Stay safe with checklists for workplace, home, and emergency preparedness. Reduce risks and stay ready for any situation.

Safety Checklists

Keep your child safe on every journey with this step-by-step car seat safety guide. Learn how to select the right seat by age and weight, install it correctly, secure harness straps, and perform daily checks for stability. Regular inspection and proper use prevent injuries and ensure maximum protection for your little passenger.

Comprehensive car seat safety checklist to ensure correct selection, installation, harnessing, and daily inspection for your child’s safe travels.

Car Seat Safety Checklist for Parents

Confirm the car seat is certified / meets applicable safety standards

Check that the child's current weight is within the seat's limit

Check that the child's current height is within the seat's limit

Check the expiration date / manufacture date of the seat

Verify the seat has not been recalled (check model & serial)

Ensure all original parts are present (harness, buckle, padding, manual)

Confirm the seat is appropriate for child's age / developmental stage (infant, convertible, booster)

Confirm the seat fits your vehicle (space, compatibility)

Check whether your vehicle supports ISOFIX / LATCH / anchor points

Confirm that replacement parts are available from the manufacturer

Selection & Suitability

Read both vehicle owner's manual and car seat instructions carefully

Choose the safest seating position in the vehicle (typically rear seat)

Use either the seat belt or lower anchors (not both) unless seat instructions allow

Route the belt or anchor correctly through the designated belt path

Lock the seat belt or use the locking function so it is tight

Tighten installation so seat moves ≤ 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path

Adjust and attach the top tether strap (for forward-facing seats)

Ensure tether is anchored to the correct point in vehicle

Check the seat's recline / angle to ensure child's head won't flop forward

Confirm installation does not interfere with closing doors or seat movement

Installation & Mounting

Place child fully seated (back and bottom) against the car seat back

Route harness straps through correct slots (at or below shoulders for rear-facing; at or above shoulders for forward-facing)

Ensure harness straps are flat and not twisted

Buckle all harness clips (crotch buckle, chest clip) securely

Tighten harness so snug (no slack) — do the "pinch test" (you should not be able to pinch webbing at shoulder)

Position chest clip at armpit (mid-chest) level

Avoid bulky clothing under harness (e.g. thick coats); layer over the top instead

Re-check harness tightness after child sits (adjust if needed)

Ensure child's head is within the protective shell and not above its top

Check that child's legs, arms are within seat boundaries, not trapped

Harnessing & Securing the Child

Check for cracks, warps, stress lines in the shell

Inspect harness webbing for frays, cuts, wear

Test buckle latch/unlatch repeatedly to ensure proper function

Check adjuster mechanism works smoothly and holds firmly

Ensure all padding, covers, inserts are intact and correctly placed

Check that labels / warning stickers are still legible

Clean the seat according to manufacturer's care instructions

Avoid chemical cleaners that may weaken materials

Store seat away from extreme heat, sunlight, or weight on top

Record maintenance or checks (dates, findings) for reference

Inspection & Maintenance

Re-check that seat is still securely installed (≤ 1 inch movement)

Reassess harness height as child grows (adjust as needed)

Confirm chest clip remains at armpit level

Ensure harness straps are not twisted after buckling

Double-check tightness after child is seated

Confirm tether remains tight (if forward-facing)

Check that no object (toy, water bottle) is under or pressing on seat

Avoid placing forward-facing seat ahead of active airbags

Inspect for unusual noises or shifting during motion; stop and recheck if necessary

Pre-Trip & Daily Safety Checks

Before setting sail, every boater must ensure their vessel is equipped with the right safety gear. This detailed checklist covers life jackets, fire extinguishers, distress signals, navigation lights, first-aid kits, and other essential items to meet safety standards. Proper preparation not only ensures legal compliance but also guarantees peace of mind and protection for everyone aboard.

Comprehensive boat safety equipment checklist ensuring compliance, preparedness, and protection on the water with required gear, emergency tools, and navigation essentials.

