ANU Workplace Inspection Program
Inspection Reference Sheet – Workshops
WA.
General safety
WA.1
The workshop is a designated Hazardous Location and signed accordingly
WA.2
Risk assessments are available for all:

Plant, machinery, equipment

Tasks within the workplace
WA.3
Safe operating instructions (Safe Work Method Statements) are available and
current for plant, machinery, equipment and tasks
WA.4
Training or competency for equipment is covered at induction and thereafter at
regular intervals as determined by management as appropriate
WA.5
A list of trained or competent operators is available for high risk equipment as
defined in the University’s Workshop and Trade Safety notes.
WA.6
Warning signs for hazards are prominently posted (eg eye protection)
WA.7
Working alone and/or out-of-hours procedure(s) and authorisation is
documented
WA.8
Health Surveillance has been discussed with staff and students
WA.9
Key safety documents (eg protocols, assessments, contact lists etc) have
version number; date and author details (document control).
WB.
Housekeeping
WB.1
Benches are occupied only by chemicals/equipment ‘in use’
WB.2
Storage of heavy items above shoulder height is avoided
WB.3
Aisles/exits are clear
WB.4
Spill kits, supplies and decontamination material are available for the hazards
present
WC.
Floors
WC.1
Floors are clean and free from slipping and tripping hazards, e.g. spilt liquid,
swarf, material offcuts, damaged floor surfaces
WC.2
Floors that are not insulated are provided with footboards, mats or similar
protection for operators at benches and other workstations
WC.3
Storage of items on floors is kept to a minimum
WD.
Machinery/equipment
WD.1
Machines are appropriate for use in the workplace in which they are installed,
e.g. flame proof wiring, floor loading considerations, noise, vibration, etc
WD.2
Machines are constructed and installed in accordance with relevant Australian
Standards
WD.3
Machines are guarded to protect operators and others from harmful contact,
entanglement, flying objects, etc. and to prevent damage to property
ANU WHS Workplace Inspection –
Workshops
Work Environment Group
HR Division
Version 5: 1/2014
Page 1 of 7
WD.4
Plant, machinery and equipment are provided with:



Emergency stops
Isolation and lockout devices
Appropriate guards
WD.5
Starting, stopping and warning devices are within easy reach of the operator
WD.6
There is sufficient clearance around machines for operators and general
movement within the proximity of the machines:


For operators, not less than 1000 mm,
Non-operating space adjacent to machines, not less than 800 mm
WD.7
Equipment task lighting is of extra low voltage (typically 12 to 32 V)
WD.8
Operation manuals/guidelines are available which include safety directions
WD.9
A maintenance logbook is available and used
WD.10
Materials handling devices, including trolleys, pallet trucks, lift trucks etc. are
provided (when necessary), inspected (at least annually) and maintained in
good condition. Appropriate records are kept.
WD.11
Lifting equipment (hoists, cranes) and associated tackle are regularly inspected
and maintained. Appropriate records are kept.
WD.12
Lifting tackle (slings, spreader bars etc) are regularly inspected and
maintained. Appropriate records are kept. Items are within retest dates.
WD.13
Ovens and furnaces are fitted with flues or extraction hoods to remove fumes
and heat
WD.14
Portable ladders, including stepladders, extension ladders and trestle ladders,
are in good condition and correctly stored
WD.15
Vacuum and pressure equipment are provided with appropriate control
devices, relief valves, guards, barriers, etc
WD.16
Vacuum and pressure equipment are regularly inspected and tested and the
results documented, as per Australian Standard requirements
WE
Non powered hand tools
WE.1
Correct hand tools are provided for the tasks that are performed in the
workplace
WE.2
Hand tools are in good condition, and free from defects
WE.3
Hand tools are stored appropriately when not in use (especially those with
sharp edges)
WF.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
WF.1
Appropriate PPE is readily available
WF.2
PPE is well maintained and hygienic
WF.3
Gloves are worn if appropriate for the particular task or tool
WF.4
Hearing protection is worn according to task, tool and workplace conditions
WF.5
Eye protection is provided and is used, especially for impact tasks, e.g. using a
hammer on a cold chisel
WF.6
Operators of machinery wear clothing that provides full coverage of the body,
including arms and legs, as necessary
WF.7
Long hair is restrained to avoid entanglement in rotating equipment
ANU WHS Workplace Inspection –
Workshops
Work Environment Group
HR Division
Version 5: 1/2014
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WF.8
WG.
Appropriate PPE is also available for visitors
Welding
WG.1
Hot Work Permits are issued if required in accordance with the ANU Hot Work
Permit Procedure
WG.2
Hoses and welding leads are in good condition
WG.3
Routine welding work is carried out in a well-maintained welding booth
WG.4
Screens are provided for any welding outside a welding booth
WG.5
Ventilation is sufficient to remove welding fumes
WG.6
Personal protective equipment required from welding includes:

