Walking Surfaces Evaluation Checklist
General Considerations:
- Surface Material:
- Identify the material used for the walking surface (e.g., concrete, asphalt, tile, carpet).
- Condition of Surface:
- Assess the overall condition of the surface (e.g., smooth, rough, uneven, cracked, slippery).
- Levelness:
- Check for levelness across the surface to prevent tripping hazards.
- Cleanliness:
- Evaluate cleanliness and the presence of debris or obstacles that could impede walking.
- Maintenance History:
- Inquire about the maintenance history of the surface to understand past repairs or improvements.
Safety and Accessibility:
- Slip Resistance:
- Measure slip resistance, especially for surfaces prone to moisture or spills.
- Use appropriate tools or methods (e.g., slip resistance testers) to assess slipperiness.
- Trip Hazards:
- Look for potential trip hazards such as changes in elevation, cracks, or uneven joints.
- Measure the height differences to determine compliance with safety standards.
- Visibility:
- Assess visibility of walking surfaces, especially in low-light conditions or areas with poor visibility.
- Accessibility Standards:
- Ensure compliance with accessibility standards (e.g., ADA in the United States) regarding slope, width, and texture.
Comfort and Ergonomics:
- Texture and Traction:
- Evaluate the texture of the surface for comfort and traction underfoot.
- Shock Absorption:
- Consider shock absorption properties, particularly for surfaces used by pedestrians for extended periods.
- Noise Levels:
- Assess noise levels generated by the walking surface, which can impact comfort and usability.
Environmental Factors:
- Weather Resistance:
- Evaluate how the surface performs under different weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, heat).
- Durability:
- Consider durability of the surface material and its ability to withstand wear and tear over time.
Documentation and Follow-Up:
- Documentation:
- Record observations, measurements, and any issues identified during the evaluation.
- Reporting:
- Prepare a detailed report summarizing findings, including recommendations for improvements.
- Follow-Up Actions:
- Assign responsibilities for addressing identified issues and implementing improvements.
- Establish a timeline for follow-up inspections or maintenance to ensure ongoing safety and usability.
Additional Tips:
- Consult Experts: If needed, consult with safety professionals, engineers, or accessibility experts for thorough evaluations.
- User Feedback: Consider gathering feedback from users regarding their experiences with the walking surfaces.
- Regular Inspections: Implement a schedule for regular inspections to maintain high standards of safety and usability.Â
Pre-Evaluation Preparation for Walking Surfaces Evaluation:
- Select eAuditor Audits & Inspections App:
- Choose eAuditor Audits & Inspections app designed for facility inspections or safety assessments that supports customizable checklists and data entry.
- Define Objectives:
- Clarify the purpose of the Walking Surfaces Evaluation(e.g., safety compliance, accessibility assessment).
- Customize Checklist:
- Customize eAuditor Audits & Inspections app’s Walking Surfaces Evaluation checklist to include specific evaluation criteria for walking surfaces (e.g., slip resistance, cleanliness, levelness).
- Schedule and Notify:
- Use the eAuditor Audits & Inspections to schedule the Walking Surfaces Evaluation and notify relevant stakeholders or inspection team members.
During the Walking Surfaces Evaluation:
- Record Observations:
- Use the eAuditor Audits & Inspections to record detailed observations of each walking surface area.
- Input data such as surface material, condition, cleanliness, and any identified hazards.
- Take Photos/Videos:
- Capture photos or videos within the eAuditor Audits & Inspections app to document specific findings (e.g., cracks, trip hazards).
- Measurements:
- Input measurements for dimensions (e.g., height differences, slope) directly into the app using built-in tools if available.
- Assessment Criteria:
- Evaluate each criterion (e.g., slip resistance, trip hazards) using predefined metrics or rating scales within the app.
- Real-Time Reporting:
- Generate real-time reports or summaries of findings as you conduct the evaluation using the app’s reporting features.
Post-Evaluation Follow-Up:
- Generate Reports:
- Use the eAuditor Audits & Inspections app to generate comprehensive reports summarizing evaluation results, including photos and measurements.
- Prioritize Actions:
- Assign priorities and action items for addressing identified issues or improvements based on evaluation findings.
- Share Insights:
- Share evaluation reports with stakeholders or decision-makers directly from the app via email or cloud storage integration.
- Track Progress:
- Monitor progress on corrective actions or maintenance tasks within the eAuditor Audits & Inspections app’s tracking or follow-up features.
Additional Tips:
- Training: Provide training to inspectors or evaluators on using the eAuditor Audits & Inspections app effectively for walking surface evaluations.
- Integration: eAuditor Audits & Inspections integrates well with other systems or tools used for facility management or safety compliance.