CHECKLIST 2 - GENERAL (detailed)
Floors:
Clean?
Clear of obstacles?
Damaged surface?
Free from spills?
Loose covering?
Rough or uneven.
Wet or slippery floors, especially in histology laboratories.
Aisles:
Adequately lit?
Clean and clear of obstacles?
Congestion in work place or of traffic flow.
Free from protrusions?
Wide enough?
Equipment:
Adequate for the job?
Adequate guarding?
Adequate work space?
Clean?
Noise level satisfactory?
Well maintained?
Work surfaces:
Clean?
Clear of electrical leads?
Damaged surface?
Free from spills?
Tidy and uncluttered?
Lighting:
Are the light fittings optimally placed in relation to work?
Do any tasks require special or additional lighting?
Have employees complained about any aspect of the lighting in the past?
Is there good light reflection from walls and ceilings?
Laboratory adequately lit?
Light fittings well maintained?
No direct or reflected glare?
Windows:
Any draughts?
Clean? Any broken?
Easy to open?
Ledges free of obstacles?
Well fitting?
Electrical:
Adequate supply of sockets?
Are extension cords used?
No broken plugs, sockets or switches?
No frayed or worn wires?
No unprotected leads over benches or access ways?
Hygiene:
Adequate supply of lockers?
Adequate toilet facilities?
Adequate washing facilities?
Facilities for drying and storing outdoor clothing.
Poor housekeeping.
Provision of protective clothing?
Room for eating, drinking and meal preparation?
Staff rest room?
Supply of safety equipment?
Chemical, toxic corrosive and dust hazard:
Adequate ventilation for dust, fumes and vapours?
Antidotes readily available for poisons?
Emergency eye wash station?
Emergency shower?
Provision of appropriate safety handling equipment?
Provision of fume cupboards for toxic substances?
Provision of monitoring equipment for gases, radiation, etc.?
Safe storage, labelling and handling protocols?
Safety control:
Appropriate protective clothing supplied?
First aid equipment readily available?
Gas, electric and other utilities clearly marked and suitably sited?
Safety equipment safely stored and readily available?
Storage:
Adequate space?
Clear traffic areas?
Decomposed or contaminated containers.
Enough shelves?
Free of rubbish?
Inflammable or explosive characteristics displayed.
Poisonous characteristics displayed.
Suitable storage for disposal of various wastes?
Unsafe high level storage that could collapse.
Unsafe storage or exposure to heat, moisture, vibration, flame, sparks, chemicals or electrical current.
Use of unsafe storage containers
Ventilation:
Faulty ventilation particularly in storage areas.
Fire safety:
Access to fire equipment clear and unobstructed?
Adequate provision of fire extinguishers, regularly checked?
Adequate training for staff in fire fighting and use of equipment?
Clear instructions displayed in the event of a fire?
Correct operation of fire doors?
Emergency telephone number displayed?
Fire doors and exists clearly marked?
Flammable and explosive material suitably and safely stored?
Regular evacuation to familiarise staff with evacuation procedures?
Sprinkler systems or other alarms regularly checked for operation?
Look at Staff For
Failure to follow safety protocols.
Failure to use supplied safety equipment.
Horseplay in the laboratory.
Lack of adequate footwear.
Lack of adequate protective clothing.

CHECKLIST 3 - EQUIPMENT
Hot, sharp­edged, jagged, splintery, etc.
Worn, frayed, cracked, broken, insecure, corroded or eroded.
Unserviceable equipment.
Signs of malfunction ­ excessive heat, noise, vibration, fumes, sparking, etc.
Leakages of gases, fumes or liquids.
Erratic unpredictable performance.
Lack of adequate earthing.
Low voltage leaks.
Susceptibility to breakage or collapse to tipping over or falling to rolling, sliding or slipping.
Missing or faulty safety device.
Missing or faulty automatic control device.
Missing or faulty warning or signalling device.
Lack of adequate support or bracing.
Inadequate protection devices.
Protruding or hazardous attachments.