Safety Inspections & Audits

Last updated Nov. 8, 2021
Purpose:  To ensure safety of students and employees of the University, periodic safety inspections will be performed in DCSTEM classrooms, labs, shops, and related storage areas.

Methods:  Full-time DCSTEM faculty and staff are to use safety checklists to conduct safety inspections.  If any discrepancies are noted, actions taken to correct the discrepancy must be noted (including date and person notified).  The document must be scanned and retained in the appropriate departmental office with a copy sent to the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety.  Areas with discrepancies noted must be reported to the Chair of the DCSTEM Safety Committee (Associate Dean or appointee).

Safety inspection records should be kept for seven (7) years.

Frequency of Inspections:  Labs and shop areas should conduct a safety inspection prior to the start of each semester in which the facility will be used.  Classrooms should be inspected at least once per calendar year; however, inspections may be conducted more frequently in spaces that are used by entities external to DCSTEM to ensure no materials/chemicals are left in classrooms.

Safety Audits:  The DCSTEM Safety Committee will conduct random safety audits of at least three (3) classrooms and three (3) labs/shop areas each semester.  Areas noted in past safety inspections as having discrepancies will be included as part of the safety audit.  Any additional areas will be selected at random by the DCSTEM Safety Committee.  Departments will be notified at least two (2) weeks prior to the safety audit.

Safety Audit Findings:  Results of the safety audit will be provided to the Department Chair/Director and Dean.  A copy of the results of the safety audit will also be provided to the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety.  Safety audit documentation should be retained for seven (7) years.

Checklists