SELF-INSPECTION

The most widely accepted way to identify hazards is to conduct safety and health inspections. The only way to be certain of an actual situation is to look at it directly from time to time.

Begin a program of self-inspection in your own workplace. Self-inspection is essential if you are to know where probable hazards exist and are under control.

This section includes checklists designed to assist you in self-inspection fact finding. The checklists can give you some indication of where to begin taking action to make your business safer and more healthful for all of your employees.

These checklists are by no means all-inclusive and not all of the checklists will apply to your business. You might want to start by selecting the areas that are most critical to your business, then expanding your self-inspection checklists over time to fully cover all areas that pertain to your business. Remember that a checklist is a tool to help, not a definitive statement of what is mandatory. Use checklists only for guidance.

Don’t spend time with items that have no application to your business. Make sure that each item is seen by you or your designee and leave nothing to memory or chance. Write down what you see or don’t see and what you think you should do about it.

Add information from your completed checklists to injury information, employee information, and process and equipment information to build a foundation to help you determine what problems exist. Then, as you use the OSHA standards in your problem-solving process, it will be easier for you to determine the actions needed to solve these problems.

Once the hazards have been identified, institute the control procedures and establish your four-point safety and health program.

Self-Inspection Scope

Your self-inspections should cover safety and health issues in the following areas:

Processing, Receiving, Shipping and Storage – equipment, job planning, layout, heights, floor loads, projection of materials, material handling and storage methods, training for material handling equipment.

Building and Grounds Conditions – floors, walls, ceilings, exits, stairs, walkways, ramps, platforms, driveways, aisles.

Housekeeping Program – waste disposal, tools, objects, materials, leakage and spillage, cleaning methods, schedules, work areas, remote areas, storage areas.

Electricity – equipment, switches, breakers, fuses, switch-boxes, junctions, special fixtures, circuits, insulation, extensions, tools, motors, grounding, national electric code compliance.

Lighting – type, intensity, controls, conditions, diffusion, location, glare and shadow control.

Heating and Ventilation – type, effectiveness, temperature, humidity, controls, natural and artificial ventilation and exhausting.

Machinery – points of operation, flywheels, gears, shafts, pulleys, key ways, belts, couplings, sprockets, chains, frames, controls, lighting for tools and equipment, brakes, exhausting, feeding, oiling, adjusting, maintenance, lockout/tagout, grounding, work space, location, purchasing standards.

Personnel – training, including hazard identification training; experience; methods of checking machines before use; type of clothing; PPE; use of guards; tool storage; work practices; methods for cleaning, oiling, or adjusting machinery.

Hand and Power Tools – purchasing standards, inspection, storage, repair, types, maintenance, grounding, use and handling.

Chemicals – storage, handling, transportation, spills, disposals, amounts used, labeling, toxicity or other harmful effects, warning signs, supervision, training, protective clothing and equipment, hazard communication requirements.

Fire Prevention – extinguishers, alarms, sprinklers, smoking rules, exits, and personnel assigned, separation of flammable materials and dangerous operations, explosion proof fixtures Occupational Safety and Health Administration in hazardous locations, waste disposal and training of personnel.

Maintenance – provide regular and preventive maintenance on all equipment used at the worksite, recording all work performed on the machinery and by training personnel on the proper care and servicing of the equipment.

PPE – type, size, maintenance, repair, age, and storage, assignment of responsibility, purchasing methods, and standards observed, training in care and use, rules of use, method of assignment.

Transportation – motor vehicle safety, seat belts, vehicle maintenance, safe driver programs.

First-Aid Program/Supplies – medical care facilities locations, posted emergency phone numbers, accessible first-aid kits.

Evacuation Plan – establish and practice procedures for an emergency evacuation, e.g., fire, chemical/biological incidents, bomb threat; include escape procedures and routes, critical plant operations, employee accounting following an evacuation, rescue and medical duties and ways to report emergencies.

