Laboratory & Technical Area Safety Surveys

Welcome to the H&S Laboratory & Technical Areas Safety Surveys (LATSS) website! This page provides information and resources for the program. 

Starting in 2024, the objective is to visit each laboratory and technical area at least once every 2 years. For areas with hazardous chemicals, this schedule aligns with the wall-to-wall reconciliation effort that will be completed in 2024 and subsequent institutional requirement of at least once every 2 years.

Labs are encouraged to do a voluntary annual self-lab safety survey as a way to support a safe work place.  Use the survey form and question guide linked below as resources.

Status of inspections and a comprehensive list of laboratory and technical spaces can be tracked using the LATSS Dashboard.

For any questions, concerns, or for support, please contact LabSafety@lbl.gov. 

Purpose of Surveys 

• Increase EH&S support in these spaces to help the implementation of chemical and general safety program requirements

• Assure key lab and chemical safety program elements

• Opportunity to share and address safety concerns and questions

• Receive feedback from researchers 

• Performed as an integral aspect of LBNL’s DOE-approved Injury and Illness Prevention/Worker Safety and Health Plan

Definitions

• Laboratory & Technical Area: Any space with the following label(s): "Animal Colony", "Computer Laboratory", "Dry Laboratory", "Heavy Laboratory", "Shop", "Wet Laboratory"

• Responsible Person/People (RP): Person in a laboratory or technical area that will be listed as the room manager and will be responsible for action item completion as well as receive email notifications. This is typically a Principle Investigator, WPC Activity Lead, or Lab Area Safety Lead/Manager.

• Surveyors: Survey Program Manager and H&S Reps/EHS Liaisons

• Survey Questions:  A list of 14 questions focusing on hazard assessment (chemical, electrical, ergo, pressure, etc.), hazard communication (door placard, container labeling), and general housekeeping

• RSS Inspect: An electronic tool developed by UC that will be used to house/track surveys and action items. Use your Berkeley Lab email address to sign in. 

• LATSS Dashboard: A dashboard providing an overview of laboratory & technical areas to be surveyed and their inspection status

Resources for Surveyors & Responsible People

Continous Improvement

• Give feedback to surveyors to continue to improve the program

• Email labsafety@lbl.gov for any feedback, questions, or concerns