Inspections are the principal method of evaluating facility safety. A safety representative must examine two things to be effective: unsafe acts and unsafe conditions. Regular inspections must be conducted by the facility supervisor and be routinely audited by a safety professional or a department manager/supervisor.
Environmental Health and Safety conducts inspections, in accordance with various regulatory and compliance obligations. Inspections include chemical/laboratory, hazardous waste, fire/life safety, equipment, biological and radiological reviews, each with varying frequency. These inspections help identify safety and health concerns, demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements and promotion of safe work practices. Ultimately, the supervisor is held accountable for his or her department’s safety performance. For general inspection information, see Inspecting University Facilities