Beginning in January 2026 EHS moved to a new risk-based inspection model for university labs.

This model will tie the inspection frequency to the hazards/risks within a given space.  Areas with greater risks will be inspected more frequently than those with lower risks. This move is an initiative toward greater efficiency, more comprehensive service, and reduced administrative burden for researchers.

The inspection process prior to January 2026 inspected all spaces on campus on an annual basis without regard for the hazards that may or may not be present in a given space.

The new risk-based inspection process will allow approximately 67% of the spaces on campus to move to an inspection schedule of every 2-3 years due to the lower-level hazards present within a given space.  In addition, implementation of additional control measures in a given space and/or reducing the number of noted deficiencies found during an inspection, will enable an increase in the inspection interval for a space(s).

Inspection frequencies will range from every 6 months to every 3 years.

Inspection frequency will be based on the hazards identified in the lab hazard assessment in the Safety Administrative Management System (SAM), as well as the number of deficiencies noted during the last inspection cycle, etc.  Labs which work with animals are required to be inspected at least annually but may move into the ‘every 6 months’ frequency category if conditions require.  This process does not affect required radiation safety inspections for labs which use radioactive materials.

This new system will enable labs to implement measures, such as replacing high hazard materials, or reducing inspection deficiencies, that may increase the time interval between inspections.  Labs will also be able to work with the assigned EHS specialist to identify and implement measures that could reduce the assigned risk score and thereby increase the interval between inspections.

Labs may opt to maintain annual inspections if desired.  Labs wishing to do this should work with their assigned EHS specialist to arrange this scheduling.

This is a dynamic process and inspection intervals may change for a given space – labs will be notified if their assigned inspection interval changes.  Due to the complexities of workload/flow management for this process, it is estimated that it will take approximately 3 years for all labs on campus to transition to this new system.

During the years that EHS does not conduct an onsite inspection, labs will still be required to complete a review/update of all safety related documents, such as Laboratory Safety Plans, SOPs, etc.

Designated lab contacts will receive an email one month prior to the document review by EHS noting the scheduled date/time of the review.    Labs that are on longer than annual inspection time frames that do not update required documents will be automatically defaulted back to an annual inspection time frame.  EHS specialists, notified at the same time, will be available to assist with any needed questions, resources, etc.

Please direct any questions regarding the risk-based inspection process to the assigned EHS specialist for your area or to: [email protected]