Regulatory Agency Inspections

PI, Laboratory Personnel, Department and University/School, Health and Safety Programs share the responsibility for compliance with regulatory inspections. Contact us for additional information.

Inspection Agencies and Preparation

A good starting point to prepare for inspections is making sure that previous inspection findings by regulatory agencies and items noted on self-inspections reports are corrected. Remember to document the corrections and share the findings with all members of your research team. Checklists are also available to prepare for inspections:

  • Fire Safety 
    Inspections are conducted by the Stanford Fire Marshal's Office (SUFMO) or Palo Alto Fire Department.
  • Hazardous Materials/Hazardous Waste
    inspections focusing on handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and/or waste are conducted by Santa Clara County-Department of Environmental Health, Hazardous Materials Program or the Palo Alto Fire Department-Hazardous Materials Division.
  • Medical Waste
    Inspections to verify proper management of medical waste are conducted by Santa Clara County-Department of Environmental Health, Medical Waste Management. Inspections are conducted by Santa Clara County-Department of Environmental Health, Medical Waste Management.
  • Wastewater Discharge Related to Research Activities
    Inspections are conducted by the City of Palo Alto Public Works Department-Environmental Compliance Division.
  • Updated information for recent issues observed during our most recent hazardous materials / waste inspections can be viewed at Most Commonly Cited Items

Corrections

Deficiencies noted during inspections are forwarded to departments for corrective action. Within 30 days, a written response and/or re-inspection will occur. For any uncorrected items, additional follow up or written compliance plan is required.

Resources to Assist You

  • Safety and Emergency Management
    Health and Safety Specialists are available to answer specific health and safety questions for Medical School staff and researchers and provide additional information about compliance and facility-related items in the School of Medicine.
  • SCA
    University Safety and Compliance Advisors assigned by building are another team of professionals available to assist local departments in chemical inventory updates, fulfilling regulatory compliance for hazardous materials storage, hazardous waste, biohazardous waste, radioactive use, and fire safety related issues by conducting periodic surveys or pre-inspections in laboratories.