University of Wisconsin-Parkside

General Safety Self-Inspection Checklist

Building _______________ Room __________ Audit Performed by ___________________________

Date _________________

	Y	N	NA	COMMENTS
A. Walking Surfaces
Aisles are established and kept clear (minimum 36")
There are no tripping hazards present
Floors are even with no holes or cracks
Carpets, rugs, and mats do not present tripping hazards
Floors are kept dry and are not slippery
Entrance mats are available for wet weather
Outside walkways and stairs are in good repair
B. Bookcases, Shelves, Cabinets
Wall shelves are designed for intended load
Shelves are not overloaded
Bookcases and file cabinets are secured from tipping
File drawers are closed when not in use
Only one file drawer is opened at a time to prevent tipping
C. Electrical Hazards
Extension cords are not used as permanent wiring and are unplugged from wall outlet when not in use
When used, all extension cords are 3-wire type and in good condition with no splices or broken insulation
If used, multi-outlet power strips are UL listed and have circuit breakers
Extension cords and power strips are plugged directly into wall outlet and not into other extension cords or power strips
Equipment power cords are in good condition with no splices or broken insulation
Plugs are in good condition with no exposed wires and the ground is not removed from 3-prong plugs
Wall outlet and junction box covers are in place
The area in front of electric circuit panels is clear (at least 36 inches open area)
Circuits are not overloaded
Wires or extension cords do not run under carpets or rugs, or through doorways, or other traffic areas
D. Stairways, Ramps, Corridors, Storage Areas
Adequate lighting is in place including emergency lighting
Ramps have non-slip surface
Stair treads is in good condition
Stairways are kept clear and are not used for storage
Handrails are installed and in good condition
Guardrails are installed where needed
Corridors are kept clear of equipment and supplies
There is no storage within 18 inches of sprinkler heads (24 inches of the ceiling where no sprinkler system exists)
Appropriate ladders are provided for high storage areas
E. Office Equipment
Chairs are in good condition and adjustable (when appropriate)
Paper cutters are equipped with a finger guard, the blade spring is functional and the blade lock is in place
Step stools are available for use, where needed
Oscillating fans have guards that prevent fingers from contacting fan blades
F. Fire Prevention, Emergency Exits, Housekeeping
Fire extinguishers are not obstructed
Fire doors are not blocked open
Exits are unobstructed and kept unlocked during normal business hours or special events
Exits are properly marked and exit signs are illuminated
Good housekeeping is practiced, spills are quickly removed, (especially oils), and excess paper and is trash discarded
Flammable and combustible liquids are stored properly
Electric space heaters are UL listed with working temperature controls and tip switches
There are no holes through walls or ceilings and all ceiling tiles in place
Occupancy limits are observed
G. Workstation Ergonomics*
Monitors are directly in front of users, the top of screens are at or slightly below eye level and at least 18 to 24 inches away
Monitor are positioned to avoid glare by adjusting window shades or lighting and/or using glare screens
Chair/keyboard heights are adjusted to keep hands, wrists and forearms parallel to the floor with arms positioned naturally
Chair and footrests heights are adjusted to keep thighs parallel with the floor
Document holder are used to keep documents next to and at the same level as the monitor screen

· Note: Workstation evaluations can be requested by calling the Safety Coordinator/Risk Manager at Ext. 2262.

· Updated 3/28/01