Create a safety checklist for heavy equipment inspection
Generated on: June 7, 2025
Heavy Equipment Inspection Checklist
Purpose: To ensure heavy equipment is safe and in proper working condition before operation. This checklist covers key inspection points to identify potential hazards and maintenance needs.
Instructions: Complete this checklist before operating the equipment. Mark each item as 'Pass' or 'Fail'. If an item fails, record the corrective action taken before operating the equipment.
Equipment Information:
- Equipment Type:
- Equipment ID:
- Date:
- Inspector:
1. Pre-Inspection Procedures
- Read and understand the operation/maintenance procedures [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]. "Read and understand the maintenance procedures (preparation for safe work, proper tools, qualifications, important parts, supervisor designation and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, etc.) described in the manuals before safely and carefully inspecting and performing maintenance on the machine." [1], [2], [3], [5]
- Working site is organized and clean [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]. "Inspecting and maintaining the machine at a messy working site may cause personal injury. Clear obstacles, grease, oil, paint, debris, etc., from the working site." [1], [2], [3], [5]
- Proper tools are available and in good condition [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]. "To prevent serious injury or death, do not use of damaged tools or tools not intended for the task." [1], [2], [3], [5]
- "DO NOT OPERATE" tag attached to the controls [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]. "Use a temporary "DO NOT OPERATE" hang tag to communicate that the machine is out of service." [1], [2], [3], [5]
- Supervisor and other operators are informed about the inspection/maintenance [4]. "Also inform the supervisor and all operators that the machine is under inspection or maintenance and they will be informed when the machine is ready for normal operation." [4]
2. General Condition
- Machine is clean and free of debris, oil, and grease [6], [7], [8], [9]. "Always keep the machine clean and free of scattered debris, and spilled lubricant and oil." [6], [7], [8], [9]
- Steps, walkways, and handholds are clean and in good repair [10], [11]. "Inspect the steps, the walkways, and the handholds. Clean the steps, the walkways, and the handholds. Make any necessary repairs." [10], [11]
- All covers and guards are securely attached and undamaged [10], [11]. "Make sure that all covers and guards are securely attached. Inspect the covers and the guards for damage." [10], [11]
3. Engine and Cooling System
- Engine compartment is free of trash buildup [10], [11]. "Inspect the engine compartment for any trash buildup. Remove any trash buildup from the engine compartment." [10], [11]
- Cooling system is free of leaks and trash buildup [10], [11]. "Inspect the cooling system for any leaks, for faulty hoses and for any trash buildup. Correct any leaks. Remove any trash from the radiator." [10], [11]
- Engine belts are in good condition (not worn, frayed, or broken) [10], [11]. "Inspect all of the belts for the engine attachments. Replace any belts that are worn, frayed, or broken." [10], [11]
- Engine oil level is within acceptable range [12], [13]. "Operation and Maintenance Manual, 'Engine Oil Level - Check'" [12], [13]
4. Hydraulic System
- Hydraulic system is free of leaks (hoses, tubes, fittings, etc.) [10], [11]. "Inspect the hydraulic system for leaks. Inspect the tank, cylinder rod seals, hoses, tubes, plugs, connections, and fittings. Correct any leaks in the hydraulic system." [10], [11]
- Hydraulic oil level is within acceptable range [12], [13]. "Operation and Maintenance Manual, 'Hydraulic System Oil Level - Check'" [12], [13]
- Attachment control linkage and cylinders are inspected for damage or excessive wear [10], [11]. "Inspect the attachment control linkage, attachment cylinders, and attachment for damage or excessive wear. Make any necessary repairs." [10], [11]
5. Undercarriage and Drive System
- Final drives are inspected for leaks [10], [11]. "Inspect the final drives for leaks. Make any necessary repairs." [10], [11]
- Swing drive is inspected for leaks [10], [11]. "Inspect the swing drive for leaks." [10], [11]
- Track adjustment is inspected and adjusted as needed [10], [11]. "Operation and Maintenance Manual, 'Track Adjustment - Inspect'", "Operation and Maintenance Manual, 'Track Adjustment - Adjust'" [10], [11]
- Ropes are inspected according to the regulations [14], [15]. "You must make a thorough inspection of all ropes in use at least once a month and a full written, dated, and signed report of rope condition kept on file where readily available." [14], [15]
6. Operator Compartment
- Operator compartment is clean and free of trash [10], [11]. "Inspect the operator compartment for trash buildup. Check for trash buildup under the floorplate and on the crankcase guard. Keep these areas clean." [10], [11]
- Seat belt is inspected for damage and proper function; mounting hardware is secure [6], [7], [8], [9]. "Check if seatbelt is cut or frayed and check if mounting hardware is damaged or loose before fastening the seatbelt." [6], [7], [8], [9]
- Mirrors are adjusted for optimal visibility [10], [11]. "Adjust the mirrors in order to achieve the best visibility." [10], [11]
- Indicators and gauges are tested and functioning properly [12], [13]. "Operation and Maintenance Manual, 'Indicators and Gauges - Test'" [12], [13]
7. Safety Devices
- Travel alarm is tested and functioning [10], [11]. "Operation and Maintenance Manual, 'Travel Alarm - Test'" [10], [11]
- Lights are inspected for broken bulbs and lenses [10], [11]. "Inspect the lights for broken bulbs and for broken lenses. Replace any broken bulbs and any broken lenses." [10], [11]
8. Post-Inspection
- All guards and safety devices are reinstalled and reactivated [14], [15]. "You must not operate the crane until all guards have been reinstalled, safety devices reactivated, and maintenance equipment removed after adjustments and repairs have been made." [14], [15]
- Maintenance equipment is removed from the machine [14], [15]. "You must not operate the crane until all guards have been reinstalled, safety devices reactivated, and maintenance equipment removed after adjustments and repairs have been made." [14], [15]
- "DO NOT OPERATE" tag is removed only after all corrective actions are completed and the machine is safe to operate [1], [2], [3], [4], [5].
Corrective Actions:
| Item | Deficiency | Corrective Action Taken | Date Completed |
|---|---|---|---|
Inspector Signature: ________________________
Date: ________________________
Important Safety Note:
Always verify safety information with your organization's specific guidelines and local regulations.
References
Page links are approximate[14]↑
Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)
Open DocumentPage 64
[15]↑
Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)
Open DocumentPage 49