Pre-Use Checks, Inspection, Maintenance and Defect Reporting
Pre-use checks are a legal and practical requirement before every shift. A structured walk-round covers fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel), leaks under the machine, track tension and condition, loose or damaged components, hose condition, cylinder rod condition, bucket teeth and pins, guards, mirrors, cameras, lights, horn, seat belt, and the presence of fire extinguisher and spill kit where required. The operator then starts the machine and checks instrumentation, warning devices and control functions at low speed in a clear area.
Defect reporting is a formal process. Defects are categorised by severity: a defect affecting safe operation means the machine is taken out of service, tagged or locked out, and reported to the supervisor; minor defects are recorded and scheduled. The operator must never sign off a machine as fit when it is not. Records of inspection and maintenance form part of the evidence trail and support thorough examination requirements for lifting equipment.
Traps: thinking a pre-use check is a box-ticking exercise that can be done from the cab; assuming a defect noted yesterday has been fixed without confirmation; and continuing with a defect because the job is urgent. Another trap is failing to check the area around the machine before starting, which is a separate but equally important step. Also watch for questions that confuse daily checks with statutory thorough examination.
Rule of thumb: if a defect could affect safe operation, the machine does not work until it is fixed and the fix is confirmed. Worked example: during the walk-round you find a deep cut in a hydraulic hose exposing the reinforcement. That is a take-out-of-service defect: tag, report, and do not operate.