Free equipment pre-start checklist
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Free equipment pre-start checklist template (PDF-ready). Inspect plant before use: guards, controls, fluids, safety and documentation. Download free.
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See the first part of the equipment pre-start checklist below. Download the full version above.
What is a equipment pre-start checklist?
An equipment pre-start checklist is a structured list of tasks and inspections to perform before any item of plant or equipment is used on site. It helps operators and supervisors confirm the asset is safe and fit for use, reducing the risk of accidents, breakdowns and non-compliance. Under the Australian WHS Act 2011, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure that plant is maintained and inspected so it remains safe. A pre-start checklist is the standard method for meeting this obligation. The checklist should be completed daily or before each use and is a preventive measure to catch problems such as fluid leaks, worn guards, faulty controls or missing safety devices before they escalate into costly repairs, downtime or safety incidents. Equipment pre-start checklists can be used as a universal template for any item of plant that does not have a more specific checklist available.
Pre-start inspections are operationally critical because they form the first line of defence against equipment-related incidents. The WHS Regulations 2011, Part 5.1, Division 2, require that plant is not used unless it has been inspected by a competent person and any faults rectified. AS 4024 (Safety of machinery) further defines guarding, emergency stop and safety system requirements that must be verified during each inspection. Failure to conduct pre-start checks exposes operators to serious injury, exposes the PCBU to enforcement action including improvement and prohibition notices under Section 191 of the WHS Act, and can result in insurance claims being denied where there is no documented evidence of routine inspection. For organisations managing mixed fleets of plant and equipment, a generic pre-start checklist provides a baseline safety control that can be adapted to any asset type not covered by a more specific form.
Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.
Benefits of using this equipment pre-start checklist
- Fewer financial losses: spot minor issues before they become costly repairs or downtime.
- Defects before use: uncover problems that could cause damage or injury when the equipment is started or operated.
- Compliance: meet regulatory and organisational requirements and demonstrate due diligence.
- Preventive maintenance: keep plant and equipment in good order and reduce unexpected failures.
- Consistency and accountability: a standardised approach so important checks aren't missed.
- Recordkeeping: maintain a record of pre-starts for maintenance history and audits.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you move your checklists from paper to MapTrack, you get:
- Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
- Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
- Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
- Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
- Ability to share forms digitally.
- Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
- Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
- Electronic signatures.
- Edit forms later without reprinting.
- Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
- Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
- Auto-schedule pre-start forms so operators are prompted before every shift.
- Flag overdue pre-starts on the dashboard so nothing leaves the yard unchecked.
- Link each pre-start to the asset record for a complete inspection history.
Book a demo to see how MapTrack handles checklists.
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What to include in a equipment pre-start checklist
This equipment pre-start checklist covers 8 key areas:
- Asset details: asset/equipment ID, meter/hours, make/model, date, operator name and site/location.
- Guards and safety: guards in place, decals, ROPS/FOPS, seatbelt, kill switch, fire extinguisher, first aid.
- Controls and hydraulics: steering, brakes, hoses, oil level, levers, lights, horn.
- Engine and fluids: oil, coolant, fuel, leaks, exhaust, battery, belts, air filter.
- Attachments and underbody: attachment secure, underbody, tyres/tracks.
- Documentation and compliance: registration, inspection, operator competency, keys.
- Declaration: confirmation that the check was completed, defects reported and equipment not used until safe.
- Signature: operator signature, print name and date/time.
How to use this equipment pre-start checklist
- Complete asset and operator details at the top of the checklist.: Record the equipment type, asset or fleet number, make and model, serial number and current hour meter reading. Enter your name, competency details, site location and the date of the inspection.
- Go through each item and inspect the corresponding component. Mark Pass or Fail (and add notes if needed).: Start with guards and safety devices, then check controls and hydraulics, engine and fluids, attachments and underbody. Use all senses: look for leaks, listen for abnormal sounds and feel for excessive vibration or play.
