Environmental Health Officer EHO Visit Checklist

Performing EHO visit checklist inspection ensures compliance with health & safety standards, efficient documentation, and streamlined reporting.

General Cleanliness and Hygiene

1. Overall Cleanliness:
   • Ensure all areas, including kitchen, dining, storage, and restrooms, are clean and free from clutter.
   • Regularly clean and sanitize floors, walls, ceilings, and equipment.
2. Waste Management:
   • Properly dispose of waste and maintain clean and covered garbage bins.
   • Ensure regular waste removal and proper recycling practices.
3. Pest Control:
   • Have an effective pest control program in place.
   • Regularly inspect for signs of pests and maintain records of pest control treatments.

Food Safety and Handling

1. Food Storage:
   • Store food at appropriate temperatures (refrigerated items below 41°F/5°C and frozen items below 0°F/-18°C).
   • Properly label and date all food items.
   • Use FIFO (First In, First Out) method for inventory rotation.
2. Temperature Control:
   • Regularly monitor and record temperatures of refrigerators, freezers, and hot holding units.
   • Calibrate thermometers regularly.
3. Cross-Contamination Prevention:
   • Store raw and cooked foods separately.
   • Use color-coded cutting boards and utensils.
   • Implement proper handwashing and use gloves when necessary.

Personal Hygiene

1. Handwashing Facilities:
   • Ensure handwashing stations are accessible and well-stocked with soap, paper towels, and hand sanitizers.
   • Display proper handwashing procedures.
2. Employee Hygiene:
   • Enforce a strict handwashing policy for employees.
   • Ensure employees wear clean uniforms and maintain personal cleanliness.
   • Provide hairnets, gloves, and aprons as needed.

Equipment and Utensils

1. Cleaning and Sanitizing:
   • Clean and sanitize equipment, utensils, and surfaces after use.
   • Use appropriate cleaning agents and follow manufacturer instructions.
2. Maintenance:
   • Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to ensure it is in good working condition.
   • Repair or replace damaged or faulty equipment promptly.

Documentation and Records

1. Training Records:
   • Maintain records of employee training on food safety and hygiene practices.
   • Ensure all employees have up-to-date certifications where required.
2. Cleaning Schedules:
   • Keep detailed cleaning schedules and logs.
   • Ensure all cleaning tasks are signed off upon completion.
3. Temperature Logs:
   • Maintain accurate records of temperature checks for refrigerators, freezers, and hot holding units.
   • Record cooking and cooling temperatures for food items.
4. Pest Control Records:
   • Keep records of pest control inspections and treatments.
   • Document any pest sightings and actions taken.
5. Maintenance Logs:
   • Record regular maintenance checks and repairs for equipment and facilities.
   • Keep documentation of any servicing or calibration performed.

Health and Safety Compliance

1. Health Policies:
   • Enforce policies for reporting and managing employee illnesses.
   • Ensure employees stay home when sick and follow return-to-work guidelines.
2. Safety Procedures:
   • Implement and enforce safety procedures for handling hot equipment, sharp objects, and hazardous substances.
   • Display safety signs and provide safety equipment (e.g., gloves, goggles).
3. Emergency Procedures:
   • Have clear procedures for emergencies such as fires, power outages, or chemical spills.
   • Ensure fire extinguishers and first aid kits are accessible and maintained.

Specific Inspection Areas

1. Kitchen Area:
   • Check cleanliness and organization of kitchen surfaces, equipment, and storage areas.
   • Ensure proper ventilation and lighting.
2. Storage Area:
   • Inspect storage areas for proper organization and cleanliness.
   • Ensure food items are stored off the floor and away from walls.
3. Restrooms:
   • Ensure restrooms are clean, well-stocked, and maintained.
   • Check for proper handwashing facilities and supplies.
4. Dining Area:
   • Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of dining tables, chairs, and floors.
   • Ensure proper cleaning and sanitizing of dining utensils and surfaces.

Preparation Tips

• Conduct Regular Internal Audits: Regularly inspect your own facility to identify and address potential issues before an EHO visit.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with local health regulations and industry best practices.
• Train Staff: Ensure all staff members are well-trained in food safety, hygiene, and emergency procedures.
• Communication: Keep open lines of communication with employees regarding the importance of compliance and the procedures to follow.

EHO Visit Checklist Using a eAuditor Audits & Inspections

Performing an Environmental Health Officer EHO visit checklist inspection using eAuditor Audits & Inspections app involves a structured approach to ensure compliance with health and safety standards, efficient documentation, and streamlined reporting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting the inspection:

1. Preparation

1. Set Up the eAuditor Audits & Inspections App:
   • Install: Ensure the eAuditor Audits & Inspections app is installed on your device.
   • Configure: Set up the app with the EHO visit checklist, including categories and specific items to be inspected.
2. Customize the Checklist:
   • Tailor: Adjust the checklist in the app to reflect the specific EHO standards you need to evaluate.
3. Gather Equipment:
   • Mobile Device: Ensure your device is fully charged and operational.
   • Additional Tools: Prepare any extra tools needed (e.g., thermometer, flashlight) if required for the inspection.