Self-Inspection Checklists

These checklists are by no means all-inclusive. You should add to them or delete items that do not apply to your business; however, carefully consider each item and then make your decision. You should refer to OSHA standards for specific guidance that may apply to your work situation. (Note: These checklists are typical for general industry but not for construction or maritime industries.)

EMPLOYER POSTING

Are the required OSHA Job Safety and Health Protection Poster displayed in a prominent location where all employees are likely to see it?

Are emergency telephone numbers posted where they can be readily found in case of emergency?

Where employees may be exposed to toxic substances or harmful physical agents, has appropriate information concerning employee access to medical and exposure records and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) been posted or otherwise made readily available to affected employees?

Are signs concerning exit routes, room capacities, floor loading, biohazards, exposures to x- ray, microwave, or other harmful radiation or substances posted where appropriate?

Is the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300A) posted during the months of February, March and April?

RECORDKEEPING

Are occupational injuries or illnesses, except minor injuries requiring only first aid, recorded as required on the OSHA 300 log?

Are employee medical records and records of employee exposure to hazardous substances or harmful physical agents up-to-date and in compliance with current OSHA standards?

Are employees training records kept and accessible for review by employees, as required by OSHA standards?

Have arrangements been made to retain records for the time period required for each specific type of record? (Some records must be maintained for at least 40 years.)

Are operating permits and records up-to-date for items such as elevators, air pressure tanks, liquefied petroleum gas tanks, etc.?

SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM

Do you have an active safety and health program in operation that includes general safety and health program elements as well as the management of hazards specific to your work- site?

Is one person clearly responsible for the safety and health program?

Do you have a safety committee or group made up of management and labor representatives that meet regularly and reports in writing on its activities?

Do you have a working procedure to handle in-house employee complaints regarding safety and health?

Are your employees advised of efforts and accomplishments of the safety and health program made to ensure they will have a work- place that is safe and healthful?

Have you considered incentives for employees or workgroups who excel in reducing work place injury/illnesses?

MEDICAL SERVICES AND FIRST AID

Is there a hospital, clinic, or infirmary for medical care near your workplace or is at least one employee on each shift currently qualified to render first aid?

Have all employees who are expected to respond to medical emergencies as part of their job responsibilities received first aid training; had hepatitis B vaccination made available to them; had appropriate training on procedures to protect them from blood borne pathogens, including universal precautions; and have available and understand how to use appropriate PPE to protect against exposure to blood borne diseases?*

*Pursuant to an OSHA memorandum of July 1, 1992, employees who render first aid only as a collateral duty do not have to be offered pre-exposure hepatitis B vaccine only if the employer includes and implements the following requirements in his/her exposure control plan: (1) the employer must record all first aid incidents involving the presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials before the end of the work shift during which the first aid incident occurred; (2) the employer must comply with post exposure evaluation, prophylaxis and follow-up requirements of the Blood borne Pathogens standard with respect to “exposure incidents, ” as defined by the standard; (3) the employer must train designated first aid providers about the reporting procedure; (4) the employer must offer to initiate the hepatitis B vaccination series within 24 hours to all unvaccinated first aid providers who have rendered assistance in any situation involving the presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials.

If employees have had an exposure incident involving blood borne pathogens, was an immediate post-exposure medical evaluation and

follow-up provided?

Are medical personnel readily available for advice and consultation on matters of employees’ health?

Are emergency phone numbers posted?

Are fully supplied first aid kits easily accessible to each work area, periodically inspected and replenished as needed?

Have first aid kits and supplies been approved by a physician, indicating that they are adequate for a particular area or operation?

Is there an eye-wash station or sink available for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body in areas where corrosive liquids or materials are handled?

FIRE PROTECTION

Is your local fire department familiar with your facility, its location and specific hazards?

If you have a fire alarm system, is it certified as required and tested annually?

If you have interior standpipes and valves, are they inspected regularly?

If you have outside private fire hydrants, are they flushed at least once a year and on a routine preventive maintenance schedule?

Are fire doors and shutters in good operating condition?

Are fire doors and shutters unobstructed and protected against obstructions, including their counterweights?

Are fire doors and shutter fusible links in place?

