Ordinary Classroom Health and Safety Checklist

Is this an ordinary classroom rather than a specialist classroom, laboratory, art, IT, design and technology, drama or sports facility?

This checklist is optional. If the school chooses to use it, use it as a proportionate way to identify concerns and support classroom health and safety arrangements.

If the school chooses to use this checklist, consider completing it each term or when circumstances change significantly.

Inspect entrances, exits, aisles and routes used to move around the classroom. Record any obstruction, trip concern, restricted access or other condition requiring attention.

Inspect floors, mats and other floor coverings for damage, unevenness, looseness, wetness or items that could cause a slip or trip. Record any concern.

Inspect desks, chairs, tables, cupboards and other classroom furniture for damage, instability, sharp edges or unsafe placement. Record any concern.

Inspect shelves, cupboards and stored materials for instability, overloading, falling-object concerns or items placed where they may obstruct movement. Record any concern.

Inspect doors and windows used in the classroom for damage, unsafe operation, obstruction or other condition requiring attention. Record any concern.

Inspect visible electrical equipment, plugs, sockets, chargers and cables used in the classroom for visible damage, unsafe positioning or cable-related trip concerns. Record any concern and do not use visibly damaged equipment.

Inspect equipment used for ordinary classroom activities for damage, instability, unsuitable placement or other condition that could affect people using or working in the room. Record any concern.

Check whether the classroom lighting is working and whether dark areas, glare, damaged fittings or other lighting conditions require attention. Record any concern.

Consider ventilation, temperature, air quality, dampness, excessive noise and other environmental conditions that may affect people using or working in the classroom. Record any concern.

Check whether relevant emergency information and arrangements used by the classroom are available to staff and whether anything appears unclear, missing or inaccessible. Record any concern.

Consider whether staff can obtain assistance and communicate a concern or emergency from the classroom, including where the classroom layout or equipment creates a barrier. Record any concern.

Consider whether the classroom presents a concern for pupils, staff, visitors or anyone who may need additional assistance because of the room, its contents or the way it is being used. Record any concern.

Inspect the classroom for waste, spills, loose materials, objects left on the floor or other housekeeping conditions requiring attention. Record any concern.

For each concern identified, describe what was observed, where it was observed and who may be affected.

For each recorded concern, identify the person, role or team responsible for coordinating the next action.

For each recorded concern, describe the action needed to address it or to obtain further advice.

If a serious incident is identified, bring it to the attention of the employer straight away, using the school's arrangements.