SCB Chemical Solutions - Safety-Audit

Alangilan Campus
College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering
LABORATORY SAFETY AUDIT
LAB 2: BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY
Safety Audit presented to

Engr. Ralph A Castino
Instructor
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for ChE 429
Track Specialization 3: Process Safety Engineering
Aycardo, Geoffry
Benitez, Maria Soledad
Besas, Angelica
Cusi, Hanna Jane
March 20, 2023
GCH, Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines 4200 +63 43 425 - 0139 loc. 2826
www.batstate-u.edu.ph chefe.ceafa@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Alangilan Campus
OBJECTIVES, SCOPE, AND METHODOLOGY
The primary objectives of the safety audit are to determine whether the equipment
controls and its functions were working, effective and efficient to chemical engineering students;
being adhered to; and compliant with university policies and procedures, laws, and regulations.
Specifically, evaluation is related to lab safety, safety precautions, and environmental
management. Auditing period occurred on the 15th day of May of the year 2023. The audit
includes the tests and other supporting records for auditing procedures.
During the audit, there is a/an:
• Review of the University policies and procedures that are applicable to the rules and
regulations.
• Interview of the laboratory personnel and documented various facets of the lab safety
operations and guidelines.
• Observed practices in maintaining safety inside the Unit Operations laboratory.
• Evaluated the effectiveness of established equipment controls and procedures.
• Tested the adequacy of processes specific to lab safety.
• Identify improper placing of hazardous materials or controlled substances inside the
laboratory.
BACKGROUND
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Laboratory Standard, 29

CFR 1910.1450 discusses that "Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories,"
sets forth requirements for all laboratory personnel that engage in the laboratory use of
equipment in the Unit Operations Laboratory. Evaluation of University operations are designed
to produce a foundation which enables to maintain a safe environment inside the campus related
to these following safety practices:
Alangilan Campus
• Chemical Safety
• Mechanical Safety
• Biological Safety
• Laboratory Safety
• General Safety
• Environmental Compliance
• Safety Training
The Laboratory Safety program aids in creating a safe working environment and ensuring
compliance with regional, national, and international laws for researchers, lab personnel, and
students inside the University. It provides guidance that are related to:
• Hazard assessment
• Laboratory guidelines
• Use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials
• Producing laboratory safety programs
• Approval of hazardous materials and equipment
Unit Operations Equipment Hygiene Plan
Figure 1. Unit Operations Laboratory
Alangilan Campus

The laboratory personnel serve as the supervisor and guide of the facility. In line with
this, their responsibilities include the following:
• Assuring that protective equipment is available, in working order, and that the specific
precautions applicable to the type of work being conducted have been provided; ensuring
that emergency response procedures for the area(s) under their control are maintained
current and appropriate for the type of occurrences to be expected in such locations.
• Ensuring that laboratory personnel and students are informed of and follow prudent
safety practices.
• Notifying the problems related to the general operation and implementation of the
laboratory safety practices and engineering controls.
Use and Disposal Processes
Considering lab security, purchasing, storing, distributing, and waste disposal needs as
part of safety concerns for hazardous materials. High heat, pressurized tanks, extremely low
temperatures, and electrical components are examples of hazardous equipment. Each facility
must be inventoried for all dangerous equipment and all trash produced must be kept properly.
The process flow below provides a high-level overview of the equipment purchase, receipt, use:
• Equipment is selected by requester through the market.

• Requester sends the cart to laboratory personnel to finish the requisition.
• Shipping to the University’s address and receiving by the laboratory personnel.
• Recording the equipment as well as its function and maintenance.
• A safety data sheet comes with the equipment including how they operate.
Alangilan Campus
Safety Training
The university uses training reports to assess whether the unit operations laboratory is up
to date with the requirements for training renewal for the following:
• The fundamental training programs, especially Laboratory Hazard Awareness, Hazard

