Function

• Safety inspections are designed to evaluate and test the functionality of machines and equipment for safety. From press machines to fire alarms to personal protective equipment, inspectors must ensure that anything an employee uses is in safe, operating order. OSHA says that when a machine or equipment is flawed or defective, the parts must be fixed before workers may operate them again.
  
  

Safeguards

• The individual(s) performing the safety inspection must see to it that safeguard features are present on machines and equipment that require them. Features that are missing must be documented on the safety inspection report and the machine or equipment cannot be used until the safeguard is back in place. Examples of machinery and equipment safeguard features include clutches, brakes, antirepeat mechanisms and safety blocks.
  
  

Postings

• According to OSHA's Small Business Handbook, employers performing self-inspections must examine work areas for proper postings and signage. Specifically, the inspector must look for emergency telephone numbers, exit routes, room capacities and warning signs.