The University of Georgia has been ordered to immediately inspect each of its labs by Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD). EPD is requiring these inspections over concerns arising from various laboratories operating out of compliance with the Georgia Rules for Hazardous Waste Management. As a result, each lab must complete a self inspection, following the contents of this checklist.

This self inspection should not be confused with the lab inspection process performed by UGA’s Environmental Safety Division which is more general in scope. This checklist is more specific, concentrating on laboratory waste issues, hazardous waste rules and confirming each lab is operating in compliance with hazardous waste regulations. Completion of this self-inspection is not optional and should be completed at your earliest opportunity. Directors and Department Heads will be notified of any lab not completing this process and face the possibility of laboratory closure under the authority of UGA’s Chemical and Lab Safety Committee. UGA’s Environmental Safety Division is available and willing to provide assistance and guidance to UGA labs throughout every step of this process. Please contact ESD at 542-5801 if you or your lab requires support in any phase of this self-inspection.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.)   Print this checklist and complete as you inspect your lab. It is composed of two sections and will assist you in the self-inspection of your lab. The first section covers your lab’s hazardous waste storage area. This area should be designated and is where hazardous waste accumulates while awaiting pick-up from UGA’s Hazardous Materials Program. The second component to the checklist is the “Chemical Storage” section which pertains to the areas in your lab in which usable chemicals of a non-waste nature are stored.

2.)   All deficiencies as noted on the checklist should be corrected immediately. In the event “N” is checked, observations and corrections should be noted on your checklist. It is a necessity to record problems found and corrections made on your checklist and the online form on the following page.

Once the checklist is completed and all deficiencies have been corrected, fill in the blanks on the following page, read disclaimer and check the box by clicking it, then hit send. An email with your information will be sent to ESD confirming that you have completed the inspection and your department head / director will be notified. Principal Investigators should file completed hard copy checklists with your safety records and forward a copy to your respective department head / director so it may be retrieved later at EPD’s request. You have fulfilled this requirement, thank you for your cooperation.

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