Mastering Inspection Dispatch and Scheduling With Technology

Mastering Inspection Dispatch and Scheduling With Technology

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Dispatching and scheduling inspections are key in construction, quality control, and fire safety. Inspection form templates help, but advanced technology’s where the action is. With advanced tech, you’re not just keeping pace—you’re setting the standard in your industry. Ditch the spreadsheets for smarter, tech-driven scheduling by using the right tools to quickly assign technicians, optimize location-based schedules, and get your project teams working in harmony. 

Relying on outdated dispatch and scheduling methods is like using an old map in a changing city: You hit dead ends and waste time. Lack of real-time info makes adapting to changes tough, leading to delays and increased costs. Human error—like typos—can send teams to the wrong place and mess up the whole schedule, while poor coordination between teams can cause misunderstandings and throw off everyone’s day. But there’s room for a more efficient approach.

Traditional methods mean you juggle paper schedules, endless calls, and manual job assignments, wasting time and increasing the chance for errors to creep in. Switching to a tech-driven approach streamlines these tasks on a dashboard, offering benefits like quick job matching, less admin hassle, and happier technicians.

In contrast to the manual mess, tech solutions cut down on human errors and inefficiencies. One missed call in a manual system can ruin a day’s work—but with digital tools, you get a more efficient and reliable system that eliminates common scheduling problems.

Scheduling tools like GoCanvas help you auto-assign jobs based on a tech’s skills, location, and current workload as if you have your own 24/7 digital dispatcher adjusting schedules in real time. If a job gets canceled or a tech calls in sick, the system reroutes and reassigns work to minimize disruption.

In fields like construction and fire protection, time is crucial. Using technology streamlines the inspection process, letting you do more in less time. Real-time info makes team coordination a breeze, cutting down on communication issues. The result is less time spent on admin and more focus on inspection quality and site safety.

Inspection form templates are game-changers for dispatch and scheduling. They act like blueprints that can be easily customized for each project to save time and reduce errors—and you can use the time you save from not having to create new forms from scratch to improve quality control or safety. The templates come with features that help you avoid common mistakes and easily sync with scheduling software, auto-filling the necessary info once you assign a job. The result? A smoother, more efficient process from start to finish.

Tech-savvy scheduling ups productivity and reduces errors in compliance. In fact, a study by McKinsey found that digital tools boosted productivity by 25%, which translates to less paperwork stress and faster compliance checks. Benefits include:

  • Better margins
  • Faster document access
  • Fewer errors
  • Quicker approvals
  • Smooth team handoffs 

All compliance docs are centralized for easy audits and teamwork.

Scheduling software makes everything digital and searchable, keeping projects in compliance and inspection reports easy to find. Plus, GoCanvas comes with built-in inspection compliance checklists that align with industry standards. Digital tools also make real-time updates, so if regulations change, your teams can continue to meet—and even exceed—inspection compliance standards.

GoCanvas ensures your teams are on the same page. The software helps teams manage inspection compliance by eliminating paperwork, templating forms, and decreasing overall admin time. With features like this, managers can catch issues early and communicate with field techs on the fly. Level up your inspection dispatch process site by signing up for a demo.

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

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VIP Lighting Gains Business Efficiencies with GoCanvas

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Man in a hard hat inspecting HVAC vents.

Three HVAC Maintenance Checklists that will Reduce Errors and Grow Your Bottom Line

For HVAC technicians, so many errors within their daily tasks come from using outdated paper forms while completing a job. Using these HVAC inspection checklists will prevent issues before they happen, so your technicians can collect comprehensive and consistent data at every job.

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We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

 

7 Ways to Ensure Your Facility’s Internal Audit Checklists Comply With the Latest Standards

Man in oil and gas industry using digital forms on tablet.

7 Ways to Ensure Your Facility’s Internal Audit Checklists Comply With the Latest Standards

Man in oil and gas industry using digital forms on tablet.

Internal audits are a critical part of complying with regulatory standards issued by entities such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Safeguard your company’s compliance with the following internal audit best practices:

  • Be prepared. Identify an appropriate person to oversee the audit and determine what they’ll need to safely complete the task.
  • Conduct frequent inspections. Machinery and other equipment must be inspected regularly to avoid OSHA violations and other breaches.
  • Assess personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, OSHA has placed an increased emphasis on employee PPE.
  • Gather key information. Robust data collection practices will give you actionable insight into potential safety deficiencies.
  • Monitor changing requirements. Did you know OSHA issues periodic news releases about updates to its standards? Stay on top of these changes to avoid noncompliance.
  • Learn from previous mistakes. Past inspections and workplace safety reports can highlight areas of risk to inform future mitigation efforts.
  • Use digital checklists. Unlike paper-based checklists, digital checklists are easy to update and share, ensuring you always have the information you need to stay compliant.

