What is inspection checklist

Last updated: 2023-07-17

An inspection checklist (sometimes called an inspection sheet) is a list of all activities that must be performed during inspection to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, or maintenance requirements. An inspection checklist is an assurance that a particular part of an asset has been inspected properly or assesses the compliance of a process, procedure, equipment, or facility with industry, governmental, or internal company standards.

An inspection checklist is an essential tool for inspectors and professionals across multiple industries and types of businesses. Using an inspection checklist ensures that the object of inspection goes through a detailed and documented evaluation.

Inspection checklists are essential in every job and can be used for general safety audits of the workplace.

What is included in the inspection checklist

An inspection checklist contains what ensures compliance with requirements. It varies for the subject of inspection which means the checklist is different for each type of asset, equipment, tool, property, or device, so it is hard to make a general list. An inspection checklist has to be constructed with the specific subject of the inspection. So it can range from, but is not limited to the following items:

Identification of a subject and inspector

  • Subject name (Site, device, tool, equipment, etc.)
  • Location
  • Date of inspection
  • Name of inspector and signature

Inspectors instructions

  • Additional comments or instructions for the inspection

Checklist of inspected hazards, features, values, or other properties

  • Values of physical quantities (eg. temperature, humidity, pressure)
  • Electrical hazards or properties
  • Physical or ergonomic hazards 
  • Chemical hazards
  • Safety protection measures (ladders, fall protection)
  • Fire protection 
  • Personal protective equipment 
  • Noise or ergonomic hazards
  • Properties, features

How the inspection checklist works

  • As each item on the checklist is ticked off, the person doing the inspection is verifying that each component of the equipment is in correct working order.
  • Once the inspection has been completed with the help of a checklist, the object of inspection can then be endorsed for its intended use.
  • Aside from compliance, inspection checklists are also used to validate the safety, quality, and/or efficiency of business operations.
Inspection Checklist Template