Pre-Start and Pre-Operational Checks
What this domain tests
The daily inspection routine, what counts as a defect, and the judgement to down a machine rather than 'keep an eye on it'.
Walk-around checks
Work to a fixed pattern so nothing is skipped: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, transmission oil, fuel, AdBlue where fitted, and washer fluid. Look underneath for fresh leaks or puddles. Check tyres for cuts, bulges, embedded objects, correct pressure and missing or loose wheel nuts; check valve caps and extensions. Inspect the articulation joint, steering rams, hoses, propshaft, body pins, tailgate and hoist rams. Look for cracks or damage to ROPS/FOPS, the seat frame and belt. Confirm the fire extinguisher is charged and in date, the first aid kit and spill kit are present, and steps and handrails are intact and clean.
Cab and function checks
Check lights, beacon, horn, reversing alarm, camera lens and mirrors, wipers and washers. Set the seat and mirrors. With the engine running, confirm warning lights extinguish, test the park brake, service brake and retarder, check the steering from lock to lock, test the horn and any emergency stop, and confirm the body raises and lowers cleanly.
Worked example
During the walk-around you find a rear tyre with a cut deep enough to expose the cords. You do not inflate it, move the machine or 'take it steady for today'. You record it on the check sheet, report it to the supervisor, and the machine is tagged out until a competent tyre fitter assesses it. A damaged tyre can fail under load and injure the fitter during inflation.
Traps
- Doing the check from the cab window.
- Recording a defect but still operating because 'it's only small'.
- Forgetting the brake and steering function tests because the walk-around looked fine.