Survey Program
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) in the Office of Risk Management has developed a comprehensive program for ensuring that SMU Laboratories are meeting recommended standards for safety and compliance. All laboratories containing chemical, biological, and/or physical hazards are subject to the University survey program.
Self Survey
In order to assist laboratories in complying with this program, SciShield/BioRAFT has provided a Self Survey Checklist. General instructions on SciShield/BioRAFT can be found here. Laboratories should use this checklist on a quarterly basis to ensure that their labs are meeting the expected standards. For assistance or to address immediate safety concerns, please reach out to EHS at 214-768-2083 or riskmanagement@smu.edu.
EHS Surveys
EHS will conduct laboratory surveys annually for all laboratories and spaces with chemical, biological, and/or physical hazards. These surveys will be scheduled in advance and will only be conducted when a laboratory representative is present. The surveys cover the following topics:
- General Safety
- Life Safety
- Emergency Equipment
- Laboratory Equipment and Engineering Controls
- Chemical Storage and Use
- Hazardous Waste Handling
- Biological Safety
- Electrical Safety
- Compressed Gas Safety
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Researcher Interviews
- Records Review - including SOPs and Laboratory-Specific Training
Upon survey completion, the Principle Investigator (PI) and/or the Laboratory Supervisor will be provided a summary of findings and the complete report with any images that were taken. The Laboratory Supervisor should correct any findings as soon as possible with a targeted completion date within 30 days of receiving the summary.
