Workpl ace Inspecti on Procedure & Checkl i st 1

W WO OR RK KP PL LA AC CE E I IN NS SP PE EC CT TI I O ON N P PR RO OC CE ED DU UR RE E & &
C CH HE EC CK KL LI I S ST T
OVERVIEW
The University of Tasmania is committed to continuously improving the management and
standards of Occupational Health and Safety. This commitment extends to providing general
advice and guidance to staff members undertaking workplace inspections. In addition this
document has been designed to provide a framework for ensuring compliance with statutory
obligations.

DEFINITIONS
Accountable Person:
An individual, who assumes responsibility for the health or welfare of any other person in a
workplace by providing instruction, direction, assistance, advice or service, is deemed an
accountable person in accordance with the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations 1998. All
management and supervisory staff (which includes those with responsibility for students) are
therefore considered accountable persons.

Employee:
For the purposes of this Procedure, employee refers to any staff member or post graduate
student.

Responsible Officer:
Deans, Heads of Division, Heads of School and Administrative Sections have been designated
as Responsible Officers under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Accountable Persons:
Ensure that these procedures are implemented within their area of responsibility. Provide
information and training to employees regarding workplace inspections. Participate in
workplace inspections as necessary. Ensure all identified hazards are removed/managed so as
to reduce risk of injury.

Employees:
Report all identified hazards to their accountable person and participate in workplace
inspections according to these procedures.

Responsible Officers:
Provide suitable facilities and resources to ensure the effective implementation of this
procedure.

PROCEDURE
The University recognises that regular workplace inspections are effective mechanisms for
identifying workplace hazards. The following checklist has been developed to assist
Schools/Sections in the inspection process and may be adapted to suit individual areas.
Examples of individual checklists are provided.



Workpl ace Inspecti on Procedure & Checkl i st 2

Who Conducts the Inspection
The inspection team for the area should include an Accountable Person and a member of staff.
The Employee's Safety Representative for the work area should be included if practicable.
Responsible Officers may be directly involved in inspections on an annual basis.

When to Inspect
Workplace Inspections should be undertaken at least annually or more frequently, depending
on the area and associated risks. Accountable Persons are responsible for regular monitoring of
their workplace, checking such things as environmental conditions, machine guarding,
housekeeping etc.

Any identified hazards should be reported immediately and closely monitored at all times.

How to Inspect
Prior to undertaking the inspection, previous checklists for the area should be viewed.

Using the attached Workplace Inspection Checklist as a guide, the inspection team should
systematically check the entire work area being inspected. Observations made during the
inspection should be recorded directly onto the checklist, ensuring that issues raised are
documented which will provide a valuable reference source for future inspections.

Analysis
The inspection team should immediately analyse the report and develop action plans according
to agreed priorities, setting realistic dates for completion and review.

Where necessary, Hazard Report Forms and Job Request Forms should be completed.

REFERENCES
The following legislative provisions have guided the development of this Policy:

Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995
Workplace Health and Safety Regulations 1998

FURTHER INFORMATION
Further information and assistance is available from the Occupational Health & Safety Unit.

Disclaimer
This Policy/Procedure was designed for use within the University of Tasmania. The University
makes no guarantee and assumes no responsibility as to the absolute correctness for all
circumstances or for the adaptation outside the University of Tasmania environment.
Workplace Inspection Checklist


Location: ...................................................... Area: .............................................................Date: .......................................

Persons completing inspection: ..........................................................................................................................................

Indicate in the following manner:
Acceptable; Not Acceptable; n/a Not Applicable
/
Recommended Control By Whom Completion
Date
Review
Date


Workpl ace Inspecti on Checkl i st 3
1. Housekeeping
1.1 Work areas free from rubbish & obstructions
1.2 Free from slip/trip hazards
1.3 Doors fully functional
1.4 Floor coverings okay
1.5 Windows clean and operational
1.6 Stock/material stored safely
1.7 Vision at corners
1.8 Safety signs adequate and used appropriately
1.9 Noise level does not interfere with
communication/emergency signals?

1.10 Photocopiers not located close to personal
workstations?

2. Electrical
2.1 No broken plugs, sockets, switches
2.2 No frayed or defective leads (tag & test dates)
2.3 Power tools in good condition
2.4 No work near exposed live electrical
equipment

2.5 No strained leads
2.6 No cable-trip hazards
2.7 Switches/circuits/circuit breakers identified
2.8 Switchboards secured and identified
2.9 Exterior weatherproof fittings in good
condition

2.10 Heaters safely located/in working order
2.11 Battery chargers marked and well ventilated
2.12 No temporary or makeshift leads/power
boards?

2.13 No excessive use of adaptors/piggy back
appliances?

3. Lighting
3.1 Adequate in general area
3.2 No flickering or inoperable lights
3.3 Windows clean
3.4 Emergency lighting system checked
4. Lifting Equipment
4.1 Mechanical lifting equipment in good
condition

4.2 Manual lifting equipment in good condition
4.3 Hazard reporting/maintenance system used
4.4 Satisfactory operating practices noted
4.5 Wheels satisfactory
5. Maintenance Workshop
5.1 Adequate work space
5.2 Clean and tidy
5.3 Free from excess oil and grease
5.4 Machines adequately guarded
Workplace Inspection Checklist


Location: ...................................................... Area: .............................................................Date: .......................................

