Workplace Inspection Checklist

For use in Student Computer Labs

How to use this student computer lab inspection
checklist

 Use this checklist to inspect student computer labs, and

associated corridors, stairs and communal areas such as
toilets and kitchenettes/tea rooms.

 Inspections should be carried out at least annually.

Inspections should be done when computer labs are occupied
by students, to get a true picture of conditions and practices.

 Consider getting a small team together to help you. There is

no legal requirement to carry out display screen equipment
assessments of workstations provided for students.
However, inspections are needed to check that student
computer labs meet relevant safety standards.

 Carry out inspections in manageable chunks. Divide your

area into separate buildings, corridors or floors. Use one
checklist per corridor or floor and record details of faults or
weaknesses.

 When you have carried out an inspection and recorded any

faults or weaknesses found, report to your Faculty Operating
Officer/Director together with your comments and
recommendations for action.

 Keep a copy of each completed inspection checklist and

record action taken to correct the faults you have reported.

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2
 STUDENT COMPUTER LAB INSPECTION CHECKLIST
The answer to all these questions should be ‘yes’. If ‘no’ you should note the location and brief details and investigate the
problem further to identify actions.
Areas
inspected

Inspected by Date

HAZARD YES/ COMMENTS ACTION TAKEN or

NO (location & brief details) RECOMMENDED
(with completion dates)
Space and Layout
Is there enough space to move around
safely?
Can everyone sit at their workstations
comfortably?
Is there enough desk/bench space for the
work & equipment in routine use?
Is information on positioning and adjustment
of workstations displayed for students?
Is there enough space for storage?
Is the area clean & free of clutter?
Is rubbish collected often enough?
Environment
Is the room temperature comfortable?
(Note: Should be >16 oC. No area shall be
actively heated to a temperature greater than
20oC ± 1°C))
Is there enough fresh air, without draughts?
Are photocopier fumes removed to prevent
unpleasant smells?
Can the windows be opened easily?
Are windows in clean & safe condition?
Are blinds fitted to reduce glare or
HSS/HS/055 Inspection Checklist for Student Computer Labs_ V24.1. Page 3 of 7
 HAZARD YES/ COMMENTS ACTION TAKEN or
NO (location & brief details) RECOMMENDED
(with completion dates)
temperature?
Is lighting adequate in all areas?
(in working order, clean & free of flicker or
glare)

Slips, Trips and Manual Handling

Are floor surfaces, carpets etc. in a safe
condition?
(no cracks, tears, fraying, slippery or
uneven spots etc.)
Are floors free of trailing cables, boxes &
other trip hazards?
Are stepladders or stools used to reach high
shelves of a suitable height & in safe
condition?
Are heavy & awkward items stored at waist
height where possible?
Are trolleys available for moving heavy or
large loads? (manual handling assessments
needed for handling heavy or awkward
loads)
Fire - contact Campus Facilities Manager if problems with fire doors, extinguishers or notices
Is accumulation of combustible material kept
to a minimum?
Are combustible materials kept away from
potential ignition sources?
Are smoking rules followed?
Are fire extinguishers provided and tested
annually? (check last test date on label and
note the date within the comments)
Are fire doors clearly marked & kept closed?
(except for doors with suitable closing
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 HAZARD YES/ COMMENTS ACTION TAKEN or
NO (location & brief details) RECOMMENDED
(with completion dates)
mechanisms).
Do fire door closing mechanisms operate
properly? (Do the doors close smoothly and
function correctly during the weekly fire alarm
tests?)
Are vision panels in doors unobstructed?
Are fire exits & escape routes free of
obstructions?
Do final exit doors open easily?
Are up to date fire action notices displayed
adjacent to manual fire alarm call points?
(what to do in event of fire & fire assembly
points)
Have fire wardens been appointed and trained
for this area?
Have staff received recent instruction on fire
safety and fire procedures? (within last year)

People With Disabilities

Is there access for people with impaired
mobility?
(e.g. wheelchair users)
Is there access to disabled toilets within
reasonable distance?
Do emergency evacuation procedures
include people with disabilities? (eg those
who have impaired mobility, or can’t hear
fire alarms or see fire exits)
For labs above ground floor level: is there a
fire refuge and/or a fire evacuation lift? If
not, are alternative ground floor IT facilities
available for mobility-impaired users?
Are there up-to-date Personal Emergency
Evacuation Plans (PEEPS) for individual staff
HSS/HS/055 Inspection Checklist for Student Computer Labs_ V24.1. Page 5 of 7
 HAZARD YES/ COMMENTS ACTION TAKEN or
NO (location & brief details) RECOMMENDED
(with completion dates)
and students, if necessary?
First Aid
Are up to date posters displayed with names &
locations of trained first aiders?
Are first aid boxes clearly marked & kept fully
stocked with stock that has not exceeded a
given expiry date?
Do staff and students know how to access and
use the online incident reporting system?
https://app.uk2.sheassure.net/UoG/p/
uog383964hi
Furniture, Fittings & Equipment
Does the fabric of the room appear sound?
(e.g free from significant cracks, damp or
other damage)
Are furniture & fittings in good condition?
(e.g. chairs, desks, shelving etc.)
Are height adjustable chairs provided for
working at desk/bench?
Is all equipment working properly?
(ask people who use it)
Are hot, sharp or dangerous moving parts
guarded?
Are instructions manuals available?
Are there enough accessible power points to
avoid overloading sockets?
Is all portable electrical equipment tested
regularly?
(tested every 4 years as stated within the
PAT Testing Code of Practice - check test
labels)
Do all electrical equipment & cables pass
visual inspection?

HSS/HS/055 Inspection Checklist for Student Computer Labs_ V24.1. Page 6 of 7

 HAZARD YES/ COMMENTS ACTION TAKEN or
NO (location & brief details) RECOMMENDED
(with completion dates)
Visual Inspection
Switch off and disconnect (unplug) equipment before inspecting. Then look for danger signs
Is the cable covering intact?
Damage to the plug - is the casing intact
and pins straight?
Is the lead intact without any joins?.
Is the outer covering of the cable is
gripped where it enters the plug or
equipment? (see if the coloured insulation
or copper of the internal wires are
completely covered).
Is the plug, equipment or socket is free
from indications of overheating (eg
brown burn marks)?
(Label any faulty equipment with ‘do not
use’ signs & take out of use until checked
by an electrician.) (Encourage other staff to
report any faults or damaged equipment).
Other Hazards/Notes

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