Learn about landfill safety rules with this checklist. Workers will have a step-by-step guide to conducting their work, ensuring they comply with EPA and HSE international standards. Identify the warning signs of dangerous gas production happening below ground, and protect the health and safety of everyone on site.
Is there an injury and illness prevention program in place?
Are there standard operating procedures in place for the operation of heavy machinery?
Is there a monthly training program in place?
Does the landfill need the use of a spotter?
Safe Landfill and Machinery - maintenance, servicing, lock-off
Check heavy machinery is in good condition, well maintained and used correctly.
Check there is a formally documented, planned preventive maintenance schedule for machinery.
Check machines are maintained in an efficient working order and in good repair.
Check machines are checked before use. Check if there is any defective machinery in operation.
Ensure machinery and plant can be cleaned safely.
Ensure power sources to machinery is properly connected, capable of being locked off, emergency stops tested.
Ensure machines are adequately guarded and fitted with appropriate safety devices. Follow manufacturer's advice.
Operate machinery slowly and carefully
All machinery has functioning seatbelts
All machinery has fire extinguishers present onboard
Rollover protective structure
Safe Processes
Check the various operations are carried out safely with Manual Handling.
Check operations are carried out safely - think vehicles / plant on site. Think deliveries or collections.
Check machine operations are carried out appropriately and safely - think about repetitive work. Think about hearing and respiratory protection measures.
Check the various operations are carried out safely with the use of hazardous substances - control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH). Check assessments are in place and communicated.
Check and monitor "custom and practice" to spot unsafe working.
Safe Materials - asbestos, dust, waste
Check materials are being handled safely.
Check materials that are dangerous, such as chemical substances and clinical wastes are identified.
Ensure these substances are correctly packaged and labelled.
Ensure there is adequate information on the safe handling of materials and substances. Material Safety, Data Safety sheets are made available.
Asbestos is still killing people. It requires specialist handling. Check if relevant and correctly identified and handled.
Fire Safety & Protection
Are there adequate on-site fire prevention methods?
Fire Department on call if needed?
Were there any areas in the landfill that were smoldering?
Were there any sparks from the equipment?
Were there any fuel spills?
Fire extinguishers present and arrow gauge pointing in the green
Personal Protective Equipment
Check the personal protective equipment (PPE) provided meet the requirements necessary for the particular hazards and risks of the workplace.
Check there is a formal procedure for selection and assessment of PPE. All users understand what they should wear. Beware fake or sub-standard items are on the market.
Check employees exposed to hazards wear their PPE correctly and all the time that they are exposed to the associated risks.
Careful Conduct - see it, sort it, report it
Check operators behave safely during their work and protect their health too.
Check if any unsafe practices are noted. Especially check for custom and practice "we've always done it like that" because it may be unsafe.
Check if risk assessments are being completed to control risks from hazards in the workplace.
Check if fire risk assessments include fire fighting equipment, fire drills, clear access routes, addresses flammable materials.
Adequate Supervision - knowledgeable eyes on.
Check the level of supervision is adequate.
Check line managers and staff are adequately trained in their duties including those of health and safety.
Competent and Trained Personnel - understand safe behavior
Check that a health and safety induction is given to staff
Check records are kept of the training carried out and any refresher training tracked and booked as required.
Check competent persons, e.g. for electrical maintenance work, clearly identified. Correctly appointed workers.
Check operators adequately informed, instructed and trained in safe systems of work.
Check that first-aiders and fire marshals adequately trained. Check emergency measures are practiced - what to do in an emergency. Test a scenario.
Ensure it is understood what equipment cannot be interfered with or altered.
Name & Signature of Inspector
Are there any photographic evidence you would like to attach?
Please note that this checklist template is a hypothetical appuses-hero example and provides only standard information. The template does not aim to replace, among other things, workplace, health and safety advice, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or any other applicable law. You should seek your professional advice to determine whether the use of such a checklist is appropriate in your workplace or jurisdiction.
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