Work Health and Safety
Administration Area
Inspection Checklist
(Note – this checklist is also appropriate for computer laboratories and learning spaces)
Inspection team members:__________________________________________________________
Area or 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 laboratory. Any questions marked with a cross
require a comment or detail to be added.
General House Keeping
The general area is tidy and free
of obstruction such as slip/trip
hazards (uneven floors, power
leads etc)
Doors are fully functional
Floor coverings adequate/clean
Windows clean and operational
Stock /material stored safely
Photocopiers not located close
to workstations
Noise level adequate – does not
interfere with communication
Exit doors marked and clearly
visible
Exit doors can be opened from
Date: August 2014
WHS Checklist – Administration Areas
University of Tasmania
Work Health and Safety
Administration Area
Inspection Checklist
inside
The layout of the work areas are
suitable for the tasks
Temperature in room/area is
appropriate and airflow is
adequate
Electrical
Sufficient power points for
equipment
Light switches/power points/
plugs/leads appear in good order
Power boards with overload
protection are used if insufficient
powerpoints
All electrical equipment tested at
appropriate intervals with
current tags
Heaters/fans safety located and
in working order with current
tags
Light fittings including diffusers,
reflectors, tubes/bulbs are clean
and in good order
No unauthorised personal
electrical items in use
Lighting
Adequate in general areas
No flickering/inoperable lights
Task lighting available as needed
Windows clean
Emergency lighting system
installed and operational
Workstations
Is this section relevant?
[Yes]
[No]
(if no, go to next section)
Wheel base office chairs have 5
point wheel base
Office chairs are fully adjustable
(if appropriate)
Chairs are in good order and
appropriate for task
There is adequate space around
the rear and side of chairs to
allow for unrestricted movement
Footrests available if required
Work surfaces are set up to the
correct height:
680 – 720mm for seated work
900 – 950mm for standing work
Ergonomic workstation
assessments offered as required
Date: August 2014
WHS Checklist – Administration Areas
University of Tasmania
Work Health and Safety
Administration Area
Inspection Checklist
Computer equipment
The computer screen is at arm’s
length to the user
The computer screen is at the
correct height for the user
The computer screen is directly
in front of the user
The computer screen is
positioned to minimise glare
The position of the keyboard is
correct for the user
The mouse is at the same height
as the keyboard
Emergency procedures
Evacuation procedures clearly
displayed
Emergency exits clearly
marked/functional
Emergency exits unobstructed
Emergency personnel identified
and contact numbers displayed
and current
A first aid kit is available in the
near vicinity or signage to
indicate where nearest kit is
List of trained first aid officers
and contacts displayed and
current
Fire equipment is accessible and
free of obstruction
Fire extinguishers have been
inspected and tagged within last
12 months
Storage areas
Is this section relevant?
[Yes]
[No]
(if no, go to next section)
Is this section relevant?
[Yes]
[No]
(if no, go to next section)
Area is neat and tidy
Heavier items stored between
knee and shoulder height
Safe means of accessing high
shelves eg approved steps
Floors around storage area clear
and free of rubbish
Sufficient space to move
materials
Stored materials are secured to
prevent shifting/falling
No sharps edges
File cabinets allow only one
drawer open at a time
Manual handling
Date: August 2014
WHS Checklist – Administration Areas
University of Tasmania
Work Health and Safety
Administration Area
Inspection Checklist
Mechanical aids or equipment
supplied and adequate eg
trolleys
Manual handling risk
assessments performed and
available
Manual handling controls
implemented ie storage of heavy
items is between knee and
should height
Manual handling training
provided
Kitchen areas
Is this section relevant?
[Yes]
[No]
(if no, go to next section)
[Yes]
[No]
(if no, go to next section)
Sinks and preparation areas are
clean
Area is free of vermin or
evidence of their presence
Stoves and appliances are clean
and operational
Fridges are clean, hygienic and
de-frosted
Microwaves are positioned at
suitable height, clean and
operational
All utensils, equipment and other
items stored adequately
All cleaning products stored
separately from foodstuffs
Dishwasher or adequate manual
washing facilities available
Rubbish is disposed of
appropriately (re-cycling
provided where applicable)
Hazardous chemicals
Is this section relevant?
Any hazardous chemicals are
stored appropriately
All containers are labelled
correctly
Safety Data Sheets are available
for hazardous chemicals
Stairs, steps and landings
Is this section relevant?
[Yes]
[No]
(if no go to next section)
No worn or broken stairs
Handrails in good repair
Clear of stored material, debris
and spills
Non-slip treatments in good
condition
Adequate lighting
Emergency lighting
Date: August 2014
WHS Checklist – Administration Areas
University of Tasmania
Work Health and Safety
Administration Area
Inspection Checklist
Other comments
Date: August 2014
WHS Checklist – Administration Areas
University of Tasmania