Face shields with filter lens for electric welding are clean, in good
condition and stored correctly when not in use

Leather gloves or fire resistant gauntlets, eg Kevlar, are worn for hand
and arm protection

Overalls, aprons, welding jackets are used for body protection

Safety shoes/boots, spats are worn for foot protection

Hard hats are worn if working in a construction zone or if others are
working overhead
WG.7
Combustible or flammable materials are kept a safe distance from heating
appliances and all forms of hot work, e.g. gas cutting, grinding, welding, open
flame
WG.8
A fire blanket is available
WH.
Electrical equipment
WH.1
There are sufficient power outlets (GPOs) for the equipment, machinery and
power tools
WH.2
All switches, plugs and GPOs are in good condition
WH.3
Fittings are protected against external damage
WH.4
Double adaptors and piggy-back plugs are not in use
WH.5
Extension leads are only used for temporary, short-term power connections
WH.6
Power boards with overload protection are used if sufficient GPOs are not
available
WH.7
Electrical equipment, machinery and power tools, including cords and leads, are
in good condition
WH.8
Portable power tools are regularly inspected, tested and in good condition
WH.9
Electrical equipment, machinery and power tools are earthed or double insulated.
Look for the double insulation symbol on the specification plate
WH.10
Residual current devices are provided and used when operating portable power
tools and equipment
WH.11
Where earth leakage protection (RCD) is supplied, it is tested regularly
WH.12
Electrical equipment is tested at appropriate intervals, tagged and documented
ANU WHS Workplace Inspection –
Workshops
Work Environment Group
HR Division
Version 5: 1/2014
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WH.13
Any modified/designed (in-house) electrical equipment has been risk assessed
and certified as per the University Electrical Safety Management Procedure, e.g.
has an ANU certification number
WH.14
Equipment is kept clean and dry
WH.15
‘Out of Service’ tags for faulty electrical equipment are available and used
WH.16
Suspended pendant power outlets (GPOs) - inspect chain/wire (where possible)
ensuring adequate fixing above. Check electrical cable is strain free and tied to
the chain, and that the outlet’s housing is hooked on to the chain.
WH.17
Heat guns (if present) must be inspected for damage. The heat gun must have
an appropriate resting location to enable it to cool safely. (also see Hazard Alert
2012 for more details)
WH.18
Uninterruptable Power Supply (if present) has been inspected, tested and
maintained according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Some UPS may be
monitored. Any UPS in storage must have the battery pack disconnected.
(Hazard Alert 2012)
WH.19
Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS) is appropriately rated, installed and does
not pose an unacceptable risk of electrocution.
WI.
Chemicals (general)
Chemical management
WI.1
A register of chemicals is available
WI.2
SDS are available for chemicals
WI.3
Documented risk assessments are available for chemical use
WI.4
Carriers are provided for large containers (>2 L)
Labelling of chemicals
WI.5
Chemicals in use or storage are labelled clearly and unambiguously
WI.6
All reused containers have the original label removed or completely covered
WI.7
Decanted chemicals are labelled
Chemical storage
WI.8
Chemicals not in use are placed in correct storage location
Note. The ANU Chemical Safety Course and related notes provide information
on storage and segregation of chemicals and dangerous goods
WI.9
Chemical stocks are kept to a minimum
WI.10
Incompatible classes of chemicals are segregated
WI.11
Chemical containers are of the correct type and in good condition
WI.12
No food containers are in use for the storage of chemicals
Storage on open shelving
WI.13
All containers are < 5 kg or L in size
WI.14
On shelves > 1.5 m high all glass containers are < 1 kg or 1 L
WI.15
The shelving is chemically resistant to the chemicals stored
Storage in fire-proof cabinets
WI.16
All containers in cabinets are <25 L in size
ANU WHS Workplace Inspection –
Workshops
Work Environment Group
HR Division
Version 5: 1/2014
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WI.17
The self-closing mechanisms of the doors are operating correctly
WI.18
Incompatible chemicals stored in the same cupboard have separate spill
containment
Storage in ventilated cupboards
WI.19
All containers in cupboards are < 2 kg or L in size
WI.20
Incompatible chemicals stored in the same cupboard have separate spill
containment
WI.21
Ventilation is sufficient to prevent build-up of offensive odours
WJ
Compressed and fuel gases
WJ.1
All the cylinders inside workshops are connected for use
WJ.2
Gas cylinders are each securely chained with individual chains secured around
the body of the cylinder and the chain ends attached to separate securing
points
WJ.3
Gas cylinders are at least 3 m away from ignition sources, where possible
WJ.4
Cylinders, pipes & valves are protected from mechanical damage
WJ.5
Strength of hoses & clamps attached to gas cylinder regulators are sufficient
for maximum regulator delivery pressure
WJ.6
Obsolete gas regulators are not in use (Hazard Alert 2000)
WJ.7
The gas cylinder and major joints are regularly inspected, tested for leaks and
any deficiencies documented and corrected
WJ.8
Flashback arresters are used in fuel gas supply lines
WJ.9
Non-return (check) valves are fitted to all processes that exceed cylinder
pressure
WJ.10
There is a cylinder trolley (with restraining strap) available for moving cylinders
WJ.11
Compressed air used for breathing systems is of breathable quality
WJ.12
Unusual gas systems have been inspected and approved by WHS Branch
WJ.14
Source of ignition are eliminated from gas cylinder storage areas
WJ.15
External storage areas are clean – leaf litter and other combustible material
removed
WJ.16
Empty gas cylinders are labelled as empty
WK
Waste management
WK.1
All waste is disposed of in an appropriate and environmentally responsible
manner
WK.2
Wastes are segregated according to hazard, treatment requirements and to
optimise recycling opportunities
WK.3
Hazardous waste is clearly labelled with waste description and symbols if
required and date produced. The waste label includes the waste generator
contact details (name, department/school/unit and contact number) and if the
waste has had any on-site treatment or testing
WK.4
Wastes are stored in ‘fit for purpose’ containers that are able to withstand
storage conditions and transport
ANU WHS Workplace Inspection –
Workshops
Work Environment Group
HR Division
Version 5: 1/2014
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WK.5
Hazardous wastes are contained within bunded areas that do not drain to
storm water or sewer
WK.6
Wastes are stored at appropriate temperatures
WK.7
There are sufficient and appropriate waste disposal containers
WK.8
Wastes are disposed of regularly and volumes are kept to a minimum
WK.9
Materials subject to spontaneous combustion such as oily rags & paint rags are
placed in approved oily waste cans that are emptied daily
WL
WL.1
Environmental issues
Chemical containers are cleaned prior to recycling or disposal:

