Workplace Housekeeping - Checklist for General Inspection

See the OSH Answers on Workplace Housekeeping - Basic Guide for more information. 

Use the following checklist as a general workplace guide.

Floors and Other Areas

• Are floors clean and clear of waste?
• Are signs posted to warn of wet floors?
• Are floors in good condition?
• Are there holes, worn or loose planks, nails, or carpet sticking up?
• Is anti-slip flooring used where spills, moisture, or grease are likely?
• Are there protruding objects such as nails, sharp corners, open cabinet drawers, or trailing electrical wires?
• Are personal items, such as clothing and lunch boxes, in assigned lockers or storage areas?
• Is the work area congested?
• Are floors well-drained?

Aisles and Stairways

• Are aisles unobstructed and clearly marked?
• Are mirrors installed at blind corners?
• Are aisles wide enough to accommodate workers and equipment comfortably?
• Are safe loading practices used with hand and power trucks, skids, or pallets?
• Is the workplace lighting adequate? Are stairs well-lit?
• Are stairs covered with an anti-slip tread? Are faulty stair treads repaired?

Other Spaces

• Is dust (or combustible dust) removed from ledges or surfaces where it may accumulate? In particular, if combustible dust is produced in the workplace, check beams, pipes, equipment, light fixtures, etc. 
• Are outdoor surfaces kept clear, such as snow and ice removal?
• Are kitchen and eating areas kept free from insects and vermin?
• Are all locker rooms, lunch rooms, canteens, shower areas, and washrooms kept clean and in good condition (e.g., well-lit, sanitary, well-ventilated, etc.)?

Spill Control

• Are all spills wiped up quickly?
• Are procedures followed as indicated on the safety data sheet?
• Are spill absorbents used for greasy, oily, flammable, or toxic materials?
• Are used rags and absorbents disposed of promptly and safely?
• Is a spill area surrounded by a barrier to prevent a spill from spreading?
• Do any drain pipes in chemical storage areas lead to a catch basin (not a general sewer line)?

Equipment and Machinery Maintenance

• Is the equipment in good working order, with all necessary guards or safety features operational or in place?
• Is equipment damaged or outdated?
• Are tools and machinery inspected regularly for wear or leaks?
• Is equipment repaired promptly?
• Are drip pans or absorbent materials used if leaks cannot be stopped at the source?
• Is a machine that splashes oil fitted with a screen or splash guard?
• Are machines and tools cleaned regularly?

Waste Disposal

• Are there adequate numbers of containers?
• Are there separate and approved containers for toxic and flammable waste?
• Are waste containers located where the waste is produced?
• Are waste containers emptied regularly?
• Are toxic and flammable waste chemicals handled properly?

Storage

• Are storage areas marked, safe, and accessible?
• Is material stacked securely, blocked or interlocked if possible?
• Are materials stored in areas that do not obstruct stairs, fire escapes, exits or firefighting equipment?
• Are materials stored in areas that do not interfere with workers or the flow of materials?
• Are bins or racks provided where material cannot be piled?
• Are all storage areas clearly marked?
• Do workers understand material storage and handling procedures?

Fire Prevention

• Are combustible and flammable materials present only in the quantities needed for the job at hand?
• Are combustible and flammable materials kept in safety cans during use?
• Are hazardous materials stored in approved containers and away from ignition sources?
• Are sources of ignition controlled?
• Are sprinkler heads clear of stored material?
• Are fire extinguishers inspected and located along commonly travelled routes, and close to possible ignition sources?
• Are emergency exits marked to provide a quick exit?
• Are oily or greasy rags placed in metal containers and disposed of regularly?
• Are waste chemicals, such as heat-producing (oxidizing) chemicals, disposed of in appropriate containers and areas?