Persons completing inspection: ..........................................................................................................................................

Indicate in the following manner:
Acceptable; Not Acceptable; n/a Not Applicable
/
Recommended Control By Whom Completion
Date
Review
Date


Workpl ace Inspecti on Checkl i st 4
5.5 Personal Protective Equipment in good
condition

5.6 PPE storage facilities provided
5.7 Tool inventory correct
5.8 All substance containers labelled adequately
5.9 Tools in proper place
6. Hazardous Substances
6.1 Stored appropriately
6.2 Containers labelled correctly
6.3 Adequate ventilation
6.4 Protective clothing/equipment available/used
6.5 Personal hygiene dermatitis control
6.6 Waste disposal procedures followed
6.7 Material safety data sheets
available/displayed

6.8 Chemical handling procedures followed
6.9 Drip trays used where appropriate
6.10 Chemical register up to date
6.11 Appropriate emergency/first aid equipment
available - shower, eye bath, extinguishers

6.12 Correct gas cylinder storage
7. Stairs, Steps and Landings
7.1 No worn or broken steps
7.2 Handrails in good repair
7.3 Clear of obstructions
7.4 Adequate lighting
7.5 Emergency lighting
7.6 Non-slip treatments/treads in good condition
7.7 Kick plates where required
7.8 Clear of debris and spills
7.9 Used correctly
7.10 Floors have even surfaces [no cracks etc]?
7.11 Floors and aisles are cleared of rubbish,
materials and equipment (used and unused)?

8. Ladders
8.1 Ladders in good condition
8.2 Ladders not used to support planks for
working platforms

8.3 Correct angle to structure 1:4
8.4 Extend 1.0 metre above highest landing
8.5 Straight or extension ladders securely
fixed at top

9. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
9.1 Employees provided with PPE
9.2 PPE being worn appropriately by employees
9.3 PPE effective
9.4 PPE supply located where needed
10. Manual Handling
10.1 Mechanical aids adequate for current needs
Workplace Inspection Checklist


Location: ...................................................... Area: .............................................................Date: .......................................

Persons completing inspection: ..........................................................................................................................................

Indicate in the following manner:
Acceptable; Not Acceptable; n/a Not Applicable
/
Recommended Control By Whom Completion
Date
Review
Date


Workpl ace Inspecti on Checkl i st 5
10.2 Safe work practices being followed
10.3 Transfer Procedure Charts up to date
10.4 Manual handling risk assessments performed
10.5 Manual handling controls implemented
10.6 There is no unnecessary or excessive bending
or stooping?

10.7 Work surfaces [desks, benches] are set up at
the appropriate height?

10.8 Work is oriented for easy access to pedals,
grips, phones, computers?

10.9 Routine tasks do not require individuals to lift
excessive weight?

10.10 Mechanical equipment is available for lifting
heavy loads?

10.11 Adjustable seating is available when needed
appropriate?

10.12 Footrests are available for those who need
them?

11. Kitchen Areas
11.1 Equipment in good working order
11.2 Trolleys in good working order
11.3 Hot/Heavy items handled safely
11.4 Refridgeration door operable from inside
11.5 Refridgeration alarm operable from inside
11.6 Floors not slippery
12. Storage Areas
12.1 Stacks stable
12.2 Heights correct
12.3 Sufficient space for moving stock
12.4 Shelves free of rubbish
12.5 Floors around stacks and racks clear
12.6 Heavier items stored at convenient level
12.7 No danger of falling objects
12.8 No sharp edges
12.9 Safe means of accessing high shelves
12.10 Racks clear of lights/sprinklers
13. First Aid
13.1 Record of treatment and of supplies dispensed
up to date

13.2 Incident reports filled out correctly
13.3 Cabinets and contents are clean and orderly
and properly stacked?

13.4 Emergency numbers are clearly displayed?
14. Emergency Procedures
14.1 Procedures easily accessible
14.2 Evacuation plan displayed
14.3 Evacuation drill within last 12 months
14.4 Emergency exits clearly marked/functional
Workplace Inspection Checklist


Location: ...................................................... Area: .............................................................Date: .......................................

Persons completing inspection: ..........................................................................................................................................

Indicate in the following manner:
Acceptable; Not Acceptable; n/a Not Applicable
/
Recommended Control By Whom Completion
Date
Review
Date


Workpl ace Inspecti on Checkl i st 6
14.5 Emergency exits unobstructed
15. Fire Control
15.1 Extinguishers in place
15.2 Fire fighting equipment serviced/tagged
15.3 Appropriate signing of extinguishers
15.4 Extinguishers appropriate to hazard
15.5 Smoking/naked flame restrictions observed
15.6 Minimum quantities of flammables at
workstation

15.7 Emergency personnel identified and trained
15.8 Emergency telephone numbers displayed
15.9 Overhead sprinkler/detectors clear of
obstructions, stores, etc?