Complete Boat Safety Gear and Equipment Checklist

Wearable life jackets / personal flotation devices (PFDs) — one for every person aboard, properly sized and Coast Guard / local-approved

Throwable flotation device(s) or type IV device (for boats over a certain length)

Life ring, buoy, or float cushion (for man overboard)

Safety harnesses or tethers (for rough weather or offshore use)

Emergency signal whistle, horn, or audible device (for attracting attention)

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)

Visual distress signals (flares, signal lights, smoke signals) for day & night as required by law

Navigation lights (required for use between sunset and sunrise)

Backup flashlight or waterproof torch with spare batteries

Thermal / survival blanket or shelter (especially for offshore or cold conditions)

Personal Flotation & Life Safety Gear

Marine-rated fire extinguisher(s) of the correct class / rating (e.g. B-I, B-II)

Fire extinguisher brackets or mount, and inspections / servicing status

Fire blanket (for small fuel or cooking fires)

Engine compartment ventilation (blower, vents) to remove gasoline fumes

Muffler or exhaust system in good condition (for inboard engines)

Fuel shutoff valve or control (accessible and labeled)

Fuel line checks for leaks, clamps, hoses

Carbon monoxide detector (especially for enclosed cabins)

Fire detection / alarm systems (if applicable)

Fire Safety & Ventilation

Backup communication (cell phone in waterproof case, satellite phone)

Navigation charts, maps, or electronic charting device

Radar reflector (for small vessels or low visibility)

Binoculars (for spotting hazards, landmarks)

Flag / day signal ("diver down" flag, etc.)

Spare batteries or charging devices for navigation & communication equipment

Communication, Navigation & Signaling

Anchor of suitable size & type for your vessel and seabed conditions

Anchor line / chain / rode (sufficient length)

Bowline, mooring cleats, shackles, carabiners

Bailer, bilge pump, manual bilge pump, or buckets

Spare propeller or prop strip (if feasible)

Steering backup / emergency tiller (if applicable)

Compass deviation card, trim / stabilization devices

Anchoring, Mooring & Boat Handling

Tool kit (wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, multi-tool)

Spare fuses, wiring, electrical connectors

Engine oil, coolant, lubricant, extra fluid

Fuel sampling bottle or tool (check for water in fuel)

Impeller spare or parts for raw water system

Spare parts for critical systems (e.g. ignition, fuel pump)

Duct tape, hose clamps, patch kit, sealants

Engine manual, wiring schematics, spare key / start switch

Engine, Fuel & Mechanical Spares

First aid kit well stocked (bandages, antiseptics, scissors, gloves, etc.)

Seasickness remedies, motion sickness patches or medicine

Prescription medications and spare supplies

Extra drinking water, water purification tablets or filter

Signal / whistle or mirror (sometimes included here)

Waterproof document pouch (for IDs, charts, licenses, permits)

First Aid, Medical & Survival Supplies

Battery / batteries in good condition, securely mounted

Battery isolator, switches, fuses, circuit breakers

Shore power cord, connectors, adapters (if applicable)

Charging system / alternator / solar / generator

Wiring inspections (loose, corrosion, insulation)

Bilge pump power circuit (primary and backup)

Navigation / cabin lighting, instrument lighting

Inverter or DC to AC converters (if applicable)

Voltmeter, ammeter, instrument gauges, battery monitor

Electrical & Power Systems

Inspect all lifejackets, PFDs for wear, damage, buoyancy

Verify expiration dates / usability of flares, fire extinguishers

Try out VHF radio, communication & navigation gear

Check hull, hull fittings, through-hull valves for leaks

Inspect propeller, shaft, rudder, steering linkages

Check fuel system for leaks, vapor, venting problems

Verify all navigation lights, interior/exterior lights

Clean / lubricate control cables, linkages

Log all inspections, maintenance records, safety drills

Inspection, Maintenance & Safety Checks

Brief all passengers / crew on safety gear locations & use

Emergency drill: man overboard, fire, abandon ship

How to use VHF radio, signal procedures, distress calls

How to deploy anchor, bilge pump manually

Navigation rules, right-of-way, rules of the road

Check weather forecasts, tides, currents before departure

Plan route, alternate exit / safe harbor points

Assign roles (who handles what in emergency)

