Construction site safety audit checklist

Form and scrap lumber with protruding nails and other debris are cleared from work areas, passageways and stairs *

Combustible scrap and debris are being removed at regular intervals *

Containers for oily rags and flammable or hazardous waste have covers

Walkways and working spaces are kept clear of electrical cords *

In occupied buildings, exits and routes to them are unobstructed and marked with readily visible signs

Firefighting equipment is conspicuously located and nothing blocks access to it *

At least one 2A-rated extinguisher is provided for every 3,000 sq ft of building area, and none is more than 100 feet of travel from any point

Each floor has at least one 2A-rated extinguisher, with one next to a stairway in multistory buildings

A 10B-rated extinguisher is within 50 feet wherever more than 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquid is being used

Extinguishers are in operating condition (for example, no visible damage and pin and seal in place), and any defective unit has been replaced *

There is a way to alert workers and the fire department, and the alarm code and reporting instructions are posted at phones and employee entrances *

First aid supplies are easy to reach when needed *

The first aid kit's contents are in a weatherproof container with individually sealed packages *

The first aid kit was checked before being sent out on this job and at least weekly since *

Where no clinic, hospital or physician is reasonably accessible, a person with valid first aid training is on site

Emergency phone numbers are posted where 911 is not available, and site location details are posted where the phone system does not give the 911 dispatcher the caller's location *

Where corrosive materials are used, eye and body flushing facilities are in the work area

Every unprotected side or edge 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level has guardrails, safety nets or personal fall arrest in use *

Guardrail top edges measure between 39 and 45 inches (42 inches, plus or minus 3) above the walking surface

Floor and roof holes (including skylights) are covered or guarded, and covers are secured and marked "HOLE" or "COVER" or color coded *

Where objects could fall from above, workers below wear hard hats and toeboards, screens, canopies or barricades are in place *

Each scaffold in use was inspected for visible defects by a competent person before this shift

Portable ladders used to reach an upper level extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the landing; only where the ladder is too short for that is it secured at the top to a rigid support with a grab rail provided

Ladders stand on stable, level surfaces or are secured against displacement

No one is standing on the top or top step of a stepladder

Any ladder with broken or missing rungs, split rails or corroded parts is marked or tagged "Do Not Use" and withdrawn from service *

Ladders are inspected by a competent person periodically and after any event that could affect safe use

Underground utility locations were determined before the excavation was opened

A competent person inspected each excavation, the adjacent areas and protective systems before work started today

Workers in excavations are protected by sloping, shoring or shielding, unless the excavation is entirely in stable rock, or is less than 5 feet (1.52 m) deep and a competent person has found no indication of a potential cave-in

Signs of a possible cave-in, a failing protective system or a hazardous atmosphere were seen *

Where such signs were seen, exposed workers were removed from the hazard until precautions made the area safe *

Trenches 4 feet (1.22 m) or deeper have a ladder, stairway or ramp within 25 feet (7.62 m) of lateral travel for every worker

Spoil, materials and equipment are kept at least 2 feet (0.61 m) from the excavation edge or held back by retaining devices

Temporary 120-volt, 15- and 20-amp receptacles in use have GFCI protection, or an assured equipment grounding conductor program is in place *

No worn or frayed extension cords or cables are in use *

Workers exposed to head injury from impact, falling or flying objects, or electrical shock wear hard hats *

Workers exposed to flying particles, molten metal, chemicals or harmful light wear eye or face protection *

Any machine, tool or piece of equipment found unsafe is tagged or has its controls locked, or has been removed from the work area *

Only workers qualified by training or experience are operating equipment and machinery *

Earthmoving equipment with an obstructed rear view has a working reverse alarm, or a signaler guides it when reversing

List each hazard found, its location and the corrective action

Person responsible for corrective actions and target date

Photos of hazards found

Auditor's signature