Workplace Inspection

JHSC

Workplace Inspection

(Checklist Template)

June 2002

Human Resources

Occupational Health, Safety and Workers’ Compensation Unit

JHSC Workplace Inspection Checklist Template

Attached is a Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) Workplace Inspection Checklist template. This checklist is provided to support JHSC in the development of their specific workplace inspection checklist. It is up to individual committees to determine the level of detail that is necessary for their respective workplaces (for assistance contact your local Health & Safety Consultant).

This template can be saved as a Word document and sections can be added or deleted as applicable for the specific workplace. Links to related Resources are provided in the live document posted on the Health & Safety Intranet site. If you require assistance with accessing or manipulating this document contact the Occupational Health, Safety and Workers’ Compensation Unit at 2-5497.

Checklist Content

Air Sampling System......

General Ventilation (i.e. Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning System)......

Local Exhaust Ventilation (e.g. fumehoods, paint booths, hoods, dust collection equipment, etc.)......

Aisles & Passageways, Access & Egress, Floors & Stairways......

Aisles and Passageways......

Access and Egress......

Floor and Stairways......

Confined Space (as defined by the OHSA and work practice)

Electrical......

Electrical Power Systems......

Elevating Devices (for movement of persons)......

Emergency Equipment and Procedures......

First Aid Kits/Stations/Equipment......

Eye Wash/bath & Deluge Showers......

Fire Prevention and Fire Protection......

Emergency Lighting......

Excavation......

Fall Protection......

Hazardous / Designated Substances......

Battery Rooms......

Chemicals/Solvents/Cleaners......

Fuels/Flammables/Combustibles......

Compressed Gases (consider all pressure cylinders: SCBA, O2, welding, spray cans, etc.)......

Tank Storage systems......

Designated Substances......

Asbestos......

Acrylonitrile, Arsenic, Benzene, Coke Oven Emissions, Isocyanates, Lead, Mercury, Silica, Vinyl chloride......

General Housekeeping......

Employee Facilities (Kitchens/Washrooms/Shower/ Change rooms)......

Ladders & Scaffolds......

Ladders......

Scaffold & Platforms......

Lighting......

General Lighting

Office Lighting

Lockout/Barricades......

Machinery and Machine Guarding......

Conveyors......

Hydraulic Systems......

Grinding Wheels......

Material Handling & Storage......

Material Handling (Mechanical)......

Manual Material Handling (refer to resources for thorough checklist on manual material handling)......

Stacking and Storage......

Labelling......

Portable Containers of Flammable Substances......

Mould Management......

Noise......

Office Areas......

Photocopiers......

Manual Material Handling......

Power Systems......

Pneumatic Power System, Air Compressors, Compressed Air Hoses and Hose Attachments......

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)......

Safety Notice Boards......

Spray Painting Operations......

Tools......

Training......

Vehicle Inspections......

Tire Cage (as used in selected garages)......

Work Bench......

Housekeeping......

Containerized Products......

Warning Systems, Colour Coding......

Welding......

JHSC Workplace Inspection Checklist Template

Categories / Contents / Resources

Air Sampling System

Are supply and exhaust vents and ductwork cleaned regularly? Is there a log of cleaning activities?
Are air filters changed on a routine schedule?
Are humidifiers, cooling coils and drain pans kept free of stagnant water and inspected for mould, and other bio-contaminants?
Is a copy of the ventilation inspection report provided to the JHSC?
Are mechanical ventilation systems inspected on a regular basis and are there records of inspections and performed maintenance?

General Ventilation (i.e. Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning System)

Are the supply vents and exhaust vents clean?
Is air movement coming from the supply vents and being drawn out through the exhaust vents?
Are the thermostats working?
Are thermostats set at appropriate levels? [Summer: 23-26 C (73-79F), Winter: 20-24C (68-75 F)]
Are odours, dusts or fumes absent at the time of inspection?

Local Exhaust Ventilation (e.g. fumehoods, paint booths, hoods, dust collection equipment, etc.)

