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Monthly Safety Equipment Checklist

Fire Extinguishers should be visually checked to ensure:

• they are still in place and properly mounted;
• the pressure indicator dial (if equipped) is in the green or charged area; 
• the pull pin is in place and fastened with the security seal the body of the extinguisher is free from dents, cracks, corrosion or leaks; 
• the hose (if equipped) is intact and free from obstructions; and 
• the test button (if equipped) operates properly.

Emergency Lights should:

• be tested by depressing the test button or disrupting the electrical current to the device. Units without a test button can be unplugged or the circuit breaker servicing that circuit can be turned off; 
• immediately come on and light all bulbs in the device; and 
• be focused or directed so that they illuminate the way to the exit.

Smoke / Fire Detectors should be:

• checked to ensure they are still in place, properly mounted and free from obvious damage; 
• tested by depressing the test button until the alarm sounds (see note below for centrally-monitored systems).

NOTE: for centrally-monitored alarm systems, follow the procedures outlined in the system manufacturer's literature. Always notify the monitoring system and/or fire department that you are about to conduct an alarm test of the system.

Eyewash Stations should be examined to ensure:

• the unit is in place and free from obvious damage; 
• the device is positioned so that a person's head can be positioned in the water flow without restrictions from other objects; 
• the outlet ports are free from obstructions and the protective caps are in place; 
• the outlet ports are positioned so that both eyes are flushed simultaneously; 
• the protective caps are released when the unit activates and does not require additional steps; and 
• the unit operates properly for at least 15 minutes.

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The information on these pages is excerpted from
The Veterinary Safety & Health Digest,
Copyright 2000 Philip J. Seibert, Jr., CVT  All Rights Reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced for distribution without prior permission from the publisher.