Ready to Rethink How You Work?

If you’re looking for the right tools to help you maintain safety and compliance in your workplace, GoCanvas offers digital checklist templates that keep you connected to the job site and can be used on any device.

Our templates will help you remain compliant with OSHA standards and other industry regulations as you strive to keep your workplace safe and protect your bottom line.

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Maintenance Management Made Easy

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Maintenance Management—Made Easy

Image of woman inspecting maintenance equipment

Let GoCanvas manage and maintain your equipment with our well-oiled processes.

The quickest way to optimize your operations is by eliminating redundant, tedious, and distracting administrative tasks. With a simple and automated digital solution, you don’t need to micromanage your maintenance.

What could that look like for you? 

Reduce equipment downtime

You may not be a doctor, but you can increase the lifespan of your equipment by automating your processes when safety hazards are identified or when you fail an inspection.

Manage your assets

Let GoCanvas be your equipment-sitter, so you there’s never inventory bottlenecks and so you can always keep a close eye on your supplies and materials.

Leverage your data

Keep your equipment in top shape by using historical data to keep up with necessary repairs and scheduled maintenance.

Two maintenance workers looking at a tablet inputing job information using GoCanvas software.

So how do we do it?

  • Customizable pre-built mobile forms
  • Real-time data collection, even when you’re offline
  • Automated workflows and scheduled assignments
  • Industry-leading business insights
  • Company-wide dedication to the success of our customers

Ready to Rethink How You Work?

GoCanvas has helped a variety of businesses across multiple industries transform their safety processes and rethink their efficiency, ultimately saving them money. Why not do the same? Connect with an expert today to see how GoCanvas can streamline your maintenance management.

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About Us

GoCanvas

Since 2008, GoCanvas has been the go-to for job site management and compliance in construction and manufacturing. We are on a mission to eliminate paperwork, streamline workflows, and become an indispensable tool for any business owner. Together with Device Magic, our customizable mobile forms solution delivers seamless simplicity and optimal productivity. See why our 4 million monthly users chose GoCanvas and unlock your potential with our user-friendly platform.

Device Magic

Simplify fire protection management and enjoy streamlined workflows. With Device Magic’s real-time data collection and reporting, ensure compliance and make quicker decisions for faster response to identified issues. Our form builder and GoCanvas partnership enable easy operation management from your mobile device. Enhance fire inspections, safety and compliance, and payments to achieve efficiency and protect your bottom line with Device Magic and GoCanvas.

Check out even more resources

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How TE3CO Leverages Data Analytics to Unlock Business Potential

TE3CO provides mission-critical pressure relief technology and services to customers across the oil and gas industry. They employ a highly trained and capable workforce of field technicians and engineers. Before working with GoCanvas, TE3CO relied on spreadsheets and emails to manage their ticketing process but found the system time-consuming and difficult to track.

Two men in hard hats look onto a tablet.

VIP Lighting Gains Business Efficiencies with GoCanvas

VIP Lighting is a retail lighting and electrical maintenance company that services retail chains across Australia and New Zealand. The business has been operating for 25 years and now services 10,000 retail sites across both countries. Prior to joining GoCanvas in 2018, the business had multiple systems running different aspects of their technician and contractor network.

Man in a hard hat inspecting HVAC vents.

Three HVAC Maintenance Checklists that will Reduce Errors and Grow Your Bottom Line

For HVAC technicians, so many errors within their daily tasks come from using outdated paper forms while completing a job. Using these HVAC inspection checklists will prevent issues before they happen, so your technicians can collect comprehensive and consistent data at every job.

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Simplify Inspections: Inspection Reporting Software for Data and Compliance

Simplify Inspections: Inspection Reporting Software for Data and Compliance

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Although tools and technologies have evolved, the challenge of conducting thorough and error-free inspections that don’t consume your entire day remains. Traditional inspections often involve paper forms, manual checks, and heaps of data entry—a recipe for human error and wasted time. Miss one detail and your “unsinkable” project could hit an iceberg of its own, whether that’s failed compliance, safety risks, or operational delays.

The digital age offers a lifeboat—specifically, inspection reporting software. These ready-made forms are built to streamline data collection, making it efficient and nearly error-free. Whether you’re online or offline, in the office or in the field, you can collect data seamlessly and stay on course for compliance.

By ditching paper and pen for inspection reporting software, you’re not just updating your tools; you’re upgrading your entire toolbelt.

Nobody likes paperwork; it’s tedious and error-prone. Inspection management apps streamline the process by using predesigned templates to collect accurate data, with some fields auto-filled for convenience. Whether you’re offline at a remote construction site or managing a fleet across cities, the software saves your data locally and syncs it when you’re back online. Templates ensure consistent, reliable data collection regardless of location.