Is the type of local exhaust appropriate for the chemicals or operation that is to be controlled?
Do exhaust hoods draw contaminants away from a person’s breathing zone?
Is hood placement close to the contaminant emission source?
Are odours, dusts or fumes absent at the time of inspection? / Industry IAQ standards:
-Health Canada, Ministry of Labour guidelines, Canadian Standards Association, American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Building Code
Occupational Health & Safety Act
Industrial Reg. 851
Health Care Reg. 67/93

Aisles & Passageways, Access & Egress, Floors & Stairways

Aisles and Passageways

Are aisles and passageways clear and unobstructed?
Are aisles and passageways adequately lighted?
Are aisles and passageways wide enough for intended movement?

Access and Egress

Are there adequate exits for prompt escape?
Are the exits un-locked from the inside (opened from inside without the use of keys)?
Are routes and exits clearly marked and unobstructed?
Do exits open in the direction of travel when exiting building?
Are doors provided with a self-closing mechanism?
Are exits and exit routes equipped with emergency lighting?
Is a security system in place where it is considered to be necessary?
Are appropriate measures in place to control for potential workplace violence?
Are flammables kept away from exit areas?
Are exit areas cleared of snow and ice/refuse?

Floor and Stairways

Are floor and stairways free from loose material, debris, cords or cables?
Are floors and stairways free from slip hazards (oily, wet, or badly worn)?
Are stairway treads in good shape?
Is railing in stairway mounted and secure? / Building Code
Ontario Fire Code (O.Reg 388/97)
Also refer to Emergency Lighting under Emergency Equipment & Procedures (this checklist)
City of TorontoWorkplace Violence Policy and Guidelines
City of TorontoPolicy for Working Alone Safely

Confined Space (as defined by the OHSA and work practice)

Are workers entering confined space trained on its dangers and proper procedures?
Is safe egress provided for evacuation from confined spaces?
Are there entry procedures in place and followed?
Is the calibration of gas testing equipment current?
Is there a permanent record of air test prior to entry?
Is air tested, continuously monitored and regularly recorded while work is in progress?
If welding, are low explosive limit (LEL) and oxygen levels checked and monitored?
Is confined space ventilated where necessary?
Is fall arrest / retrieval equipment worn as applicable to the job demands?
Is there a 2nd competent worker stationed immediately outside the confined space?
Is a worker trained in artificial respiration/CPR conveniently available?
Is smoking prohibited within the immediate vicinity?
Is mechanical equipment locked & tagged out?
Is mechanical equipment disconnected from power source?
Are pipes blanked off (capped)? / Occupational Health & Safety Act
Industrial Reg. 851
Construction Reg. 213/91
Health Care Reg. 67/93
City of Toronto policy on Confined Space Entry (available on the intranet)

Electrical

Are electrical cords in good condition?
Are ground pins in place?
Are receptacle faceplates in place?
Are electrical cords located so that they are not a tripping hazard?
Is electrical equipment approved (CSA, ESA)?
Is electrical equipment that is being worked on, locked & tagged out?
Are outer casings on tools in good condition (having no cracks, dents or visible damage)?
Are electrical rooms clearly identified?
If exposed live electrical parts are present, are warning signs present prohibiting unauthorised entry?
Are receptacles properly loaded (i.e., not overloaded: number of appliances plugged-in do not exceed current rating)?

Electrical Power Systems

Are high voltage control panels identified, closed, and secured?
Is a current electrical system schematic diagram posted in switch gear rooms?
Are electrical system circuits identified?
Are tie-breakers clearly identified?
Are control panels identified and accessible?
Are isolation switches and controls identified?
Are there proper fixtures and power points for the types of hazard in the area?
Are lock out provisions available and identified?
Are ground fault circuit interrupters provided?
Are ground fault circuit interrupters in good working order?
Are there proper cable connections for portable tools and lighting?
Are ground fault interrupters used where moisture is a concern?
Are electrical switches accessible and unobstructed?
Are electrical switches labelled (i.e., circuit breaker panel, control panel)? / Canadian Standards Association
Electrical Safety Authority
Occupational Health & Safety Act
Industrial Reg. 851
Construction Reg. 213/91
Health Care Reg. 67/93

Elevating Devices (for movement of persons)

Are elevating devices used only within capacity?
Are capacities posted on equipment?
Is the device regularly, tested, maintained and inspected (inspection up-to-date)?
Are controls of the “dead-man type”?
Are operators trained and competent?
Is proper fall protection available?
Is fall protection properly used? / Construction Reg. 213/91Elevating Work Platforms, s 143-149, Fall Protection, s 26, Access/Egress, s 70-72
Industrial Reg. 851 Fall Protection, s 85
Canadian Standards Assoc.
TSSA Technical Standards and Safety Authority

