Mass Care Shelter Occupational Hazards

Health and Safety Walk Through

This checklist provides an audit tool to recognize and correct occupational hazards associated with mass care shelters. It can be used by shelter staff daily or per shift. Mass care shelters are temporary public living quarters that provide physical shelter, feeding and first aid. This type of shelter does not provide specialized medical care. This tool is not to be used for shelter selection prior to an Incident of National Significance. It is assumed that the shelter has been set up in compliance with OSHA regulations and with state and local statutes.

Health and Safety Walk Through checklist
Section I: Exterior, exits and access Yes No Action taken to eliminate hazard
1. Is there secured entry to prevent unauthorized entry?      
2. Are all exits and entrances marked and lighted? Is there emergency lighting if power fails?      
3. Are all exits and entrances free from obstruction and trip/slip/fall hazards?      
4. Are parking lots lighted with traffic control patterns to avoid pedestrian injury?      
5. Is the emergency evacuation plan available and communicated to all?      
6. Are all telephone emergency contact numbers posted (fire/police/paramedics)?      
7. Are the designated employer representative telephone contact numbers posted or available?      
Section II: Walking and working surfaces Yes No Action taken to eliminate hazard
8. Are all aisles clean and free from trip/slip/fall hazards?      
9. Are cots, supply pallets and furniture spaced for free access to exits in case of fire?      
10. Are stairways uncluttered and free from trip/slip/fall hazards?      
11. Is there adequate lighting in all areas?      
12. Are static (standing) mats provided in work areas?      
13. Are all work areas clean, dry and free from trip/slip/fall hazards?      
14. Is there guarding for open-sided floors and handrails for stairwells?      
15. Is guarding in place on needed machines or equipment?      
Section III: Kitchen and receiving area Yes No Action taken to eliminate hazard
16. Are stoves and hoods cleaned of grease daily?      
17. Is kitchen waste disposed of in appropriate, clean receptacles that are emptied at least once a day?      
18. Are there an adequate number of all types of fire extinguishers? Are they charged and accessible?      
19. Are floors clean, dry and without trip/slip/fall hazards?      
20. Is personal protective equipment (PPE) easily accessible? (e.g., gloves/mittens/aprons)      
21. Is the appropriate PPE being used for the tasks performed?      
22. Is there appropriate lifting equipment available?      
23. Are powered lift trucks used at the site to unload supplies?      
  1. Are the operators certified in accordance to OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.178?
      
  1. Are lift truck regulations posted in the area of operations?
      
  1. Are the daily inspections documented?
      
24. Are there emergency eyewash stations where corrosive chemicals are located? (e.g. oven cleaner)      
Section IV: Health Services - injury and illness management Yes No Action taken to eliminate hazard
25. Are new injuries, illnesses or communicable illness cases reported?      
26. Have there been referrals for medical or mental health care?      
27. Is personal protective equipment easily accessible?      
28. Is the appropriate PPE being worn for the task?      
29. Is injury/illness documentation completed to meet organizational and regulatory requirements?      
30. Are all incident reports made within 24 hours of occurrence or knowledge?      
31. Are injury/illness reports reviewed on site to eliminate hazards and decrease contagious disease?      
Section V: Environmental, fire, electrical, chemical and ventilation hazards Yes No Action taken to eliminate hazard
32. Is the environment adequately cooled/heated for the safety of employees?      
33. Is the facility free of rodents, insects, and other vermin?      
34. Is there adequate potable water available?      
35. Are restrooms and washrooms clean, functioning, and without trip/slip/fall hazards?      
36. Are fire doors and shutters in good operating condition?      
37. Are fire doors and shutters unobstructed and protected against obstructions?      
38. Is proper clearance maintained below sprinkler heads?      
39. Are there working fire alarms or other communication systems for evacuation?      
40. Are portable fire extinguishers provided in adequate number and type, and accessible?      
41. Are fire extinguishers serviced and recharged regularly with this noted on the inspection tag?      
42. Are electrical extensions cords used safely?      
  1. Environment free from dampness or combustible material around extension cords?
      
  1. Cords grounded and guarded to prevent trip/slip/fall hazards?
      
43. Are all hazardous materials identified, labeled and stored safely?      
44. If there are working generators, are they well vented directly to the outside?      
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