Environment Safety Checklist

Environmental safety refers to the safety of a home, school or other public space. Every type of environment has its own dangers, but there are also many ways to overcome them. With some careful planning and common sense, any environment can become a safe one.

Appliances

• Appliances can be a major source of danger in any environment. This is especially true for electrical appliances. Make sure that all cords are plugged in fully and that the wires are not frayed. Also ensure that cords don't run through areas where people walk, but are instead safely placed behind furniture or against a baseboard.

  Appliances that are potentially dangerous, such as blenders, toasters and ovens, should be kept out of reach of children. In an industrial environment, machines should be properly labeled with safety instructions and any prohibitions in terms of who may use them.

Lighting

• Lighting is a very important element of environmental safety. Light bulbs should be the proper wattage for their fixtures to prevent short circuits or fires. In addition, light bulbs should be replaced whenever they burn out, and there should be easily accessible light switches near all doors to allow occupants to find their way around the room. Finally, lamp cords and electrical light wiring should be in good condition with proper insulation on all wires, and lamps should be shaded to prevent objects from falling into contact with hot light bulbs.

Fire Safety

• Fire safety consists of several checklist items. They include maintaining fire extinguisher(s), which will need occasional refilling even if they have not been used. Smoke detectors belong in every bedroom and spaced throughout the other rooms. In homes equipped with gas heat, a carbon monoxide detector is an essential item to warn against fumes leaking into the home from a faulty furnace.

Evacuation

• Everyone in a given environment should be aware of the best method for evacuation. This includes clearly marked exits in a public space, floorplans in hotel rooms and general evacuation routes in the home. Children should learn how to exit the home in several ways. All exit routes should be free from clutter and easily accessible from other areas in the home. Finally, a family can set a meeting place where members will join up in the event of an evacuation to ensure that everyone is accounted for.

Hazardous Substances

• Environmental safety is not complete until any dangerous or hazardous substances are properly stored and labeled. Chemicals must have labels that indicate their toxicity, along with procedures for treatment if a child ingests something dangerous. Sharp objects such as kitchen knives belong in a drawer or knife block with the blades covered and out of the reach of children. Under some local laws, firearms and ammunition must be kept locked in a gun safe.