Are automatic sprinkler system water control valves, air and water pressure checked periodically as required?

Is the maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems assigned to responsible persons or to a sprinkler contractor?

Are sprinkler heads protected by metal guards if exposed to potential physical damage?

Is proper clearance maintained below sprinkler heads?

Are portable fire extinguishers provided in adequate number and type and mounted in readily accessible locations?

Are fire extinguishers recharged regularly with this noted on the inspection tag?

Are employees periodically instructed in the use of fire extinguishers and fire protection procedures?

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING

Has the employer determined whether hazards that require the use of PPE (e.g., head, eye, face, hand, or foot protection) are present or are likely to be present?

If hazards or the likelihood of hazards are found, are employers selecting appropriate and properly fitted PPE suitable for protection from these hazards and ensuring that affected employees use it?

Have both the employer and the employees been trained on PPE procedures, i.e., what PPE is necessary for job tasks, when workers need it, and how to properly wear and adjust it?

Are protective goggles or face shields provided and worn where there is any danger of flying particles or corrosive materials?

Are approved safety glasses required to be worn at all times in areas where there is a risk of eye injuries such as punctures, abrasions, contusions, or burns?

Are employees who wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) in workplaces with harmful exposures required to wear only approved safety glasses, protective goggles, or use other medically approved precautionary procedures?


Are protective gloves, aprons, shields, or other means provided and required where employees could be cut or where there is reasonably anticipated exposure to corrosive liquids, chemicals, blood, or other potentially infectious materials? 


See the OSHA Blood borne Pathogens standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030(b), for the definition of “other potentially infectious materials.”

Are hard hats required, provided and worn where danger of falling objects exists?

Are hard hats periodically inspected for damage to the shell and suspension system?

Is appropriate foot protection required where there is the risk of foot injuries from hot, corrosive, or poisonous substances, falling objects, crushing, or penetrating actions?

Are approved respirators provided when needed? (See 29 CFR 1910.134 for detailed information on respirators or check OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov).

Is all PPE maintained in a sanitary condition and ready for use?

Are foods or beverages consumed only in areas where there is no exposure to toxic material, blood, or other potentially infectious materials?

Is protection against the effects of occupational noise provided when sound levels exceed those of the OSHA Noise standard? Are adequate work procedures, PPE and other equipment provided and used when cleaning up spilled hazardous materials?

Are appropriate procedures in place to dispose of or decontaminate PPE contaminated with, or reasonably anticipated to be contaminated with, blood or other potentially infectious materials?

GENERAL WORK ENVIRONMENT

Are all worksites clean, sanitary and orderly?


Are work surfaces kept dry and appropriate means taken to assure the surfaces are slip resistant?


Are all spilled hazardous materials or liquids, including blood and other potentially infectious materials, cleaned up immediately and according to proper procedures?

Is combustible scrap, debris and waste stored safely and removed from the worksite promptly?

Is all regulated waste, as defined in the OSHA Blood borne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), discarded according to Federal, state and local regulations?

Are accumulations of combustible dust routinely removed from elevated surfaces including the overhead structure of buildings, etc.?

Is combustible dust cleaned up with a vacuum system to prevent suspension of dust particles in the environment?

Is metallic or conductive dust prevented from entering or accumulating on or around electrical enclosures or equipment?

Are covered metal waste cans used for oily or paint-soaked waste?

Are all oil and gas-fired devices equipped with flame failure controls to prevent flow of fuel if pilots or main burners are not working?

Are paint spray booths, dip tanks, etc., cleaned regularly?

Are the minimum number of toilets and washing facilities provided and maintained in a clean and sanitary fashion?

Is all work areas adequately illuminated?  


Are pits and floor openings covered or otherwise guarded?

Have all confined spaces been evaluated for compliance with 29 CFR 1910.146? (Permit- required confined spaces.)

WALKWAYS

Are aisles and passageways kept clear and marked as appropriate?

Are wet surfaces covered with non-slip materials?

Are holes in the floor, sidewalk, or other walking surface repaired properly, covered, or otherwise made safe?

