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Institutional Biosafety Committee

Lab Inspection Program

The IBC is responsible for conducting annual inspections of all IBC-approved BSL-1 non-exempt, BSL-2, BSL-3, ACL-2, and ACL-3 laboratory spaces at K-State. Conducting routine inspections of laboratory spaces is critical to identifying potential hazards and regulatory risk by assessing compliance with various regulatory standards.

Download current K-State BSL-1 non-exempt inspection checklist (DOCX)

Download current K-State  BSL-2 inspection checklist (DOCX)

Download CDC Arthropod Containment Level 2 (ACL-2) checklist (PDF)

Instructional Video Describing BSL-2 Inspection Process

IBC website                              CITI training info

Lab inspection website               K-State lab safety manual

Lab inspection form                   K-State chemical hygiene plan

EH&S lab sign generator            Sharps disposal

Laboratory biosafety manual template   

Common Findings

Examples of IBC findings during lab visits that require correction are below.

  • Biohazard bins

    • Labels missing or worn out
    • No lids on bins
    • Open bins

  • Biosafety cabinets

    • Too much being stored in the cabinet
    • Items obstructing cabinet grills that may impede cabinet function

  • Biosafety manual

    • Incomplete training records
    • Missing sign off sheets showing lab members have read and understand lab-specific SOPs

  • Eyewash stations

    • Weekly flushing/check logs missing or incomplete
    • Obstructed station
    • Missing signage or signage not permanently affixed
    • Tabs lying open

  • Labeling of chemicals

    • Incomplete chemical name or missing warning icons on chemicals in secondary containers

  • PPE

    • Eye/face protection not readily available or not in use
    • No plan for sanitation of lab coats 

  • Safety showers

    • Access to shower obstructed by clutter

  • Signage

    • Incomplete, outdated, or missing signage (including stickers on equipment) for biohazard use within incubators, centrifuges, dewars, etc.
    • Emergency spill instructions, emergency contact lists missing

  • Sanitation

    • Raw wood surfaces or fabric chairs that cannot be decontaminated easily

    • Paper towels for drying clean hands not in enclosed containers

    • Overall issues with excess items stored in labs/clutter

Resources