Pre-use inspections

Pre-use inspections are required before use of any equipment or work process that has a potential to result in a severe loss. This inspection must be recorded in a log that is kept on the equipment or near the process and be available for review. Individual departments are responsible for identifying and completing the Pre-use Checklist.

Pre-use Inspection Checklist Template (.docx)

Equipment to be inspected

These inspections assist employees in identifying wear and tear of equipment due to daily usage.

  • Mobile equipment such as:
    • Forklifts
    • Cranes
    • Elevated work platforms
    • Motor vehicles
    • Grounds keeping equipment
    • Ride-on equipment
    • Drilling rigs
  • Production equipment such as:
    • Lathes
    • Mills
    • Table saws
    • Punch presses
    • Conveyor systems
    • Floor stand mixers
    • Steam kettles
  • Life safety equipment
    • Fall arrest equipment
    • Equipment with emergency stops

This list is not exhaustive. For further assistance in identifying equipment or processes that should have pre use inspections, contact the Safety Office.

Who conducts the inspection?

These inspections are conducted prior to use for the first time that day, the employee using the equipment must check the inspection log and determine if it has been inspected. Many pieces of equipment are used several times a day and they will only require the pre use inspections once on any given day. In cases where equipment is not used daily, a pre use inspection is not necessary until the day it is used.

The employee conducting the pre use inspection completes the inspection and then dates and signs the checklist and returns it to the appropriate location.

Corrective action

If during the course of the pre use inspection the employee determines that there is a deficiency this must be corrected before use. If it is a minor issue that the employee can correct then the equipment can be used. If the deficiency is of a nature that the employee cannot correct to make the equipment safe to use then the equipment must be taken out of service and the supervisor must be immediately contacted.