Chapter 1: General

Chapter 1: General

Safety inspections are the primary tool for identifying unsafe conditions before accidents occur. A well-organized inspection program is vital to accident prevention and facility safety. The Safety Officer or an assigned representative will inspect every area of University campus annually. Areas, which have had high frequency or increased frequency of accidents, are candidates for increased inspection visits. Self-inspections of areas by area supervisors or department heads is a very good proactive approach.

CRITERIA

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Compliance Program has adopted the OSHA 1910 Standards for General Industry and the OSHA 1926 Standards for Construction. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the National Safety Council (NSC) are also supplemental sources, which help to create guidelines for inspection requirements. These are general industry standards as well as codes of regulations that need to be followed.

1. Personal Protective Equipment: Is it necessary, and if so, is it being used, properly?
2. Machine Guards: Do they exist and are they operable?
3. Housekeeping: Is the work area clean and in order?
4. Floors: Are floors in good condition; are tiles in place; carpet?
5. Aisles: Are aisles and passageways clear and free of tripping hazards?
6. Lighting: Is lighting adequate for the work being performed?
7. Stairways: Are stairs in good repair, with safe, secure handrails?
8. Machines and Equipment: Is the equipment in safe operating condition, and is it being operated properly?
9. Electrical: Is the area free from shock hazards and are adequate outlets available; are extension cords being used?
10. First Aid: Are first aid kits available and in good supply?
11. Fire Extinguishers: Are fire extinguishers accessible, properly maintained and are all occupants trained in their use?
12. First Aid: Are people trained in first aid, CPR?
13. Entrances: Are entrances unobstructed, serviceable, and proper signage available?
14. Exits: Are emergency exits marked properly, well lit, inspected and are evacuation signs posted?
15. Exterior: Are sidewalks and parking lots free of debris and smooth surfaces to walk on?
16. Air Quality: Is air quality adequate, are filters cleaned, are air registers free from mold, mildew, or rust? Complaints?
17. Hazardous Communications: Are any hazardous chemicals stored or used in this area? Are SDS’s forwarded to the Safety Office for proper indexing, and do employees know how to obtain them?
18. Ergonomics: Are ergonomic issues being addressed?
19. Bloodborne Pathogens: Are employees exposed to these and are they trained in Universal Precautions?
20. Emergency Phone Numbers: Are all emergency numbers posted so all employees have access?
21. Personal Behavior: Do employees understand the necessity to conduct themselves in a manner applicable to their area, no horseplay, use proper PPE, etc?