the laboratory that presents a serious, confirmed or perceived, hazard to the health, safety, or welfare of persons, property, or the environment and/or a clear or threatened violation of regulatory codes, laws, or requirements or University policy, EHSS will immediately suspend, restrict, or close the operation or situation and immediately notify the affected PI and University leadership, as applicable.
Corrective Action Escalation
It is important that identified corrective actions are addressed sufficiently and timely. If the PI does not complete the corrective actions by the date specified, the following escalation actions will be taken to assure the corrective action(s) are addressed:
- Every 15 Days – Email reminder: Notifications of unaddressed corrective actions will be email to the PI from the BioRAFT system every 15 days.
- 30 Days Past Due – EHSS Meeting: If corrective actions are not completed within 30 days of the initial inspection report, PIs are required to meet with EHSS and/or other University safety representative to determine a course of action and agree on a completion timeline.
- 45 Days Past Due – Department Chair Notification: If corrective actions are not completed within 45 days of the initial inspection report, the PI’s department chair, and/or other University administrators will be notified.
- 60 Days Past Due – Safety Committee Notification: If corrective actions are not completed within 60 days of the initial inspection report, the applicable safety committee(s) and/or Vice President of Research will be notified and determine the course of action will be taken to ensure the corrective actions taken. Actions may include termination of laboratory operations until corrective actions are completed.
Additional Resources