2. Conduct the Inspection

1. Log In:
   • Open the eAuditor Audits & Inspections app and log in with your credentials.
2. Select Inspection Type:
   • Choose the type of inspection (e.g., routine, follow-up) and specify the location or area being inspected.
3. Start Inspection:
   • Begin the inspection process by navigating to the EHO visit checklist in the eAuditor Audits & Inspections.

3. Complete the EHO Visit Checklist

A. General Cleanliness

1. Premises:
   • Inspect Cleanliness: Check for overall cleanliness of the premises, including floors, walls, and ceilings.
   • Document: Take photos and make notes on the app about any areas that need attention.
2. Restrooms:
   • Inspect Facilities: Ensure restrooms are clean, stocked, and well-maintained.
   • Record: Document cleanliness issues and provide photos if applicable.
3. Waste Management:
   • Check Bins: Ensure waste bins are covered, emptied regularly, and waste is disposed of correctly.
   • Document: Record any issues with waste management.

B. Food Hygiene

1. Food Storage:
   • Check Conditions: Inspect food storage areas for cleanliness, proper labeling, and organization.
   • Temperature Control: Verify temperatures of refrigerators and freezers.
   • Document: Record temperatures and any deviations from the safe ranges.
2. Preparation Areas:
   • Inspect Surfaces: Ensure food preparation surfaces are clean and sanitized.
   • Equipment: Check that equipment is clean and well-maintained.
   • Document: Record any issues with preparation areas.
3. Cross-Contamination Prevention:
   • Inspect Practices: Verify that cross-contamination prevention practices are followed.
   • Record Findings: Document any deviations and attach supporting evidence.

C. Pest Control

1. Inspect for Pests:
   • Check Signs: Look for signs of pest activity and verify pest control measures.
   • Document Findings: Record evidence of pests and effectiveness of control measures.
2. Pest Control Records:
   • Review Records: Ensure pest control records are up-to-date and accessible.
   • Document: Record any missing or incomplete records.

D. Personal Hygiene

1. Staff Hygiene:
   • Inspect Practices: Check that staff follow proper handwashing and hygiene practices.
   • Protective Clothing: Ensure staff wear appropriate protective clothing.
   • Document: Record any issues with staff hygiene.
2. Health and Safety Training:
   • Review Training: Verify that staff have received appropriate health and safety training.
   • Document: Record any gaps in training records.

E. Compliance and Documentation

1. Regulatory Compliance:
   • Review Standards: Ensure all practices comply with relevant health and safety regulations.
   • Document: Record any non-compliances and note corrective actions needed.
2. Record Keeping:
   • Update Records: Ensure all health and safety records are up-to-date in the app.
   • Document: Record any discrepancies and update records accordingly.

F. Emergency Procedures

1. Emergency Contacts:
   • Verify Contacts: Ensure emergency contact numbers are posted and accessible.
   • Document: Record any issues with emergency contact information.
2. Incident Response:
   • Check Procedures: Verify that procedures for responding to health and safety incidents are in place.
   • Record: Document any issues with incident response procedures.

G. Customer Feedback

1. Customer Complaints:
   • Check System: Verify that there is a system for receiving and addressing customer complaints.
   • Document: Record any issues with the handling of customer complaints.
2. Customer Communication:
   • Review Communication: Ensure customers are informed about health and safety practices.
   • Document: Record any issues with customer communication.

4. Finalize the Inspection

1. Review Data:
   • Verify Entries: Review all data entered into the eAuditor Audits & Inspections for completeness and accuracy.
2. Generate Report:
   • Create Report: Use the eAuditor Audits & Inspections to generate a detailed inspection report, including observations, non-compliances, and recommendations.
3. Submit Report:
   • Send Report: Submit the report through the eAuditor Audits & Inspections to relevant stakeholders or a central database.
4. Discuss Findings:
   • Meeting: Discuss findings with management and agree on necessary corrective actions.

5. Follow-Up

1. Monitor Corrective Actions:
   • Track Progress: Use the eAuditor Audits & Inspections to monitor the progress of corrective actions and improvements.
2. Schedule Re-Inspection:
   • Plan Follow-Up: Schedule follow-up inspections to ensure corrective actions have been implemented effectively.
3. Provide Feedback:
   • Share Insights: Offer feedback and additional training if needed to address specific issues.

Using the eAuditor Audits & Inspections

1. Dashboard:
   • Overview: Access a dashboard for an overview of inspection findings, non-compliances, and corrective actions.
   • Notifications: Set up notifications for follow-up actions or upcoming inspections.
2. Real-Time Updates:
   • Sync Data: eAuditor Audits & Inspections syncs data in real-time to keep records accurate and up-to-date.
3. Analytics:
   • Analyze Trends: Use the eAuditor Audits & Inspections’ analytics features to identify trends, such as recurring issues or areas needing improvement.

Using eAuditor Audits & Inspections app for conducting an EHO visit checklist inspection helps ensure a structured and thorough evaluation process, improves documentation efficiency, and facilitates ongoing improvements in health and safety practices.