Walk-Through Survey

RICARDO T. BALAGOT, MD, FPCOM

Components:
I. Preparation for site visit
II. Site visit
a. General data collection
b. Walk-through survey
c. Primary Survey
d. Review of industrial hygiene
program
III. Report of findings
IV. Follow-up
Preparation of site visit:
Objective of site visit:
• To understand the processes, products, raw materials,
intermediates, potential hazards, expected controls

Activities:
• Clarify purpose, scope and expectations of survey
• Identify needed information from company, operations
equipment and screening sampling techniques
• Review information on work-process, chemicals used and
produced and other possible hazards that may be
encountered
o Sources of information:
o Books, Journals, Internet (NIOSH/CDC, OSHA,
ILO, WHO)
Site Visit:
• General Data Collection:
o Company Profile
o Socio-Demographic Data of
Workers
o Medical Records
o Safety, Health and Environment
Data needed ( e.g. company programs)
• Review of Process-Flow
Walk-Through or Ocular Survey
1. Follow process flow through the plant
o Start where raw materials enter and
follow movement of materials
through the plant to the final
product finishing, packing and
shipping
(in each step or process, identify
materials used and produced
including by-products and
intermediate products)
2. Preliminary familiarization and
analysis only
o Screening sampling instruments
( sound level meter,
velometer/smoke tubes, colorimetric
indicator tubes, direct reading
instruments)
Look for potential hazards (health, safety
and environment)
i. Note sources of exposure of all hazards
(chemical, physical, biologic, ergonomic)
ii. Is exposure sporadic or continuous
iii. Housekeeping
iv. Note what you feel, hear, smell, see and
taste
(Be aware of clues: raised voices, spills,
feeling of eye and upper respiratory tract
irritation)
v. Worker’s opinions
vi. Smoking and eating in work areas
Check Controls:
o Are there controls?
o Are they adequate and appropriate?
o Are they used?
o Does air movement enhance or interfere with
controls?
o Are administrative controls adhered to?
o Are PPEs appropriate? Is it used properly or used
at all? Does it fit? Are they well-maintained?
o What further control evaluation is needed?
Detailed follow-up
Devise sampling strategy
a. sampling method
b. sample type (area or personal)
c. who/where to sample
d. when to sample
e. how many samples
f. how long to sample
Review Hazard Controls in Depth
 The walkthrough survey should document the
following:
• Name of department or process;
• Nature of operation;
• Raw materials and quantities used;
• Equipment and machinery used;
• Health hazards identified and routes of exposure;
• Controls present;
• Number of workers exposed and their position;
and,
• Items for follow-up after survey.
SAFETY
INSPECTION
 Person in Charge

Improvement of Objectives of
Workplaces Inspection

Implementation of Duration, Timing of

Inspection Inspection

Inspection Criteria
Checklist
QUALIFICATIONS OF A GOOD
INSPECTOR
• Knowledge of organization’s accident experience.
• Familiarity with accident potentials and with the standard
that apply to his area.
• Ability to make intelligent decisions for corrective action.
• Diplomacy in handling personnel and situations.
• Knowledge of the organization’s operations--its workflow,
systems and products.
WHO WILL CONDUCT THE INSPECTION
• Safety Professionals
• Company or Facility Management
• First-line Supervisor or Foreman
• Mechanical Engineer or Maintenance Supervisor
• Employees
• Maintenance Personnel
• Other inspection teams
• Contractors’ Inspection Services
 Person in Charge

Improvement of Objectives of
Workplaces Inspection

Implementation of Duration, Timing of

Inspection Inspection

Inspection Criteria
Checklist
SAFETY INSPECTION
• Primary Purpose
– to detect and correct potential hazard before
accident occurs.
• Secondary Purpose
– to improve operations, increase efficiency,
effectiveness and profitability/
SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAM
• What needs to be inspected?
• What aspects of each item need to be
examined?
• What conditions need to be inspected?
• How often must items be inspected?
• Who will conduct the inspection?
 Person in Charge

Improvement of Objectives of
Workplaces Inspection

Implementation of Duration, Timing of

Inspection Inspection

Inspection Criteria
Checklist
HOW OFTEN MUST ITEMS BE
INSPECTED
• Loss severity potential of the problem
• The potential for injury
• How quickly can the part become safe
• Past history of failure
TYPES OF INSPECTION
• Continuous Inspection
– a process conducted by employees, supervisors and
maintenance personnel as part of their job
responsibilities in noting and correcting potential danger.
• Interval Inspection
– a systematic process with specific intervals regard as
“real” safety and health inspection.
THE INTERVAL INSPECTION
• Periodic
• Intermittent
• General
 Person in Charge

Improvement of Objectives of
Workplaces Inspection

Implementation of Duration, Timing of

Inspection Inspection

Inspection Criteria
Checklist
PREPARING FOR INSPECTION

Must not interrupt normal operation

Review of all accidents
Review of previous inspection report
Aware of any potential hazards
Wearing Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
Formulate checklist
 Person in Charge

Improvement of Objectives of
Workplaces Inspection

Implementation of Duration, Timing of

Inspection Inspection

Inspection Criteria
Checklist
RELATIONSHIP OF
INSPECTOR & SUPERVISOR
Inspector contact the supervisor before
inspection be conducted
Supervisor may accompany inspector
Supervisor be consulted before inspector
leaves the area
Inspector discuss each recommendation
with supervisor
Supervisors’ commitment to the inspector
to correct particular condition
 SAFETY AND HEALTH INSPECTION SHEET

Inspector's Name: ____________

Name: ________________
Date: _______________________
Department: _______________

No. Condition and Act Recommendation

Unsafe
No. Condition/Act Recommendation