Opening Safety Check: How to Complete This Daily Safety Verification

Why opening safety checks matter

Your premises sit empty overnight. Things can happen:

• Break-ins and vandalism — Damage, theft, and safety hazards created by intruders
• Water leaks — Pipes fail, equipment leaks, creating flooding and electrical hazards
• Gas issues — Leaks developing overnight creating explosion and health risks
• Equipment failures — Refrigeration failing, electrical faults developing
• Pest entry — Rodents or insects entering and contaminating areas
• Environmental issues — Storm damage, fallen debris, building damage

The opening check is a rapid assessment that verifies premises are safe before operations begin. It catches issues when they are fresh and before they affect staff or customers.

The gate function

The opening check serves as a gate — if the premises do not pass, they do not open (or open with restrictions while issues are addressed).

This means the check must happen:

• Before staff begin normal duties
• Before customers or public enter
• Early enough to address issues before scheduled opening

Legal and safety context

While there is no specific law requiring "opening checks," the duty to provide a safe workplace means verifying that conditions are safe before people occupy the space. Opening checks are a practical way to meet this duty.

Fire safety legislation specifically requires that escape routes be clear and fire exits unlocked during occupied hours. The opening check confirms this before occupancy begins.

Frequency and timing

Frequency

Opening safety checks should be completed every day that the premises will be occupied. This includes:

• Normal trading days
• Event days
• Days with reduced staffing
• Days when only back-of-house work is happening

If the building will have people in it, it needs an opening check.

Timing

Complete the check after arrival but before other activities begin. The person doing the check should:

1. Enter the building (safely — be aware of unknown situations)
2. Conduct the check
3. Address any issues found
4. Only then allow normal operations to begin

Who does the check

Typically completed by:

• The first manager or key holder arriving
• A designated opening supervisor
• Senior staff with opening responsibilities

The person conducting the check needs authority to delay opening if serious issues are found and responsibility to escalate problems appropriately.

How to complete the check

1. Opening safety checks

Work through the checklist, verifying each element of premises safety.

Why it matters:

The checklist ensures a systematic approach that does not miss critical elements. Without structure, it is easy to overlook things or vary what is checked day to day.

What good answers look like:

Every item should be checked and ticked if satisfactory. Items you cannot tick require attention before opening.

How to answer this for yourself:

As you walk through the premises, verify each item:

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No signs of break-in or damage to premises

Look for evidence that someone entered overnight or that damage has occurred.

Why this matters: A break-in may mean hazards are present — broken glass, disturbed items, damaged equipment. It may also indicate stolen items or tampered systems.

What to look for:

• Doors and windows intact
• No forced entry damage
• No broken glass
• No signs of vandalism
• Nothing obviously disturbed or missing

Common issues: Broken windows or doors. Signs of forced locks. Graffiti. Items moved or disturbed. Damage to external areas.

If found: Do not assume the intruder has left. Assess whether it is safe to enter. Consider calling police before disturbing the scene.

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All doors and windows secure as expected

Verify that the building was properly secured overnight.

Why this matters: Doors or windows found open suggest either security failure (not properly closed at closing) or unauthorised entry. Either requires investigation.

What to look for:

• External doors locked as expected
• Windows closed and latched
• Nothing propped open that should be closed
• Security doors and shutters in correct position

Common issues: Door not properly closed at closing time. Window left open. Shutter not fully down.

Note: This also identifies closing procedure failures that need addressing.

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Alarm system deactivated/reset correctly

If you have an intruder alarm, verify it responded correctly.

Why this matters: An alarm that was already deactivated on arrival, or one showing alerts, indicates potential problems.

What to look for:

• Alarm in expected state on arrival
• Deactivation proceeds normally
• No alerts or fault indicators
• System resets correctly

Common issues: Alarm already off (was it set?). Alerts showing triggered zones. System faults. Keypad not responding.

If alerts are showing: Investigate the indicated zones before proceeding. There may have been an actual intrusion or a fault requiring attention.

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Lights and electrical systems working

Turn on lights and verify electrical systems are functioning.

Why this matters: Electrical failures can indicate problems — tripped circuits may suggest faults. Lack of power creates operational and safety issues.

What to look for:

• Main lighting works throughout premises
• Emergency lighting in standby (charging)
• No tripped circuit breakers
• Key electrical equipment powers up
• No burning smells or obvious electrical faults

Common issues: Tripped breakers. Areas without power. Failed bulbs. Electrical burning smell. Equipment not starting.

