Inspecting the
workplace for hazards is one method the city can use to comply with the
following component of the Minnesota AWAIR program: “ the methods used to identify, analyze and control new or existing
hazards, conditions and operations.”
Purpose of the
inspection
-
Uncover unsafe conditions
- Help promote the safety program to workers
- Provide an additional set of eyes to identify hazards before an accident or injury occurs, and
- Help promote and encourage self-inspection by line supervisors and employees
-
People conducting the inspection must be informed, through training or hands on experience, about typical operations and potential hazards in the inspected area.
- Determine which standards will apply
- Define the work area and plan the inspection route
- Review any previous inspections and results and look for any outstanding work orders
- Make or obtain a checklist to document the findings. This will serve as a guide for the inspectors.
-
Inspect while employees are working if possible
- Stay focused and alert for hazards
- Take notes of all hazards and unsafe practices
- Check all areas
- Be constructive and don’t place blame
- Look for why conditions exist
- Be advisory not argumentative
- Discuss recommendations with supervisor or manager
- Try to sell your recommendation and the importance of any corrections.
The OSHA regulations, despite popular belief, have been developed over time from industry experience, past injury data, hazard analysis and scientific testing. They are developed to reduce hazards and prevent both acute and chronic injuries. The following is by no means a complete list but is a sample of the inspection points and the related safety regulations. These should be used as reference when conducting self-inspections.
By Paul Gladen
Self-Inspection Checklist and
Related OSHA Codes
EXIT ROUTES
o
Fire exit doors do not operate 29CFR1910.37 (d) (2)
o
Two means of egress as required 29CFR1910.36 (b) (1)
o
Exit routes free of obstruction 29CFR1910.37 (a) (3)
o
Locked exit door 29CFR1910.36 (d)(1)
o
Exits route 28 inches wide 29CFR1910.36 (g) (2)
o
All exits marked with signs 29CFR1910.37 (b) (2)
o
All NON EXIT's labeled as such 29CFR1910.37 (b) (5)
o
Direction signs to exits not marked 29CFR1910.37 (b) (4)
o
Exit lights not illuminated 29CFR1910.37 (b) (1)
o Exit letters should be six inches by 3/4
inch 29CFR1910.37 (b) (7)
o Emergency Action Plan 29CFR1910.38
(b)
o
No ground fault
circuit interrupters 29CFR1910.304
(b) (3)
o
Circuit
breakers not labeled 29CFR1910.303
(f) (1)
o
Grounding
plug missing 29CFR1910.304
(g) (5)
o
Ungrounded outlet 29CFR1910.304 (g) (5)
o
Loose or broken
electrical outlet 29CFR1910.305
(j) (2)
o
Exposed live
wires 29CFR1910.303
(g) (2)
o
Flexible cords
through doors/windows 29CFR1910.305
(g) (1) (iv) (c)
o
Temporary wiring
used as permanent 29CFR1910.305 (q) (I) (iv) (a)
o
Overcurrent
devices not accessible 291910.304
(1) (I) (iv)
o
Unused opening in
box not closed 291910.303
(b) (7) (i)
o
Extinguishers mounted, accessible 29CFRI910.157
(c) (1)
o
Extinguishers fully charged 29CFR1910.157
(c) (4)
o
Extinguishers of the correct type 29CFR1910.157
(d) (1)
o
Extinguishers within 75 feet 29CFRI910.157
(d) (2)
o
Extinguishers monthly inspection 29CFR1910.157
(e) (2)
o
Extinguishers annual inspection 29CFR1910.157
(e) (3)
o
Fire alarms readily accessible 29CFR1910.164
(e)
o Emergency phone
numbers posted 29CFR1910.165 (b) (4)
o
Flammable liquid storage 29CFR1910.106
o
Bulk combustibles in storage cabinet 29CFR1910.106
(d) (3)
o
Combustibles in storage room 29CFR1910.106 (d) (3)
o
Flammable liquids in office 29CFR1910.106 (d) (5) (iii)
o Hazard Communication Program 29CFR1910.1200
o
Proper housekeeping 29CFR1910.141 (a) (3) (i)
o
Adequate toilet facilities 29CFR1910. 141 (c) (1) (i)
o
Toilets with privacy 29CFR1910.141 l (c) (2)(i)
o
Adequate washing facilities 29CFR1910.141 (d) (2) (iii)
o
Emergency eye wash station 29CFR1910.151 (c)
o Grinding wheel
rest not 1/8 inch 29CFR1910.215 (a) (4)
o Tongue guard
adjusted to 1/4 inch 29CFR1910.215 (a) (9)
o
All
wheels ring tested prior to mounting 29CFR1910.215
(d) (1)
o Lockout Tagout
Program 29CFR1910.147
o Machine guards in
place 29CFR1910.212 (a) (11)
o Eye and face
protection 29CFR i910.133
o Eyewash stations 29CFR1910.151(c)
o Roof/pipe leaks – wet floor 29CFR1910.22 (a) (2)
o Slip
hazard/broken door 29CFR1910.22 (l)
o Aisles clear and
in good repair 29CFR1910.22 (b) (i)
o Fixed Ladder
over 20 feet without cage 29CFR1910.27
(d) (l) (iii)
o Guarding floor
and wall openings 29CFR1910.23
o Gas cylinder
caps in place 29CFR1910.253 (a) (2) (iii)
o Gas cylinders marked 29CFR1910.253 (b) (1) (ii)
o
Gas cylinders 20 feet from combustibles 29CFR1910.253
(b) (2)(ii)
o
Acetylene cylinders stored upright 29CFR1910.253
(b) (3) (ii)
o
Oxygen cylinders near oil or grease 29CFR1910.253 (4) (i)
o
Oxygen cylinders separated from fuel 29CFR1910.253
(4) (iii)
o General Duty
Clause PL 91-156
o Forklift Seat belt in use General Duty Clause
o Respiratory
Protection when required CFR1910.134
o Forklift Training 29CFR1910.178 (1)
o
Record keeping 29CFR1904