- If any item fails, note it and do not use the equipment until it's rectified or approved. Report defects per your procedures.: Record each defect with a description, location on the machine and severity. Tag the equipment out of service for critical safety defects. Notify the supervisor and maintenance team for prompt rectification.
- Sign and date when the check is complete. Keep the form for your records or export/save as PDF.: Confirm all items are marked Pass, Fail or N/A. Print your name, sign and record the date and time. In MapTrack, submit the inspection to automatically attach it to the equipment asset record.
In MapTrack, you can run digital pre-starts attached to each asset. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.
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Back to download formHow often should you complete this checklist?
Complete an equipment pre-start inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. Many organisations require a daily pre-start for plant and equipment; some require a check before every session or shift change. If the equipment has been sitting unused, has had repairs, or was used by another operator, do a fresh check. In addition to daily pre-starts, follow the manufacturer scheduled service intervals for deeper maintenance and component inspections. Your company policy, site safety management plan or contract may specify additional frequency. When in doubt, complete the checklist each time you use the equipment. In MapTrack, you can schedule pre-starts and periodic service inspections and track compliance across your entire equipment fleet.
Frequently asked questions
- What should you check in an equipment pre-start?
- An equipment pre-start typically covers guards and safety (ROPS, seatbelt, kill switch, fire extinguisher), controls and hydraulics (steering, brakes, hoses, levers), engine and fluids (oil, coolant, fuel, leaks), attachments and underbody, and documentation or compliance (registration, operator competency). Complete the check before each use or at the start of each shift.
- Is an equipment pre-start checklist required?
- Requirements vary by jurisdiction and industry. In Australia, workplace health and safety obligations often require that plant and equipment are maintained and fit for use; many organisations use pre-start checklists to demonstrate due diligence. Check your local regulations and company policy.
- Can I use a digital or mobile app for equipment pre-starts?
- Yes. Digital pre-start forms on phone or tablet are widely used for plant and equipment. They keep evidence, photos and timestamps attached to each asset and support compliance and audits. MapTrack lets you build pre-start forms (including from this template), complete them on mobile, including offline, and attach results to the asset record. Book a demo to see how.
- What legislation requires equipment pre-start inspections in Australia?
- The WHS Act 2011 requires a PCBU to ensure plant is maintained and inspected so it remains safe for use. The WHS Regulations specify that plant must not be used unless it has been inspected by a competent person. AS 4024 (Safety of machinery) provides additional guidance on guarding, emergency stops and safety systems for plant. Most site safety management plans require documented daily pre-start inspections for all powered plant and equipment.
- Is this equipment pre-start checklist free to download?
- Yes. This equipment pre-start checklist is completely free to download and use. Open the HTML file in any browser and use Print then Save as PDF to generate a printable copy. No MapTrack account is required. The template can be used as-is for any item of plant or equipment. If you later want digital pre-start forms with photo capture, automatic defect alerts and compliance dashboards across your entire fleet, MapTrack can help.
- What happens if you skip a pre-start inspection?
- Skipping a pre-start inspection exposes operators to undetected hazards such as hydraulic leaks, faulty brakes, missing guards or defective emergency stops, any of which can cause serious injury or fatality. From a regulatory perspective, the PCBU may face improvement notices, prohibition notices or prosecution under Section 32 of the WHS Act 2011 for failing to comply with the primary duty of care. Insurance claims may also be denied if there is no documented evidence that routine inspections were conducted. Regular pre-start checks are the most cost-effective way to prevent equipment-related incidents.
Applicable regulatory standards
This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:
- WHS Act 2011, Section 19 - Primary duty of care
- WHS Regulations 2011, Part 5.1, Division 2 - Plant
- AS 4024.1 - Safety of machinery, General principles
- AS 4024.2601 - Safety of machinery, Earth-moving machinery
Equipment pre-start checklist preview
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