(This the seventh in a series of safety and health bulletins on specific issues developed/adapted for the GCIU by Dan Huziak of Toronto 100M.)

When conducting your inspection, check the following general items that may apply to all locations:

STAIRWAYS, AISLES, FLOORS, WALLS, CEILINGS, EXITS, WINDOWS

• Condition of stairways
• Metal facings on stairs are not loose or broken
• Handrails on stairs are not loose
• Lighting in stairways, ramps, or recessed alcoves is adequate
• Condition of aisles (clear passageways)
• Condition of floors (clear of oil, water, and other material)
• Floor mats or runners lie flat and secure
• Condition of walls, windows, ceiling (clear of objects that might fall)
• Number and location of exits is adequate and properly identified
• Friction pads on step stools are in good condition
• Ramps or inclines are not slick
• Caretaking staff use "wet floor" signs
• Windows open easily

LIGHTING

• Illumination is safe, sufficient, well placed
• Guards cover light bulbs, which might be hit

• Ventilation is adequate and proper for conditions
• Air in shops free of excessive dust or fumes
• Are there strong odors?
• Is the air particularly stale?
• Is staff complaining of regular headaches and sleepiness?
• Were new partitions or walls installed?
• Are filters on vent hoods clean?

• Fire extinguishers are of proper type, adequately supplied, properly located and inspected
• Staff knows the location of and how to use the proper fire extinguisher
• Extinguishers and hose cabinets are properly identified

• Ladders do not have broken or warped rungs, loose joints or loose friction pads

• Machines are arranged so that workers are protected from hazards of other machines
• Danger zones are properly indicated and guarded
• Permanent enclosure guards protect all gears, moving belts and parts
• All equipment control switches are easily available to the operator
• All machines are "locked off" when instructor is out of the room
• Nonskid areas are provided around machines
• Machines are in safe working order
• All hoisting devices are in safe operating condition
• Machines are shut off while unattended
• Are there adequate storage facilities for chemicals, tools and equipment that are not in immediate use?

• All switches are enclosed
• There is a master control for all electrical installations
• Electrical outlets and circuits are properly identified
• All electrical extension cords are in good condition and not carrying excessive loads
• Electrical cords are not located where they can be caught or pulled
• All machine switches are within easy reach of the operators
• No temporary wiring in evidence

• Eyewash stations are located where chemicals are frequently used
• Eyewash stations are in working order (check them)
• Goggles and protective face shields are provided and required for all work where eye hazards exist
• Proper protective clothing, gloves, aprons, head and foot protection are worn for the job being done
• Respirators (masks) are provided for dusty or toxic atmospheric conditions
• Provisions are made for proper cleaning and storage of respirators
• Safety rules are posted at dangerous work areas
• Eyewash stations are located where chemicals are frequently used

• Heavy loads are not stored in top file cabinet drawers or top shelves
• All containers are properly, clearly labeled
• Flammable liquids or oily rags are in approved containers (metal safety cans with spring loaded lids)
• There is a safe clearance for all equipment through aisles and doors
• Stored material is stable and secure
• Storage areas are properly illuminated
• NO SMOKING/NO OPEN FLAME signs posted near electric battery charging units and where flammables are stored
• Racks and platforms are loaded only within the limits of their capacity
• All storage is secured against sliding, rolling, and collapsing
• All vehicle motors are shut off prior to loading and unloading
• Aisles and stairwells are kept clear to allow unhindered passage
• Personnel are using proper lifting techniques
• Size and condition of containers safe for workers

• One-way drives are marked
• Sidewalks are not broken or uneven
• There is no broken glass or other debris on the ground
• Concrete steps or sidewalks are not slippery
• There are no places for rainwater to accumulate