Restaurant Safety Checklist Template – Free PDF

Restaurant safety checklist template

This restaurant safety checklist guides you through maintaining comprehensive oversight of potential hazards throughout your establishment. From electrical panel accessibility in storage areas to proper playground equipment inspection, it ensures that you check safety details systematically.

The National Floor Safety Institute highlights that slip-and-fall accidents alone injure more than 3 million foodservice employees and 1 million guests every year, with industry costs exceeding $2 billion. This checklist serves as an additional line of defense, allowing you to identify and address safety concerns before they can cause injuries or compliance violations.

Related categories

Preview of the template

Audit

STORAGE AREAS, ATTIC

Are floors clean, dry and in good condition?

Are aisles free of boxes or clutter?

Are electrical panels accessible and properly labeled?

Are doors and latches working properly?

Are products or supplies properly stored? (Light items on top, arranged to avoid toppling.)

Is shelving in good condition?

Are combustibles kept away from heat sources? (Heating unit, hot water tank, electrical boxes, etc.)

Are outlets, switches and electrical components working properly?

Are ladders in good condition and properly stored?

Are chemicals separated from foodstuffs?

Is trash compactor in good repair?

Is first aid kit adequately stocked and accessible?

Are lights working properly?

FOOD PREPARATION AND COOKING AREA

Are floors clean, dry and in good condition?

Are aisles free of clutter?

Are drain screens being cleaned regularly?

Are doors and latches working properly?

Is food preparation and storage equipment in good repair?

Is grill and fryer exhaust system clean and in good repair?

Has extinguishing system been inspected and serviced within last 6 months? (Check tags)

Have portable fire extinguishers been inspected and serviced within last year? (Check tag and gauge.)

Are combustibles kept away from heat sources? (Ovens, grill, fryer, toaster,etc.)

Are outlets, switches and electrical components working properly?

Are lights working properly?

DINING AND RESTROOM AREAS

Are floors clean, dry and in good condition?

REFERENCE: A clear and clean aisle [This is an example of how you can use Lumiform to include best practice reference images in your templates to assist with inspections]

Are highchairs, tables and seating in good condition?

Are floor mats in good condition? (Lay flat, smooth edges)

Is product display equipment in good repair? (½ gallon cases, shelving, cooler doors, etc.)

Are exit signs illuminated?

Are outlets, switches and electrical components working properly?

Are fixtures in restrooms in good condition?

Are lights working properly?

OUTSIDE SEATING AREAS/ PLAYGROUND

Are walking surfaces clean, dry and in good condition?

Are tables and seating in good condition?

Are gates and access passage locked?

Is playground equipment in good condition? (No missing parts, holes or tears, sharp objects, clean, etc.)

Is playground equipment inspected on a daily basis?

Is playground area clean and free of debris or clutter? (Balls returned to pit area)

Are proper signs in place?

Are lights working properly?

EXTERIOR (WALKWAYS AND PARKING LOT)

Are sidewalks and curbs in good repair?

Is landscaping trimmed away from walks and to eliminate possible hiding places?

Is the parking lot free of pot holes or tripping hazards?

Is the dumpster area in good condition?

Is the garden hose properly stored?

Are outside lights working properly?

SAFE WORKING PRACTICES

Do employees demonstrate a team approach in preventing accidents?

Are spills or dropped items cleaned up promptly?

Are “Wet Floor” warning signs displayed when needed?

Are employees wearing proper footwear?

Are floors thoroughly cleaned at closing?

Are employees instructed in proper lifting techniques?

Do employees “practice” proper lifting techniques?

Is cooking oil at room temperature before changing or straining?

Are knives cleaned safely? (Not left in soapy water)

Are slicers cleaned and stored properly?

Are employees instructed in the proper use of slicers?

Are all cleaning supplies properly labeled?

Do employees know where Material Safety Data Sheets are kept?

Do employees practice safe ladder usage?

Do employees use mechanical hand when changing marquee?

Are proper posters displayed? (OSHA, Workers’ Compensation, etc.)

Does your restaurant serve ice cream?

Are squares “tempered” before placed in dip cabinets?

Are squares “rotated” as needed?

Do employees place hip against dip cabinet for leverage when dipping?

Is ice cream temperature in dip cabinets kept in the proper temperature range?

Have all maintenance issues been reported as required?

FOLLOW-UP

Have the hazards that were identified last month been corrected? (If “NO”, specify which hazards below.)

Have maintenance-related items been reported, called in or entered on the restaurant computer?

Have unsafe practices been addressed with all employees?

Completion

Recommendations

Full Name and Signature of Inspector

This template was downloaded 1 time

Frequently asked questions

How can you customize this restaurant safety checklist for your specific needs?

You can adapt this checklist by adding sections relevant to your specific restaurant type, such as bar safety for establishments serving alcohol or drive-thru inspection points for quick-service restaurants. Consider your unique equipment, layout, and previous incident history when customizing. You might also adjust the frequency of certain checks based on your risk assessment and operational patterns.

What documentation should accompany your completed restaurant safety checklist?

You should maintain photos of identified hazards, repair records, employee training logs related to safety issues, and documentation of corrective actions taken. Keep copies of professional inspection certificates for fire suppression systems and other specialized equipment. This supporting documentation creates a comprehensive safety record that proves your diligence in maintaining a safe environment.

What should you do after identifying hazards using this checklist?

Document all identified hazards with specific details and photos when possible. Address urgent safety issues immediately, such as cleaning spills or removing trip hazards. For issues requiring maintenance or significant resources, create a corrective action plan with clear responsibilities and deadlines. Follow up consistently to ensure all identified problems are resolved and preventive measures are implemented.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.