A Guide to Safe Field Operations
U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 95-777


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Safety Inspections

The inspection of all operations, equipment and facilities is a continuous part of each employee's responsibility. The identification of hazards require the routine review of facilities, equipment, and operations by every employee as part of the daily work routine. To maintain a safe work environment, a formal safety inspection of all facilities, equipment, and operations must be made each year to identify potential hazardous or substandard conditions. The inspections must be made by qualified personnel who are knowledgeable of the appropriate safety standards and procedures. Any condition identified as not meeting established standards or creating a risk to the safety or health of the employee, or other employees, or to the public must be reported and brought to the attention of the responsible supervisor for corrective action.

Annual safety inspections are required of all areas of every building occupied by USGS employees. High hazard areas such as machine shops and laboratories with chemicals should be inspected semi-annually or more frequently. Areas and items requiring at least once a year inspections include: office and building areas, storerooms and warehouses, streamgaging stations, cableways, and vehicles.

A detailed discussion on safety inspection procedures and suggested check-list for areas and items can be found in U.S. Geological Survey Handbook 445-1-H (USGS, August 1989).


Previous--Maintenance and Storage
Contents
Next--Specific Procedures and Safety Issues
A Guide to Safe Field Operations
U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 95-777

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