If circuits have tripped: Investigate why before resetting. A tripped circuit may indicate a fault that could be dangerous.

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No water leaks or flooding

Look for evidence of water issues overnight.

Why this matters: Water leaks create slip hazards, damage equipment, and can cause electrical hazards. Early detection limits damage.

What to look for:

• No standing water on floors
• No active leaks visible
• No water staining indicating recent leaks
• Toilets and basins not overflowing
• No ceiling tiles wet or sagging

Common issues: Burst pipes. Failed equipment (ice machines, dishwashers, refrigeration). Toilet overflow. Roof leaks after rain.

If found: Isolate water supply if possible. Ensure electrical safety (water and electricity). Clean up slip hazards.

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Gas supply on and no smell of gas

If you have gas, verify supply is correct and no leaks are present.

Why this matters: Gas leaks are explosion risks and health hazards. They must be detected and addressed before anyone uses the building.

What to look for:

• No gas smell on entry
• Gas meter showing expected readings
• Gas supply turned on if it should be
• No hissing from gas lines or equipment

Common issues: Gas smell indicating leak. Supply unexpectedly off. Pilot lights out (may have released unburnt gas).

If you smell gas: Do not operate switches (sparks). Do not light flames. Open windows. Leave the building. Call emergency services or gas emergency line. Do not re-enter until cleared.

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No unusual odours or hazards

Walk through and use your senses to detect anything abnormal.

Why this matters: Unusual smells can indicate problems — gas leaks, chemical spills, electrical faults, pest issues, spoiled food. Your nose often detects problems before your eyes.

What to look for:

• No gas smell
• No chemical odours
• No burning or electrical smells
• No sewage or drainage smells
• No smell of rotting food
• No animal or pest odours

Common issues: Fridge failure causing food spoilage. Drainage issues. Pest problems. Spilled chemicals.

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Fire exits unlocked and accessible

Verify all fire exits are ready for use.

Why this matters: Fire exits must be unlocked and accessible during occupied hours. This is a legal requirement. People cannot escape through a locked exit.

What to look for:

• All fire exit doors unlocked from inside
• No chains or padlocks on fire exits
• Exit routes clear of obstructions
• Final exit doors openable

Common issues: Exits still locked from overnight. New obstructions placed near exits. External gates locked.

Critical: Fire exits must be unlocked before the building is occupied. This is non-negotiable.

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Walkways and floors safe (no overnight spills)

Check floor surfaces are safe to walk on.

Why this matters: Overnight spills, condensation, or debris create slip and trip hazards for arriving staff.

What to look for:

• No wet or slippery areas
• No debris or obstructions in walkways
• Mats flat and not trip hazards
• No condensation from refrigeration units

Common issues: Condensation pools near fridges. Spills from overnight cleaning. Debris fallen from shelves.

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Equipment operational and ready for service

Verify key equipment is working.

Why this matters: Equipment failures need addressing before service. Early detection allows time to respond — repair, work around, or adjust plans.

What to look for:

• Refrigeration running and at temperature
• HVAC/ventilation functioning
• Key cooking equipment powering on
• Coffee machines, tills, and other critical equipment ready

Common issues: Refrigeration failed (food safety emergency). Ventilation not working. Equipment faults developing.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Rushing through without really looking — Walk through properly, do not just tick the list
• Starting other tasks before completing the check — Finish the check first
• Ignoring "minor" issues — Small issues can become big problems
• Not actually testing things — Turn on lights, check equipment, do not assume

Best practices to follow:

• Walk through all areas of the premises
• Use your senses — sight, smell, hearing
• Actually operate things — flip switches, turn on equipment
• Complete the check before other staff arrive if possible
• Allow time to address issues before opening

2. Premises safe to open?

Record the overall result — whether premises are safe to open for business.

Why it matters:

This is the gate decision. Answering "No" should prevent opening until issues are resolved.

What good answers look like:

• Yes - safe to open — All checks satisfactory, no issues requiring attention before opening.
• No - issue requires attention first — One or more problems must be addressed before normal operations.

How to answer this for yourself:

Consider:

• Would you be comfortable with customers entering now?
• Would you be comfortable with staff working normally?
• Are all legal requirements met (fire exits unlocked, etc.)?
• Is there anything that could cause harm?

