What is a restaurant hygiene & safety audit checklist?

A restaurant hygiene & safety audit checklist is a detailed list of points to inspect within a restaurant to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. It's used to identify potential hazards, areas of improvement, and verify existing practices are effective. The template provided in the article is a starting point to customize for your specific restaurant's needs and local laws.

Why is a restaurant hygiene & safety audit important?

Regular audits are crucial for protecting public health, preventing foodborne illnesses, maintaining a positive reputation, avoiding legal penalties, and ensuring staff are following safe food handling procedures. They also demonstrate a commitment to customer well-being.

Who should use this checklist template?

Restaurant owners, managers, supervisors, designated food safety personnel, and even third-party auditors can use this checklist. It's a valuable tool for anyone responsible for maintaining hygiene and safety standards.

Is this checklist customizable? How can I do it?

Yes! The checklist is designed to be customizable. You can add, remove, or modify items to reflect your restaurant's specific operations, menu, equipment, and local regulations. Look for areas where you can add notes or adapt sections to better suit your needs. Consider adding items specific to your menu (e.g., seafood handling).

What kind of regulations does this checklist help with?

The checklist covers general hygiene and safety areas that align with common regulations like HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles, and guidelines from local health departments. However, it's vital to refer to your specific local regulations, as requirements vary considerably.

How often should I conduct restaurant hygiene & safety audits?

The frequency of audits depends on factors like the size and complexity of your restaurant, the risk level of your menu, and local health department requirements. Most restaurants should conduct audits at least monthly, with more frequent audits for high-risk operations or after any incidents.

What should I do if I find an issue during an audit?

Document the issue clearly, noting the location and severity. Assign responsibility for corrective action and set a deadline for completion. Follow up to ensure the issue is resolved and prevent recurrence. Record all corrective actions taken.

What's the difference between a hygiene audit and a food safety audit?

While often used interchangeably, a hygiene audit focuses more on cleanliness and physical aspects (e.g., cleanliness of surfaces, pest control), whereas a food safety audit emphasizes the processes and procedures related to food handling, preparation, and storage to prevent contamination. This checklist incorporates both aspects for a comprehensive assessment.

What record-keeping is important after conducting an audit?

Keep detailed records of audit dates, findings, corrective actions taken, responsible personnel, and completion dates. This documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance during health inspections and for tracking progress in improving your restaurant's hygiene and safety practices.

Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist (Science Labs) | Facility Management Templates

General Facility Conditions

NaN of 10

Assessment of overall lab cleanliness, organization, and structural integrity.

Ambient Temperature (°C)

Noise Level (dB)

Floor Condition (Overall)

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Unsafe

Wall & Ceiling Condition

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Requires Repair

Notes on General Cleanliness & Organization

Presence of Pests?

Yes

Unsure

Photos of General Facility Condition (Optional)

Ventilation & Air Quality

NaN of 10

Evaluation of ventilation systems and air quality control measures.

Room Air Changes per Hour (ACH)

Fume Hood Certification Status?

Certified within last year

Certified between 1-2 years ago

Expired/Not Certified

Describe any unusual odors or ventilation concerns observed.

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Functionality

Functioning Properly

Minor Issue - Needs Attention

Malfunctioning - Immediate Action Required

Fume Hood Face Velocity (m/s or ft/min)

Which Ventilation System Components are visible? (Check all that apply)

Supply Fans

Exhaust Fans

Air Filters

Ductwork

Grilles/Diffusers

None Visible

Are Ventilation Systems Regularly Maintained?

Yes, documented maintenance schedule

Occasionally

No documented maintenance

Lighting & Electrical Safety

NaN of 10

Review of lighting adequacy and electrical hazards.

Ambient Light Level (Lux)

Lighting Condition

Adequate

Dim

Excessive

Insufficient

Electrical Hazards Observed

Frayed Wiring

Overloaded Circuits

Damaged Outlets/Switches

Ungrounded Equipment

None Observed

GFCIs Tested?

