It is mandatory to inspect all workplace equipment prior to use
While it may seem redundant, pre-use inspections are an integral component of proving due diligence in the workplace. As well, pre-use inspections are proactive. They can help identify potential deficiencies or failures in equipment before an accident or injury occurs.
Pre-Use Inspections Pre-use inspections refer to the specific and frequent inspection of equipment such as lift trucks, cranes, mobile work platforms, presses, hand tools, ladders, etc. Complete pre-use inspections daily, or more often if there are multiple shifts in a day. Pre-use inspections do not take the place of other mandatory inspections. |
To conduct a pre-use inspection - use a checklist
Pre-Use Inspection Best Practices
Annual Inspections
Annual inspections occur once yearly. They’re more in-depth and carried out by a competent person under the supervision of an engineer competent in the mechanics of the equipment. Stickers (usually next to the capacity plate) must show the date of the completed inspection. A lifting capacity inspection must occur with the annual inspection. This test ensures that the equipment is capable of lifting the maximum load indicated on the capacity plate. A competent person must perform the test, and a record of the test results must also be retained. |
Other Inspections
Sometimes, equipment must be inspected outside of the regular inspection schedule. This is usually a result of the equipment being involved in an accident, if there was real or suspected damage, or if the equipment otherwise malfunctions. |
Conducting Pre-Use Inspections
To conduct a pre-use inspection, use a checklist. It should list all inspection elements. To conduct the inspection, go through the checklist, looking at each element as you go. The most effective checklists will be laid out in such a manner that the inspector will work their way through the inspection sheet as they move around the equipment in a circle. Pre-use inspections are sometimes called circle checks for this reason. |
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As you look at each element and move through the checklist, be sure to document your findings:
Report all deficiencies or concerns to a supervisor right away. |
Recordkeeping
Retain all pre-use inspection sheets. In the event of an accident or injury, being able to prove due diligence is vital. As well, knowing the condition of the equipment prior to use can be very helpful when determining a root cause for an accident, injury, or near miss. Consider saving digital records to save money, time, and trees! Learn more. You don’t have to go it alone. MidSouthWest Training and Consulting has created a FREE downloadable pre-use inspection template. Download Checklist NOW |
Trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting
MidSouthWest Training and Consulting offers consulting services, and we can help you create effective pre-use inspection checklists or inspect your equipment. We also have a downloadable checklist you can use
To ask questions, contact us online or call 289.309.1143. Visit us 24/7 on the web at midsouthwest.ca.
To ask questions, contact us online or call 289.309.1143. Visit us 24/7 on the web at midsouthwest.ca.
Last updated April 26, 2021