Did you know that at least 20 states use their state plans approved by OSHA but that there are still high numbers of businesses that don’t have emergency plans or aren’t equipped to handle specific emergencies? Even half of the businesses that participated in the 2022 EHS Today survey admitted to not having an active sustainability program.
Business managers often wonder, “What is a facility audit checklist?” Unless you’re an EHS professional or a facility manager, chances are, you might not have had to use one in a real-world situation.
Auditing applies to all industries and businesses, regardless of their size. Keep reading to find out exactly what this checklist is, the difference it makes, and why it’s needed.
What is a Facility Audit Checklist?
So, what is a facility audit checklist? A facility audit checklist is essentially an improvement tool used to develop a baseline of the assets a company has. This isn’t limited to just physical and digital assets.
It also includes programs used to maintain those assets. This also includes their value, and all operations plans a company uses. A facility audit helps businesses identify what they have while addressing what they don’t.
It’s also a way to assess the compliance of a facility. This works by taking into account the standards specific to their industry.
This is essential considering some things facilities are required to have. This often depends on the type of building it is or the work that’s done on-site. A good example is medical facilities which are required by law to maintain up-to-date equipment surveys.
These requirements will often fall under the Department of Health Care Access and Information. Or formerly known as the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development or the Department of Health and Human Services.
The governing entity will depend on the type of company it is. FAs an example, this is the same for government buildings in this industry. They will often fall under the Department of Defense or specifically the Defense Health Agency.
Every type of facility will require an audit checklist. Not establishing that baseline of what you have could jeopardize a facility’s ability to respond in the case of an emergency or a general time of need.
Depending on the regulations of their specific industry, noncompliance with having and maintaining the quality and safety of certain equipment could result in fines, loss of reputation, imprisonment, or more than one of those repercussions.
Prevention Solutions Means Better Facility Management
An audit checklist can identify health and safety risks. It also helps to pinpoint potential hazards as well as areas in need of improvement. A well-designed checklist can help ensure that all aspects of a facility are audited consistently and thoroughly.
The issue is, there are less than 3% of companies have a crisis management professional or department on their payroll. This is often because many businesses have the mindset of a fix-it methodology. Instead, they should have a stronger focus on prevention.
The real problem is that many don’t until something happens. Companies are finding it more feasible to work with professional environmental health and safety consultants in this case.
Doing this allows them to bypass training phases and the worry of limited expertise. Overall, working with experienced and knowledgeable EHS consultants allows business and facility managers to be more hands-off. It also instills confidence in the prevention and implementation tactics their company will gain.
The Five Sections That Makeup an Audit Checklist
Every audit checklist consists of five specific sections. These sections help ensure optimal safety for the facility and all workers. They are;
- Evidence collection
- Audit testing
- Analysis
- Scope
- Conclusion of all findings
For some facilities, this layout may vary. It will depend on the scope of the company’s work and the regulations specific to the company or industry.
Each section will allow for the development of a comprehensive report. That report will make it simpler to identify the procedures and policies a facility operates within and where they may need additional help.
Aside From the Requirement, There Are Additional Benefits Involved
The benefits of having a checklist to influence proper facility maintenance span beyond just compliance. Prevention tactics help to determine historical violations or operational problems concerning air emissions by using a facility audit checklist. By using this type of tool, organizations can:
- Save time and money by identifying potential problems before they become costly incidents
- Improve safety by identifying hazards and taking steps to mitigate them
- Ensure compliance with regulations and standards
- Avoid penalties or other negative consequences
- Enhance the reputation of the organization
- Demonstrate a commitment to safety and compliance
What Does It Cover?
This type of assessment goes by elements. This includes more than just equipment and the operations put in place to use them. Workplace safety checklists take into account all buildings to be covered and the entire grounds of those buildings.
The inventory that falls within those areas is the main point of focus. However, everything is included in any final report for a routine audit.
Overall, one area where facilities may need the most help is the implementation and sustainability phases.
Once the facility audit checklist has been completed, it’s crucial to set up an internal review process. This ensures that all findings are addressed and done effectively.
This also helps to identify better waste management practices and hazardous disposal practices. It will also reveal any concerns about wastewater discharges. The internal review process should be documented and communicated to all relevant personnel.
This helps to prepare for assessing the results of all solutions that were put in place. Using an EHS consultant would make this process significantly simpler.
Preparing Before Preparation Is Needed
Site managers often want to know, “what is a facility audit checklist?” This tool helps to ensure safety and guarantee improvement with regulation compliance. An effective facility checklist leaves little room for error.
This may seem complex and out of reach to do correctly, but with the right help, it’s simple. PHASE Associates specializes in curating practical EHS solutions for businesses…without the hassle. With comprehensive auditing processes, businesses can form clearer solutions to operational success.
Get in touch with our team at Phase Associates today to better protect yours. We service New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland and Virginia.