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