Emergency Equipment and Procedures

First Aid Kits/Stations/Equipment

Are first aid kits/stations/equipment properly located as prescribed by legislation and any divisional standards?
Are first aid kits/stations/equipment readily available and accessible
Is there a notice board with the following:
-the WSIB poster (form 82) “In All Cases of Injury at Work”
-valid first aid certificates of qualification of the trained workers on duty
-an inspection card with spaces for recording the date of the most recent inspection of the first aid box and the signature of the person making the inspection
Are first aid kits/stations/equipment inspected at least quarterly and restocked in compliance with WSIB regulations (an inspection card should be in the box)?
Is the first aid station in the charge of someone who works in the vicinity and who is qualified in first aid?
Are first aid kits/stations/equipment clean?

Eye Wash/bath & Deluge Showers

Are stations readily available where required (i.e., where there is potential exposure to hazardous substances)?
Are pathways to the eye wash/bath and deluge shower stations clear & unobstructed?
Are units clean and sanitary?
Are eye wash station supplies in order (stocked, clean, accessible)?
Is the eye wash solution up to date?
Are stations labelled and instructions present?
Are units in functioning order (operate to verify functionality where feasible)
Are units flushed frequently to eliminate contaminants?
If the station is portable, is water regularly changed?

Fire Prevention and Fire Protection

Are flammable substances properly stored?
Are explosion proof and intrinsically safe electrical systems installed in areas where flammable substances are stored, dispensed or used?
Are grounding and bonding cables or devices provided for flammable liquid dispensing?
Is grounding continuity maintained (grounding cable not cut off, not disconnected)?
Is proper signage posted where flammable substances are stored, dispensed or used?
Are proper containers used for transporting flammable substances?
Are suitable types of fire extinguishers available?
Is fire-fighting equipment properly mounted, accessible and maintained?
Are signs showing fire fighting equipment storage locations visible?
Are fire extinguishers and fire hoses stored in their designated locations?
Are fire extinguishers properly charged? (check pressure gauge needle in green zone fro “ABC” type fire extinguishers)
Are records of periodic testing and reviews of fire equipment kept on site?
Are fire extinguisher handles, safety pins, discharge nozzles or horns and inspection tags in place?
Are fire extinguishers checked monthly?
Are fire hoses inspected and re-hung at least once every year?
Are emergency exits identified, illuminated and unobstructed?
Are fire doors, lids and shutters in good repairs and unobstructed?
Are emergency alarms (e.g. pull stations) available, identified and operational?
Do sprinkler heads have a minimum of 0.5 metre clearance between its deflector and the top of any stack of material below it?
Are sprinkler master control valves accessible and locked open?
Are fire/emergency evacuation and escape plans posted?
Is a written fire plan available and are there regular fire drills?

Emergency Lighting

Is emergency lighting provided where required?
Do emergency lights come on when the test button is pressed?
Is the emergency lighting system tested every month?
Are emergency lighting testing procedures and records maintained? / WSIB First Aid Requirements (Regulation 1101)
Occupational Health & Safety Act
Industrial Reg. 851
Ontario Fire Code (O.Reg 388/97)

Excavation

Are stakeouts obtained?
Is adequate shoring in place or progressively installed as depth increases?
Are utilities protected/supported?
Are soil & equipment & materials at least 3 feet away from the excavation??
Is there adequate fencing or cover if left unattended?
Is the excavation barricaded to prevent unauthorized access?
Is excavation reasonably free of water?
Are walls stripped of loose material? / Occupational Health & Safety Act
Construction Reg. 213/91Excavations, Section 222-242

