| Workplace safety inspections using site | | | | |
| specific checklists help keep workers safe by | | | | Equipment, tools and power cords should be |
| identifying and correcting potential injury | | | | examined to insure good operating condition |
| causing hazards. Although the frequency of | | | | with protective guards and coverings in |
| inspections may vary each shift, daily, | | | | place. Defective items should be tagged and |
| quarterly or annually depending on the type | | | | taken out of service. |
| or degree of workplace hazards, all | | | | |
| observations, identified hazards, and | | | | Electric panels should be checked to have 36" |
| corrective actions must be documented. | | | | clearance in front. The inspection should |
| | | | also assure that chemicals are properly |
| What should general inspections include? An | | | | stored in compatible classes. |
| inspection should note housekeeping practices | | | | |
| such as items and debris on floors or | | | | Whenever or wherever personal protective |
| walkways. Areas under desks and tables should | | | | equipment is required, notices of hazards and |
| allow proper ergonomic seating and access for | | | | requirements should be clearly posted in |
| emergency protection. Stored items should be | | | | affected areas. And, the personal protective |
| properly stacked on shelving units firmly | | | | equipment required should be readily |
| attached to walls with heavier items on | | | | available, clean, and in good condition. |
| bottom shelves and lighter items on top. Top | | | | Restricted areas should also be marked as |
| shelf items require 18" clearance from fire | | | | such. |
| sprinkler systems and unsecured stacked floor | | | | |
| items should not exceed 72" in height. | | | | Emergency exits and eyewash stations should |
| | | | be clearly identifiable from any point in the |
| Site inspections should check that floor | | | | work area and clear from debris or other |
| surfaces are clean and free of slip hazards. | | | | access impediments. Doors that are not exits |
| Wet surfaces should be covered with non-slip | | | | should be labeled to avoid confusion. And, |
| materials and any holes in floors, sidewalks, | | | | fire doors should not be propped open. The |
| carpets or other walking surfaces should be | | | | inspection should include annual fire alarm |
| repaired, covered or marked as a hazard. | | | | and sprinkler system testing with monthly |
| Extension cords should be used only | | | | testing of fire extinguisher for charge and |
| temporarily and not cross walkways without | | | | annually checking for recharge. And, first |
| hazard notification signs. Additional power | | | | aid kits should be periodically inspected to |
| outlets should be installed if extension | | | | assure supplies have been replenished or |
| cords are necessary on a permanent basis or | | | | replaced. |
| there are "daisy chained" power strips. | | | | |