Pre-Use Equipment Walk-Around Inspections

Date: 2026-01-29

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To ensure equipment is safe to operate by identifying hazards, reporting defects, and complying with safety regulations.

Introduction

Pre-use equipment inspections are critical for identifying potential hazards and preventing accidents. A thorough walk-around inspection helps ensure equipment is in safe working order before operation.

Key Points

• Importance of Pre-Use Inspections: Regular inspections help identify potential hazards before they lead to accidents, ensuring equipment is safe to operate. [1]
• Hazard Identification: Identifying hazards such as leaks, damaged parts, and malfunctioning safety devices is crucial for preventing equipment-related incidents. [9]
• Defect Reporting: Reporting defects promptly ensures that equipment is taken out of service and repaired, preventing further damage or injuries. [1]
• Regulatory Compliance: Complying with safety regulations helps maintain a safe working environment and avoids potential fines or penalties. [7]
• Housekeeping: Maintaining good housekeeping practices around equipment reduces slip and trip hazards. [5]
• Pinch Point Safety: Be aware of pinch points on equipment to avoid injuries. [4]

Hazard Identification

Identifying hazards during pre-use inspections is crucial for preventing equipment-related incidents. This includes looking for defects, leaks, and other potential safety issues.

• Equipment Malfunction: Unexpected equipment failure can lead to serious injuries or property damage. (Risk: High)
• Pinch Points: Body parts can be caught between moving parts, causing injuries ranging from minor bruises to amputations. [4]

(Risk: Medium)

• Slippery Surfaces: Oil or other leaks can create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of slips and falls. (Risk: Medium)
• Falling Objects: Unsecured loads or equipment parts can fall, causing injury to personnel. [3]

(Risk: Medium)

• Electrical Hazards: Damaged wiring or exposed electrical components can cause shocks, burns, or electrocution. (Risk: High)

Control Measures

• Conduct a thorough walk-around inspection before each use.: Check all critical components, fluid levels, and safety devices. Use a checklist to ensure consistency.
• Report any defects or safety concerns immediately.: Follow company procedures for reporting and tagging damaged equipment. Do not operate equipment with known defects. [1]
• Ensure all safety guards and devices are in place and functioning.: Verify that guards are not damaged or removed. Test safety devices such as backup alarms and emergency stops.
• Maintain good housekeeping practices around equipment.: Keep the area free of debris, spills, and other hazards that could cause slips, trips, or falls. [6]
• Verify backup alarms and lights are functional.: Ensure that alarms are audible and lights are visible to alert workers in the area. [4]
• Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Use proper lockout/tagout procedures to control all hazardous energy sources before maintaining, cleaning, or repairing equipment. [1]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Safety Glasses: Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from dust, debris, and other potential hazards. [8]
• Gloves: Use appropriate gloves to protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure. [8]
• Steel-Toed Boots: Wear steel-toed boots to protect feet from impacts and crushing injuries. [8]
• High-Visibility Clothing: Wear high-visibility clothing to ensure you are seen by equipment operators and other workers. [2]

Real-World Example or Case Study

A worker failed to inspect a forklift before use and operated it with faulty brakes. The forklift collided with a pedestrian, causing serious injuries. A pre-use inspection could have prevented this incident.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What are some common defects you have found during pre-use inspections?
2. How can we improve our pre-use inspection process?
3. What steps can we take to ensure defects are reported and repaired promptly?

Emergency Procedures

1. In case of equipment malfunction, immediately stop operation and shut down the equipment safely.
2. Report the malfunction to your supervisor and follow established lockout/tagout procedures if necessary.
3. If an injury occurs, provide first aid and seek medical attention as needed.

Questions and Answers

• Q: What should I do if I find a defect during the inspection?

A: Report the defect immediately to your supervisor and do not operate the equipment until it is repaired.

• Q: How often should I perform a pre-use inspection?

A: A pre-use inspection should be performed before operating the equipment each day or shift.

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Pre-use equipment inspections are essential for identifying hazards and preventing accidents.
• Report all defects and safety concerns immediately to your supervisor. [1]
• Use appropriate PPE and follow safe work procedures. [8]
• Regulatory compliance ensures a safer working environment for everyone.

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

1. Familiarize yourself with the pre-use inspection checklist for your equipment.
2. Commit to performing thorough inspections before each use.
3. Report any defects or safety concerns immediately.

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

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