What triggers "No":

• Fire exits locked or blocked (never open with locked fire exits)
• Gas smell (never ignore — evacuate and call emergency services)
• Active water leak creating hazards
• Electrical hazards
• Evidence of ongoing break-in (intruder may be present)
• Any condition that creates immediate danger

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Opening anyway despite issues — If it is not safe, do not open
• Minimising problems — If in doubt, delay opening
• Not escalating serious issues — Major problems need management attention

Best practices to follow:

• "No" means action is required before opening
• Some issues allow opening with restrictions (one area closed)
• Serious issues require escalation before any decision
• Document what was found and what action was taken

3. Issues found

Record any issues discovered and actions taken before opening.

Why it matters:

Notes document what was found and how it was addressed. They provide a record for follow-up and evidence of proper management.

What good answers look like:

For safe to open:

• "All satisfactory" or blank if no issues

For issues found:

• "Minor water pooling near walk-in fridge — condensation issue. Mopped up before opening. Added to maintenance list."
• "Rear fire exit was still chained — chain removed. Closing team reminder needed about exit procedures."
• "Tripped breaker for kitchen lights — reset successfully, monitoring. Electrician contacted to investigate."
• "Strong gas smell on entry. Did not proceed with opening. Building evacuated. Emergency gas service called. Awaiting clearance."

How to answer this for yourself:

For each issue:

• What was found
• What immediate action you took
• What follow-up is needed
• Whether it affected the opening decision

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Not recording issues you fixed — Document everything, even if resolved
• Vague descriptions — Be specific about what was found
• No follow-up noted — State what happens next

Best practices to follow:

• Record all issues, including those resolved
• Note the action taken
• Identify required follow-up
• Reference closing notes from previous evening if relevant

What to do when issues are found

Minor issues

Issues that can be quickly resolved without delaying opening:

• Small spills — clean immediately
• Single failed light — note for maintenance
• Minor untidiness — address as part of setup

Document and proceed with opening.

Moderate issues

Issues requiring action but not preventing opening:

• Partial equipment failure — work around if possible
• Non-critical area issues — close that area
• Maintenance needed — schedule and manage

Open with awareness; manage the issue during the day.

Serious issues

Issues that prevent safe opening:

• Fire exits blocked or locked — unlock before opening
• Gas leak suspected — evacuate and call emergency services
• Major water leak — isolate and assess
• Active intruder concerns — call police

Do not open until resolved or cleared by appropriate authority.

When to escalate

Contact management or emergency services for:

• Gas smells or suspected leaks
• Evidence of break-in (police)
• Significant building damage
• Any situation you are unsure how to handle
• Anything requiring the building to remain closed

Common mistakes to avoid

Rushing because running late

If you are running late, the check still needs doing. Do not skip or rush because of time pressure.

Assuming last night's close was done properly

Verify, do not assume. Checking fire exits are unlocked is part of the opening check regardless of closing procedures.

Starting work before completing the check

The check happens first. If you start other tasks, you may miss things or forget to complete the check.

Ignoring unusual situations

If something seems wrong but you cannot identify it, investigate. Your instincts often detect problems before you can articulate them.

Not following through

Issues noted in opening checks need addressing. Create a system to follow up on reported issues.

Building good practice

Make it non-negotiable

The opening check happens every day. It is not optional when busy or delayed when short-staffed. Build it into the opening routine.

Empower the checker

The person doing the check needs authority to delay opening if serious issues are found. Support their judgment.

Link to closing checks

Opening issues often reflect closing failures. Use opening check data to improve closing procedures.

Review regularly

Look at opening check records periodically. Patterns reveal systemic issues — recurring problems need systemic solutions.

Summary

Opening safety checks verify that premises are safe before daily operations begin. Daily checks ensure:

• No overnight incidents (break-ins, damage, leaks)
• Building systems working (electrical, gas, water)
• Fire safety ready (exits unlocked, routes clear)
• Environment safe (no hazards, odours, or risks)
• Equipment operational

Remember:

• Check every day before opening
• Walk through all areas
• Use all your senses
• Address issues before opening
• Escalate serious concerns
• Document everything

The opening check is your first opportunity each day to ensure a safe working environment. It takes just a few minutes but catches problems before they affect your staff and customers.