The University of Minnesota Laboratory Inspection Program requires every PI, Lab Manager, or other qualified delegate to conduct an annual self-inspection of their lab space. These inspections help labs verify that proper safe working protocols are in place to reduce the severity of injuries or damage in the event of an unforeseen accident and that they are up-to-date. Annual self-inspections serve as an important reminder of the health and safety responsibilities required of the faculty
supervisor.
The self-inspection must be conducted by knowledgeable and trained lab personnel and provides updated information to HSRM Safety Partners. If, at any time, you encounter an issue with accessing or completing the self-inspection form, or have questions regarding the self-inspection program, please do not hesitate to contact your HSRM Safety Partner.
A self-inspection PDF version is available for download. If you wish, you may print out this document so notes can be recorded as you inspect your lab space. However, you are still required to access the self-inspection platform, SafetyStratus, to submit your findings (see instructions below).
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Login to SafetyStratus - SafetyStratus
a. If you need assistance your first time logging in, please see the Safety Stratus Instructions page. - On Left Navigation, under Inspections, click on “Pending Inspections.” You will see the scheduled
inspection for your lab in the table below. - Confirm that the Type of inspection (center column) indicated is “Lab Safety Self-Inspection
Form.” If you do not see “Lab Safety Self-Inspection Form” under Type, please contact your HSRM
Safety Partner for assistance. To begin the inspection, click “Start” in the right-most column.
- You will be brought to the inspection “Settings” page (see photo below). Confirm the following
fields:- Inspection Date - you may override this date by clicking the checkbox next to “Override”
and entering the actual date of the inspection. - Inspection Type is “Lab Safety Self-Inspection Form”
- Department - if your lab encompasses multiple departments, you will be asked to select
the correct one for this inspection. In the roster table, make sure your Location Manager (often referred to as the lab manager or lab safety officer) is listed, and the Location Manager box is checked. If you would like any members on your roster to receive an email confirmation of this inspection, including an inspection report, check the “Email” checkbox to the far right of their name.
- Inspection Date - you may override this date by clicking the checkbox next to “Override”
- Click “Start Inspection”
As you progress through the inspection form, many questions will have answer choices including “Yes” or “Additional Help Needed”. If you are not sure if your lab is in compliance with a given item, select “Additional Help Needed”. Selecting this answer will open a Corrective Actions panel (see photo below). This panel will contain additional information to assist with your compliance question. You are not required to fill in any of the text boxes or select options from drop-down menus or radio buttons within this panel. In addition, if you do select “Additional Help Needed”, helpful links will be provided at the completion of the self-inspection e.g. a link to the training matrix if you are unsure what training lab members should have completed. If you still require assistance, please contact your HSRM Safety Partner.
When you are finished, scroll to the top of the page. On the top right, you can either click “Review
Inspection” to review your answers, or click “Complete Inspection” to finish.
When you complete the inspection, you will be able to view the completed report in the “Completed Inspections” area under “Inspection Findings” on the Left Navigation. Click on the “View Report” icon to view the inspection report.