  • Construction Supervisors: Time is gold, and construction inspection software helps you make the most of it by speeding up safety checks, cutting down on paperwork, and letting you focus on the build process. You get quick, accurate inspections that keep you on the right side of the law.
  • Quality Control Managers: Inspection reporting software is your new BFF. It standardizes data collection across sites so you can ditch the paper maze and zero in on quality.
  • Compliance Pros: Say goodbye to mistakes that could mess up compliance. Inspection management apps automate data collection, making following the rules a no-brainer.
  • Facility and Fleet Managers: Overseeing lots of assets? Inspection reporting software kills manual data entry, lowering error chances and making compliance checks a breeze.

Regardless of your role, digital form templates are not just a tool; they’re an ally in enhancing efficiency, maintaining accuracy, and meeting compliance needs.

Compliance is more than ticking boxes; it’s about quality and legal safety. Keeping up is tough, but inspection reporting software makes it easier by standardizing data collection and allowing you to ditch much of the paperwork and handwritten notes. Templates make sure you fill in all the blanks and tick all the boxes required by regulations, and also cut down on errors that could get you in legal trouble. By automating steps, inspection management apps nix common issues like missing or wrong data and lost files—they’re not just convenient, they’re vital for staying compliant, avoiding costly mistakes, and making your workflow smoother.

Inspection reporting software is revolutionizing the way inspections are conducted across different industries. The following examples illustrate how inspection management apps are not just convenient but transformative in enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

  • Construction Industry: A construction firm employing construction inspection software can significantly streamline on-site safety checks and compliance inspections. For instance, site managers can use mobile apps to quickly report issues—complete with photos and GPS locations—thereby speeding up response time and ensuring safety regulations are met. A study by Procore found that construction companies using inspection reporting software were able to reduce their project completion time by an average of 10%
  • Food Safety Inspections: Restaurants and food manufacturers using inspection management apps have witnessed a reduction in health violations. A study by the National Restaurant Association found that restaurants using inspection management apps had a 25% lower rate of health code violations. Apps standardize the inspection process, ensuring that critical health and safety checks are not overlooked and any violations are promptly addressed
  • Airline Maintenance Checks: Airlines using inspection reporting software can conduct thorough and efficient pre-flight checks. Inspection management apps enable pilots and ground staff to quickly report and address maintenance issues, ensuring aircraft safety and compliance with aviation regulations. Moreover, a study by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) found that airlines using inspection management apps had a 20% lower rate of aircraft maintenance incidents
  • Real Estate Inspections: Real estate agents and property managers have benefitted from inspection management apps that allow them to conduct property assessments swiftly and accurately. A study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that real estate agents using inspection management apps saved an average of two hours per inspection. Features like photo attachments and digital signatures make it easier to document the condition of a property and ensure tenant-landlord transparency.

In addition to these specific examples, inspection management apps also help improve compliance by:

  • Providing clear and concise instructions for completing forms
  • Ensuring all required information is collected accurately
  • Preventing errors via automatic data validation
  • Offering a secure and auditable method for data collection and storage 

By improving compliance, inspection reporting software helps organizations evade fines and legal issues while safeguarding their reputations.

GoCanvas keeps you in the loop with real-time updates on work orders and tasks that let you spot problems fast and chat with field techs without missing a beat. Want to supercharge your inspection dispatch game? Check out a GoCanvas demo.

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

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How TE3CO Leverages Data Analytics to Unlock Business Potential

TE3CO provides mission-critical pressure relief technology and services to customers across the oil and gas industry. They employ a highly trained and capable workforce of field technicians and engineers. Before working with GoCanvas, TE3CO relied on spreadsheets and emails to manage their ticketing process but found the system time-consuming and difficult to track.

Two men in hard hats look onto a tablet.

VIP Lighting Gains Business Efficiencies with GoCanvas

VIP Lighting is a retail lighting and electrical maintenance company that services retail chains across Australia and New Zealand. The business has been operating for 25 years and now services 10,000 retail sites across both countries. Prior to joining GoCanvas in 2018, the business had multiple systems running different aspects of their technician and contractor network.

Man in a hard hat inspecting HVAC vents.

Three HVAC Maintenance Checklists that will Reduce Errors and Grow Your Bottom Line

For HVAC technicians, so many errors within their daily tasks come from using outdated paper forms while completing a job. Using these HVAC inspection checklists will prevent issues before they happen, so your technicians can collect comprehensive and consistent data at every job.

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Simplify Safety Compliance

Simplify Safety Compliance

three workers working on safety compliance

Mitigate Your Risk with Increased Accountability and Oversight

With GoCanvas you can formalize procedures and documentation for workplace safety and compliance, letting you focus on other core components of your business. Transform your existing data into actionable steps for improvement, mitigating risk on the job site, and keeping your team safe.