Is there safe clearance for walking in aisles where motorized or mechanical handling equipment is operating?

Are materials or equipment stored in such a way that sharp projections will not interfere with the walkway?

Are spilled materials cleaned up immediately? 


Are changes of direction or elevations readily identifiable?

Are aisles or walkways that pass near moving or operating machinery, welding operations, or similar operations arranged so employees will not be subjected to potential hazards?

Is adequate headroom provided for the entire length of any aisle or walkway?

Are standard guardrails provided wherever aisle or walkway surfaces are elevated more than 30 inches (76.20 centimeters) above any adjacent floor or the ground?

Are bridges provided over conveyors and similar hazards?

FLOOR AND WALL OPENINGS

Are floor openings guarded by a cover, a guardrail, or equivalent on all sides (except at stairways or ladder entrances)?

Are toeboards installed around the edges of permanent floor openings where persons may pass below the opening?

Are skylight screens able to withstand a load of at least 200 pounds (90.7 kilograms)?

Is the glass in windows, doors, glass walls, etc., subject to possible human impact, of sufficient thickness and type for the condition of use?

Are grates or similar type covers over floor openings such as floor drains designed to allow unimpeded foot traffic or rolling equipment?

Are unused portions of service pits and pits not in use either covered or protected by guardrails or equivalent?

Are manhole covers, trench covers and similar covers, and their supports designed to carry a truck rear axle load of at least 20,000 pounds (9,072 kilograms) when located in roadways and subject to vehicle traffic?

Are floor or wall openings in fire resistant construction provided with doors or covers compatible with the fire rating of the structure and provided with a self closing feature when appropriate?

STAIRS AND STAIRWAYS

Do standard stair rails or handrails on all stairways have at least four risers?

Are all stairways at least 22 inches (55.88 centimeters) wide?

Do stairs have landing platforms not less than 30 inches (76.20 centimeters) in the direction of travel and extend 22 inches (55.88 centimeters) in width at every 12 feet (3.6576 meters) or less of vertical rise?

Do stairs angle no more than 50 and no less than 30 degrees?

Are stairs of hollow pan type treads and landings filled to the top edge of the pan with solid material?

Are step risers on stairs uniform from top to bottom?

Are steps slip resistant?

Are stairway handrails located between 30 inches (76.20 centimeters) and 34 inches (86.36 centimeters) above the leading edge of stair treads?

Do stairway handrails have at least 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) of clearance between the handrails and the wall or surface they are mounted on?

Where doors or gates open directly on a stairway, is a platform provided so the swing of the door does not reduce the width of the platform to less than 21 inches (53.34 centimeters)?

Are stairway handrails capable of withstanding a load of 200 pounds (90.7 kilograms), applied within 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) of the top edge in any downward or outward direction?

Where stairs or stairways exit directly into any area where vehicles may be operated, are adequate barriers and warnings provided to prevent employees from stepping into the path of traffic?

Do stairway landings have a dimension measured in the direction of travel at least equal to the width of the stairway?

Is the vertical distance between stairway landings limited to 12 feet (3.6576 meters) or less?

ELEVATED SURFACES

Are signs posted, when appropriate, showing the elevated surface load capacity?

Are surfaces that are elevated more than 30 inches (76.20 centimeters) provided with standard guardrails?


Are all elevated surfaces beneath which people or machinery could be exposed to falling objects provided with standard 4-inch (10.16- centimeter) toeboards?

Is a permanent means of access and egress provided to elevated storage and work surfaces?

Is required headroom provided where necessary?

Is material on elevated surfaces piled, stacked, or racked in a manner to prevent it from tipping, falling, collapsing, rolling, or spreading?

Are dock boards or bridge plates used when transferring materials between docks and trucks or railcars?

EXITING OR EGRESS - EVACUATION

Are all exits marked with an exit sign and illuminated by a reliable light source?

Are the directions to exits, when not immediately apparent, marked with visible signs?

Are doors, passageways or stairways that are neither exits nor access to exits, but could be mistaken for exits, appropriately marked “NOT AN EXIT,” “TO BASEMENT,” “STOREROOM,” etc.?