Keep contact or float plan with someone ashore (routes, return time)

Periodic refresher training, keep safety procedures visible

Crew Training & Emergency Procedures

Vessel registration / documentation papers onboard

Boating license / operator certification (if required by law)

Insurance documents and proof of coverage

Local / maritime permits, licenses, quotas

Operator's manuals, navigation charts, schematics

Safety inspection certificates (if required)

Flag / national or regulatory markers (if required)

Logbook or trip records (for compliance, maintenance)

Emergency contact, rescue services, marine radio channels list

Checklist for local regulations (because requirements vary by jurisdiction)

Documentation, Legal & Compliance

Complete home safety checklist covering all essential safety measures including fire and smoke detection, electrical safety, trip hazard prevention, kitchen and bathroom safety, child protection, structural maintenance, and emergency preparedness to ensure a secure and safe home environment.

Comprehensive home safety checklist covering fire safety, electrical safety, trip hazards, kitchen safety, bathroom safety, and emergency preparedness.

Home Safety Checklist: Fire, Electrical & Emergency Readiness

Install smoke alarms on every floor and near all sleeping areas

Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on each level and outside bedrooms

Replace smoke/CO detector batteries annually (or per manufacturer)

Keep a fire extinguisher in key zones (e.g. kitchen, garage) and ensure it is maintained

Clear clutter and combustibles away from heat sources (heaters, fireplaces, stoves)

Ensure all fireplaces, chimneys, stoves, flues are cleaned and inspected yearly

Create and practice a fire escape plan with two exits from each room

Ensure at least one window in each habitable room can serve as an exit in emergencies

Store matches and lighters in child-proof, locked spaces (if children present)

Fire & Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Safety

Inspect cords, plugs, and wires for fraying, damage, or exposed conductors

Replace or repair damaged cords immediately

Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in wet areas (bathrooms, kitchen)

Avoid overloading outlets or power strips

Use plug covers on unused outlets (especially with children)

Keep electrical cords tucked behind furniture, not across walking paths

Use adequate lighting in stairways, hallways, and entrances

Install motion-sensor or dusk-to-dawn exterior lighting

Use LED or low-heat bulbs in enclosed fixtures to reduce overheating

Turn off and unplug small appliances (hairdryers, irons) when not in use

Electrical & Lighting Safety

Keep walkways and corridors clear of clutter, toys, cords, and obstacles

Use non-slip mats, rugs, or treads on slippery surfaces

Secure rugs with non-skid backing or double-sided tape

Repair uneven or broken floorboards, tiles, or thresholds

Install and maintain sturdy handrails on staircases

Ensure stairs are well-lit at top and bottom

Mark or highlight stair edges for visibility (especially for elderly)

Avoid placing small furnishings or objects too close to walking paths

Use step stools with secure footing instead of unstable chairs

For children or seniors, install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs (if needed)

Floor, Stairs & Trip Hazards

Store sharp knives, scissors, and utensils in locked or out-of-reach cabinets

Use back burners and turn pot handles inward while cooking

Keep flammable materials (towels, curtains) away from stovetop and open flames

Ensure good ventilation or exhaust over stove

Keep kitchen floors dry; clean up spills immediately

Ensure appliances (microwave, toaster) are away from the sink and water sources

Check and maintain kitchen appliances, cords, and plugs

Store cleaning chemicals, detergents, and poisons safely in locked cabinets

Have a fire blanket or small fire extinguisher nearby

Use a sturdy, stable step stool for reaching high shelves (not unstable chairs)

Safety Checklists

Car Seat Safety Checklist for Parents

Complete Boat Safety Gear and Equipment Checklist

Home Safety Checklist: Fire, Electrical & Emergency Readiness

Complete Lawn Mower Safety Checklist for Homeowners

Surgical Safety Checklist for Healthcare Teams

Warehouse Safety Checklist PDF: Facility & Worker Protection