Vehicle Pre-Use Inspection

Date: 2026-01-12

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To ensure all vehicles are safe to operate by conducting thorough pre-use inspections, identifying potential hazards, and complying with safety regulations.

Introduction

Pre-use vehicle inspections are critical for identifying potential safety hazards and ensuring vehicles are in safe operating condition before use. These inspections help prevent accidents, reduce downtime, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Hazard Identification

Common hazards associated with vehicle operation include brake failure, tire defects, steering issues, lighting malfunctions, and unsecured loads.

• Brake Failure: Loss of control, collisions, injuries, and property damage.
• Tire Defects (worn tread, low pressure, damage): Blowouts, loss of control, increased stopping distance, and accidents.
• Steering Issues (loose or unresponsive steering): Difficulty controlling the vehicle, collisions, and injuries.
• Lighting Malfunctions (headlights, brake lights, turn signals): Reduced visibility, failure to signal intentions, increased risk of accidents, and regulatory violations.
• Unsecured Loads: Materials falling from the vehicle, creating road hazards, causing accidents, and resulting in injuries or property damage.

Control Measures

• Conduct a daily pre-use inspection using a standardized checklist.: Use a detailed checklist to ensure all critical components are inspected. [1] [2]
• Check service brakes, parking system, and emergency stopping system.: Ensure all braking systems are functioning correctly and free from defects. [2]
• Inspect tires for proper inflation, wear, and damage.: Use a tire pressure gauge to verify correct inflation levels and check for cuts, bulges, or uneven wear. [2]
• Verify all lights, reflectors, windshield wipers, and defrosters are working.: Test headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and ensure windshield wipers and defrosters provide clear visibility. [2]
• Ensure the horn and steering mechanism are functioning correctly.: Test the horn for audibility and check the steering for smooth and responsive operation. [2]
• Check seat belts and coupling devices for proper condition.: Inspect seat belts for damage and ensure coupling devices are secure and functioning. [2]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Safety Glasses: Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from dust, debris, and other particles during the inspection.
• Gloves: Use gloves to protect hands from dirt, grease, and sharp edges while performing the inspection.
• High-Visibility Vest: Wear a high-visibility vest to ensure you are seen by other workers and vehicles in the area.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What are the most common defects you have found during pre-use inspections?
2. How can we improve our pre-use inspection process?
3. What steps should be taken if a vehicle fails the pre-use inspection?

Emergency Procedures

1. In case of a vehicle malfunction during operation, safely pull over to the side of the road.
2. If a defect is found during the pre-use inspection, immediately report it to the supervisor and do not operate the vehicle until it is repaired.
3. In the event of a fire, use the fire extinguisher to put out the fire and evacuate the area.

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Pre-use inspections are essential for vehicle safety.
• Thorough inspections help identify potential hazards before they cause accidents.
• Always report defects and ensure they are corrected before operating the vehicle.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

Safety powered by SALUS