Rebar Cap Audit

Inspection template for verifying rebar protective caps, exposed vertical reinforcing steel, and fall protection controls in accordance with OSHA 1926.701.

Inspection Scope and Work Area

• Inspection area identified and covers all active rebar exposure points
  Verify the walk includes all accessible areas with exposed vertical reinforcing steel, dowels, starter bars, and adjacent work zones.
• Exposed vertical rebar locations are clearly visible and accessible for inspection
  Identify all protruding reinforcing steel that could create an impalement hazard.
• Work area has been evaluated for fall exposure near rebar hazards
  Confirm whether employees are exposed to fall hazards while working near open edges, elevated surfaces, or rebar mats.
• Competent person or designated inspector performed the audit
  Document who completed the inspection and whether they are authorized to identify and correct hazards.

Rebar Protective Caps and Impalement Protection

• All exposed vertical rebar is capped, covered, or otherwise protected against impalement
• Rebar caps are securely installed and not loose, cracked, or missing
• Cap type is appropriate for the rebar size and exposure condition
  Verify caps are suitable for the diameter, height, and location of the protruding steel.
• Cut, bent, or mushroomed rebar ends do not create additional impalement or puncture hazards
  Check for sharp edges, damaged ends, or exposed tie wire that could injure workers.
• Temporary protection remains in place during active work and is not removed without immediate replacement
  Verify that caps or covers are not removed for convenience and are restored after work is completed.

Housekeeping and Access Control

• Exposed rebar hazards are barricaded, marked, or otherwise controlled where needed
  Use barriers, tape, signage, or other controls when workers or the public could contact the hazard.
• Access routes around rebar hazards are clear of debris and trip hazards
  Check for scrap material, loose caps, wire, tools, or other obstructions near the hazard area.
• Stored materials, formwork, or equipment do not strike or dislodge rebar caps
  Verify that nearby operations will not knock off caps or expose workers to impalement hazards.
• Unauthorized personnel are kept out of the rebar hazard zone
  Confirm the area is restricted to workers who need access and are protected from the hazard.

Fall Protection Controls

• Required fall protection system is in place for exposed employees
• Guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, safety nets, or other controls are properly used
  Confirm the selected fall protection method matches the task and exposure.
• Anchorage, connectors, and lifelines appear serviceable and correctly positioned
  Check for obvious damage, improper routing, or unsafe attachment points.
• Employees working near fall hazards are wearing required PPE
  Verify hard hats, gloves, safety footwear, eye protection, and any task-specific PPE are being used.

Corrective Actions and Documentation

• All deficiencies and non-conformances are documented with location and hazard description
  Record missing caps, exposed steel, damaged protection, or fall protection failures.
• Corrective actions were assigned to a responsible person with a completion target
  Assign repairs, replacement caps, barricades, or fall protection corrections to a responsible party.
• Inspector signature completed
  Signature of the person completing the inspection.