General Office Inspection Checklist

To kick off the general office inspection checklist, you need to record the basic information of the office in question. Use the form fields below to ensure that all vital information can be easily accessed later.

First up, you need to make sure that the workplace is clean and orderly. Take photos of the workplace and upload them using the form fields below.

Floors and aisles must be clear, floor surfaces must always be kept dry and free of slip hazards. Hallways and exits should be unobstructed. Record the state of these aspects using the form fields below.

See to it that stairways, sidewalks and ramps are free of defects. Record any defects using the form fields below.

Some examples of defects are damaged treads or frayed carpets.

See to it that all common areas and workstations are sufficiently illuminated. Note the location of any areas breaching this principle in the form field below.

Check to verify that emergency evacuation plans are posted at every stairway and elevator landing and immediately inside all public entrances to the building. Scan a copy of the standard evacuation plan and upload it to the form field below.

See to it that all containers, including non-hazardous chemicals and waste, are properly labeled with the full chemical or trade name. 

Note: For storage of hazardous chemicals, please see note below:

If chemicals in the work area are stored in amounts greater than typical office/household quantities, you are required to complete the EH&S Laboratory and Shop Inspection Checklist.

See to it that stored materials are properly secured and limited in height to prevent collapse.

Make sure that 36” clearance is maintained for electrical panels.

See to it that electrical cords and plugs are in good condition with proper grounding.

Check to verify that extension cords and power strips are not daisy chained and no permanent extension cords are in use.

Portable electric heaters should have at least 3 ft of clearance from combustible materials (e.g. paper), and so you now need to check this.

Check all equipment and machines to ensure that they are clean and working properly.

Check to ensure that adequate ventilation is properly provided to machines in order to prevent a buildup of heat or gas emissions.

Emergency stop switches on machines need to be identified and in proper working order.

See to it that mechanical safeguards are in place and in proper working order (e.g. paper cutter guards).

See to it that emergency exit signs are properly lit.

Check fire alarms and fire extinguishers to ensure they are visible and accessible.

Fire doors (e.g. in stairways) should be checked, as they should always be kept closed unless equipped with automatic closing devices.

Check to verify that 18" vertical clearance is maintained below all sprinkler heads.

Check to verify that existing fire extinguishers receive proper servicing annually.

Corridors and stairways should be kept free of unnecessary obstructions.

See to it that bookcases, filing cabinets, shelves, racks, cages, storage cabinets and similar items over four feet tall are securely anchored to the wall.

Record your progress using the sub-checklist below.

Next, you need to be certain that all shelves have lips or other seismic restraints.

Portable machines or equipment should be properly secured against movement using chains, lockable casters or other appropriate means.

Top-heavy equipment must be bolted down or secured to wall studs to withstand accelerations typically expected in an earthquake.

Large & heavy objects need to be checked, as they must be stored on lower shelves or storage areas.

See to it that valuable equipment sensitive to shock damage, such as instruments, computer disks and glassware is properly stored in latched cabinets or otherwise secured to prevent them from falling.

Storage areas must be checked to ensure they are uncluttered – providing clear evacuation routes in the event of an emergency situation.

Finally, make sure that cabinets and lockers containing hazardous materials are properly equipped with positive latching or sliding doors.