Pre-Start Inspection, Servicing and Fault Reporting
Purpose and process
A pre-start inspection is a documented check before each shift to confirm the machine is safe. It is not a service; it is a visual and functional check. Use the manufacturer's checklist and record the result. Work through it systematically: walk-around, then controls, then operational checks.
What to check
Fluids and leaks; tyres and wheels; forks and tynes for cracks, wear and correct locking; mast, chains and hydraulic hoses for damage and tension; load backrest and overhead guard secure; operator platform, gates and harness anchor sound; harness and lanyard undamaged and in date; lights, horn, alarm and flashing beacon working; brakes including parking brake; steering; deadman pedal and interlocks; battery condition, charge and restraint; data plate legible; fire extinguisher and emergency lowering function.
Faults and tagging
Faults are classified as minor (record and monitor), major (report and repair before use) or critical (remove from service immediately, tag out, isolate and report). Never operate a machine with a critical defect, and never remove another person's danger tag - only the person who applied it, or an authorised person under a formal procedure, may remove it.
Servicing
Servicing is scheduled maintenance by competent persons per the manufacturer's schedule and any statutory inspection requirements. Keep records.
Worked example
During pre-start you find a frayed lanyard and a slow hydraulic leak. The lanyard is a critical defect: the machine is tagged out and the lanyard replaced before use. The leak is reported and repaired per schedule. Both are logged.
Trap
A common exam trap is a machine that "worked yesterday" - a pre-start check is still required every shift, and a fault found must be reported even if the machine still operates.