Are exit signs labeled with the word “EXIT” in lettering at least 5 inches (12.70 centimeters) high and the stroke of the lettering at least l/2- inch (1.2700 centimeters) wide?

Are exit doors side-hinged?

Are all exits kept free of obstructions?

Are at least two means of egress provided from elevated platforms, pits, or rooms where the absence of a second exit would increase the risk of injury from hot, poisonous, corrosive, suffocating, flammable, or explosive sub- stances?

Are there sufficient exits to permit prompt escape in case of emergency?

Are special precautions taken to protect employees during construction and repair operations?

Is the number of exits from each floor of a building and the number of exits from the building itself appropriate for the building occupancy load?

Are exit stairways that are required to be separated from other parts of a building enclosed by at least 2-hour fire-resistive construction in buildings more than four stories in height, and not less than 1-hour fire-resistive construction elsewhere?

Where ramps are used as part of required exiting from a building is the ramp slope limited to 1 foot (0.3048 meter) vertical and 12 feet (3.6576 meters) horizontal?

Where exiting will be through frameless glass doors, glass exit doors, storm doors, etc., are the doors fully tempered and meet the safety requirements for human impact?

EXIT DOORS

Are doors that are required to serve as exits designed and constructed so that the path of exit travel is obvious and direct?

Are windows that could be mistaken for exit doors made inaccessible by means of barriers or railings?

Are exit doors able to be opened from the direction of exit travel without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort when the building is occupied?

Is a revolving, sliding, or overhead door prohibited from serving as a required exit door?

Where panic hardware is installed on a required exit door, will it allow the door to open by applying a force of 15 pounds (6.80 kilograms) or less in the direction of the exit traffic?

Are doors on cold storage rooms provided with an inside release mechanism that will release the latch and open the door even if the door is padlocked or otherwise locked on the outside?

Where exit doors open directly onto any street, alley, or other area where vehicles may be operated, are adequate barriers and warnings provided to prevent employees from stepping into the path of traffic?

Are doors that swing in both directions and are located between rooms where there is frequent traffic provided with viewing panels in each door?

PORTABLE LADDERS

Are all ladders maintained in good condition, joints between steps and side rails tight, all hardware and fittings securely attached, and moveable parts operating freely without binding or undue play?

Are non-slip safety feet provided on each metal or rung ladder, and are ladder rungs and steps free of grease and oil?

Are employees prohibited from placing a ladder in front of doors opening toward the ladder unless the door is blocked open, locked, or guarded?

Are employees prohibited from placing ladders on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height?

Are employees required to face the ladder when ascending or descending?

Are employees prohibited from using ladders that are broken, have missing steps, rungs, or cleats, broken side rails, or other faulty equipment?

Are employees instructed not to use the top step of ordinary stepladders as a step?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

When portable rung ladders are used to gain access to elevated platforms, roofs, etc., does the ladder always extend at least 3 feet (0.9144 meters) above the elevated surface?

Are employees required to secure the base of a portable rung or cleat type ladder to prevent slipping, or otherwise lash or hold it in place?

Are portable metal ladders legibly marked with signs reading “CAUTION - Do Not 
Use around Electrical Equipment” or equivalent wording?

Are employees prohibited from using ladders as guys, braces, skids, gin poles, or for other than their intended purposes?

Are employees instructed to only adjust extension ladders while standing at a base (not while standing on the ladder or from a position above the ladder)?

Are metal ladders inspected for damage?

Are the rungs of ladders uniformly spaced at 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) center to center?

HAND TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Are all tools and equipment (both company and employee-owned) used at the workplace in good condition?

Are hand tools, such as chisels, punches, etc., which develop mushroomed heads during use, reconditioned or replaced as necessary?

Are broken or fractured handles on hammers, axes and similar equipment replaced promptly?

Are worn or bent wrenches replaced? 


Are appropriate handles used on files and similar tools?

Are employees aware of hazards caused by faulty or improperly used hand tools?