Features

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Real-Time Visibility

Real-time access and visibility to the latest safety data from your workers in the field.

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Customizable

Don’t be locked into a standard set of fields or processes. With GoCanvas you can use our industry-leading forms to operate your safety programs the way you want.

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Actionable Insights

Identify safety program insights and trends with customizable reports and dashboards.

Stay OSHA Compliant with Digital Forms

  • Job Safety Analysis
  • Incident Reports
  • Inspections & Checklists
  • Safety Meetings
  • Hazard Reports
  • Safety Data Sheets
  • As well as 20,000+ other industry-specific templates

Ready to Rethink How You Work?

GoCanvas has helped a variety of businesses across multiple industries transform their safety processes and rethink their efficiency, ultimately saving them money. Why not do the same? Reach out to one of our experts today to kickstart your process revolution.

About Us

GoCanvas

Since 2008, GoCanvas has been the go-to for job site management and compliance in construction and manufacturing. We are on a mission to eliminate paperwork, streamline workflows, and become an indispensable tool for any business owner. Together with Device Magic, our customizable mobile forms solution delivers seamless simplicity and optimal productivity. See why our 4 million monthly users chose GoCanvas and unlock your potential with our user-friendly platform.

Device Magic

Simplify fire protection management and enjoy streamlined workflows. With Device Magic’s real-time data collection and reporting, ensure compliance and make quicker decisions for faster response to identified issues. Our form builder and GoCanvas partnership enable easy operation management from your mobile device. Enhance fire inspections, safety and compliance, and payments to achieve efficiency and protect your bottom line with Device Magic and GoCanvas.

Check out even more resources

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5 Ways to Keep Your Welders Safer With Digitized Checklists and Form Templates

5 Ways to Keep Your Welders Safer With Digitized Checklists and Form Templates

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Welding carries a significantly high risk to both welders and end users. Whether they are facing ultraviolet radiation or excessive exposure to toxic fumes from welding, the need to keep welders safer can never be understated. Welders, like any other human resource, are integral to the success of your organization. Guaranteeing their safety also means better working standards for your team and, by extension, increased productivity and high-quality outputs. This is where the importance of digitized checklists and form templates comes in.

Read on to discover how to keep your welders safer with digitized checklists and form templates.

We’ve come a long way as a society. After all, there was a time when young kids swept chimneys without any form of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazardous materials were frequently used in beauty and personal care items.

Today, the need to continually enhance safety practices is no longer debatable. There’s plenty of evidence on how working with hazardous materials can severely affect a person’s health. In fact, this sometimes leads to chronic conditions or, worse, fatalities.

That aside, welding products are everywhere in our lives, with almost any implement, tool, or machinery having some welded parts. When welders work under unsafe conditions, it’s only a matter of time before someone overlooks a critical procedure, and the results can be disastrous.

Beyond harming workers, the effects of unsafe conditions can boomerang back to involved companies or firms. The Occupational Safety and Health Act demands all employers/firms provide employees with sufficient PPE and ensure they work in safe environments.

Fail to do this and you’ll be looking at major lawsuits from aggrieved employees and, in some cases, end consumers. Thus, it’s important to prioritize enhanced safety for your welders and everyone on your team.

Digitized checklists and form templates are a way to ensure your welders stay safe while performing their jobs. 

As the name suggests, they’re digital versions of traditional paper forms and checklists that can track the tasks, inspections, and certifications required to keep your welders safe. They provide a simple, organized method to ensure all safety precautions are taken before and during welding operations.

Digitized checklists and form templates are typically hosted online or in a mobile format. This allows quick and easy access from any device. These tools usually have customizable fields that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your welding operations. 

The ability to customize means that your team can create forms and checklists tailored to the type of job required. Thus, making it easier for everyone on the team to stay up to date on safety regulations and best practices. Additionally, the online platform makes it easy for supervisors and managers to review results and quickly provide feedback as needed.

Working with the right digital platform can save time and free up your team to focus on other important elements of production.

There are many digitized checklists and form templates that cut across industries. The following are among the most valuable for enhancing the safety of your welders:

This serves to ensure your team has all safety protocols and procedures in place. Ideally, it should cover all materials and equipment, safety measures, and PPE/clothing.

As the name suggests, this checklist is used while welding to ensure all operations go as planned and are in line with safety procedures. It also helps to forestall any problems with the weld early on.

This checklist serves as a blueprint for effective welding. More specifically, the WPS features an expertly drafted document that ensures your welds repeatedly and consistently follow all established codes and industry production standards.

Before developing a WPS, you’ll have to draft a Procedure Qualification Record, which forms the basis of your WPS and enables you to test your procedures and materials before going into full-scale production.

4. Post-Weld Inspection Checklist

The post-weld inspection checklist comes immediately after production. Its purpose is to ensure the weld complies with your WPS and other firm/industry-specific standards and procedures.

