General Classroom Conditions

Self-Inspection Checklist

Guidelines

This checklist covers regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) general industry standards (29 CFR 1910.22, 1910.141 and 1910.176). These regulations apply only to private employers and their employees, unless adopted by a State agency and applied to other groups such as public employees. In addition, two questions were included that address recommended practices.

1. Are all changes in classroom use and alterations, repairs, construction, or installation of new equipment reviewed with the appropriate State and local agency that has jurisdiction over school modifications? [recommended]
2. Is an electric solenoid key-operated gas shut-off switch installed on each gas supply line to your shop, lab or instructional area? [recommended]
3. Are classrooms kept clean and free from debris to the greatest extent practical given the types of activities being performed? [29 CFR 1910.141(a)(3)(i)]
4. Are waste materials that are prone to rotting placed in leakproof receptacles with tight fitting covers and removed daily for disposal? [29 CFR 1910.141(a)(4) and (g)(3)]
5. Are classrooms maintained, as far as reasonably practicable, to prevent the entrance or harborage of rodents, insects, and other vermin? [29 CFR 1910.141(a)(5)]
6. Is water available that is suitable for drinking, personal hygiene, food preparation or cleaning? [29 CFR 1910.141(b)(1)(i)]
7. Are all nondrinkable water outlets clearly marked as such? [29 CFR 1910.141(b)(2)(i)]
8. Are lavatories equipped with hot and cold running water, hand soap, and towels or driers? [29 CFR 1910.141(d)(2)(ii),(iii),(iv)]
9. Where showers are required, are soap, hot and cold running water through a common discharge line, and individual towels provided? [29 CFR 1910.141(d)(3)(iii),(iv),(v)]
10. Is the consumption of food and beverages prohibited in or near toilet rooms or areas containing toxic materials? [29 CFR 1910.141(g)(2)]
11. Is storage of food or beverages prohibited in toilet rooms or in an area exposed to a toxic material? [29 CFR 1910.141(g)(4)]
12. Where employees are required to wear protective clothing, are change rooms provided with storage facilities for street clothes and separate storage facilities for the protective clothing? [29 CFR 1910.141(e)]

13. Is material stored so as not to create a hazard? [29 CFR 1910.176(b)]

    Note: Bags, containers, bundles, etc., stored in tiers must be stacked, blocked, interlocked, and limited in height so that they are stable and secured against sliding and collapse.

14. Are storage areas kept free from hazards that may cause tripping, fire, explosion, or pest harborage? [29 CFR 1910.176(c)]
15. Is sufficient safe clearance available through aisles, loading docks, turns, or doorways when mechanical handling equipment is used? [29 CFR 1910.176(a)]
16. Are head clearance warning signs provided where needed? [29 CFR 1910.176(e)]

17. Are all passageways, work areas, storerooms, and washing facilities kept orderly and sanitary? [29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1)]

    Note: Examples of violations include floor areas strewn with lumber, tires, books, and boxes.

18. Are all floors kept clean and as far as possible dry? [29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2)]
19. If floors are likely to get wet (such as in food preparation), are platforms, mats, or other dry standing places provided where practicable? [29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2)]
20. Are all floors kept free of protruding nails, splinters, holes, or loose boards? [29 CFR 1910.22(a)(3) and 1910.141(a)(3)(iii)]
21. Are aisles and passageways kept clear and in good repair, with no obstructions that could create a hazard? [29 CFR 1910.22(b)(1)]
22. Are covers and/or guardrails provided to protect people from falling into pits, tanks, vats, ditches, etc.? [29 CFR 1910.22(c)] (see checklist Guarding Floor, Stairs, and Other Openings)
23. Are areas used for storage of materials marked with conspicuous signs that indicate the load-bearing capacity of the floor? [29 CFR 1910.22(d)(1)]
24. Is the weight of stored materials assessed to ensure that it is below the load-bearing capacity of the floor? [29 CFR 1910.22(d)(2)]