Are appropriate safety glasses, face shields, etc., used while using hand tools or equipment that might produce flying materials or be subject to breakage?

Are jacks checked periodically to ensure they are in good operating condition?

Are tool handles wedged tightly into the heads of all tools?

Are tool cutting edges kept sharp so the tool will move smoothly without binding or skipping?

Are tools stored in a dry, secure location where they cannot be tampered with?

Is eye and face protection used when driving hardened or tempered studs or nails?

PORTABLE (POWER OPERATED) TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Are grinders, saws and similar equipment provided with appropriate safety guards?

Are power tools used with proper shields, guards, or attachments, as recommended by the manufacturer?

Are portable circular saws equipped with guards above and below the base shoe?

Are circular saw guards checked to ensure that they are not wedged up, leaving the lower portion of the blade unguarded?

Are rotating or moving parts of equipment guarded to prevent physical contact?

Are all cord connected, electrically operated tools and equipment effectively grounded or of the approved double insulated type?

Are effective guards in place over belts, pulleys, chains and sprockets on equipment such as concrete mixers, air compressors, etc.?

Are portable fans provided with full guards or screens having openings 1/2 inch (1.2700 centimeters) or less?

Is hoisting equipment available and used for lifting heavy objects, and are hoist ratings and characteristics appropriate for the task?

Are ground-fault circuit interrupters provided on all temporary electrical 15 and 20 ampere circuits used during periods of construction?

Are pneumatic and hydraulic hoses on power operated tools checked regularly for deterioration or damage?

ABRASIVE WHEEL EQUIPMENT GRINDERS

Is the work rest used and kept adjusted to within 1/8 inch (0.3175 centimeter) of the wheel?

Is the adjustable tongue on the top side of the grinder used and kept adjusted to within 1/4 inch (0.6350 centimeters) of the wheel? 


Do side guards cover the spindle, nut and flange and 75 percent of the wheel diameter?

Are bench and pedestal grinders permanently mounted?

Are goggles or face shields always worn when grinding?

Are the maximum revolutions per minute (rpm) rating of each abrasive wheel compatible with the rpm rating of the grinder motor?

Are fixed or permanently mounted grinders connected to their electrical supply system with metallic conduit or other permanent wiring method?

Does each grinder have an individual on and off control switch?

Is each electrically operated grinder effectively grounded?

Are new abrasive wheels visually inspected and ring tested before they are mounted?

Are dust collectors and powered exhausts provided on grinders used in operations that produce large amounts of dust?

Are splash guards mounted on grinders that use coolant to prevent the coolant from reaching employees?

Is cleanliness maintained around grinders? POWDER-ACTUATED TOOLS

Are employees who operate powder-actuated tools trained in their use and required to carry a valid operator’s card?

Is each powder-actuated tool stored in its own locked container when not being used?

Is a sign at least 7 inches (17.78 centimeters) by 10 inches (25.40 centimeters) with bold face type reading “POWDER ACTUATED TOOL IN USE” conspicuously posted when the tool is being used?

Are powder actuated tools left unloaded until they are ready to be used?

Are powder actuated tools inspected for obstructions or defects each day before use?

Do powder actuated tool operators have and use appropriate PPE such as hard hats, safety goggles, safety shoes and ear protectors?

MACHINE GUARDING

Is there a training program to instruct employees on safe methods of machine operation?

Is there adequate supervision to ensure that employees are following safe machine operating procedures?

Is there a regular program of safety inspection of machinery and equipment?

Is all machinery and equipment kept clean and properly maintained?

Is sufficient clearance provided around and between machines to allow for safe operations, set up and servicing, material handling and waste removal?

Is equipment and machinery securely placed and anchored to prevent tipping or other movement that could result in personal injury?

Is there a power shutoff switch within reach of the operator’s position at each machine?

Can electric power to each machine be locked out for maintenance, repair, or security?

Are the noncurrent carrying metal parts of electrically operated machines bonded and grounded?

Are foot operated switches guarded or arranged to prevent accidental actuation by personnel or falling objects?