This checklist is optional, but it can be instrumental in ensuring the quality of your welding products and identifying any defects or policy violations.

Ideally, your quality control checklist should include visual inspections and measurements to verify the quality of welds. This can also double up as the post-welding inspection checklist.

Here are a few tips to get the most out of digitized checklists and form templates:

  • Create checklists for each job. Every welding job is different and has its own set of safety considerations, so it would be wise to create customized checklists for each job. This will ensure that your welders know all the potential risks associated with the task at hand.
  • Ensure your checklists are up to date. Technology is constantly changing, and it’s essential to ensure that your checklists reflect any new equipment or safety regulations. Keeping your checklists current will also help ensure that your welders stay safe and your welds align with ever-evolving industry/regulatory standards.
  • Utilize form templates. Form templates can save time by automatically filling fields with relevant data. This helps ensure the collection and organization of all necessary information for easy reference.
  • Have your welders review the digitized checklists and forms. Make sure that your welders know all the safety protocols they need to observe. One way to ensure this is to require checks before, during, and after welding.

Upholding safety is a crucial concern when it comes to welding. However, having policies and procedures is only one part of the puzzle. 

The only effective way to enhance safety for your welders is to create a systematic and easy-to-follow process to ensure everyone on your team follows established safety protocols and industry-accepted standards.

This is where digitized checklists and form templates come in. They allow everyone to stay organized and maintain uniformity while ensuring effective documentation of safety procedures.

But it doesn’t stop at that; digitized checklists and form templates can also enhance safety in other vital yet risky manufacturing processes like laser cutting and grinding.To learn more about how GoCanvas can help you uphold safety standards and maximize efficiency, schedule a demo with us today.

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

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Smarter, Faster, Safer: Improving Safety Compliance with Mobile Technology

Compliance, there are many ways we talk about it. A necessary evil, a chore, a struggle, or a critically important part of business. We all know how crucial it is, helping save…

Woman reviewing information on a tablet.

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Waiver forms are a type of legal protection used by businesses to reduce their liability and risk. This type of agreement between a business and its customers is used…

Closeup of a handshake.

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Duotank is a bag-in-tank alternative to the traditional keg beer system. The aseptic tank environment enables breweries to maintain the quality of their beer after it leaves…

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

10 Must-Have Fields for Food and Beverage Processing Site Inspection Form Templates

10 Must-Have Fields for Food and Beverage Processing Site Inspection Form Templates

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In the food and beverage processing industry, companies need to perform regular inspections to maintain safe processes and environments. By taking the right steps and implementing various industry best practices, inspectors can adequately complete all safety inspections to maintain compliance and protect the company’s bottom line.

It’s important to understand what requirements are in place and how inspection forms can help meet them by incorporating the right fields.

Food and beverage processing companies must protect consumers from potentially contaminated food and create a safe environment for employees. To ensure food processors maintain consistently safe operations, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other governing bodies have put rules and regulations in place for these facilities. 

Since the Obama administration’s introduction of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in 2011, the FDA has mandated inspections of food and beverage processing facilities more frequently. The FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have many requirements that food and beverage processing plants must meet in accordance with the FSMA.

For example, these facilities should have USDA-approved antimicrobial flooring to help prevent the growth and spread of harmful bacteria. Equipment must also be generally sanitary, cleanable, non-toxic, and devoid of the risk of contaminating food items. 

As food and beverage processors work to meet these strict regulatory standards, it’s best to have forms that help conduct thorough inspections in these facilities. The key is knowing what kinds of fields to include in your inspection forms to ensure all equipment and systems are checked thoroughly.

To maintain consistent compliance with FDA, USDA, and other requirements, the following are some of the main types of fields to include in food and beverage processing inspection forms.

One of the most important fields to include in electronic inspection forms is an image field. This field enables inspecting employees to upload images of any potentially faulty equipment and machinery in the facility. Management can then determine the specific problem and take the necessary steps to issue maintenance as soon as possible.

Another crucial field to include is food safety, which will cover many items that your inspector can check. For example, this checklist would help ensure all food contained within the facility is from an approved source, that all food is devoid of contamination and spoilage, and that all equipment handling food remains at least 6 inches off the floor.

Additionally, this section can help determine whether all food storage containers are clean, properly labeled, and sufficiently sealed.

Your form should also include a temperature control field that indicates whether a facility’s temperature settings are safe. All potentially hazardous foods must be within a safe temperature range to avoid spoilage, thermometers must be accurate, and frozen foods must undergo a safe thawing method if necessary. 

This section will help gauge employees’ health and safety when handling food items. If employees are handling food, this field should require inspectors to see if employees exhibit any signs of illness or wounds that could lead to contamination. Employees must also wash their hands consistently and properly. This section will also check to ensure a supervisor is always on duty to monitor operations and that employees store their personal belongings in the designated safe area.

