Checklists

• This checklist should include doing unit/departmental inspections for chemical safety. For example, each department should have posted or on file a Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) for each and every chemical located within the department. Spot checks for the MSDS lists are advised.
  
  Fire safety should be on the checklist as well. For example, all personnel should be able to identify the location of the nearest fire extinguisher in their department. The rounding team should also inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they are up-to-date with inspections and free from obstructions. Fire exits as well as sprinkler systems should be inspected for potential obstructions.
  
  Medical equipment should be included on the checklist because it is the responsibility of the hospital or organization to regularly inspect all medical equipment for function and safety. The rounding checklist should indicate a spot-check of various medical devices for their last inspection date.
  
  The rounding team should inspect ceiling tiles for leaks or stains and repairs and replace stained or damaged tile immediately. Sanitary conditions should also be noted on the checklist to meet the standards set forth by the organization. Patient areas should be free of equipment not in use or any obstructions that could impede patient care.
  
  Security systems should be inspected as part of the safety rounding. Spot checks on employee access information may be useful. For example, Human Resources should provide a short list of recently terminated employees. Based on that, check that those former employees no longer have access to patient and controlled areas.
  
  All hospitals should have emergency power outlets in the event of power outages. These specially designated outlets should be regularly tested as part of the checklist rounding.
  
  Doorways should be included in the rounding checklist. It can be a significant problem if a door to a controlled clinical area such as the pharmacy does not close properly, or if the fire doors that are designed to close and prevent the spread of a fire, do not close correctly.