What is a security audit, how did our latest audit go, and what are our points for improvement?
We recently underwent a security audit of the TCV building. These audits are mandated by EPFL’s LEX 1.5.1 regulation. Such an audit allows us to verify that the SPC is properly complying with legal requirements and current standards. More importantly, it provides an opportunity to discuss, with EPFL’s safety group called Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), all the safety aspects specific to our center in a spirit of constructive collaboration.
All audit reports are available on our wiki. The latest audit went very well, and we thank each and every one of you for your commitment to the safety of our laboratory. The main points raised were:
-
Replace the old compressed air blowguns with new blowguns that comply with SUVA safety standards
-
Always store liquid products in retention trays capable of holding at least the volume of the largest container
-
Whenever possible, dispose of chemicals older than 5 years
-
Whenever possible, always store gas bottles in appropriate cabinets. Exceptionally, small bottles may be allowed according to the volumes described in the supplement to LEX 1.5.1
-
Do not store personal equipment in our laboratories (e.g., bicycles…