Are manually operated valves and switches controlling the operation of equipment and machines clearly identified and readily accessible?

Are all emergency stop buttons colored red?

Are all pulleys and belts within 7 feet (2.1336 meters) of the floor or working level properly guarded?

Are all moving chains and gears properly guarded?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Are splash guards mounted on machines that use coolant to prevent the coolant from reaching employees?

Are methods provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards created at the point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks?

Are machine guards secure and arranged so they do not cause a hazard while in use?

If special hand tools are used for placing and removing material, do they protect the operator’s hands?

Are revolving drums, barrels and containers guarded by an enclosure that is interlocked with the drive mechanism so that revolution cannot occur unless the guard enclosure is in place?

Do arbors and mandrels have firm and secure bearings, and are they free from play?

Are provisions made to prevent machines from automatically starting when power is restored after a power failure or shutdown?

Are machines constructed so as to be free from excessive vibration when the largest size tool is mounted and run at full speed?

If machinery is cleaned with compressed air, is air pressure controlled and PPE or other safeguards utilized to protect operators and other workers from eye and body injury?

Are fan blades protected with a guard having openings no larger than l/2 inch (1.2700 centimeters) when operating within 7 feet (2.1336 meters) of the floor?

Are saws used for ripping equipped with anti kickback devices and spreaders?

Are radial arm saws so arranged that the cutting head will gently return to the back of the table when released?

LOCKOUT/TAGOUT PROCEDURES

Is all machinery or equipment capable of movement required to be de-energized or disengaged and blocked or locked out during cleaning, servicing, adjusting, or setting up operations?

If the power disconnect for equipment does not also disconnect the electrical control circuit, are the appropriate electrical enclosures identified and is a means provided to ensure that the control circuit can also be disconnected and locked out?

Is the locking out of control circuits instead of locking out main power disconnects prohibited?

Are all equipment control valve handles provided with a means for locking out?

Does the lockout procedure require that stored energy (mechanical, hydraulic, air, etc.) be re- leased or blocked before equipment is locked out for repairs?

Are appropriate employees provided with individually keyed personal safety locks?

Are employees required to keep personal control of their key(s) while they have safety locks in use?

Is it required that only the employee exposed to the hazard can place or remove the safety lock?

Is it required that employees check the safety of the lockout by attempting a startup after making sure no one is exposed?

Are employees instructed to always push the control circuit stop button prior to reenergizing the main power switch?

Is there a means provided to identify any or all employees who are working on locked-out equipment by their locks or accompanying tags?

Are a sufficient number of accident prevention signs or tags and safety padlocks provided for any reasonably foreseeable repair emergency?

When machine operations, configuration, or size require an operator to leave the control station and part of the machine could move if accidentally activated, is the part required to be separately locked out or blocked?

If equipment or lines cannot be shut down, locked out and tagged, is a safe job procedure established and rigidly followed?

WELDING, CUTTING AND BRAZING

Are only authorized and trained personnel permitted to use welding, cutting, or brazing equipment?

Does each operator have a copy of and follow the appropriate operating instructions?

Is compressed gas cylinders regularly examined for obvious signs of defects, deep rusting, or leakage?

Is care used in handling and storage of cylinders, safety valves, relief valves, etc., to prevent damage?

Are precautions taken to prevent the mixture of air or oxygen with flammable gases, except at a burner or in a standard torch?

Are only approved apparatuses (torches, regulators, pressure reducing valves, acetylene generators, and manifolds) used?

Are cylinders kept away from sources of heat and elevators, stairs, or gangways?

Is it prohibited to use cylinders as rollers or supports?

Are empty cylinders appropriately marked and their valves closed?

Are signs posted reading “DANGER, NO SMOKING, MATCHES, OR OPEN LIGHTS,” or the equivalent?

Are cylinders, cylinder valves, couplings, regulators, hoses and apparatuses kept free of oily or greasy substances?

Is care taken not to drop or strike cylinders?

Are regulators removed and valve-protection caps put in place before moving cylinders, unless they are secured on special trucks?