Communication (HAZCOM), and Fire Safety, are mandatory for all laboratory personnel
and students.
• Different types of lab-specific training programs are available based on the hazardous
compounds that are employed there.
Inventory
As required by the relevant safety program standards, all academic and research laboratories are
required to keep up-to-date and accurate records of their inventory (ordered, received, stored,
used, transferred, and disposed).
AUDIT REPORT
Interview
The questions by the auditors are as follows:
1. Are all lab personnel, students, and working visitors trained on operating the equipment
in the UOPS Laboratory?
2. Has a risk hazard assessment been conducted for all the equipment, chemicals and
processes that pose a physical risk/and/or health hazard?
3. Is the location of the training documents of UOPS Lab available for the students and
working visitors to read?
4. Are the training records stored physically or electronically?
5. Is the equipment in the UOPS laboratory most available for experiments?
6. Is there a software system designed to track lab inspections from beginning to end?
7. How many times are the lab personnel conducting general laboratory inspections in the
UOPS laboratory?
Alangilan Campus
After conducting the interview, the most essential data were obtained and summarized into a one
whole thought.
The Unit Operations Laboratory has been encountering various difficulties and
challenges primarily due to its unfavorable location, which has resulted in frequent flooding,
leading to erosion and causing damage to critical equipment such as pumps. Moreover, the
overall layout and design of the laboratory are far from ideal, lacking adherence to essential
safety standards, including the requirement of one-meter-wide walkways and adequate space for
equipment. This cramped environment not only contributes to a claustrophobic atmosphere but
also poses significant risks to the well-being of the lab personnel.
One of the major concerns in the laboratory is the exorbitant operating costs associated
with the equipment, particularly for apparatus like distillation, which consumes substantial
amounts of ethanol and gasoline. These high costs put a strain on the laboratory's budget and
hinder the efficient functioning of the operations. Additionally, the integrated electrical supply
system has been causing fluctuations in power consumption, potentially leading to widespread
problems and disruptions in the laboratory's activities.
The Unit Operations Laboratory is burdened with a multitude of machinery that

necessitates regular cleaning, maintenance, and replacement of parts. Despite the presence of
safety advice in the equipment handbook, there is a lack of uniform safety standards throughout
the entire establishment. This absence of standardized protocols and guidelines further
compromises the overall safety and well-being of the laboratory personnel. Consequently, the
suitability of wearing hard helmets in this environment becomes questionable, as they may not
always be appropriate or sufficient to ensure the necessary protection.
In accordance with CHED regulations, the laboratory is required to have a dedicated

laboratory technician. However, the Unit Operations Laboratory currently lacks a designated
Alangilan Campus

personnel-in-charge who can oversee and manage the daily operations and maintenance of the
facility. The limited availability of resources restricts the laboratory technician's involvement to
conducting inspections and maintenance only during official certification processes, leaving
routine upkeep neglected.
Due to damage or malfunctions, certain pieces of laboratory equipment need to be

discarded, while others can be repaired and improved to enhance their performance and
longevity. The persistent issue of flooding in the lab area poses a significant threat as it increases
the likelihood of equipment failure and further exacerbates the challenges faced by the
laboratory.
To address these issues comprehensively, a holistic approach must be adopted. This

includes carefully considering equipment placement to ensure optimal functionality, taking into
account capabilities, drainage requirements, and power demands. Furthermore, it is imperative to
expand the size of the Unit Operations Laboratory to accommodate its growing needs adequately.
This expansion should also involve discarding unnecessary and redundant prototypes, thereby
streamlining the laboratory's operations and maximizing its efficiency.
To foster a safe and effective working environment, it is crucial to grant students the
freedom to move around the laboratory freely, ensuring that they have sufficient space to carry
out their experiments and procedures. By implementing these measures, the Unit Operations
Laboratory can overcome its current challenges and create a more conducive and productive
atmosphere for both the lab personnel and the students involved.
CONCLUSION
It is crucial to carry out safety audits in the Unit Operations Laboratory because they are
essential to guaranteeing the protection and well-being of all who work there. Safety audits offer
a methodical and thorough evaluation of safety methods, practices, and conditions in the
Alangilan Campus