Your form should include sections for equipment and utensil checks to ensure the equipment is clean and in good shape. In addition, this part of the form requires checking for malfunctioning or nonfunctioning equipment, and facilitating repairs and replacements when necessary. Lastly, this area will ensure that all utensils go through proper cleaning and sterilization procedures using dishwashers and other equipment.

Your form will also benefit from a section covering water and sewage in your facility. For example, this section will help confirm whether sinks are functioning properly and at the right temperatures, and that plumbing systems are checked for cracks and other damage or wear. In addition, this section could cover grease traps, liquid waste lines, and cross-connection control devices.

All restrooms and corresponding facilities should be regularly cleaned and maintained. These facilities also require functioning handwashing sinks with paper towels and antibacterial hand soap. Wall-mounted toilet paper dispensers are another common requirement in these facilities.

Food processing facilities need proper ventilation and illumination. Functioning ventilation systems will maintain steady air quality, while proper lighting will maximize visibility in and around the facility. Shatterproof lights are a common feature of food processing facilities.

Yet another item to consider is refuse and trash disposal. Inspectors should check interior and exterior trash containers to determine whether they’re clean and functional. Trash containers also require proper sealing, with lids kept closed at all times when not in use.

An infestation is one of the biggest potential hazards in any food and beverage processing environment. Inspections must check for the presence of any rodents or insects such as cockroaches and flies. Facilities must also seal off food preparation and other areas from live animals such as birds. When using pesticides, staff must use approved chemicals correctly to avoid contaminating food items.

Having detailed forms for inspecting food and beverage processing facilities will help prevent potential issues from compromising your operations, employees, and end products. Knowing what fields to include will help you build a comprehensive checklist that inspectors can easily follow to help maintain compliance and resolve any existing issues. If you want to help building inspection checklists for your food and beverage processing operations, consider implementing GoCanvas inspection form templates. You can craft in-depth checklists for food and beverage processing, along with other types of forms based on your needs. Request a demo today or try GoCanvas for free to get started.

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

business people discussing project

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Integrate with over 1,000 software applications. Enhance your GoCanvas experience by syncing real-time data to one or all of your business tools.

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Internal Audit Best Practices: How to Ensure Your Facility’s Process Checklists Comply With New OSHA Standards

Internal Audit Best Practices: How to Ensure Your Facility’s Process Checklists Comply With New OSHA Standards

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Job site inspection is a critical step for manufacturing, material storage, and other industries, especially if they want to maintain compliance with new regulatory requirements and standards. You might have checklists to help you conduct inspections of your facilities. However, you may worry that these checklists are becoming outdated and non-compliant. So how do you ensure your internal audit complies with the required standards?

It’s important to ensure your job site inspections are thorough and maintain a safe workplace to protect your employees, equipment, and products. This is particularly the case with the recent standards put in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) amid the COVID-19 pandemic. OSHA’s current guidelines for job site inspections appear under the 1926.20 standard. By taking the right steps, you’ll be able to comply with these and other requirements.

Not sure how to keep your inspection processes and checklists up to date? The following are some internal audit best practices for job site inspections and optimizing your checklists.

To avoid OSHA violations and other breaches, you should prioritize inspections and check different types of equipment at varying frequencies.

For example, you may want to conduct weekly inspections for the following areas:

  • Fall protection
  • Scaffolds
  • Procedures for electrical power
  • Operator and crane certification
  • Ladders and stairways

Meanwhile, you should inspect the following on a daily basis to facilitate a safe environment:

  • Power tools
  • Aerial lifts
  • Forklifts
  • Rigging
  • Slings
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Other heavy machinery and equipment

In addition, in accordance with OSHA requirements, you should conduct monthly inspections of cranes, hoists, fire extinguishers, self-breathing apparatuses and respirators, and safety and eyewash showers. 

Before conducting each internal audit and inspection, you must know the specific approach you want to take. This helps you determine who will conduct the inspection and what types of PPE they’ll need to perform it safely. 

Remember, according to OSHA’s 1920.20 standard, “Such programs shall provide for frequent and regular inspections of the job sites, materials, and equipment to be made by competent persons designated by employers.” This statement establishes that you must choose someone who qualifies as a “competent person” as OSHA defines them.

Specifically, a competent person is someone who can accurately identify existing and potential workplace hazards that could cause harm to employees. This person must also have the authority to properly address these hazards and create a safer work environment. Ideally, the “competent person” who conducts every internal audit will have adequate training and knowledge of OSHA standards and proper inspection procedures.

One of the main changes to OSHA standards in recent years is increased emphasis on PPE for employees. To comply with OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I standard, employers must conduct PPE assessments to identify and address any potential workplace hazards, as well as ensure that employees use the proper PPE as needed. 

