Fire-Emergency Procedures

• Is there a clear fire-response plan posted for each work area, and do all workers know the plan?

• Are drills held regularly?

• Are fire extinguishers chosen for the type of fire most likely in that area?

• Are there enough extinguishers present to do the job, are they properly mounted and easily accessible, and their locations conspicuously marked?

• Are all extinguishers fully charged and operable?

• Are special purpose extinguishers clearly marked?

Means of Exit

• Are there enough exits to allow prompt escape?

• Do employees have easy access to exits?

• Are exits unlocked to allow egress?

• Are exits clearly marked, and exit routes equipped with emergency lighting?

Warehouse and Shipping

• Are dock platforms, bumpers, stairs and steps in good condition?

• Are light fixtures in good condition?

• Are all work areas clean and free of debris?

• Are stored materials properly stacked and spaced?

• Are tools kept in their proper place?

• Are there metal containers for oily rags and for rubbish?

• Are floors free of oil spillage or leakage?

• Is absorbent available for immediate cleanup of spills and leaks?

• Are all flammable and combustible products stored appropriately? For example, are Class I flammable products (as per NFPA or your local fire code) stored in Class I approved buildings or outside the warehouse?

Loading/Unloading Racks

• Are steps, railings and retractable ramps on raised platforms in good repair?

• Is piping and inline equipment in good condition and free of leaks?

• Are loading arms operating satisfactorily?

• Do submerged filling two-stage valves operate properly?

• Are bonding and grounding cables free of breaks or damage?

• Are connections tight and sound?

• Is the general condition of wiring and junction boxes in good condition?

Lighting

• Is the level of light adequate for safe and comfortable performance of work?

• Does lighting produce glare on work surfaces, monitors, screens and keyboards?

• Is emergency lighting adequate and regularly tested?

Machine Guards

• Are all dangerous machine parts adequately guarded?

• Do machine guards meet standards?

• Are lockout procedures followed when performing maintenance with guards removed? 

Electrical

• Are all machines properly grounded?

• Are portable hand tools grounded or double insulated?

• Are junction boxes closed?

• Are extension cords out of the aisles where they can be abused by heavy traffic?

• Is permanent wiring used instead of extension cords?

Tools and Machinery

• Are manufacturers’ manuals kept for all tools and machinery?

• Do power tools conform to standards?

• Are tools properly designed for use by employees?

• Are defective tools tagged and removed from service as part of a regular maintenance program?

• Are tools and machinery used so as to avoid electrical hazards?

• Is proper training given in the safe use of tools and machinery?

Confined Spaces

• Are the confined-space procedures and training available and followed by all involved?

• Are entry and exit procedures adequate?

• Are emergency and rescue procedures in place (e.g. trained safety watchers)?

Housekeeping

• Are work areas clean and orderly?

• Are floors free from protruding nails, splinters, holes and loose boards?

• Are aisles and passages kept clear of obstructions?

• Are permanent aisles and passages clearly marked?

• Are covers or guardrails in place around open pits, tanks and ditches?

Floor and Wall Openings

• Are ladder-s and door openings guarded by a railing?

• Do temporary floor openings have standard railings or someone constantly on guard?

Stairs, Ladders and Platforms

• Are stairs and handrails in good condition?

• Are ladders free of defects?

• Are ladders set up properly before use?

• Are elevated platforms properly secured and do they have handrails?

Elevating Devices

• Are elevating devices used only within capacity?

• Are capacities posted on equipment?

• Are they regularly inspected, tested and maintained?

• Are controls of the “dead-man” type?

• Are operators trained?

Sound Level/Noise

• Are regular noise surveys conducted?

• Is hearing protection available and properly used?

Temporary Work Structures

• Are temporary work structures used only when it is not reasonably practicable to use permanent ones?

• Are excavations properly shored, free of large objects (rocks, etc.) at the edges?

Employee Facilities

• Are facilities kept clean and sanitary?

• Are facilities in good repair?

• Are cafeteria facilities provided a from toxic chemicals?

• Are hand-washing facilities available?

Medical and First Aid

• Do all employees know how to get first-aid assistance when needed?

• Do the first-aiders know when and to which hospital or clinic an injured person should be taken?

• Are there employees trained as first-aid practitioners on each shift worked?

• Are first-aid kits provided, and first-aid supplies replenished as they are used?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Is required PPE provided, maintained and used?

• Does equipment meet requirements and is it reliable?

• Is personal protection used only when it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate or control the hazardous substance or process?

• Are the areas requiring PPE usage properly identified by warning signs?

Material Handling and Storage

• Is there safe clearance for all equipment through aisles and doors?

• Is stored material stable and secure?

• Are storage areas free from tipping hazards?

• Are only trained operators allowed to operate forklifts?

• Is charging of electric batteries performed only in designated areas?

• Are dock boards (bridge plates) used when loading or unloading from dock to truck or dock to rail car?

• Are necessary warning devices and signs in use for rail sidings?

• Are specifications posted for maximum loads, which are approved for shelving, floors and roofs?

• Are racks and platforms loaded only within the limits of their capacity?

• Are chain hoists, ropes and slings adequate for the loads and marked accordingly?

• Are slings inspected daily before use?

• Are all new, repaired or reconditioned alloy-steel chain slings proof-tested before use?

• Are pallets and skids the correct type and inspected?

• Do personnel use proper lifting techniques?

• Is the size and condition of containers hazardous to workers?

Technologies: Safety

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