laboratory setting. Safety audits aid in preventing mishaps, injuries, and possible disasters by
assessing potential risks and pinpointing areas for improvement.
Safety audits include a variety of key benefits. They improve the laboratory's overall
safety culture. Regular safety audits educate lab staff about potential risks and promote a
proactive attitude toward safety. By actively identifying and addressing possible hazards, people
create a safety-conscious mindset, making the lab a safer environment for everyone.
Compliance with legal requirements and regulations is aided by safety audits. Conducting
audits ensures compliance with the rules and safety standards that are frequently applied to
laboratories. Compliance not only lowers legal obligations but also guarantees that best practices
are followed, reducing the possibility of mishaps or harm to the environment.
Safety audits encourage ongoing development. Audits enable the execution of remedial
actions by methodically assessing safety practices and identifying areas for improvement.
Through this iterative process, dangers can be reduced or eliminated, creating safer working
conditions and greater operational effectiveness.
In conclusion, safety audits are essential for preserving a secure working environment in
the Unit Operations Laboratory. They encourage a safety-conscious culture, make sure that laws
are followed, and encourage continual development. The laboratory can safeguard its workers,
reduce hazards, and lay a solid platform for scientific activities by doing routine safety audits.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Environmental health and Safety
• Improve the system used to manage lab inspection data. All relevant inspection dates for
a specific lab should be included, as well as safety violations that were observed and
reported, remedial measures that were done, issues that were followed up on or escalated,
and records of communication up until the problem was remedied.
Alangilan Campus

• Establish formal regulations for accepting of time extensions for correction of violations,
and make sure that safety infractions are promptly addressed.
• Ensure that all lab staff members finish the necessary renewal training courses at the
proper frequency by verifying training compliance and establishing an escalation
mechanism for contacting delinquent employees, their supervisors, and the appropriate
University personnel.
• Start a conversation with the appropriate university departments to make sure the right
degree of reaction to the notice of delinquencies and responsibility is accomplished.
Procurement Services
• Make sure that labs that buy restricted drugs are kept up to date and have them on hand
for inspection.
• Examine the invoices for the purchases of banned drugs to see what additional steps
should be taken with the cardholders involved.
• Make sure that the department's recurrent audits to find cardholder infractions cover all
distributors.
Alangilan Campus
APPENDIX A
CHECKLIST
Alangilan Campus

SAFETY AUDIT CHECKLIST
Building: UOPS Laboratory Audit by: Aycardo, G., Benitez, M. S., Besas, A., Cusi, H. J.
Q# Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist YES NO N/A
General Safety
1 Lab is maintained secure; the door is locked when no one is in the lab. /
2 Appropriate clothing when using the lab are worn by everyone. /
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is available in the lab for handling
3 /
of hazardous materials.
4 Food and drinks are not allowed in the laboratory. /
5 There are hazard signs posted in the laboratory. /
6 Emergency phone numbers and plan are available in the laboratory. /
7 Exit doors are available and unrestricted. /
8 Emergency kits are available and easily accessible in the laboratory. /
9 Eyewash station is available in the lab/have a nearest one. /
Fire extinguisher/s are available, easily accessible, and free of
10 /
obstructions.
Equipment Management
11 Spill control equipment are present. /
12 All equipment in the lab are properly maintain. /
All hazardous pieces of machinery mounted or secured to prevent
13 /
movement or tipping.
All points of operation, rotating components, and other moving parts of
14 /
machinery properly guarded to prevent injury.
Laboratory equipment with potential hazards routinely inspected and
15 /
maintained or serviced as recommended.
Hazardous Waste Safety
16 Hazardous chemical waste is generated in this laboratory. (skip this part if
NO)
/
17 Waste containers are available. (proceed to #21 if NO)
18 Waste containers are in good condition, no leaking, rusted or damaged.
Containers are properly marked with appropriate words such as
19
"Hazardous Waste".
20 Waste containers are kept closed unless adding waste.
Alangilan Campus