For example, this standard requires the use of respirators under certain circumstances to protect employees. If employees require these respirators, employers must have a reliable respiratory protection program to comply with OSHA’s standard for Respiratory Protection, 29 CFR 1910.134.

When conducting inspections, document all findings and track vital data that can help you continually improve your facility’s safety. This data will give you actionable insights into any potential deficiencies in your safety practices. You can then decide on the best course of action to eliminate these deficiencies and create a safer workplace.

To further keep your practices and checklists updated, it helps to remain aware of OSHA’s existing standards. Doing so will help you remain consistently compliant and avoid potential violations.

One way to stay current is to check OSHA’s news releases, which will detail any notable changes the agency makes to its standards. You can then apply these changes to your preparation phase and checklists. 

Learn from your previous workplace safety and inspection efforts by looking at past reports. You should review everything from the results of previous inspections and incident investigation reports to workers’ comp insurance details and any near misses that could have resulted in more serious accidents.

Based on the knowledge you glean from previous inspections, you can determine what areas of your business require more thorough inspections and changes. Over time, you’ll be able to perfect your inspection procedures and checklists based on the most significant risks to your business. In turn, you’ll minimize the risk of workplace incidents and maintain compliance with all current regulatory requirements.

Another way to keep your checklists in top shape is to use digital checklists in lieu of outdated paper versions. Digital checklists also offer more flexibility that will help ensure you’re always working with information that keeps you compliant. 

You can use premade checklist templates from a trusted third party that will equip your business with a comprehensive checklist that’s up to date. As OSHA standards and other regulatory requirements evolve, you can make corresponding changes to your checklist. 

One of the main advantages of digital checklists is their shareability. In fact, employees can view and make changes to these checklists using their mobile devices. They can then share these checklists with authorized parties across devices and systems to ensure everyone is working with the latest version. You’ll no longer need to manually update your checklists with the help of reliable digital versions.

If you’re looking for the right tools to help you maintain safety and compliance in your workplace, GoCanvas is here to help. We offer digital checklist templates and thousands of other form templates that connect your offices and job sites. Easily download and optimize our checklist templates for use on any device, without any need for coding skills. With the help of our templates, you’ll remain compliant with OSHA standards as well as many other industry regulations, keeping your workplace safe and protecting your bottom line. Learn more about GoCanvas by requesting a demo, or try it for free today. You’ll be able to find the right forms that keep you compliant and maximize the efficiency of each internal audit.

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

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How Often Should Industrial Rigging Inspections Be Performed?

How Often Should Industrial Rigging Inspections Be Performed?

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The numerous risks that come with rigging projects make it necessary to regularly inspect this equipment. Rig inspection will ensure your rigging equipment is consistently safe and compliant with industry rules and regulations. There are many pieces of rigging equipment to inspect, from slings and harnesses to hooks and hoists. 

Here we’ll explore what rig inspection is, how frequently you need these inspections, and how you can benefit from using rigging inspection forms to simplify inspections.

Rig inspection entails looking closely at and testing rigging equipment. The object is to make sure it’s properly maintained and presents minimal risk of mechanical failure and breakdowns. Rigging inspections are often required for equipment in the oil and gas industry. Professionals with experience conducting rig inspections are ideal for inspecting each component of a rig and gauging its condition and risks. 

To keep rigging equipment in working order and prevent potential issues and non-compliance, it’s important to conduct rig inspections at key points throughout the equipment’s service life.

Specifically, you should conduct inspections during these times:

The first inspection should occur ahead of the delivery of rigging equipment. As soon as the supplier ships it, and you prepare it for installation at the rig site, you should first inspect it to gauge the condition of each piece of equipment before use. 

Some applications that put stress on rigging equipment and use it heavily will require more frequent inspections than other less demanding applications. Inspectors should look at the equipment before you use it. This is normally done through a routine visual inspection that takes place whenever you use it for a different shift or application. Depending on the intended use, this could require you to inspect equipment multiple times daily.

If you don’t require more frequent inspections for hoisting and rigging systems, you will need to inspect equipment periodically according to standards under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Some equipment will need quarterly or even monthly inspections if it undergoes heavier use. Conversely, other less frequently used equipment may only require annual inspections. 

You will need to determine how frequently equipment requires inspections. This is based on the service conditions, frequency of use, the applications and frequency of application or shift changes, and other factors. Also, keep in mind that OSHA and ASME have different requirements for various components.

There are several pieces of rigging equipment that inspectors will need to look at when conducting a rig inspection. Four of these components to inspect include the following:

  • Rigging hooks and shackles: These components connect all rigging equipment such as ropes and chains to avoid slippage.
  • Slings: These parts help with lifting heavier loads using wire ropes.
  • Blocks and pulleys: These systems can help lift heavy objects by reducing the force required to move and lift these items.
  • Steel nuts and eye bolts: Rigging systems also use a combination of steel nuts and eye bolts to loop ropes and cables. They’re available in many sizes and a few different types. 

