UQ OHS Workplace Assessment Inspection Checklist

Is the OHS Policy for the University prominently displayed on a local notice board?

Is there a dedicated Safety Coordinator?

Is the work group represented on an OHS Committee?

Are there written safe operating procedures or risk assessments?

Is the area aware of specific safety guidelines & procedures?

Are key safety rules displayed in work areas?

Are checks made on qualifications & training of operators?

Are accidents and incidents reported and recorded on the UQ online Injury, Illness and Incident Reporting System?

Is there an effective system for reporting & correcting hazards?

Have all workers completed the UQ online "General Workplace Safety Training" module?

Are all workers required to complete Annual Fire Safety Training?

Are all new workers required to participate in a local site induction, and complete the UQ "New Worker OHS Induction Checklist"?

Is training provided specific to the individual workplace?

Do the general ventilation provisions appear sufficient?

Are local exhaust systems installed to remove harmful gases, vapours, fumes & dusts?

Are local exhaust systems regularly checked?

Is exposure to noise prevented?

If workers are exposed to noise, are they on the Hearing Testing Program?

Are workers protected from vibration risk?

Is lighting sufficient? (general purpose and task specific)

Is layout of the work area suitable for tasks?

Are appropriate manual handling controls in place?

Are excessively repetitive tasks avoided?

Is appropriate manual handling equipment provided?

Are separate & clean meal-rooms provided?

Is drinking water readily available?

Are washing facilities adequate?

Are toilets sufficient?

If required, are lockers or hangers provided for work clothes?

Are staff amenities kept clean?

Has the need for PPE has been assessed?

if PPE is required, has it been provided?

Is training provided on the use of PPE?

Is PPE maintained and stored correctly?

Are sufficient storage, racks and bins provided?

Is there a system for the safe disposal of general waste?

Is there a system for the safe disposal of chemical waste?

Is training provided on waste disposal procedures?

Are fume cupboards kept uncluttered?

Is the flooring structurally sound?

Is the floor surface even?

Is the floor clear of waste, oil & water?

Is the area free of tripping hazards?

Are aisles of sufficient width?

Are aisles marked? E.g. workshops, walkways?

Is there a permit & induction procedure for external contractors?

Is specific OHS advice provided to cleaners & maintenance personnel entering biological or chemical laboratories?

Are special procedures in place for hot work?

Are special procedures in place for confined spaces?

Are special procedures in place for working at heights?

Are there procedures for out-of-hours or working alone?

Is machine guarding adequate?

Are there adequate guard rails on ramps & walkways?

Do ladders and steps appear adequate?

Is installed pressure equipment regularly maintained?

Are pressure relief valves, gauges and other safety systems regularly tested?

Is electrical work carried out in accordance with the Electrical Safety Management Plan (ESMP)?

Do multi-outlet boards have overload cut outs?

Do multi-outlet boards have individual switches?

Are trailing leads eliminated?

Has electrical equipment been safety tested in accordance with legislative and UQ requirements?

Are hazardous chemicals used or stored in this area?

Is there a register of hazardous chemicals?

Are Safety Data Sheets (SDS) available for all chemicals? E.g. via Chemwatch

Are containers and their labels complete & in good condition?

Have decanted substances been labelled in accordance with legislative and UQ requirements?

Is the use of hazardous chemicals subject to risk assessment?

Is general storage for chemicals sufficient, including security?

Is there segregation of incompatible classes of chemicals?

Is there a procedure for dealing with chemical spills?

Are flammable liquids used or stored in this area?

Are quantities of flammable liquids kept to within storage limit?<br><br>Limits at UQ:<br>Office space. 5L / floor (level)<br>Laboratories. 10L / 50 square metres floor area<br>Workshops. 100L<br><br>Larger quantities will need to be stored in Flammable liquids cabinets with a maximum limit of 250L in any 10m radius.

Are flammable liquid cabinets provided and used correctly?

Is flammable liquid use & storage well away from heat & ignition sources?

Are compressed gases or fuel gases used in this area?

Is the number of cylinders inside rooms kept to a storage limit?<br>Minor storage maximum limits as water capacity per 200 square meters of floor area:<br>2.1 Flammable gas 500L<br>2.2 non-flammable, non-toxic gas. 2000L<br>2.2 with 5.1 subsidiary (oxidising gas) 1000L<br>2.3 Toxic gas. 50L

Are incompatible gases segregated?

Are cylinders securely restrained?

Are gas systems periodically pressure & leak tested?

Does this area involve work or storage with Biological Hazards and/or PC2 or higher labs?

If your laboratory requires physical containment e.g. PC2, are permits and certifications current?

Has the need for vaccinations been assessed?

If vaccinations are required, are they provided prior to the commencement of activities?

Are staff aware of access issues for non-laboratory staff?

Is there a current IBC or OGTR number for Genetic manipulation work?

Are Biological Safety Cabinets tested annually?

Have staff been trained in transport requirements for infectious, diagnostic, or genetically modified materials?

Is there an autoclave register of maintenance and faults?

Are DAgB (formerly DAFF or AQIS) permits current?

Are emergency procedures available?

Are emergency contact phone numbers displayed?

Is a safety shower and appropriate eyewash unit provided?

Are people provided with regular training in the use of safety equipment?

Is all safety equipment periodically tested?

Is a first aid kit available and regularly checked?

Are there trained first aid officers?

Are evacuation procedures displayed?

Are emergency floor plans displayed?

Are emergency wardens appointed?

Is fire and emergency training provided?

Are regular emergency practices conducted?

Are emergency exits kept clear?

Is there emergency lighting?

Are fire extinguishers provided?

Is the a fire detection system?

Is the fire alarm audible in all rooms?

Is the push-button alarm accessible?

Is there clear access for the Fire Service?