Office Safety Inspection Checklist

Inspector Full Name

Inspected Location

REMINDER:

• Extension cords cannot be used to make permanent wiring connections.
• Power cords, plugs, and electrical outlets must not be damaged or frayed.
• Three-prong plugs must have their ground prong in place.
• All electrical wires must be covered leaving no bare wires exposed.
• Modular furniture with electrical outlets must have covers over all wires.
• All power strips should be plugged directly into outlets and not plugged in a series.
• Outlets near wet surface areas such as bathrooms or kitchens must have functioning ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI).
• Test the GFCI outlets periodically by tripping the test button. Reset the unit by pushing the reset button.
• Electrical panel doors must be closed. If open, DO NOT APPROACH. Immediately notify the appropriate party (AOC/landlord/facility maintenance.
• There should be a 36" clearance in front of all electrical panels.
• Plug appliances directly into grounded outlets appropriately sized for the power supply.
• Electrical equipment and appliances must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. 

Tasks

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be available for all hazardous chemicals located in the workplace
• Chemical containers should be properly labeled and kept closed when not in use

Tasks

• Update emergency telephone numbers and have them readily available
• Ensure office annunciators are working properly, kept charged, and reset after each emergency
• Ensure the emergency action plan is in place, and all employees are trained on the plan
• Ensure all employees know where to go when required to evacuate the building or "shelter in place"
• Assign emergency duties to employees according to the office’s emergency action plan
• Clear aisles, stairs, and hallways of obstructions that could block exits
• Maintain functioning alarms and annunciators
• Ensure exit signs are working and visible in all conditions and locations
• Ensure there are two exit routes out of a work area
• Ensure the exit routes that are designated for emergency exits cannot be obstructed
• Ensure all areas have functional emergency lighting
• Keep the First Aid supply kid stocked and up-to-date

REMINDER:

• Exit routes must be adequate, i.e., 18” for a single person and 28” or more for multiple persons.

Tasks

• Ensure there is adequate lighting, and employees are able to see their work without eye strain
• Keep workplaces free from clutter and debris that could cause fire, rodent, or vector problems
• Properly identify areas containing asbestos and properly maintain surfaces to minimize fiber releases
• Ensure floors are clean, dry and free from tripping hazards

Tasks

• Use proper lifting techniques
• Position equipment on desk in a manner that avoids excessive leaning and reaching
• Place computer monitor directly in front of person and at arms length
• Position the monitor no higher than eye level and keyboard directly in front of monitor
• Position monitor to avoid screen glare and avoid window and bright lights
• Ensure that each chair has strong lumbar support
• Position equipment to support the weight of arms while typing or working at desk

Tasks

• Plug space heaters directly into outlets and ensure that they are equipped with tip-over switches
• Ensure that items are stored no closer than 18” under sprinkler heads
• Inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they are fully charged, have monthly and annual tags affixed, and are not damaged
• Store combustible materials away from ignition sources, exit stairwells, and electrical closets
• Use flame retardant draperies

REMINDERS:

• Fire extinguishers pull stations, and strobe lights should be visible and accessible.
• All ceiling tiles should be in place and intact.
• Cords and wires should be protected from damage and pinch points and not run through ceilings, doorways walls, or other openings, or under rugs.
• Fire doors must not be blocked, locked, or obstructed, and must be free from flammable materials such as posters and fliers.
• Fire door hardware must be working properly.
• All stairways, corridors, and exits should be clear of obstructions.
• Fire sprinklers should be in good condition and free from corrosion.

Tasks

• Ensure portable fans have fan blade guard openings of .5 inch diameter or less
• Ensure paper cutters have a finger guard in front of the blade arm, and blade arm tension is adjusted to prevent free fall

Tasks

• Secure materials stored on overhead racks and ensure that racks are attached to walls
• Secure heavy items on top of shelves
• Provide step stools or ladders to reach high places

REMINDERS:

• The heaviest items should be loaded in the bottom of file drawers to prevent the cabinet from tipping.
• Drawers of file cabinets should not be left standing open.

Tasks

• Practice housekeeping by cleaning up spills and removing objects from floor passageways
• Keep walking surfaces dry during inclement weather

REMINDERS:

• Rungs and feet of portable ladders and steps of stools should be supplied with non-slip material.
• Cords, wires, and cables should not run across aisles, walkways, or exit route pathways.
• Carpets and rugs must be secured and in good condition.
• Stairways should have non-slip treads and proper lighting.