Yes

N/A

Circuit Breaker Amp Rating (Check against equipment draw)

Comments/Notes on Lighting and Electrical Safety

Emergency Equipment & Accessibility

NaN of 10

Inspection of safety showers, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits – ensuring they are functional and accessible.

Last Eyewash Station Inspection Date

Last Safety Shower Inspection Date

Number of Functioning Fire Extinguishers

Eyewash Station Water Pressure (Adequate/Insufficient)

Adequate

Insufficient

Safety Shower Water Temperature (Acceptable/Too Hot/Too Cold)

Acceptable

Too Hot

Too Cold

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Tags Present and Valid?

Yes

N/A

Comments/Observations Regarding Emergency Equipment

Location of First Aid Kit

Hazardous Materials Storage

NaN of 10

Verification of proper storage practices for chemicals, biological agents, and other hazardous materials.

Temperature of Flammable Storage Refrigerator

Chemical Cabinets Securely Fastened to Wall?

Yes

N/A

Incompatible Chemicals Segregated?

Acids and Bases

Oxidizers and Flammables

Acids and Metals

Yes - All Segregated

No - Some Segregation Issues

Secondary Containment Used for Liquids?

Yes

N/A

Comments on Chemical Storage Practices

Date of last chemical inventory

Compressed Gas Cylinders Properly Secured?

Yes

N/A

Hazardous Waste Management

NaN of 10

Review of waste disposal procedures and container labeling.

Number of Hazardous Waste Containers

Waste Segregation Practices

Compatible Waste Segregation

Incompatible Waste Segregation

Proper Labeling

Waste is NOT Mixed

Container Label Status

Labels are Complete & Legible

Labels Missing or Incomplete

Labels Damaged or Faded

Date of Last Waste Pickup

Notes on Waste Management Practices (if any)

Waste Manifests are Properly Maintained

Yes

N/A

Upload Photo of Waste Storage Area

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

NaN of 10

Assessment of PPE availability, condition, and proper usage protocols.

Are appropriate PPE readily available to all lab personnel?

Yes

N/A

Which types of PPE are typically required in this lab?

Safety Glasses/Goggles

Lab Coat

Gloves (specify type below)

Respirator

Face Shield

Hearing Protection

If gloves are required, what type(s) are appropriate? (e.g., Nitrile, Latex, etc.)

Are employees adequately trained on proper PPE selection and usage?

Yes

N/A

Number of available lab coats.

Any observations regarding the condition of PPE (e.g., damaged lab coats, mismatched gloves)?

Are designated areas for PPE storage clearly marked?

Yes

N/A

Emergency Procedures & Signage

NaN of 10

Evaluation of emergency plans, evacuation routes, and safety signage.

Are evacuation maps posted in prominent locations?

Yes

N/A

Are emergency contact numbers clearly posted?

Yes

N/A

Date of last fire drill (MM/DD/YYYY)

Briefly describe any observed deficiencies related to emergency signage.

Check all that apply regarding emergency procedures.

Evacuation plan is readily accessible

Staff are trained on emergency procedures

Communication protocols are clear

Assembly points are designated and known

Emergency contact list is current

Are emergency exits clearly marked and unobstructed?

Yes

N/A

Date of last emergency procedure review

Structural Integrity & Housekeeping

NaN of 10

Inspection of flooring, walls, ceilings, and overall housekeeping practices.

Floor Condition Rating (1-5, 1=Excellent, 5=Poor)

Floor Damage Observed (Check all that apply)

Cracks

Spills/Stains

Loose Tiles

Holes

None

Describe any wall or ceiling damage observed.

Evidence of Pests (Rodents, Insects)?

Yes

Unsure

Dust Accumulation on Surfaces (Scale of 1-5, 1=None, 5=Excessive)

Are Aisles and Pathways Clear and Unobstructed?

Yes

Partially Obstructed

Describe any housekeeping deficiencies observed.

Laboratory Specific Hazards

NaN of 10

Assessment of unique hazards related to specific laboratory activities and equipment.

Describe any unique experimental procedures carried out in the lab and potential associated hazards.

