OHS Reps

Workplace Inspection Checklist for Hospitals

Hospitals

• STAIRWAYS

• Free of obstacles

• Step surfaces slippery

• Carpet intact

• Stairs and grab rails in good condition

• Fire doors are closed

• AISLES AND FLOORS

• Free of obstruction

• Carpet intact

• In good repair

• Slippery

• Smoke doors free from obstacles

• Appropriate footwear worn by staff

• LIGHTING

• Adequate illumination

• Good natural lighting

• No direct or reflected glare

• Light fittings clean and in good repair

• No single fluorescent tubes

• Exit signs laminated

• Night lights fitted

• WINDOWS

• Lockable

• Controlled opening height

• In good condition

• Fly screens are in good condition

• STORAGE

• Adequate

• Materials/equipment stacked

• Obstructing access

• Safety steps provided for high storage

• Designed to minimise manual handling (I) light plant/substance/goods stored at higher level than heavy plant/substance goods (ii) in frequently used plant/substances/goods stored at ground level or over shoulder height 

• Shelves are free of dust and rubbish

• EQUIPMENT

• General

• Adequate work space to use

• Fitted with brakes

• Adjustable

• In good repair

• Regular ongoing maintenance attended (check dates)

• Beds

• Height adjustable

• Fitted with brakes

• Cotsides fitted

• Accommodates all lifting machines

• OFFICE AREAS

• The office chairs are adjustable

• There is sufficient leg room for the worker

• There is foot support for the worker if required

• The chair controls are within easy reach

• Arms are provided where necessary

• There is adequate space to work in

• If the chair has castors is it on carpet?

• Shelving for manuals and folders

• SCREEN BASED EQUIPMENT

• Sufficient contrast

• Glare (screen)

• Glare (external)

• Variation from keyboard duties

• Work station is adjustable to meet individual needs: - monitor, desk, keyboard,document holder provided, sufficient room to work in

• WASTE DISPOSAL

• Correct bins provided for: (i) General – paper, etc. (ii) Sharps (iii) Food (iv) Other: infected / cytotoxic / glass (indicate which)  

• Appropriate colour coded bags being used

• Bins are vermin proof

•  OXYGEN CYLINDERS 

• Trolley provided and used
  

• Cylinder stabilisation - straps / chains - provided - used 

• Empty cylinders stored separately and labelled

• Stores advised a replacement is required

• Replacement is prompt

• Warning signs displayed

• There is sufficient oxygen in the cylinder

• Frequency checked when not used. Specify

• HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

• A material safety data sheet fore each chemical used 

• Containment materials available for spills

• Personal protective equipment: - available - used correctly – suitable 

• Disposal procedure satisfactory

• Flammable agents in a flameproof cupboard

• Storage of minimal quantities in the workplace

• Ventilation with extraction available at source

• Sufficient room to use product

• PHYSICAL HAZARDS

• Are cleaning signs used appropriately?

• Are all exits clear?

• Are all verandahs clear?

• ELECTRICAL

• Power cords frayed / damaged

• Power cords in the way

• Double adaptors used

• Unchecked equipment being used

• Equipment not in use properly stored

• Is equipment checked regularly

• STAFF AMENITIES

• Washrooms clean

• Toilet clean

• Well stocked with toilet / hand paper

• FIRE AND EVACUATION

• Have all staff attended Emergency Procedure lectures/training?

• Do staff know fire procedure?

• What is the procedure if you find or suspect a fire? (i) activate break glass alarm (ii) the hose reel: when last checked? (check dates) 

• Do staff know evacuation procedure?

• Identify lateral evacuation points if fire was located 

• Do the staff know: (I) the different fire extinguishers and hose reels? (ii) how to use them? 

• The evacuation kit is available and complete

• Do the staff know where the floor plan is for their area?

• ENVIRONMENT

• Is the area: (I) too hot? (ii) too cold? 

• Taps are drip free when turned off

• Wet areas: - non-slip surface - water contained within the area 

• Drug storage areas are locked: drug cupboards, drug fridge, drug trolley,  drug keys are being carried by a Registered Nurse 

• Medical Emergency Staff know: - where equipment is stored, drugs, resus equipment, suction 

• LIFTING MACHINE/EQUIPMENT

• Brakes fitted

• Wheels in good order

• Free of oil leaks

• Slings in good condition

• Correct slings available

• BED BATH

• Brakes working

• Hydraulics working

• Vinyl in good state

• Trolley corners have fittings

• SUCTION MACHINE

• Wheels working

• Clean bottle

• Clean bottle

• Suction working

• Pressure <50mHg

• Dilly bag: - Gloves Suction Catheters