71+ Sample Inspection Checklists

What Is an Inspection Checklist?

An inspection checklist is a piece of document that you can use to inspect a variety of subjects. It is basically a list of items arranged in order for you to be guided on how to inspect something or someone, may it be a car, air compressor, apartment, restaurant, or even an employee. And those who handle inspection services commonly benefit from this so inspectors become aware of the criteria or metrics of what to specifically inspect. The same goes for keeping track of every inspection activity until the whole service is done.

It has been reported that the standard industry must cover regular inspections at least monthly or quarterly.

Meanwhile, Statista noted that the building inspection services’ revenue in America is expected to reach $3.417,9 million by 2024.

Why Should You Use an Inspection Checklist?

Inspection checklists are valuable to ensure you comply and evaluate various subjects thoroughly. An inspection checklist or sheet is even beneficial for inspectors to conduct the proper assessment forms. And thanks to these sample checklists, assessors can be more organized with their tasks. The same goes for observing accountability in terms of doing the inspections followed in a written document. On another note, the inspection checklist brings confidence that something or someone has complied with the standards being assessed. And lastly, this sheet takes into account the detailed documentation on how inspections were performed.

The Significance of Performing Inspections Regularly

Indeed, using an inspection checklist is helpful. But why the need to perform inspections on a regular basis though? First of all, it is not useless considering that building inspection services in the US even expect a revenue up to $3.417,9 million by 2024. Clearly, lots of businesses pay for building inspections. Also, that is just for the building sector so there are other inspections out there too. So in this section, find out the significance of conducting inspections regularly.

Safety and Security: The best reason an inspection is needed is due to how it promotes safety and security. An example is when you buy a house. You would need to inspect the house’s utilities, rooms, and overall construction. And most importantly, how safe would it be to live there? That is where inspection is needed, similar to a safety checklist. You would feel more secure to stay in an environment where your security and safety are assessed.Regular Maintenance: A maintenance plan cannot be forgotten no matter what industry you are a part of. And you can achieve that through inspections. For example, there might be tools and equipment in the workplace that need repairs and replacements. You would not be aware of such problems without inspecting them in the first place. And thanks to how maintenance can be done regularly, you can be sure that every asset in your business is in top-notch shape and quality continuously.Positive Reputation: Implementing inspections many times will bring more good than harm to your workplace. Do you think people would want to hear lots of bad news from your company? Of course not. Hence, continue doing inspections and maintenance services that even minor issues do not have to become worse. And informing audiences or employees about the regular inspections will promote a better reputation on the company for sure.Business Cost Savings: Business costsheet can be saved if inspections are conducted periodically. Without fixing an electrical problem at the office, for example—it might cause a workplace injury someday. And with hospital fees, compensation claims, or loss of work time involved at the workplace, that would take a huge business cost. Thankfully, inspections can prevent spending on business mishaps.

Parts of an Inspection Checklist

You already know an inspection checklist’s meaning, importance, and benefits. But what exactly does this checklist contain? There are crucial elements to expect in the inspection checklist. And it contains the following parts:

Title and Purpose: First of all, you should state the title and purpose of your inspection checklist. One inspection does not apply to all functions anyway. So you can be clear if the inspection is meant for a cleaning service, a vehicle inspection checklist, or maybe a construction site assessment. And your purpose will help you not lose track of what to particularly inspect.List of Tasks: An inspection checklist would naturally have a task list. This part contains all the activities or tasks to achieve the whole inspection. It will be itemized with categories or arranged chronologically, depending on the inspector’s preference. What matters the most is that the task list is easy to follow so that inspecting while using the list makes it easier to achieve.Checkboxes: The inspection checklist would not be called as such without a set of checkboxes. Whether you use a box, line, or circle, it does not matter as long as you know where to put your checkmarks to every finished task. Just like a to-do list checklist, that means every item in the task list will have a corresponding checkbox. Thus, marking every checkbox signifies that you are finished with the inspection.Criteria: Some inspection checklists include a set of criteria. Whether you use a Likert scale or any other metric system, what matters the most is you know how to rate during inspections. The criteria are likely your basis in inspecting if something is alright, needs improvement, and more. And when the criteria are flawed already, expect the inspection to not go as it seems. Use the appropriate criteria to boost your success rate.Notes: Although notes are optional, they are also common in standard inspection checklists. This section is where you write down your comments, feedback form, and other additional details that need to be considered. Therefore, you have a free space to write about other information that has not been mentioned yet in the checklist.