Are any specialized equipment (e.g., autoclaves, fume hoods, centrifuges) in use? Select all that apply.

Autoclave

Fume Hood

Centrifuge

Spectrophotometer

Microscope

Other (Specify in LONG_TEXT)

If 'Other' was selected for specialized equipment, please specify.

For procedures involving radioactivity, record the last date of calibration/inspection of radiation monitoring equipment.

For labs working with biological agents, has a risk assessment been conducted for each agent?

Yes

N/A

Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist (Science Labs)

General Facility Conditions

Ambient Temperature (°C)

Noise Level (dB)

Floor Condition (Overall)

Wall & Ceiling Condition

Notes on General Cleanliness & Organization

Presence of Pests?

Photos of General Facility Condition (Optional)

Ventilation & Air Quality

Room Air Changes per Hour (ACH)

Fume Hood Certification Status?

Describe any unusual odors or ventilation concerns observed.

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Functionality

Fume Hood Face Velocity (m/s or ft/min)

Which Ventilation System Components are visible? (Check all that apply)

Are Ventilation Systems Regularly Maintained?

Lighting & Electrical Safety

Ambient Light Level (Lux)

Lighting Condition

Electrical Hazards Observed

GFCIs Tested?

Circuit Breaker Amp Rating (Check against equipment draw)

Comments/Notes on Lighting and Electrical Safety

Emergency Equipment & Accessibility

Last Eyewash Station Inspection Date

Last Safety Shower Inspection Date

Number of Functioning Fire Extinguishers

Eyewash Station Water Pressure (Adequate/Insufficient)

Safety Shower Water Temperature (Acceptable/Too Hot/Too Cold)

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Tags Present and Valid?

Comments/Observations Regarding Emergency Equipment

Location of First Aid Kit

Hazardous Materials Storage

Temperature of Flammable Storage Refrigerator

Chemical Cabinets Securely Fastened to Wall?

Incompatible Chemicals Segregated?

Secondary Containment Used for Liquids?

Comments on Chemical Storage Practices

Date of last chemical inventory

Compressed Gas Cylinders Properly Secured?

Hazardous Waste Management

Number of Hazardous Waste Containers

Waste Segregation Practices

Container Label Status

Date of Last Waste Pickup

Notes on Waste Management Practices (if any)

Waste Manifests are Properly Maintained

Upload Photo of Waste Storage Area

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Are appropriate PPE readily available to all lab personnel?

Which types of PPE are typically required in this lab?

If gloves are required, what type(s) are appropriate? (e.g., Nitrile, Latex, etc.)

Are employees adequately trained on proper PPE selection and usage?

Number of available lab coats.

Any observations regarding the condition of PPE (e.g., damaged lab coats, mismatched gloves)?

Are designated areas for PPE storage clearly marked?

Emergency Procedures & Signage

Are evacuation maps posted in prominent locations?

Are emergency contact numbers clearly posted?

Date of last fire drill (MM/DD/YYYY)

Briefly describe any observed deficiencies related to emergency signage.

Check all that apply regarding emergency procedures.

Are emergency exits clearly marked and unobstructed?

Date of last emergency procedure review

Structural Integrity & Housekeeping

Floor Condition Rating (1-5, 1=Excellent, 5=Poor)

Floor Damage Observed (Check all that apply)

Describe any wall or ceiling damage observed.

Evidence of Pests (Rodents, Insects)?

Dust Accumulation on Surfaces (Scale of 1-5, 1=None, 5=Excessive)

Are Aisles and Pathways Clear and Unobstructed?

Describe any housekeeping deficiencies observed.

Laboratory Specific Hazards

Describe any unique experimental procedures carried out in the lab and potential associated hazards.

Are any specialized equipment (e.g., autoclaves, fume hoods, centrifuges) in use? Select all that apply.

If 'Other' was selected for specialized equipment, please specify.

For procedures involving radioactivity, record the last date of calibration/inspection of radiation monitoring equipment.

For labs working with biological agents, has a risk assessment been conducted for each agent?

Date of last biological agent risk assessment review (if applicable)