Biosafety Lab Visits
If you work with biological materials, you need a biosafety inspection on file each year for BSL-2 labs, bi-annually for BSL-1 labs. Animal labs will be evaluated annually. These are separate from lab safety inspections conducted by laboratory safety.
What should I expect to occur in a biosafety visit?
- A biosafety program representative will meet with you or your designated lab safety representative at the scheduled date/ time.
- A series of questions will be asked about your lab, and your paperwork- manuals, SOPs, etc. specific to biosafety will be evaluated.
- All biosafety inspections are conducted using the same software as laboratory safety inspections: LabCliq by SafetyStratus.
- Inspections take 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the number of rooms evaluated and discussions had about the biosafety inspection. Plan for 1 hour.
- Preparing for an inspection also means you are ensuring the safety of your personnel. The following is a brief inspection checklist you should go through with your research group prior to the visit.
How to I view a completed lab inspection and respond to corrective actions?
- UWM Laboratory Safety and Biosafety use LabCliq by SafetyStratus to conduct and maintain lab audits, inspections, etc.
- Access the site at: https://labcliq.com/login.cfm, select 1Login to login using your PantherID and password, or SafetyStratus to enter your assigned username/ password.
- You should now be able to view your inspection records, corrective actions needing attention, and download completed inspections.
Why do biosafety visits matter?
- Biosafety visits are important because they help facilitate a dialogue between the researchers and the biosafety program about best practices in the laboratory and areas of opportunity for development in regards to biosafety.
- They are also a requirement for biosafety protocol approval and maintaining an approved biosafety protocol.
- Biosafety protocols will not be approved without a currently completed biosafety inspection (and all corrective actions completed), and a current (within 2 years) laboratory safety inspection with all of its corrective actions completed.
How can I prepare for my site visit?
Work with your research/ teaching group to review the following checklist to prepare for your site visit: Biosafety Inspection Checklist
Request a Biosafety Site Visit
To request a biosafety site visit, please send an email to uwm-biosafety@uwm.edu. In your email, please include: 1) Building and room number(s); 2) Some potential dates and times that work for you.