Workshop Hazard Checklist
Slips, Trips and Falls Hazards
Are there any obstructions on the floor that could cause a slip trip or fall from:
Stored materials, work pieces, storage bins, pallets, etc?
Electrical equipment, such fan heaters, pressure cleaners, etc?
Trailing leads supplying power tools, portable pumps, vacuum cleaners, etc?
Loose mats and/or decking around machinery?
Access routes blocked by general debris, waste bins, swarf, etc?
Open access panels in the floor?
Unguarded stairwells?
Unguarded edges on ramps and loading bays?
Uneven floors?
Cleaners’ equipment such as vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, etc?
Falling Object Hazards
Are there any objects that could fall on people such as:
Goods, stores or tools on shelves and racking?
Unstable freestanding stacks of goods or materials?
Objects carried by overhead gantry or hoists?
Loose electrical or mechanical equipment: lighting, pipework, ventilation equipment, etc?
Loose ceiling tiles?
Ladders or access equipment?
Electrical Hazards
Is there any risk of persons receiving an electrical shock from:
Loose or broken: sockets, switches, light fittings, conduits and trunking, etc?
Worn, frayed or split cables or conduits?
Missing lids on trunking and control panels?
Trailing leads?
Overloaded extension leads or multi-socket adaptors?
Exposed cables into plugs, computer equipment, kettles, fan heaters, microwaves, food and drinks dispensers, etc?
Exposed live parts of electrical switchgear: controls, motors, pumps, etc?
Is any item of portable electrical equipment overdue for a portable appliance test (PAT)?
Is any item of electrical equipment poorly or dangerously positioned?
Substance-related Hazards
Are there any substances used that could cause harm from contact or inhalation, such as:
Metalworking fluids used that could cause adverse health effects?
Cleaning or degreasing chemicals?
Solvents in inks, dyes, adhesives, paints, etc?
Dusts from powdered goods or supplies?
Dusts or fumes from machining?
Smoke or exhaust fumes from vehicles or combustion processes?
Welding, brazing or soldering fumes?
Asbestos in fire retardant panelling, ceiling tiles or pipe lagging?
Do the procedures for cleaning up organic and chemical substance spills need improving?
Does the disposal of waste products from spills need improving?
Are there any new substances being used since the last review?
Has any staff member complained of any persistent or increasing allergic reactions: running nose or eyes, coughing, sneezing, itching skin, etc?
Machinery Hazards
Is machinery installed and used in a safe manner to minimise danger to others, such as:
Are there any moving or rotating parts of machinery that require guarding?
Does existing machinery guarding need repair or replacement?
Can work or tooling be ejected from moving machinery?
Do you have to raise your voice above the working noise?
Do workers require protection against the effects of vibrating tools or machinery?
Can exposed hot surfaces burn skin if contact is made?
Do airlines and/or compressed gas lines need repair or replacing?
Can machinery move without warning?
Has any new machinery been introduced since the last review?
Fire Hazards
Are flammable materials stored or used in a manner that could cause a fire, such as:
Any flammable substances on or near sources of heat or direct sunlight?
Any flammable substances that are not correctly stored in flameproof cupboards (solvents, adhesives, etc)?
Any potential for a flammable substance to be spilled onto sources of heat or electrical equipment?
Flammable waste materials in left waste bins overnight?
Covered convector heaters?
Process heaters left on overnight?
Chemicals that can react or spontaneously combust?
Oily paper towels or rags disposed of carelessly?
Ventilation Hazards
Are there any hazards associated with ventilation, such as:
Insufficient ventilation, natural and forced?
Fumes getting into the area caused by work processes?
Contamination of air conditioning filters by dust or bacteria?
Does local exhaust ventilation (LEV) require testing? (required not less than every 14 months)
Manual Handling and Workstation Hazards
Do working positions pose a hazard that could cause muscular strains, such as:
Poor lifting positions?
Heavy workpieces or large heavy tools?
Bad posture over desks or benches?
Repetitive twisting or turning?
Does any workshop equipment show signs of damage or imminent collapse (desks, chairs, benches, shelving, steps, etc)?
Hygiene Hazards
Do sanitary provisions require improving to reduce the risk of infection or contamination, such as:
Hot water temperature requires raising to remove legionella risk (60°C)
Toilet and hand basin cleaning requires improving?
Improved hand washing and drying facilities?
The use of rubber gloves for personal protection?
Does the provision of barrier creams and hand cleaners need to be improved
Accidents and First Aid
Does accident treatment require improving?
Is there a requirement for a (or additional) trained first aider?
Do those trained as first aiders require refresher training? (required every 3 years)
Do accident records need reviewing?
Is there anything in the first aid boxes that is past its use by date?
Are extra first aid boxes required?
Are there any specific requirements for accident treatment?
Any identified hazard should be evaluated using a risk assessment, create one online in minutes