Fall Protection

Are floor openings covered or protected with guardrails?
Are floor edges protected with guardrails?
Are guardrails between 91 cm and 101 cm?
Do guardrail supports span less than 2.4 metres?
Are wire rope guardrails properly designed by an engineer and installed following the design?
Are fall arrest, fall restraint or travel restrain systems attached to a proper anchor? (e.g., not a guard rail)
Are anchorage points for attachment of fall arrest system installed, identified and used?
Are safe work practices in place to ensure that no person rides or is lifted by any part of a crane or lifting device.
Are only devices designed for raising and lowering personnel used for this purpose? (i.e., material handling devices are not used to move personnel)
Are devices for raising and lowering personnel equipped with adequate guardrails?
Are loose objects kept away from floor edges and openings, and points of access and egress?
Where an individual may fall into a liquid, are lifejackets and other applicable equipment available? / Occupational Health & Safety Act
Industrial Reg. 851
Construction Reg. 213/91
Health Care Reg. 67/93

Hazardous / Designated Substances

Are hazardous substances identified for chemical, biological, physical properties?
Are hazardous substances identified for adverse health effects?
Are worker exposure concerns regarding hazardous substances investigated?
Is medical testing monitored as prescribed for the specific hazard in concern?
Are correct handling methods identified?
Do competent, qualified persons carry out industrial hygiene testing?
Is the JHSC notified of industrial hygiene testing results?
Are hazardous substances appropriately and legibly labelled?
Are substitutes for hazardous substances sought/requested (refer to site supervisor)?
Are MSDS available, accessible, and current (within 3 years)?
Are employees properly trained to handle hazardous substances?
Are storage, spill and cleanup procedures posted?
Are adequate spill/leak containment systems in place and readily available?
Is proper drainage provided?
Is container corrosion protection provided and are containers kept away from moisture or matters that would cause rust corrosion?
Is the storage of hazardous substances climate controlled as required for the specific hazard in concern?
Are approved portable safety containers available?
Are materials separated to avoid incompatibility reactions?
Are the means of exit/egress as prescribed for the hazardous substance in concern and posted?
Are containers properly placed, stacked and supported?
Are hazard warnings, directional and informational signs and tags used where there are immediate dangers, potential hazards, or where there is a need for general instructions?
Are signs and tags used consistently throughout the facility?

Battery Rooms

Are workers trained in material handling precautions and clean-up procedures?
Is an absorbent material available to contain a spill (e.g., sand, clay, diatomaceous earth)?
Is lime or soda ash available for dilution and neutralization of a spill/leak?
Is a fresh water supply and hose available for spill dilution?
Is room equipped with floor drains?
Are ventilation fans running while batteries are being recharged?

Chemicals/Solvents/Cleaners

Is proper ventilation used in storage and usage areas?
Are personal protective equipment requirements posted, provided and used?

Fuels/Flammables/Combustibles

Are flammables correctly stored?
Are bonding/grounding means provided and readily available for dispensation of flammables/ combustibles?
Are flammable compressed gasses and liquids stored in areas serviced by non-sparking, non-arcing sources, fans, etc.?
Are there adequate fire resistant and vented flammable storage cabinets?
Is the storage of Class I liquids (flammable liquids with a flash point below 22.8c) limited to 60 gals.
 Is the storage of Class II liquids (combustible liquids with a flash point between 37.8c to 60c) limited to 60 gals.
Is the storage of Class IIIA liquids (combustible liquids with a flash point between 60c to 93.3c) limited to 120 gals.?
Are storage areas for flammable/combustible liquids separated from storage areas for flammable/combustible-compressed gasses?
Are flammable and combustible materials stored in buildings approved for their Class or outside of buildings?
Are fire-rated metal containers available for disposal of oily or flammable contaminated rags/waste?

Compressed Gases (consider all pressure cylinders: SCBA, O2, welding, spray cans, etc.)

Are compressed gases stored in a secured, upright position?
Are compressed gases segregated by contents and legibly marked as prescribed (WHMIS, CPA)?
Are valve caps secured in place?
Are gases stored away from ignition, heat/spark sources, stairs, elevators, access/egress routes, and vehicular and pedestrian traffic?
Are empty cylinders segregated from full supplies?
Are cylinders in use properly connected, i.e. propane or welding operations?
Are proper cylinder transport carriages and cradles/carts readily available?
Are cylinders free of dents, corrosion, rust, and are test records readily available or accessible?
Is adequate ventilation, as prescribed, available in storage areas?
Are gauges clearly visible and in good condition?
Are welding hoses neatly coiled and stored off of the floor?
Is stamped tank date visible and un-expired?
Are hoses and torch tip in good working condition?

Tank Storage systems