General Office Safety Checklist

Title Page

General Office Safety

Are aisles, doorways, and corners free of obstructions to permit clear visibility and movement?
Is lighting in work areas and walkways adequate?
Are chairs in safe condition, able to properly adjust, move on casters; legs sturdy, provide good lumbar and arm support?
Are all equipment and supplies in their proper places?
Paper cutters and similar tools or devices, equipped with guarding and other required safety attachments?
Is housekeeping adequately maintained, trash removal, proper sanitary cleaning of restrooms and kitchenette, handwashing supplies properly refilled?
Are SHEM posters prominently displayed?

Trip/Fall Hazards

Is the floor surface level and undamaged?
The floor is not wet or slippery?
A warning sign is available in case of spills?
Cleanup supplies are readily available?
Non-slip mats are in entryways if needed?
Are carpets secured to floor and free of worn or frayed seams?
Are equipment or supplies stored so they don’t protrude into walkways?
Are cords or cables causing a trip hazard?
Are permanent use cords covered by runners when crossing walkways?
Is a step stool or ladder available to prevent the use of chairs for reaching high objects? Have employees been trained on the use of ladders?
Are all file cabinet drawers kept retracted when not in use?
Are carts, dollies, etc. available for use in transporting heavy objects or boxes and properly stored when not in use?

Are 10 mA GFCI outlets within 6 feet of a water source and on every outlet in the office kitchenette?
Is access to electrical panels unobstructed (at least 36”)?
Are outlets overloaded?
Are extension cords never used as permanent wiring?
A maximum of one power strip used per electrical outlet?
Electrical cords and plugs are in good condition? (i.e., not frayed, taped, spliced, or missing ground prongs)
Electrical receptacles are in good working condition?
All electrical equipment in good working condition?
Are electrical closets free of storage?
Are personal appliances such as space heaters or coffee makers compliant with the buildings electrical circuit system?
Are transformers on non-combustible surfaces?
Are space heaters equipped with an overheat sensor?

Are doors and locks in good working order? Including maintenance closet?
Are ceiling tiles intact, undamaged, and in place?
Are there no signs of water damage or mold growth in the facility?
During repairs/construction in an occupied space, are properly barricading, with signage used to prevent employee hazard exposure?
Do ventilation supply diffusers and returns appear to be functional? Is the airflow adequate and in the proper direction (outward for the Consular area)?

When using grounds non-electric grounds equipment, are spill kits available for use, to prevent soil and ground water contamination?
During repairs/construction on grounds, are areas properly barricaded, with signage used to prevent unauthorized exposure?
Are there signs of water damage or mold growth in the facility?
Are all windows unbroken and free from any type of damage?
Is appropriate PPE available for workers, per required task?
Are outside lights in good working order?
Are doors and locks in good working order?

Is there adequate walking and egress clearance?
a) 44” for corridors and stairways
b) 28” for aisles
c) 32” for doors
Are corridors and egress ways free from obstructions and all exits unlocked?
Are emergency passageways, (means of egress) NOT routed through high hazard area?
Stairways are in good repair with handrails and non-slip tread?
Stairways used for passage and are not used as storage areas?
Stairway steps are uniform in size, both run and rise?
Is the Emergency Evacuation Route & Action Plan posted?
Are exit doors closed and not propped open?