MEC Offices

Is a reasonable working temperature maintained in this area?

Is there adequate ventilation?

Can windows be accessed and opened safely where appropriate?

Is suitable lighting provided in the area?

Are toilets and washing facilities suitable, sufficient and regularly cleaned?

Are floors, passages and stairs in good condition and free from obstructions or trip hazards?

Is there a reasonable level of cleanliness in kitchen areas?

Is the workplace free of accumulated waste materials?

Is an adequate supply of drinking water provided?

Are workstations suitable for the person or people using it?

Are workstations suitable for the type of work undertaken?

Has online DSE assessment been completed by all VDU users?

Is there sufficient circulation space within the office to allow staff to access their workstation safely?

Where required, have adjustable window coverings been supplied and maintained?

Is the area free of trailing cables, which could cause trips and falls?

Has all portable electrical equipment been PAT tested and labelled with the date of the test?

Is electrical equipment free from faults including damage to cables, plugs and sockets?

Are extension leads only used for low power equipment?

Is the area free of overloaded power sockets?

Is there a kettle present?

Is kettle clean and in good working order?

Is there a microwave present?

Is microwave clean and in good working order?

Is there a refrigerator present?

Is refrigerator clean and in good working order?

Has manual handling been eliminated or minimised i.e. by using mechanical lifting aids/trolleys etc?

Are items stored sensibly with easy access? (frequently used heavy items stored on waist level shelves and infrequently used heavy items stored at low level)

Are any available ladders or kick steps in good condition?

Are all fire exit and escape routes, fire alarm points and items of fire fighting equipment clearly visible, unobstructed and appropriately indicated?

Are all fire doors kept closed when not in use and never wedged open? (except when on catches activated by the fire alarm system)

Are Fire Action notices prominently displayed on evacuation routes?

Is the area free of excessive flammable materials?

Is the area free from exposed ignition sources?

Are sufficient up to date First Aid notices displayed prominently through the workplace?

Is there a first aid box readily available?

Are trained First Aiders available as determined by departmental risk assessment or HSE guidelines? http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.307423!/file/HSEFirstAidGuidance2013.pdf

Are items of mechanical cutting equipment adequately guarded? (paper guillotines, shredders etc.)

Are items of office equipment placed with enough room to allow safe use? (filing cabinets, photocopiers etc)

Is sufficient hazard information available on products in the area to allow these to be used safely and without risks to health?