16. Security
16.1 Premises secure during minimum staff shifts
16.2 Adequate lighting to/from car parking area
16.3 Security procedures effective
17. Public Protection
17.1 Appropriate barricades, fencing, hoarding,
gantry secure and in place

17.2 Signage in place
17.3 Suitable lighting for public areas
17.4 Footpaths clean and free from debris
17.5 Site access controlled
17.6 Traffic control signage in place
17.7 Public health & safety complaints actioned
18. Means of Egress

18.1 Exit doors marked and clearly visible?
18.2 Exit doors can be opened from inside [no pad-
locks]?

18.3 Exit corridors clear of obstructions?
18.4 Exit ladders and catwalks are clear of
obstructions?

19. Biological Safety - General

19.1 Are safe work practices in place for lab
techniques (including minimisation of
aerosols)?

19.2 Are cleaning procedures established for
normal cleaning and emergency spills?

19.3 Are autoclaves/procedures available for
disinfection?

19.4 Are staff aware of decontamination
procedures established?

19.5 Are sharps and biohazardous waste
procedures established and implemented?

19.6 Is all research approved (where required) by
the appropriate agency/ethics committee?

Workplace Inspection Checklist


Location: ...................................................... Area: .............................................................Date: .......................................

Persons completing inspection: ..........................................................................................................................................

Indicate in the following manner:
Acceptable; Not Acceptable; n/a Not Applicable
/
Recommended Control By Whom Completion
Date
Review
Date


Workpl ace Inspecti on Checkl i st 7
19.7 Is specialised personal protective equipment
available for use by staff/students?

19.8 Have all staff/students been provided with
information on appropriate vaccinations?

20. Animal Facilities

20.1 Are separate facilities provided for animal
storage, cleaning exam, etc?

20.2 Are infected and non-infected animals
segregated?

20.3 Are all staff trained on safety procedures
associated with animal handling?

21. Machine/Workshop Safety- Basic

21.1 Are machines built in accordance with
relevant Australian Standards?

21.2 Are safe operating instructions/warning signs
clearly visible?

21.3 Are machines guarded/protected to prevent
contact, entanglement or damage?

21.4 Have preventative maintenance arrangements
been made if required?

22. Miscellaneous

22.1 Are machines appropriate for the area of use
(ie explosion proof, etc)?

22.2 Are lighting levels sufficient for operators to
run equipment safely?

22.3 Are residual current detectors in use for
portable equipment?

23. Signs/Information

23.1 Are hazard posters effectively posted at lab
entrances?

23.2 Are emergency and evacuation procedures
prominently displayed?

23.3 Are staff aware of nominated first aiders?
23.4 Have emergency numbers been posted on
each phone?

23.5 Is special signage for radiation, biological or
other hazards prominently posted?

24. Safety Equipment

24.1 Are safety showers and eye wash facilities
functional?

24.2 Have Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
been recertified within the last 12 months?

24.3 Are all fire extinguishers and safety blankets
within the certification or use by date?


25 Fume Cupboards

25.1 Are electrical services located outside the
chamber?

Workplace Inspection Checklist


Location: ...................................................... Area: .............................................................Date: .......................................

Persons completing inspection: ..........................................................................................................................................

Indicate in the following manner:
Acceptable; Not Acceptable; n/a Not Applicable
/
Recommended Control By Whom Completion
Date
Review
Date


Workpl ace Inspecti on Checkl i st 8
25.2 Are emergency switches clearly identified for
power and gas supply?

25.3 Has the cupboard been inspected and certified
within the last 12 months?

25.4 Are restrictions posted near fume cupboards
(< 2.5 L of flammables, no H3C1O4, etc?)

25.5 Are fume cupboards appropriate for type of
hazard (ie radiation, biological, etc)?

26. Laminar Flow Cabinets

26.1 Have all laminar flow cabinets been certified
within the last 12 months?

26.2 Are procedures for appropriate use of cabinets
posted?

26.3 Do the cabinets look clean and tidy (ie, routine
cleaning performed recently)?

COMMENTS / ADDITIONS























Workplace Inspection Checklist


Location: ...................................................... Area: .............................................................Date: .......................................

Persons completing inspection: ..........................................................................................................................................

Indicate in the following manner:
Acceptable; Not Acceptable; n/a Not Applicable
/
Recommended Control By Whom Completion
Date
Review
Date


Workpl ace Inspecti on Checkl i st 9


































Workplace Inspection Checklist


Location: ...................................................... Area: .............................................................Date: .......................................

Persons completing inspection: ..........................................................................................................................................

Indicate in the following manner:
Acceptable; Not Acceptable; n/a Not Applicable
/
Recommended Control By Whom Completion
Date
Review
Date


Workpl ace Inspecti on Checkl i st 10




Approved by OH&S Committee : 29
th
March, 1999