Welcome to the Laboratory & Technical Areas Safety Surveys (LATSS) website!
The objective of the LATSS program is to assess each laboratory and technical area at least once every 2 years. For areas with hazardous chemicals, this schedule aligns with wall-to-wall chemical inventory reconciliations that are required at least once every 2 years.
Labs are encouraged to perform their own annual lab safety surveys as a way to support a safe work place. Use the survey form and question guide linked below as resources.
For any questions, concerns, or for support, please contact LabSafety@lbl.gov.
Overview of LATSS Process – Video
Purpose of Surveys
- Increase EHS 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
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
Continuous Improvement
The EHS Research Support Team strives to provide the best support to our research community. Please contact us at labsafety@lbl.gov to give feedback, comments, or suggestions for improvement.