21 Proper hazardous waste disposal instructions are posted in the laboratory. /
22 Hazardous chemical waste is not stored in the laboratory for too long. /
23 Chemical wastes segregated by hazard class. /
Administrative Plans & Materials
24 Laboratory technician/staff is available when the lab is in used. /
The laboratory has Laboratory Safety Manual and laboratory staff has access
25 /
to it.
The Laboratory Safety Manual has been updated for new lab-specific
26 /
information.
Laboratory personnels are informed how and where to report
27 /
accidents/incidents.
Assessments of the equipment in the lab are conducted and documented for
28 /
safe usage.
29 The laboratory personnel are advised of and follow prudent safety practices. /
Laboratory & Safety Training
30 Safety training assessment been completed for lab personnel. /
31 EHS safety training been completed and documented for all lab staff. /
32 University's lab specific training has been completed by all lab staff.
Electrical Safety
33 The laboratory electrical panels accessible. /
34 Extension cords/Power strips are being used in the laboratory. /
Wirings or electrical cords in poor condition are replaced/repaired
35 /
immediately.
Equipment with motors, heaters, and other high amperage needs plugged
36 /
directly into a wall receptable when being used.
Laboratory Management
Lab is adequately organized, orderly and clean to provide sufficient
37 workspace for operations without spills, accidents, and other preventable /
incidents.
38 The laboratory is free of slip and trip hazards. /
Alangilan Campus
APPENDIX B
INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS
Alangilan Campus
Interview Questions:
1. Are all lab personnel, students, and working visitors trained on operating the
equipment in the UOPS Laboratory?
2. Has a risk hazard assessment been conducted for all the equipment, chemicals and
processes that pose a physical risk/and/or health hazard?
3. Is the location of the training documents of UOPS Lab available for the students and
working visitors to read?
4. Are the training records stored physically or electronically?
5. Is the equipment in the UOPS laboratory most available for experiments?
6. Is there a software system designed to track lab inspections from beginning to end?
7. How many times are the lab personnel conducting general laboratory inspections in
the UOPS laboratory?
Alangilan Campus
APPENDIX C
DOCUMENTATION
Alangilan Campus
Alangilan Campus
Alangilan Campus
Definition of Internal Auditing

Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add
value and improve an organization's operations. It helps an organization accomplish its
objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the
effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.
Alangilan Campus
Prepared by:
GEOFFRY AYCARDO MARIA SOLEDAD BENITEZ

Safety Auditor Safety Auditor
ANGELICA BESAS HANNA JANE CUSI

Safety Auditor Safety Auditor
Noted by:
ENGR. RALPH A. CASTINO

Course Instructor, ChE 429
Approved by:
ENGR. MARY ROSE F. PERSINCULA

Laboratory Coordinator, ChE Department

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Alangilan Campus

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

LABORATORY SAFETY AUDIT

LAB 2: BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY

Safety Audit presented to

March 20, 2023

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

OBJECTIVES, SCOPE, AND METHODOLOGY

During the audit, there is a/an:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Laboratory Standard, 29

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

Unit Operations Equipment Hygiene Plan

Figure 1. Unit Operations Laboratory

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

Use and Disposal Processes

• Equipment is selected by requester through the market.

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

• The fundamental training programs, especially Laboratory Hazard Awareness, Hazard

The questions by the auditors are as follows:

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

The Unit Operations Laboratory is burdened with a multitude of machinery that

In accordance with CHED regulations, the laboratory is required to have a dedicated

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

Due to damage or malfunctions, certain pieces of laboratory equipment need to be

To address these issues comprehensively, a holistic approach must be adopted. This

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

Environmental health and Safety

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

Q# Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist YES NO N/A

20 Waste containers are kept closed unless adding waste.

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

Definition of Internal Auditing

College of Engineering – Department of Chemical Engineering

GEOFFRY AYCARDO MARIA SOLEDAD BENITEZ

ANGELICA BESAS HANNA JANE CUSI

ENGR. RALPH A. CASTINO

ENGR. MARY ROSE F. PERSINCULA

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