In addition to these components, rigging systems may use parts such as wire ropes, turnbuckles, lifting beams, and spreader bars. You can look up the inspection criteria for each by checking with OSHA and ASME. 

Different people can inspect rigging equipment, depending on the operation and application. For example, owners can inspect equipment periodically as needed based on OSHA and ASME regulations. Operators can also inspect equipment before each use. They can use inspection forms and tools that streamline the process, such as a sling inspection form template or a transload safety app.

Often, it’s best to designate a qualified rigger to conduct rig inspections as needed, which will keep inspections consistent and ensure the inspector gets accustomed to the inspection process. He or she can go through a complete checklist to properly inspect each piece of equipment.

OSHA and other organizations don’t require riggers to gain certification. However, this type of certification is often ideal to have. According to OSHA, a qualified rigger is someone who has gained sufficient experience or credentials demonstrating competence in this field. For instance, a qualified rigger may have worked as a rigger for many years and gained extensive knowledge, experience, and training. Another may have obtained a certificate, degree, or professional standing. Others may simply show that they can solve various rigging problems.

If a rigger decides to gain certification, the certification will last for five years in most cases. Exceptions to this include times when the certification serves as an extension to prior certification, in which case the certification will share the expiration date of the other certification. For instance, if a rigger first obtains rigger certification and then receives signal person certification before the rigger certification has expired, both will expire when the first five years end. 

With the right approach, you can properly inspect and maintain rigging equipment to create a consistently safe and operational environment. However, it’s important to have the right tools to help you complete inspections. These include hook and sling inspection forms and various mobile apps that give inspectors everything they need. 

For some of the best solutions to help streamline the inspection process and maintain compliance and safety, turn to GoCanvas. We provide our customers with a range of rig inspection form templates and apps for all equipment types. You’ll find forms for transload safety checks, hoisting and rigging mobile forms, and more. 

Regardless of what you need to inspect in your rigging configurations, GoCanvas makes it easy to complete each inspection with consistent thoroughness and efficiency. Give your qualified riggers what they need to simplify inspections and minimize safety risks and the potential for equipment failure. Through the automation of inspections, you’ll benefit from cost savings and improved processes that keep operations running smoothly.

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

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Building & Implementing a Fleet Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Building & Implementing a Fleet Vehicle Inspection Checklist

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Fleet managers are responsible for the safety and compliance of their vehicles, ensuring that they are correctly maintained and minimizing downtime. A fleet vehicle inspection checklist can help with all of these things.

A fleet vehicle inspection checklist is an essential tool for fleet managers, allowing them to ensure that all vehicles in their fleet are safe, compliant, and well-maintained. The purpose of a mobile fleet vehicle inspection checklist extends beyond safety and compliance reasons – regular inspections can also identify mechanical issues early on, helping minimize downtime and increase efficiency across the fleet.

Mobile fleet management inspections allow fleet managers to track vehicle usage, monitor wear, and tear, and identify any concerns that need to be addressed. In addition, they provide a comprehensive view of the entire fleet’s health and performance.

When creating a fleet vehicle inspection checklist, it’s important to consider the essential features that should be included. These include:

  • Fleet Operations: Are fleet operations safe and legal driving practices?
  • Driver Safety: Are all safety features up-to-date, adequately maintained, and functioning correctly?
  • Fleet Maintenance Services: Is the vehicle being maintained in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines Does it require any immediate repairs or maintenance?
  • Fuel Management: Is the vehicle adequately fueled, and are fuel costs managed efficiently?
  • Fleet Tracking: Are fleet vehicles being tracked in real-time?
  • GPS Tracking: Is GPS tracking available for fleet vehicles?
  • Repair Services: Are repair services available for fleet vehicles?

Once you’ve created your fleet vehicle inspection checklist, there are several strategies you can use to ensure that it is implemented throughout the fleet.

  • Ensure all drivers understand the importance of collecting real-time data by completing an inspection before and after each job.
  • Train drivers on correctly completing the inspection form for their work orders so that all defects are appropriately noted.
  • Provide drivers with mobile devices to easily access and accurately complete the form.
  • Set up automatic inspection reminders to ensure that they are completed regularly.
  • Review the forms after each inspection to ensure all defects have been noted and all necessary repairs have been taken care of.

GoCanvas has a variety of mobile fleet vehicle inspection forms available for mobile apps, making it easy to create a customized checklist for your fleet. With our intuitive drag-and-drop form builder, you can easily add and remove fields, set up digital signatures, automate data collection, and more. To get started with GoCanvas mobile fleet vehicle inspection forms, contact us today to learn more.

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GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

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