Triple rinsed and labels and lids removed before placing in the
recycling bins

Containers with oily or persistent residues are washed with detergent
and labels removed before placing in the recycling bin or industrial
hopper
WL.2
There is no evidence of incorrect disposal down sinks or into drains, i.e.
discoloration, staining, odorous sinks, etc
WL.3
There are no odours, dust or smoke in the area
WL.4
Swarf and other metal off cuts, oils and solvents are collected for recycling.
The collected materials are stored in suitable and clearly labelled containers.
Wastes and materials for recycling are regularly collected
WM.
First Aid
WM.1
A first aid kit is available, including a bio spill kit and contamination disposal
WM.2
Lists of trained first aid people and contact numbers are displayed
WM.3
Lists of first aid people are current
WM.4
Notices indicating location of each kit are on display
WM.5
Location of the nearest Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is clearly
indicated
WM.6
Cabinets and contents are clean, orderly and properly stocked
WM.7
First aid resources are appropriate for the hazards and risks that have been
identified in the area by a risk assessment
WN.
Manual Handling
WN.1
Unusual manual handling work tasks have been evaluated safe work methods
are available. Consider issues like optimising the work station layout, avoiding
excessive repetition or work demands, ease of access and movement, taking
regular rest breaks etc.
WN.2
Material and equipment that needs to be moved can be done so using available
equipment and/or suitable techniques
WN.3
Mechanical aids such as trolleys, jacks, hoists, adjustable trolleys etc are
available and in good working order
WN.4
Staff have been trained in safe manual handling techniques
ANU WHS Workplace Inspection –
Workshops
Work Environment Group
HR Division
Version 5: 1/2014
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WN.5
Staff have been trained in the use of mechanical aids
ANU WHS Workplace Inspection –
Workshops
Work Environment Group
HR Division
Version 5: 1/2014
Page 7 of 7