Carrying out Inspections

The following template checklists have been produced to help Colleges / Departments when undertaking a formal, recorded workplace inspection with each document summarising the key points relevant to the subject area.  The documents are in word format so Colleges / Departments can easily customise them to make them specific to their actual work activities and working environment.

Although recorded inspections are important, they are not undertaken every day, so it cannot be emphasised enough the importance of Colleges / Departments encouraging staff and students to monitor their own work activities and work environment with concerns reported immediately so action can be taken.  Developing such an environment, will mean there are lots more people 'on the ground' keeping an eye out to help maintain good health and safety standards for everyone.

When undertaking inspections, it is a good idea for a couple of people to walk round together.  It is also important that staff and students in the areas visited are talked to as this may help identify issues that are not readily apparent. 

Assigning and following up any actions identified during the inspection is also essential to ensure any issues are dealt with.

• General Office Environment Safety Inspection Checklist
• General Building and Working Environment Safety Inspection Checklist
• General Biological Agents Safety Inspection Checklist
• General Chemical Safety Inspection Checklist

Please also refer to "Safety Critical Devices & Systems" if you have items of engineering equipment, pressure systems, hazardous areas and the like. It is important to assess whether any of the areas or equipment you have has an integrated safety device, and if so to ensure that these operate correctly, and a record is kept of such tests and inspections.