The paper describes the background, essence, and advantages of the Checklist being developed to evaluate and improve the safety level of Tailings Management Facilities (TMF). Increasing accumulation of mining wastes, climate changes and rising geological risks during last decades demonstrated the growing need for such a document as an easy-to-use tool for state ecological inspections, environmental auditors, and TMF operators. This document includes the questionnaire with unified answers, a special procedure for overall and differential (per certain categories) evaluation of TMF safety, and Measure Catalogue. The latter is considered as the key element of the Checklist and comprises the list of measures selected from best available practices in mining and environmental technologies. Systematic application of TMF Checklist will contribute to improvement of public safety in the areas adversely affected by long-time operation of tailings. The document implies informing public on a TMF project during all phases of life-cycle and concrete measures ensuring safety of near-by population.