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Sample Checklist: General Physical Conditions

This the seventh in a series of safety and health bulletins on specific issues developed/adapted for the GCC by Dan Huziak of Toronto 100M.)

When conducting your inspection, check the following general items that may apply to all locations:

STAIRWAYS, AISLES, FLOORS, WALLS, CEILINGS, EXITS, WINDOWS

    • Condition of stairways
    • Metal facings on stairs are not loose or broken
    • Handrails on stairs are not loose
    • Lighting in stairways, ramps, or recessed alcoves is adequate
    • Condition of aisles (clear passageways)
    • Condition of floors (clear of oil, water, and other material)
    • Floor mats or runners lie flat and secure
    • Condition of walls, windows, ceiling (clear of objects that might fall)
    • Number and location of exits is adequate and properly identified
    • Friction pads on step stools are in good condition
    • Ramps or inclines are not slick
    • Caretaking staff use "wet floor" signs
    • Windows open easily

LIGHTING

    • Illumination is safe, sufficient, well placed
    • Guards cover light bulbs, which might be hit

VENTILATION

    • Ventilation is adequate and proper for conditions
    • Air in shops free of excessive dust or fumes
    • Are there strong odors?
    • Is the air particularly stale?
    • Is staff complaining of regular headaches and sleepiness?
    • Were new partitions or walls installed?
    • Are filters on vent hoods clean?

FIRE SAFETY

    • Fire extinguishers are of proper type, adequately supplied, properly located and inspected
    • Staff knows the location of and how to use the proper fire extinguisher
    • Extinguishers and hose cabinets are properly identified

LADDERS

    • Ladders do not have broken or warped rungs, loose joints or loose friction pads

EQUIPMENT

    • Machines are arranged so that workers are protected from hazards of other machines
    • Danger zones are properly indicated and guarded
    • Permanent enclosure guards protect all gears, moving belts and parts
    • All equipment control switches are easily available to the operator
    • All machines are "locked off" when instructor is out of the room
    • Nonskid areas are provided around machines
    • Machines are in safe working order
    • All hoisting devices are in safe operating condition
    • Machines are shut off while unattended
    • Are there adequate storage facilities for chemicals, tools and equipment that are not in immediate use?

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

  • All switches are enclosed
  • There is a master control for all electrical installations
  • Electrical outlets and circuits are properly identified
  • All electrical extension cords are in good condition and not carrying excessive loads
  • Electrical cords are not located where they can be caught or pulled
  • All machine switches are within easy reach of the operators
  • No temporary wiring in evidence

PERSONAL PROTECTION

    • Eyewash stations are located where chemicals are frequently used
    • Eyewash stations are in working order (check them)
    • Goggles and protective face shields are provided and required for all work where eye hazards exist
    • Proper protective clothing, gloves, aprons, head and foot protection are worn for the job being done
    • Respirators (masks) are provided for dusty or toxic atmospheric conditions
    • Provisions are made for proper cleaning and storage of respirators
    • Safety rules are posted at dangerous work areas
    • Eyewash stations are located where chemicals are frequently used

MATERIAL HANDLING AND STORAGE

    • Heavy loads are not stored in top file cabinet drawers or top shelves
    • All containers are properly, clearly labeled
    • Flammable liquids or oily rags are in approved containers (metal safety cans with spring loaded lids)
    • There is a safe clearance for all equipment through aisles and doors
    • Stored material is stable and secure
    • Storage areas are properly illuminated
    • NO SMOKING/NO OPEN FLAME signs posted near electric battery charging units and where flammables are stored
    • Racks and platforms are loaded only within the limits of their capacity
    • All storage is secured against sliding, rolling, and collapsing
    • All vehicle motors are shut off prior to loading and unloading
    • Aisles and stairwells are kept clear to allow unhindered passage
    • Personnel are using proper lifting techniques
    • Size and condition of containers safe for workers

GROUNDS

    • One-way drives are marked
    • Sidewalks are not broken or uneven
    • There is no broken glass or other debris on the ground
    • Concrete steps or sidewalks are not slippery
    • There are no places for rainwater to accumulate