How to Make a Standard Inspection Checklist

Are you ready to form your own inspection checklist? Rest assured, the procedure is not that complicated, particular with samples available to customize anytime. Also, it is through making and following the checklist that you will learn to apply all the knowledge you gained from the information given earlier. So without further ado, here are the steps to create a standard inspection checklist:

Step 1: Identify What to Inspect and Why It Is Necessary

The need to inspect varies from one example to another. It can be as simple as a bathroom toilet inspection down to a complex construction worksite inspection. Whatever your reason for the inspection is, be sure to focus on it well since it will be your inspection checklist’s title and purpose. If you are still unsure of what to inspect, then focus on why you think inspecting is needed first. That way, you can finalize your inspection smart goals and tailor them to the inspection checklist later on.

Step 2: Brainstorm for the Necessary Items and Subjects to Inspect

Now that you understand your purpose or reason, proceed to brainstorm all the possible activities, services, tasks, items, and subjects to inspect. This will let you identify your task list and have them arranged soon to be guided on what to do first until the last part of the inspection. A tip is to come up with categories so you will not be confused. You can have one category focusing on workplace equipment inspection checklist, another category for workers’ productivity inspection, and others. The rest is up to you.

Step 3: Use a Sample Inspection Checklist

Crafting inspection checklists shortly is made possible with sample inspection checklists. Have you checked each sample template listed above already? Check them out until you can select your desired sample to work with. Each sample is premade so you need not start from the very beginning. Just fill out the missing details and you can slowly complete the finishing touches. And the best part is you can edit and print anytime. Your only concern is to be sure that all details inputted there are correct.

Step 4: Complete the Parts of an Inspection Checklist

From the title and purpose down to the notes, be sure you have incorporated all the essential parts of an inspection checklist in your document. Those elements are what completes the inspection checklist anyway. You should have prepared the appropriate criteria already. And the same thing applies to adding the expected checkboxes for each item enlisted. Also, you can organize the details to achieve easy-to-read information sheet.

Step 5: Edit the Checklist for an Easier Approach

Considering that the samples are customizable, you can edit quickly and easily for sure. Take charge whether you want the MS Word format or maybe via PDF. Or perhaps, you plan on printing the checklist or just save a soft copy for your gadget only. Hence, there is room to add creativity to the list in case you are not accustomed to standard-looking checklists.

Step 6: Stick to the Checklist and Note Some Recommendations

The challenging part would be to stay responsible in following the checklist. In short, stick to the plan. A checklist should make it easier for you to be guided on what must be done from the start until last anyway. And you can also assign other inspectors if the job cannot be done by one person only. Also, do not forget to add recommendations. So while you are inspecting, you can add recommendations on how to inspect even better for future purposes.

FAQs

What are the common areas to inspect in a general inspection?

For general inspections, you must include inspecting these areas: environment, building, electrical, fire, hazards, protective equipment, storage, first aid kits, controls, and other tools.

What are the most important components of a workplace’s self-inspection program?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace self-inspections should have a workplace inspection checklist, inspection schedule, responsibility for abatement, records of findings, and proper monitoring of hazards on a periodic basis.

What are the types of quality inspections?

It is known that there are three major types of quality inspection. And they are the pre-production, in-line, and final inspection.

If you can use an inspection checklist correctly, there is enough assurance that you can inspect and assess your subjects comprehensively. But sometimes, what causes failure may be due to how the document is poorly made. And this is where sample inspection checklists are relevant—your best guides to work on inspections smoothly. With editable and ready-made printable samples, you won’t have to start from scratch. Download and inspect now!