


These processes normally include collecting and reviewing completed checklists reporting defects, damages and faults to maintenance personnel manually tracking the progress of maintenance and repair jobs and archiving paperwork. To successfully use paper pre-start checklists, administrative processes need to be robust. Paper vehicle and equipment pre-start checklists, although proven and crucial in industries such as aviation, are lacking in other industries such as trucking, civil engineering, mining and construction. Paper Versus Digital Pre-Start Checklists In short, a pre-start checklist inspection will help keep your vehicles and equipment well maintained and prevent financial losses associated with unexpected breakdowns and unplanned downtimes. Further, as minor issues can often be fixed on-site, pre-start checklist inspections can also help prevent expensive costs associated with on-road or off-site breakdowns such as hefty call-out fees, towing fees or shipping costs for replacement parts sent to a remote location. By identifying minor issues before using a vehicle or piece of equipment, relatively quick and inexpensive repairs can be made before minor issues turn into major problems that are expensive to fix and cause unexpected downtime. Financial Benefits of Pre-Start ChecklistsĪlthough the main objective of a pre-start checklist inspection is safety, conducting regular vehicle and equipment pre-start checks has financial benefits.

In this way, pre-start checklist inspections also help promote a strong culture of workplace safety. This is because unsafe conditions identified through pre-start checklist inspections can be assessed for potential hazards and risks, and control measures can be put in place to reduce the likelihood of equipment failure or personal injury. For many businesses, vehicle and equipment pre-start checklist inspections form the foundation of both their vehicle fleet and equipment maintenance schedule and their workplace safety policy. Therefore, the main aim of a pre-start checklist inspection is to ensure a vehicle or piece of equipment is safe to use. When heavy vehiclesand their associated equipment or mobile plant are not maintained they have the potential to cause serious injury or, in severe cases, death. The intent of a pre-start checklist inspection is to identify defects and safety hazards prior to operation. A pre-start checklist normally covers the exterior and interior condition of the vehicle or equipment as well as operational aspects including mechanical and electrical systems, fluid levels and safety devices such as alarms, fire extinguishers and first-aid kits. In a vehicle or equipment pre-start inspection, the operator uses a checklist to perform a standardised routine inspection prior to using the vehicle or equipment. Benefits of Pre-Start Checklists Pre-Start Checklist
