Manufacturing Workplace Inspection Checklist

What is a manufacturing workplace inspection checklist?
A manufacturing workplace inspection checklist is an outline of specific forms of workplace hazards and how best to address them before they happen. It includes routine checks for machinery, raw materials, storage, etc. The items in the checklist are categorized according to the types of risk, risk level. The appropriate safety measures you should carry out are also listed.

Why do you need a workplace inspection checklist?
Manufacturing workplace inspection checklists are important because they prevent injury, incidents and illnesses. Inspection will help to identify possible risks and hazards for corrective action. A manufacturing inspection checklist will help you meet regulatory safety and management system requirements. This keeps your manufacturing company in business. Worker protection is also a major concern in the manufacturing business. This checklist ensures risk is minimized for your workers, keeping them safe and satisfied while they do their jobs.
An inspection checklist helps to identify existing and current risks or hazards that occur in the workplace. Corrective action is initiated once these hazards have been identified. This helps overall business protection by reducing liabilities. While taking corrective action, an inspection checklist will help you monitor the steps taken to mitigate the hazards.

What To Include In A Manufacturing Workplace Inspection Checklist.
Workplace inspection objectives need to be defined before creating an inspection checklist for your workplace. The best checklist for your workplace is one that has been developed for the specific needs of your manufacturing business. However, there are hazards that are frequently checked for in manufacturing. These include:
● Safety Hazards: Safety hazards are those caused by human error. These could happen during the running of machines, hazardous energy, tools, spills, leaks and so on. These errors have nothing to did with the machines themselves but are caused by negligence or inaccurate technical know-how by the workers.
● Chemical Hazards: These hazards are caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals.
● Ergonomic hazards: These are caused by unconducive workstations and improper work methods which could place strain on the worker.
● Physical Hazards: Usually caused by noise, heat, cold, pollution, pressure and air quality.

An inspection checklist should include the following items:
Machinery, Equipment and Tools.
● Check for any malfunctioning or damaged equipment.
● Inspect tools and machinery for any defect and repair or replace when necessary.
● Ensure routine maintenance of machinery and equipment biannually or quarterly.
Fire Prevention.
● Fire safety equipment or tools should be strategically placed in several places in the workplace.
● Fire safety equipment should be routinely maintained and checked for faults, even when they haven’t been in use.
● Ensure fire extinguishers are properly placed and are of the right type for likely fire incidents I.e CO2 fire extinguishers for grease fires.
● Ensure workplace fire exits are easily accessible and marked with emergency lighting.
Emergency Exits.
● Ensure all emergency exits are easily accessible.
● Clear any blocked or obstructed fire exits.
● Test emergency exit alarms to make sure they work well.
Storage, Warehouse and Shipping.
● Workplace storage areas should be properly cleaned, organized and free of clutter.
● Inspect for fire hazards.
● Ensure workplace storage areas are easily accessible to prevent accidents.
● Workplace storage areas should be properly secured.

Electrical.
● The Canadian Electrical Code should be followed for operation, use, maintenance and repair.
● Ensure all machines are properly grounded.
● Ensure all junction boxes are closed.
● Extension boxes should be kept in the isles so that they are not abused by heavy traffic.

How To Create A Manufacturing Workplace Inspection Checklist.
After recognizing the hazards to look out for and the areas to consider when creating your inspection checklist, these other areas should be considered.
– Defining Workplace Safety Objectives: Inspection checklists are curated to your workplace’s specific needs. Depending on the type of manufacturing business, the inspection checklist will vary. Identifying workplace hazards and safety measures are the first step in determining manufacturing workplace safety objectives.
– Considering the Environment: Are there resources to deal with extreme hot or cold conditions? Obtaining adequate weather gear and machinery that will withstand these conditions are put into consideration.
Conclusion.
Creating a manufacturing workplace inspection checklist is an essential for manufacturing businesses. After the inspection checklist has been created and checked, monitoring and follow-up is essential for the continuous smooth running of the manufacturing workplace.