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10 Pieces Of Advice For Undertaking Thorough Workplace Health And Safety Inspections

Written by Author on November 6th, 2009

The intention of an inspection is to carry out a systematic visual check of the working environment and working practices in a given work area. The purpose of this action is to allow us to highlight any such deviations that result in unsafe working conditions or working practices and therefore take corrective action in order to maintain a high level of safety. Forklift Training

By looking at the risk assessments for the area to be examined and the counteractive measures in place you should be able to create a very effective checklist with which to carry our your visual inspection. It is critical that when any deviations on safety policy are found, that the root cause of this problem is determined by asking the workers responsible, it may be that the agreed method just doesn’t allow them to their job, so remember that their firsthand input is very important. This course of action could very well allow a solution to be reached that allows the workers to complete their task unhindered and still remain safe. Forklift Training

Ten Tips For Workplace Inspections.

1. The discovery of any high risk exposure should be reported to the supervisor for instant corrective action. Items with a lower risk exposure can await the final report for action. In the case of discovering a high risk exposure I would always propose that a signature is obtained form the supervisor in charge to confirm that the risk has been shown to him/her.

2. The safety inspector ought not to operate any plant or machinery, even if he has knowledge of how to do so, instead request a demonstration from the machines operator which will allow first hand experience of the working practices being used. The inspector should also take the opportunity to ask the operator about any hazards the equipment poses which will allow an insight into the level of training the employee has received.

3. If the inspector does not have sufficient understanding about a particular item of machinery or plant to make an accurate analysis of the risk it poses then he/she should research the matter by asking site engineers, operators and any specialists regarding that machine, do not overlook anything because you do not understand how it works, this could be a recipe for disaster.

4. Remember that our world is three dimensional and hazards can be anywhere, remember to look in all directions and check everywhere! A good inspector is inquisitive and methodical, leave no stone unturned!

5. record all conditions and working practices where risk exists remembering to note its location in your notes. Be sure that your inspection sheet clearly states which are you have inspected and the areas boundaries so that no areas are missed in later inspections.

6. Be aware that one of your best tools for revealing risk is asking questions, it is important to listen to the answers given with an open mind and take nothing for granted.

7. Remember that the risks posed by machinery change depending on whether the machine is in operation, it is important to assess every machine in both of these states, therefore if a machine is not operational at the time of your inspection you will need to request that it is powered up for you to observe and assess.

8. Remember that solely relying on visual observations may not be sufficient in some circumstances, examples of such an environment would be where there is high levels of noise and vibration, or risk of exposure to chemicals, biological agents or radiation. In such an environment then the correct apparatus must be employed to ensure the exposure falls within safe levels.

9. A good inspection depends on the use of several inspection methods, talking to supervisors and workers is a good way to discover risks that you may otherwise have overlooked together with any recommendations they may have about how best to minimize the risk whilst not impeding working practices.

10. Photographs are a great way to add illustration to your inspection and provide a visual reference of high risk areas, remember that some machinery may start up automatically, or via a light beam being broken, do not endanger yourself to get photographs

The above guidelines should provide a competent health and safety inspector with the means to create a thorough inspection report, allowing significant risk reduction to be achieved.

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