Utilities Site Audit Checklist
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About this utilities site checklist
A utilities site audit checklist gives operations teams a consistent way to verify safety, compliance, and asset condition — without relying on memory or local workarounds. Use this checklist to confirm the basics, spot risks early, and turn findings into clear actions with owners and due dates.
Stop guessing. Start knowing what’s happening on site, what needs attention, and what must be escalated today.
What this utilities site audit checklist covers
- Preparation checks (scope, access, documents, and site contact)
- In-process checks (safety readiness, housekeeping, assets, and documentation)
- Escalation criteria (what triggers immediate action vs planned corrective work)
- Close-out actions (debrief, action ownership, and sign-off)
When to use it
This checklist works for routine audits, follow-up visits, and post-incident reviews where you need a clear record of what was checked and what was found. It’s especially useful when different people audit different sites — because consistency is the point.
How to run a better site audit (without slowing the team down)
- Confirm the scope first. If you don’t agree what “good” looks like, you’ll end up debating findings instead of fixing them.
- Prioritise safety and service continuity. A tidy report is useless if a critical risk wasn’t escalated.
- Capture proof as you go. Notes and sign-off create traceability and reduce repeat questions later.
- Close the loop. Every non-conformance needs an owner, a due date, and a way to verify completion.
Common escalation triggers to include
Escalation criteria stop audits turning into opinion. If you see any of the below, treat it as a same-day escalation (based on your internal process): immediate danger to people or the public, evidence of tampering or security breach, uncontrolled leaks or spill risk, or a high risk to service continuity.
Want this checklist in Ocasta?
Ocasta replaces scattered paper forms and inconsistent audits with one clear workflow: the checklist on mobile, actions assigned immediately, and visibility for operations teams without chasing updates.
Disclaimer: This checklist is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, health and safety, or professional advice. You are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws, standards, and internal policies.
Included questions
Here's what's included in this utilities site checklist:
Audit preparation and scope (9)
Confirm access, safety requirements, and what you’re auditing before you start.
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Text
Audit date and time
Use local time. Include start time if you’re auditing multiple areas.
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Text
Site name
Enter the official site name used internally.
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Text
Site reference or asset ID
For traceability in reports and close-out actions.
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Person
Auditor
Who is responsible for this audit and the close-out.
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Dropdown
Audit type
Choose the primary purpose of the visit.
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Yes/No
Scope confirmed with the site contact
Includes areas to access, assets to review, and any restrictions.
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Text
Site contact name and role
Who is escorting you or authorising access on-site.
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Yes/No
Access permissions verified
Keys/cards, permits, and any security clearance required for controlled areas.
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Yes/No
Required documents available
RAMS, permits, site rules, latest drawings, and maintenance logs (as applicable).
Safety and compliance readiness (7)
Confirm you can audit safely and that safety-critical basics are in place.
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Yes/No
Site induction completed (or confirmed current)
If induction is required, do it before entering operational areas.
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Yes/No
Correct PPE available and worn
Match PPE to the site rules and the areas you will access.
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Yes/No
Dynamic risk assessment completed
Pause and reassess when conditions change (weather, access, live work).
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Dropdown
Permit to work required for any part of the audit
Select what applies to the areas you’ll enter.
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Yes/No
Emergency procedures understood
Assembly point, alarms, emergency contacts, and how to raise an alarm on-site.
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Yes/No
First aid and fire points identified
Confirm location of first aid kit, AED (if present), and fire extinguishers.
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Yes/No
Isolation / lock-off controls in place where needed
If you observe live work or open panels, confirm isolation controls are being followed.
Site condition and housekeeping (6)
Check the fundamentals that prevent incidents and create reliable working conditions.
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Yes/No
Access routes are clear and safe
No blocked walkways, trip hazards, or unsafe ground conditions.
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Yes/No
Safety signage and barriers are in place and effective
Includes hazard signage, restricted area notices, and temporary barriers.
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Yes/No
Lighting is adequate in operational areas
Note any failed lighting that affects safe access or inspection.
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Yes/No
Spill control available and accessible
Spill kits present where needed and not obstructed.
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Yes/No
Waste management is compliant
Correct segregation, labelled containers, and no overflowing waste.
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Yes/No
Site security controls are working
Gates, locks, perimeter integrity, and visitor controls as applicable.
Asset and equipment checks (7)
Verify key assets are safe, maintained, and operating within expected limits.
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Yes/No
Asset register matches what’s on site
Spot-check key assets: labels, IDs, and whether any unregistered assets are present.
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Yes/No
Safety-critical assets are clearly identified
Labels and signage are present and readable.
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Yes/No
No visible damage, corrosion, or leaks
If yes (damage/leaks present), capture location and escalate using the criteria section.
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Yes/No
Guards, covers, and enclosures are secure
No missing fasteners, open panels, or exposed live parts.
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Yes/No
Calibration is in date for required instruments
Meters, sensors, and test equipment used for compliance or control.
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Number
Number of overdue planned maintenance tasks (spot-check)
Use the maintenance log or CMMS export available on site.
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Yes/No
No critical alarms active (or alarms are explained and controlled)
If alarms are active, record what they are and who owns the response.
Process and documentation checks (5)
Confirm the site can prove compliance — not just claim it.
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Yes/No
Permits are completed and closed correctly (where used)
Check a sample: correct authorisation, controls, and close-out signatures.
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Yes/No
Training and competency records are available for relevant roles
Spot-check for current authorisations and refreshers.
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Yes/No
Incident and near-miss reporting is active and up to date
Look for recent entries and evidence of actions being completed.
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Dropdown
Actions from the last audit are closed
If not closed, confirm due dates and owners.
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Yes/No
Change control is being followed for changes to equipment or process
Check for evidence: approvals, updated drawings, and comms to affected teams.
Escalation criteria and immediate actions (6)
Use this section to stop guesswork: decide what needs urgent escalation and what can be planned.
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Yes/No
Immediate danger to people or the public identified
If yes: stop work (if safe), make the area safe, and escalate immediately.
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Yes/No
Environmental release or high risk of release identified
Includes leaks, spills, or uncontrolled discharge risk.
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Yes/No
Security breach or evidence of tampering identified
If yes: secure the area and escalate via the agreed security process.
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Dropdown
Risk to service continuity
Assess impact based on what you’ve observed and what the site team confirms.
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Yes/No
Escalation contact notified (if required)
Record who was contacted and when in the notes below.
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Text
Escalation notes
Who you contacted, time, summary of issue, and agreed next step.
Close-out and follow-up (7)
Turn findings into actions with owners, deadlines, and proof — then close the loop.
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Text
Findings summary
What’s working well, what’s not, and the top 3 priorities.
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Yes/No
Actions created for all non-conformances
Every issue should have an owner and a due date.
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Yes/No
Actions assigned to named owners
Avoid ‘team’ as an owner — name a person or role accountable for completion.
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Text
Target close-out date
When will all actions be completed and verified?
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Yes/No
Site debrief completed with the site contact
Confirm what was found, what happens next, and what needs immediate attention.
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Signature
Auditor signature
Confirms the audit was completed and recorded accurately.
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Signature
Site contact signature
Confirms the site has received the findings and understands next steps.