Work Health and Safety
New and Refurbised
Area Inspection List
Inspection team members:_________________________________________________________
Room no.:___________________________________________ Inspection date:______________
Workplace inspections are planned, systematic appraisal of the workplace which:
 Identify health and safety hazards;
 Assess and control risks;
 Ensure a safe and healthy working environment, and
 Assist in complying with work health and safety legislation.
The University values the contribution of every staff member in making the University a safer and
healthier place to work.
The completion of workplace checks provides staff with an additional opportunity to identify hazards
within their immediate workplace, hazards that the University may not otherwise be aware of.
Workplace inspections can and do provide the basis for meaningful and productive consultation
between staff, their elected Health and Safety Representatives and the University.
The University recognises that a staff member undertaking an inspection is only able to identify
hazards within the limitations of their health and safety knowledge and experience.
For further advice about ergonomic assessments or any other health and safety matter please
contact your WHS Advisor or the WHS Unit at health.safety@utas.edu.au
Instructions:
Boxes to be marked with a tick (√) as items are sighted or with a cross (x) if not present. Otherwise
N/A indicates the item is not applicable to this area. Any questions marked with a cross require a
comment or detail to be noted and for the relevant person to enter the appropriate action required,
the responsible person for the action and estimated completion date.
General House Keeping
Area is tidy and items stored so there is
no risk of causing injury
Temperature and airflow in area is
adequate
Lighting levels are adequate for work
tasks
Floors and passageways are clear of
obstructions such as electrical leads and
other trip hazards
Storage areas, cupboards and shelves
are at accessible heights or means of
safe access provided
Photocopiers and printers are located
away from personal workstations
Floors are slip-resistant, especially when
wet
Work Health and Safety
New and Refurbised
Area Inspection List
Ergonomics
Provisions have been made for all
activities involving constrained
/awkward postures or repetitive/forceful
actions to ensure prevention of overuse
injuries
All workstations are set up correctly and
equipped adequately
Emergency Response
All access and egress areas are clear of
obstructions
Emergency exit signage is adequate,
clearly visible and functioning correctly
Emergency lighting levels are sufficient
Exit doors can be opened from the inside
at all times
Fire fighting equipment visible and clear
of obstruction
Where necessary, all fire doors close
fully
Emergency evacuation procedure is
correct and clearly displayed
Fire wardens and other emergency
contact numbers clearly identified in all
areas
First aid kits visible and readily
accessible
First aid facilities are adequate for the
type of work being undertaken
First aid personnel and contact numbers
identified
Electrical Safety
All electrical appliances have current test
tag, or a ‘New to service’ tag.
Switches/circuits/circuit breakers clearly
identified
Residual current devices (RCDs) supplied
and in use for all field or portable
electrical equipment
Any powerboards have appropriate
overload protection
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Signs displaying the required PPE for the
workplace are displayed and in a
prominent place
All appropriate PPE is provided
Is this section relevant?
[Yes]
[No] (if no, go to next section)
Work Health and Safety
New and Refurbised
Area Inspection List
All PPE is stored effectively
Hazardous Substances/Chemical Safety
Is this section relevant [Yes]
[ No ] (if no, go to next section)
Fridges and freezers are provided for
sample storage only
All laboratory fridges are appropriately
labelled with ‘Not for food or drinks’
signage and modified to be spark proof
if needed
Chemical segregation is in place with
appropriate storage lockers used as
needed for flammables and S8 poisons
Area has adequate ventilation for
chemicals
Flammable liquid cabinets are at least
3m from any potential ignition source
Appropriate secondary containment is in
place where needed
All fume cupboards are in test and
operational
There are adequate facilities for
controlling the release of
fumes/vapours/gases/dusts/mists
Eyewash stations and emergency
showers are accessible, working and
adequately identified
Safety data sheets (SDSs) and any other
safety information is available for all
chemicals
A register of all hazardous chemicals for
the area is available and kept up to date
All chemical waste containers are clearly
marked to avoid contamination of
solvents with acids or other oxidising
agents
All waste containers are available for
sharps/glassware/biohazards/toxic
substances/radioactive waste,
carcinogens
Compressed/Liquefied Gas
Is this section relevant?
[Yes]
[No] (if no, go to next section)
All gas cylinders are properly restrained
with chain or similar to wall or brackets
All cylinders are at least 3m from
potential ignition sources
All reticulated gas lines are labelled
Cylinder Storage Area
Is this section relevant?
[Yes]
[No] (if no, go to next section)
Work Health and Safety
New and Refurbised
Area Inspection List
Storage area is well ventilated
Storage area is protected from heat
sources and fire risks
All cylinders are stored vertically and are
properly secured
Cylinders are segregate according to
Dangerous Goods class
Cryogenic Liquids
Is this section relevant?
[Yes]
Is this section relevant?
[Yes]
[No] (if no, go to next section)
Cryogenic liquids are stored in areas
with adequate ventilation (not in cold
rooms or confined spaces)
Machinery/Plant Safety
Safe work method/operation
instructions and warning signs clearly
visible
Machines adequately
guarded/protected to prevent contact,
entanglement or damage.
There is easy access to emergency stop
buttons
PPE requirements are clearly displayed
Workshop floor has clearly outlined safe
walkways
Request induction and training for all
plant and equipment that have been
installed in infrastructure of building.
Ensure copies of manuals or operating
procedures are available. Ensure OU is
aware of any equipment they need to
enter on own maintenance schedule.
Other Comments:
[No] (if no, go to next section)