Do cylinders without fixed wheels have keys, handles, or non-adjustable wrenches on stem valves when in service?

Are liquefied gases stored and shipped valve J end up with valve covers in place?

Are employees trained never to crack a fuel J gas cylinder valve near sources of ignition?

Before a regulator is removed, is the valve closed and gas released?

Is red used to identify the acetylene (and other fuel-gas) hose, green for the oxygen hose and black for inert gas and air hoses?

Are pressure-reducing regulators used only for the gas and pressures for which they are in- tended?

Is open circuit (no-load) voltage of arc welding and cutting machines as low as possible and not in excess of the recommended limits?

Under wet conditions, are automatic controls for reducing no-load voltage used?

Is grounding of the machine frame and safety ground connections of portable machines checked periodically?

Are electrodes removed from the holders when not in use?

Is it required that electric power to the welder be shut off when no one is in attendance?

Is suitable fire extinguishing equipment available for immediate use?

Is the welder forbidden to coil or loop welding electrode cable around his body?

Are wet machines thoroughly dried and tested before use?

Are work and electrode lead cables frequently inspected for wear and damage, and replaced when needed?

Are cable connectors adequately insulated?

When the object to be welded cannot be moved and fire hazards cannot be removed, are shields used to confine heat, sparks and slag?

Are fire watchers assigned when welding or cutting is performed in locations where a serious fire might develop?

Are combustible floors kept wet, covered with damp sand, or protected by fire-resistant shields?

Are personnel protected from possible electrical shock when floors are wet?

Are precautions taken to protect combustibles on the other side of metal walls when welding is underway?

Are used drums, barrels, tanks and other containers thoroughly cleaned of substances that could explode, ignite, or produce toxic vapors?

Do eye protection, helmets, hand shields and goggles meet appropriate standards?

Are employees exposed to the hazards created by welding, cutting, or brazing operations protected with PPE and clothing?

Is a check made for adequate ventilation in and where welding or cutting is performed?

When working in confined places, are environ- mental monitoring tests done and means pro- vided for quick removal of welders in case of an emergency?

COMPRESSORS AND COMPRESSED AIR

Are compressors equipped with pressure relief valves and pressure gauges?

Are compressor air intakes installed and equipped so as to ensure that only clean, uncontaminated air enters the compressor?

Are air filters installed on the compressor intake?

Are compressors operated and lubricated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations?

Are safety devices on compressed air systems checked frequently?

Before a compressor’s pressure system is repaired, is the pressure bled off and the system locked out?

Are signs posted to warn of the automatic starting feature of the compressors?

Is the belt drive system totally enclosed to provide protection for the front, back, top and sides?

Are employees strictly prohibited from directing compressed air towards a person?

Are employees prohibited from using highly compressed air for cleaning purposes?

When compressed air is used to clean clothing, are employees trained to reduce the pressure to less than 10 pounds per square inch (psi)?

Are safety chains or other suitable locking devices used at couplings of high-pressure hose lines where a connection failure would create a hazard?

Before compressed air is used to empty containers of liquid, is the safe working pressure of the container checked?

When compressed air is used with abrasive blast cleaning equipment, is the operating valve a type that must be held open manually?

When compressed air is used to inflate auto tires, are a clip-on chuck and an inline regulator preset to 40 psi required?


Are employees prohibited from using compressed air to clean up or move combustible dust if such action could cause the dust to be suspended in the air and cause a fire or explosion hazard?

COMPRESSORS/AIR RECEIVERS

Is every receiver equipped with a pressure gauge and one or more automatic, spring loaded safety valves?

Is the total relieving capacity of the safety valve able to prevent pressure in the receiver from exceeding the maximum allowable working pressure of the receiver by more than 10 percent?

Is every air receiver provided with a drain pipe and valve at the lowest point for the removal of accumulated oil and water?

Are compressed air receivers periodically drained of moisture and oil?

Are all safety valves tested at regular intervals to determine whether they are in good operating condition?

Is there a current operating permit?

Is the inlet of air receivers and piping systems kept free of accumulated oil and carbonaceous materials?


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